Through simple steps along with the specialized toolkit, you can replace your watch strap right at home.
When you appear elegant at the office or dynamic while out with friends, the watch is always the accessory that helps you assert your unique personality and stand out. In watch design, the strap plays a significant role in the overall value. Therefore, wearing only one type of strap can be boring, or the strap may fade and deteriorate after some time. As a result, renewing or replacing it is essential.
There are several popular materials used for watch straps such as leather, metal, rubber, and synthetic fibers. We have an article introducing these types of straps; you can see it here. Each strap has its own appeal, but here we only discuss metal and leather straps, the two most common types.
In watches that use metal and leather straps, the dial and strap are typically connected by a detachable spring bar, allowing you to easily change it when the strap is damaged. There are other very special types of pins, but we only mention the two common ones today: smart pins and standard pins. Below is an illustration:
Regarding the characteristics of these two types of pins, the smart pin (QUICK RELEASE SPRING BARS) only requires you to gently pull it by hand to attach or remove it in just a few seconds. In contrast, with the standard pin, you need to have specialized tools to replace the strap.
Specialized Tool for Replacing Watch Straps
Next, we provide a detailed guide on the steps to replace the strap:
Step 01: Choose the Strap by Standard Size
The first task is to accurately select the size of the watch strap. This is very important. Please carefully follow the measurement instructions in the image below to pick the correct strap size you need.
As shown in the example, this strap is sized 20-18mm, meaning the width of the strap attached to the watch dial is 20mm, while the width of the end attached to the watch clasp is 18mm.
Step 02: Identify the Watch Strap Pins
As mentioned above, if the strap comes with an integrated smart pin, you can quickly replace it in just a few seconds. This smart pin is typically only integrated into premium leather strap models. Changing it is quite simple; just use your fingertip to gently pull the pin to remove or install the strap. Below is the instructional image:
Instructions for Changing a Strap with Smart Pins
In the case where the strap set uses only standard pins, you need to proceed with the following steps.
Step 03: Prepare the Strap Replacement Tools
Do you think that just any screwdriver or sharp object is enough to replace a watch strap? In reality, if you use objects from around the house that you believe might work, you may run into troubles; worst-case scenario, both the watch dial and strap could get scratched. Therefore, to safely replace your watch strap, you need to prepare a specialized strap replacement tool. And you will receive this toolkit as a gift when you purchase watch strap products at SAIGIO.
Step 04: Prepare a Liner Cloth
Prepare a towel or soft fabric, lay it out on a flat surface, and ensure that there are no foreign objects on it. Then place the watch face-down. Note that all operations should be conducted on the back of the watch, which helps protect the dial from any scratches if your hand slips.
Step 05: Remove the Strap
Use the V-shaped tip of the tool to press between the watch strap and the lug. The tip of the pin has a spring and a small notch that acts as a fulcrum for the tool, so when you insert the tool, rest it against this notch and apply a light pull on the pin towards the strap to compress the spring. Once you see the pin head come free, remove the strap by hand. Do the same for the other side.
It is advisable to use specialized tools to remove the watch strap
Step 06: Install the New Strap
First, insert the pin into the new strap set. Next, note that the inside of the lug has a small hole to hold the pin head. Then, attach one end of the pin to the watch’s lug. For the other end, gently compress the spring to insert it into the other hole. With that, you have completed the steps to remove and install a watch strap set.
How to Install the New Strap onto the Watch Face
It’s really easy to change your watch strap at home; you just need to follow the simple steps above to refresh your watch with the strap you love.
