Many people believe you need to go to a watchmaker to change a strap. This is false: the operation takes thirty seconds and requires only one tool, which costs a few euros. Once you've learned the knack, you won't forget it.
What you need
A spring bar tool — a small metal rod with a fork-shaped end. You can find them everywhere for the price of a coffee. Avoid screwdrivers and scissor tips: they slip, and a slip will scratch the watch case.
Also, place a light-colored cloth under the watch: it cushions and catches the spring bar if it pops out.
The method, in four steps
- Turn the watch over, dial down, onto the cloth.
- Locate the spring bar — the small rod that runs through the strap between the two lugs of the case. It has a retractable pin at each end.
- Slide the fork between the strap and the lug, engage the pin, and push it inwards. The strap will be released from one side.
- Repeat on the other side, then do the reverse to install the new one: engage one side into its housing, compress the other pin, and let the spring bar expand into its hole.
You should hear a small click. Without a click, the spring bar is not in place.
The two costly mistakes
Forcing the lug
The fork should push the pin, not the case. Incorrect pressure leaves a clear scratch in the most visible part of the watch — and that won't come off. If it resists, reposition the tool rather than pushing harder.
Not checking for the click
A poorly engaged spring bar holds for a few days, then gives way — usually at the worst possible moment. After installation, pull firmly on the strap from both sides. If it moves, repeat the process.
The measurement to know before buying
The lug width: the width between the two lugs, in millimeters. This is the only dimension that matters, and it tolerates no deviation.
- Our women's 36 mm watches — lug width 18 mm
- Our men's 41 mm watches — lug width 20 mm
The exact value for each model can be found in the "Details" tab of its product page, under "Strap width."
Why it was worth learning
Because it's the cheapest way to evolve a watch. The same case becomes an office watch on black leather, a weekend watch on mesh, an summer watch on light leather.
The Muguet, delivered with a white leather strap, takes on a completely different character with a rose gold Milanese mesh. The Émeraude Noire and its black mesh significantly soften with a brown leather strap.
We detail the differences between the two materials in our article leather or Milanese mesh.
One last point
Changing a strap yourself does not affect the 24-month warranty, which covers manufacturing defects of the movement, case, and glass. However, a scratch made during the operation remains your responsibility — another reason to use the right tool.
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