Learning how to change your watch band is an inexpensive way to refurbish accessories; in many cases, you can replace it relatively easily, but it could also prove to be a complex and problematic job. Once you master the right technique, you can change the strap to match the look or to replace the worn and old one.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Remove a Leather Band
Step 1. Lay the watch face down
The first thing to do is to place the watch on a folded cloth or sheet. Check that the fabric protects the watch without scratching the crystal; place the cloth on a flat surface, such as a table or kitchen counter.
Step 2. Find the loop
Once the watch is positioned correctly, carefully observe the point where the strap engages in the case; in the vast majority of cases there is a spring bar that goes through a hole or a loop of the strap and fits into the notches on the sides of the watch.
- The handle is a small metal bar that can be squeezed on the sides like a spring.
- Releasing the pressure, the bar stretches on both sides.
- When fully extended, the lug snaps into place into the notches or conical ends of the case, holding the strap in place.
Step 3. Remove the spring bar
To detach the strap you must first take out this piece. You can do this with a specific tool, but if you don't have it, you can use a small flat screwdriver or similar tool; you can also proceed only with your hands, but it is more difficult.
- If you have the loop extractor, insert the forked end between the strap and the point where it engages in the case; you can squeeze the bar at either end.
- Then, apply gentle pressure with the tool by pushing it away from the watch to squeeze the loop and thus remove the band.
- You can do this by using another small tool that can fit into the small space, but be careful not to scratch the watch or damage the strap.
- If you don't have any tools, you can use a paper clip to squeeze one end of the snare and pry it out of its housing.
Step 4. Remove the lugs from the strap
When you have detached it from the box, remove the bars from the loop and set them aside; do this for both halves of the band, but be careful not to lose them, as you will need them to secure the replacement.
Method 2 of 4: Fit a New Leather Band
Step 1. Slip the loop into the new band
When you are ready to fix the replacement, you have to basically repeat the procedure described above, but in reverse. Start by placing the finger in the ring located at the top end of each part of the band.
The replacement may already have its own lugs, but you need to check that they are suitable for the type of watch
Step 2. Snap the lower end of the snare into the slot
Take one half of the strap and gently insert one tip of the spring bar into the special slot on the case; you're practically putting it back where it was before I took off the old strap.
- When one tip of the snare is stuck in the hole, push it down carefully so that the second tip enters its slot or slot.
- It is easier to do this with the loop extractor.
Step 3. Repeat the procedure on the other side
You must also insert the second half of the strap in the same way; start by sliding the bottom end of the lug into its hole on the watch case and push it down to fit the other end into the opposite slot.
- Pay attention to the "click" produced by the bar when it fits correctly into the hole.
- Once both halves of the band are fitted, check that they are securely positioned and that they cannot come off.
Step 4. Go to a jewelry or watch store
If you run into difficulties and find that the operation is too complex, simply consult a professional. With the right tools and a little practice, replacing a strap is quite simple, the goldsmith is therefore able to do it very quickly; if you buy the replacement in the same store, the replacement service may be free.
Method 3 of 4: Disassemble a Metal Strap
Step 1. Evaluate the fixing mechanism
If you have a watch with a metal strap, it may be blocked by a spring loop and you can then proceed in a very similar way to the one described above. The first thing you need to look at is where the strap fits into the case to identify the mechanism; carefully inspect the conical holes located on the sides of the crate.
- If there are small holes on the outside, it means that the fixing mechanism consists of small screws that go through the conical holes.
- If there are no holes, the strap could only be fixed with a spring lug.
- Check if there are any plugs in the graft area.
- These are elements present on some watches and which protrude like wings; if the strap does not have a flat end, it has caps.
Step 2. Detach the strap that has the screws
If you have come to the conclusion that the fastening mechanism consists of small screws that go through the conical holes, you need to take a small screwdriver or other similar tool to remove and replace the strap. You can use a watchmaker's flat screwdriver to remove the screws, this is a delicate job that requires a steady hand. Insert the tip of the screwdriver into the conical hole until you feel it has engaged in the head of the screw and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the pin.
- Once the screw is out, try to remove the spring bar very carefully.
- You may need to insert a pointed tool on the side of the band and perhaps remove the screw on the other side as well.
- Non-magnetized tweezers are perfect for this job.
- When finished, remember to carefully store all small parts.
Step 3. Remove the strap with caps
This model typically has only one loop and has no screws. To make sure the clock has caps, look at the space between the conical holes; if it looks like the strap is flowing into the case and there are no gaps, it is probably a model with caps. If in doubt, turn the watch over and look at it on the back; if there are caps there should be an additional piece of metal at the end of the strap. This element is composed of two parts that protrude and have the appearance of two wings that open laterally.
- To disassemble the strap you have to remove the spring handle from the conical holes just like you would with any other bar of this type.
- However, when the plugs are in place, they detach once the handle is released; the bar simultaneously holds the strap and the stoppers together with the case.
- Repeat this process for each side of the band and remember to keep the pieces in a safe place.
Step 4. Remove the loop
Flat-ended metal straps without caps are fairly easy to change; if there are no screws and the fastening mechanism is a simple loop, you can pull it out as you would a leather or fabric accessory.
- Insert the puller where the strap fits into the case and gently try to free the spring bar.
- Press the strap to expose the loop and then slide it completely out of its housing.
- Repeat the same steps with the other end of the strap and remember to store all the small parts in a safe place.
Method 4 of 4: Fit a New Metal Strap
Step 1. Insert a screw model
Check that the replacement fits your watch and has the same fixing mechanism as the old piece. Align the sides with the couplings of the case and gently insert the screw bar into the hole, making it also slide into the "tunnel" of the last link. Hold the strap steady and try to keep it aligned with the holes; afterwards, take a screw, carefully place it in a hole and turn it clockwise a couple of times.
- Put the second screw in the other hole.
- Hold the first screw with another screwdriver or third watchmaker's hand.
- Tighten the second screw until it no longer turns and do the same with the first one you inserted.
- You can consider changing the screws that can wear out over time.
Step 2. Fit a new strap with caps
In this case, you must make sure that the replacement is compatible with the old caps; join it to these elements by sliding the spring handle inside them. Bring everything close to the watch case by pressing the lower part of the bar into the respective hole. Squeeze the loop and after a few attempts you should be able to hear a "click" indicating that it has been inserted.
- This is a rather complex process; if you encounter any difficulties, consult a jeweler.
- Straps fitted with caps are often less common in size than flat-ended models, so it's worth checking with a watchmaker or manufacturer to make sure the replacement fits perfectly.
Step 3. Install the new spring bar
The process is pretty straightforward. Make sure you have all the pieces on hand and a strap that fits your watch; insert the spring bar into the "tunnel" of the last link, bring it all closer to the case and finally press one end of the loop to slide it into place.
- Once one end is in the slot, press the snare to slide the other into its slot.
- Pay attention to the "click", because it indicates that the bar has jammed in its place.
Advice
- By using the proper materials and tools, you can avoid scratching the surface of the watch when replacing the band.
- Use the right size lugs to connect the strap; otherwise, the watch does not stay securely attached to the wrist and the strap may not perform its function at its best.
