No matter which watch you ultimately choose, whether it should be sporty or elegant, it has to fit. To you and of course around your wrist.
Finding the right watch strap is an art in itself, but you can measure the length comparatively easily. We'll tell you everything you need to know about determining the size and how to change your watch strap in three simple steps.

1. Change the watch strap - measure the width

Leather and metal can also wear out over the years and even a high-quality watch strap can crack. Especially if you have fallen in love with an antique watch or if your old love breaks the bond of life, changing the bracelet is the right choice.
The width of the bracelet depends on the case and the corresponding holder; this is the only way the bracelet will really fit on the watch. Of course, the choice of strap width also plays a role on the wrist, but it is more of a fashionable one - but you make this decision when you buy the watch. If you have rather wide wrists, you should also choose a wide bracelet, that's the rule of thumb.
As a rule, the watch strap on the case is half as long as the case diameter, so with a case diameter of 44mm this means a strap of 22mm. However, this is more of a non-binding style guide that most manufacturers adhere to. If you want to change your watch strap and be on the safe side, you have to measure to the millimeter. The measurement that you take on the case is called the bridge width or lug width.
This works with a caliper or ruler, but you can also find printable guides online. Then you just have to create your watch like a template. As a rule, watch straps tend to have straight millimeter dimensions in terms of width; the most common sizes are 18, 20, 22, 24 or 26 mm. For men's watches, the sizes are usually between 18-24mm. Because some bracelets taper towards the clasp, you should definitely measure at the loop for the spring bar. If you still have your old bracelet, you can of course take it with you when you buy the new one.

2. Find the right length

With a perforated leather bracelet you still have a little flexibility in terms of length, but classic metal bracelets with links have to be precisely measured in order to fit well.
If the old watch strap fits well, you can simply measure it. This is the path of least resistance; all you have to do is add up the short and long ends and then you have the right total length. 70 mm on the short end and 120 mm on the long end add up to 190 mm in length, so no problem.
Things get a little more complex if you have lost parts of the bracelet, it is torn or your dream watch no longer has a watch bracelet. In this case, measure the circumference of your wrist with a tape measure. Don't forget to subtract the diameter of the watch case from the result.
No tape measure at hand? Then you can also use a piece of string, which you then place on a ruler. Knowing the circumference of your wrist is also recommended before buying a watch, as it makes it easier for you to decide on the size of the watch or smartwatch case.
When buying a new watch strap, calculate with an overhang of around 30 mm, it should be at least 25 mm.
This is what the calculation looks like using an example: You have a wrist circumference of 200 mm and a case of 40 mm, then the strap length is 200 mm - 40 mm + 30 mm (overhang) = 190 mm.

3. Changing the watch strap made easy

All theory is gray: once you have measured the correct values ​​and have your new bracelet in your hands, then you can actually change the bracelet. Use a spring bar tool (pointed side) to first push the spring bar out of the housing if you haven't already done this or if it has already happened to you. Once you have removed the remains of the old bracelet, first insert the spring bar and then thread the watch bracelet. Theoretically, you can do this with the tip of a knife or a flat screwdriver, but that can be very fiddly. You can get a spring bar tool for less than 10 euros and it should be worth your nerves in this case.
Once everything is threaded tightly and the spring bars are in place again, the procedure is complete and you can enjoy your watch with a brand new bracelet.

A new bracelet is like a new life (for your watch)

Do you want to make a vintage model fit for your wrist again, replace a worn bracelet or has your old bracelet simply broken? With our guide you can easily and accurately find a new watch strap, change it and make your watch fit for your wrist again.