How to Change a Watch Strap
A clear, beginner-friendly guide to changing your strap confidently—without scratching your watch.
These steps apply to most watches and strap types, including quick-release, leather, and traditional spring-bar straps.
What You’ll Need
Required
- A soft surface (cloth, microfiber towel, or mouse mat)
- Your watch
- Your new Epoch Strap
Optional (Depending on Your Watch)
- Spring bar tool
- Small pointed tool (for drilled lugs)
- Replacement spring bars
Pro Tip: Working on a soft surface protects your watch case and crystal from scratches.
Step 1 — Prepare Your Workspace
Lay your watch face down on a soft surface. This prevents slipping and protects the finish while you remove the old strap.
Step 2 — Identify Your Current Strap Type
Your watch will usually fall into one of these three categories:
A) Quick-Release Leather Straps (Easiest)
Many modern leather straps include quick-release levers on the back of the strap.
How to Remove
- Turn the watch over.
- Locate the small metal lever on the underside of the strap.
- Slide the lever downwards, away from the lug.
- The spring bar compresses and the strap pops out cleanly.
Why this works: The internal spring bar retracts when the lever is pulled, allowing fast, tool-free removal.
B) Watches with Drilled Lugs
Some watches have small holes on the outside of the lugs (drilled lugs).
How to Remove
- Insert a narrow pointed tool into the lug hole.
- Apply gentle inward pressure.
- The spring bar releases from inside the lug.
- Carefully lift the strap away.
Caution: Spring bars can jump when they pop free. Keep a hand over the watch to avoid losing them.
C) Traditional Spring Bars (No Quick-Release)
If your strap doesn’t have quick-release and your watch has no drilled lugs, you’ll need a spring bar tool.
How to Remove
- Find the spring bar’s ridged shoulder between the strap and lug.
- Insert the forked end of the spring bar tool onto that shoulder.
- Push downward to compress the bar.
- Gently lift the strap free from the lugs.
- Repeat for the other side.
Tip: Work slowly—this is the most common moment beginners accidentally scratch the case.
Step 3 — Choose the Correct Strap Size
Your new strap must match your watch’s lug width for a secure, comfortable fit.
How to Measure Lug Width
- Measure the space between the lugs using calipers, or
- Use a ruler for an approximate measurement, or
- Look up your watch model’s lug width online.
Most watches use even sizes such as 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, though some models may vary.
Reminder: Use spring bars that match the lug width for proper security.
Step 4 — Install Your New Strap
A) Installing a Quick-Release Strap
This is the fastest and safest method for most beginners.
- Align one end of the spring bar with the lug hole.
- Keep that end lightly seated as your pivot point.
- Slide the quick-release lever down to compress the bar.
- Guide the other end between the lugs into the opposite lug hole.
- Release the lever and listen for a distinct click.
- Gently wiggle the strap to confirm it is fully secure.
Why we recommend this: Quick-release bars reduce the risk of slipping tools and scratching the case.
B) Installing a Traditional Spring-Bar Strap
If your strap uses standard spring bars, follow these steps:
- Insert one end of the spring bar into the first lug hole.
- Align the strap between the lugs in its final position.
- Use the spring bar tool’s forked end to compress the opposite side of the bar.
- Slide it into position until it snaps into the second lug hole.
- Repeat on the other side for the second strap piece.
Tip: Move slowly and keep the tool stable to avoid scratching the inside of the lugs.
Step 5 — Check Your Strap Orientation
For traditional two-piece straps:
- The short end with the buckle attaches to the top of the watch (12 o’clock side).
- The longer end attaches to the bottom (6 o’clock side).
If the watch looks twisted or upside-down on your wrist, double-check the orientation and swap sides if needed.
Final Checks & Troubleshooting
- Does the strap click firmly into place? If not, the spring bar may not be fully seated.
- Is the strap flush against the lugs? Visible gaps can indicate improper installation.
- Does the watch feel secure on your wrist? If not, remove and re-install the strap carefully.
New to this? Changing straps is one of the easiest ways to refresh your watch. Take your time and you’ll get comfortable quickly.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you're unsure about your watch, strap type, or installation, our team is here to help.
- Email us: support@epochstraps.com
- Visit our watch band size guide
Ready for an upgrade? Find your next strap.