"Enjoying Watch Straps: Changing with the Seasons and Your Mood"
1. Wide Variety of Leather Types
Leather straps come in various types such as calfskin, crocodile, lizard, and cordovan. Each leather has a unique texture and softness, allowing you to choose according to your preference.
2. Rich Color Variations
In addition to classic colors like black and brown, there's a wide selection of distinctive colors such as blue and red. You can freely coordinate them with your watch's dial and your outfit of the day.
3. Various Widths and Thicknesses
Watch straps offer different appeals depending on their width and thickness. Wider straps make a statement on your wrist, while narrower ones create an elegant and delicate impression. On the other hand, thicker straps have a casual and robust feel, and thinner ones are perfect for formal occasions.
By using these interchangeably, you can freely change the impression of your watch. Choose one that suits your style and the occasion.
"Tips and Precautions for Changing Watch Straps – Create Your Own Style"
1. Measure the Lug Width
It is important to accurately measure the "lug width," which is the width of the part that attaches to the watch case.
Lug widths vary from 17mm to 24mm, but generally, 18mm to 20mm are the most common sizes. Choosing a strap that matches this width ensures a secure fit for your watch and maintains a beautiful balance. A caliper is useful for accurate measurement.
2. Pay Attention to the Buckle Side Size
The buckle (clasp) side of the strap also has a size. Especially if you want to use the original buckle, check if the buckle width matches. If the buckle side width doesn't match, it can not only look out of place but also potentially loosen during use.
3. Match the Color and Hardware to Your Watch
The color and hardware of your watch strap significantly impact the overall impression of your watch. While it's standard to choose gold or silver buckles to match the case color, you can also consider matching the color of the indices (numbers or markers) or hands.
Furthermore, intentionally choosing a mismatched combination is a way to express individuality. For example, pairing a vivid colored strap with a vintage-style watch creates a unique and eye-catching style.
4. Cautions When Using Dedicated Tools
Specialized tools like a "spring bar tool" are required for strap changes. Please note the following during the process:
Check old spring bars: If the spring bar is rusty, it's safer to replace it. Rusted spring bars have reduced strength and, in the worst case, can cause the watch to detach and fall.
Prevent injuries: Be careful when removing spring bars, as the tool can slip and injure your fingers.
"Essential Tools and Parts for Watch Strap Replacement – A Basic Guide for Beginners"
Spring Bars: Important Parts Supporting Your Watch
Spring bars are crucial components that securely connect the watch case and the strap. Despite their small size, they play a vital role in ensuring the watch's usability and safety.
Must be the same size as the lug width
The length of the spring bar must match the watch's "lug width." If the size doesn't match, the strap may wobble, so accurate measurement is essential.
How to choose the thickness
Spring bars also vary in thickness, with 1.5mm diameter being commonly used. However, if the watch's lug area is particularly narrow or wide, a different size may be needed. Choose based on the criterion of "not too tight, not too loose."
Tools needed for replacement
Having the necessary tools for watch strap replacement enables smooth and safe work.
Be careful, some tips are sharp.
Spring Bar Tool
Used to remove and install spring bars. Its thin tip makes it easy to work in tight spaces.
Caliper
A tool for accurately measuring lug width and buckle width. Knowing the precise size prevents mistakes in selecting straps and spring bars.
Written by KEN
Enjoy your style more freely by changing your watch straps.
ORIENT / Orient Watch Boys Hand-wound Chammard Morpho Butterfly 1970s Ref.I120-17900
LONGINES / Longines Watch Men's Admiral Five-Star Automatic Chinese Calendar Ref.1664 Cal.L636.5
SEIKO / Seiko Watch Women's GS Grand Seiko Hi-Beat Ref.1964-0010 Hand-wound 1971
