Many Timex watches have interchangeable straps. Whether you’re looking for a new style or enjoy making sure your watch is in keeping with your suit, there are many different types of watch straps available in a wide variety of colors, materials, and designs. In this guide, we will be showing you how to replace a watch strap, using our quick-release and Slip-Thru watch strap designs as examples. Read on to learn more about how to change the strap on a watch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing a Watch Strap
The process of watch strap replacement is fairly straightforward, especially with our quick-release and Slip-Thru strap designs.
Tools You Will Need
Having a few tools on hand when replacing your watch strap will make the process much easier. We recommend the following:
- A table or desk with a soft cloth covering the surface
- A watch strap removal tool or Timex’s Strap Pinning Tool
- Your new watch strap
- Optional: A lint-free cloth to clean areas you can’t usually reach
Timex’s Replacement Strap Pinning Tool
Our Replacement Strap Pinning Tool is an essential part of your watch maintenance kit. Made from durable metal, with a non-slip handle, it can be used to replace your watch straps quickly.
Quick-Release Straps
What are Quick-Release Straps?
Our innovative quick-release straps simplify the process of swapping out your watch strap. They come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and designs.
The strap is equipped with spring bars that fit to the case and can be swiftly released with or without a tool, making it easy to refresh your look in seconds. A spring bar is a small spring-loaded, telescopic metal rod with double-flanges on each end which fit into small holes inside the lugs on the watch case.
How to Install Quick-Release Straps
- First, you’ll want to remove the watch strap. Removing the strap involves removing the spring bars, which releases the strap pieces from the watch case.
- Slide the notched end of the strap pinning tool between the inside edge of the lug and strap, gently wiggling and pushing the tool towards the strap to release the spring bar – be careful not to let the spring bar ping across the room and get lost during this process.
- Remove both sides of the strap from the watch. Set aside. You may want to take this opportunity to clean the lugs of your watch if you don’t usually do so when performing your usual watch maintenance.
- Place the watch, facing down, on a soft surface. Taking the end of the strap that has the buckle, turn to have the bottom side of the strap facing you and the end with the spring bars close to the lugs at the top (12 o'clock side) of the watch.
- Pushing the handle on the spring bar towards the center of the strap, guide the end of the spring bar into the hole drilled in the inside of the lug. Gently guide the other end of the spring bar into hold drilled into the opposite lug. Check to ensure you have both sides of the spring bar fastened into the lugs.
- Repeat this same process with the other half of the strap on the lower lugs of the watch.
- You have successfully changed your quick-release watch strap.
Slip-Thru Straps
What are Slip-Thru Straps?
Slip-thru straps are ultra comfortable and endlessly interchangeable. Unlike other types of straps, they require no tools to change and no working with spring bars. Just like the straps on our very first wristwatches, they consist of a single piece that easily slips through the lugs on the watch case, securing around your wrist with ease. They’re great additions to outdoor or travel watches, offering a comfortable and sturdy fit without the risk of losing small parts while on the go.
Installing Slip-Thru Straps
- First, unthread the length of strap with the holes from the loop holding it in place behind the watch case and unthread it from the loops on the lugs to remove it from the watch case.
- Feel free to use your soft cloth to give the watch case a gentle clean at this point.
- Next, take your new strap and identify the long end of the strap with the holes that the buckle secures through.
- Holding the watch the right way up and facing you, slip this longer end down through the loop above the 12 o’clock side of the watch from front to back. Then, feed it back up through the loop at the 6 o’clock side.
- Next, thread that same piece of strap through the loop on the shorter piece of the strap and pull so it all lays flat.
- Center the watch dial between the two pieces of hardware either side of the watch.
- Now, you can buckle your watch and wear it as you normally would.
- Your watch is ready to accompany you on your next journey.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re having difficulty changing the strap on your watch, or if it’s just too much of a tricky job for you, you can easily get a professional to change your watch strap for you. Most good jewelers will have the right tools and expertise to quickly change your watch strap for you, with many offering free strap changes when you purchase a new band. If you lose the spring bars of your watch while changing your watch strap, a professional will also be able to help you find a replacement.
Key Takeaway
Changing your watch’s strap is the perfect way to update its style, keep it looking its best, and help it match your current look alike. And thanks to our innovative strap designs, changing your watch band is a simple process that only needs a few tools. Read our guide on Watch Strap Materials to learn more about where, when, and how to wear your Timex watch band.
Shop our full range of watch straps to discover your new style – whether that’s taking you on adventures, keeping you smart for a wedding, or matching your newest look.
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