How to Change a Watch Strap

2026-06-08

How to Change a Watch Strap — Step-by-Step Guide

Changing a watch strap is one of the most useful skills in watch collecting — it takes under two minutes once you've done it a few times and transforms how much you get from a single watch. The same case and dial can read as a dress watch, a field watch, or a sport watch depending entirely on what it is strapped to. This guide covers the complete process for both standard spring bars and quick-release spring bars.

What You Need

For standard spring bars:

A spring bar tool — the forked instrument that compresses the spring bar end
Your new watch strap — with spring bars included (all CNS straps ship with spring bars)
A soft surface to rest the watch on — a microfibre cloth or folded towel prevents scratching the caseback

For quick-release spring bars:

Nothing — your fingernail is the only tool required

How to Change a Watch Strap — Standard Spring Bars

Step 1: Prepare the watch Place the watch face-down on a soft surface. This protects the crystal and dial from scratching while you work on the caseback side.

Step 2: Locate the spring bar groove Look at the space between the strap and the watch lug. At the end of each spring bar — the small cylindrical pin sitting between the lugs — there is a small groove or notch. This is where the spring bar tool engages.

Step 3: Compress and release Insert the forked tip of the spring bar tool into the groove. Push inward — toward the centre of the watch — to compress the spring bar. As the bar compresses, the end releases from the lug hole. Keep the strap held down with your other hand so the spring bar doesn't fly free.

Step 4: Remove the old strap Work one side at a time. Compress one end of the spring bar, swing the strap clear of that lug, then compress the other end to remove the bar completely. Repeat for the second spring bar.

Step 5: Fit the new strap Take the new spring bar and compress one end with the tool. Position it between the lugs with the compressed end against one lug hole, then release — the bar expands into the hole. Compress the other end, position the second hole, release. The bar should sit flush and the strap should not move laterally. Repeat for the short piece.

Check the fit: Pull gently on the strap from both sides. Both spring bars should feel completely secure with no movement.

How to Change a Watch Strap — Quick-Release Spring Bars

Quick-release spring bars have a small lever on the side that releases the bar without a tool.

Step 1: Place the watch face-down on a soft surface.

Step 2: Locate the small lever on the side of the spring bar — it sits flush with the bar when engaged and protrudes slightly when pressed.

Step 3: Press the lever inward with your fingernail or a soft implement. The bar releases immediately from the lug hole.

Step 4: Swing the strap clear and repeat on the other side.

Step 5: To fit the new strap with quick-release bars, press the lever, position the bar between the lugs, and release. The bar clicks into place. Repeat for both bars and both pieces.

The entire process takes under 30 seconds once familiar.

Common Problems and Solutions

The spring bar keeps flying out Hold the strap down firmly against the caseback as you compress the bar — this controls the direction of release. Work over a soft surface so a loose spring bar doesn't disappear.

The spring bar tool won't reach the groove Some watches have closed or semi-closed lugs with limited tool access. Try approaching from a slightly different angle, or use a tool with a thinner tip. A pointed tool (toothpick or sharpened wooden implement) can help locate the groove before using the fork.

The new strap feels loose or the bar moves laterally The spring bar diameter may not match the lug hole. If the bar feels loose, a fat spring bar fills the lug hole more securely. If the bar is too tight to compress, a slimmer 1.45mm quick-release bar may be needed.

The strap length feels wrong Lug width (the width of the strap) and strap length (how far it wraps around the wrist) are independent measurements. If the strap is too long, you may need a short watch strap rather than a different lug width.

Note on the Blancpain x Swatch Fifty Fathoms Scuba Frogskin: This watch uses screw-in lug pins rather than spring bars — a 0.9mm hex key is required, not a spring bar tool.

Which Spring Bar Type Do I Have?

Standard spring bars — require a tool. The bar is a plain cylinder with no visible lever or button. Changing requires the forked spring bar tool.

Quick-release spring bars — tool-free. A small lever protrudes from the side of the bar. All CNS Watch Bands straps ship with quick-release spring bars where specified — check your strap's product page for confirmation.

If you are unsure which type your current strap uses, look at the bar from the side while the strap is on the watch. A visible lever or button means quick-release. A plain bar means standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special tool to change a watch strap? For standard spring bars, yes — a spring bar tool is required. For quick-release spring bars, no — your fingernail is sufficient. All CNS straps ship with spring bars included, and most include quick-release bars for tool-free changes.

How long does it take to change a watch strap? Two to five minutes for standard spring bars on the first attempt. Under two minutes once familiar. Under 30 seconds with quick-release spring bars.

Can I damage my watch changing the strap? The main risk is scratching the case or lugs with the spring bar tool. Working on a soft surface and approaching the lug groove carefully prevents this. Going slowly on the first attempt is the single most effective precaution.

What size spring bars do I need? The spring bar length must match your watch's lug width — a 20mm watch needs 20mm spring bars. The diameter (1.45mm or 1.75mm for quick-release) depends on your watch's lug hole size. See the spring bar guide for full size guidance.

Can I change any watch strap myself? Yes — virtually any watch with standard spring bar lugs can have its strap changed at home. The exceptions are watches with integrated bracelets, screwed lug pins, or proprietary connectors (such as Apple Watch). If your watch has spring bars, you can change the strap.

All CNS Watch Bands straps ship with spring bars included. Shop the full collection or find your size: 18mm | 19mm | 20mm | 22mm