Automatic Watches
Strap Swap Like a Pro: How to Change Watch Straps or Bracelets Safely
By Argos Watches
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Ever wish you could magically change your watch's look to match your mood or outfit? Good news: you totally can! Swapping out your watch band is one of the coolest skills any watch lover can master. With so many amazing watch strap options out there, learning how to change your watch band safely can instantly expand your watch collection and even your wardrobe. A simple strap swap can make your watch face feel brand new or take your whole outfit to the next level.

Changing your watch band is super easy when you have the right tools. We're going to walk you through it, step by step, so you can transform your watch like a pro!

Let's Get Started: What You'll Need

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Before we dive in, let's gather our gear. Think of it as preparing your workbench for a fun DIY project!
  • Your Watch: Of course! The one you want to transform.
  • Your New Watch Band: Pick out that perfect leather, sleek metal, or vibrant NATO strap!
  • A Soft Cloth: A clean towel, old t-shirt, or jewelry cloth works great. This protects your watch face from scratches.
  • A Spring Bar Tool: This is your secret weapon! We'll explain it in a bit.
  • New Spring Bars (Optional): These are the tiny bars that hold your strap. Sometimes it's good to have fresh ones.

Understanding Your Watch's "Bones": Spring Bars and Lugs

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To become a strap-swapping master, you need to know about the parts we'll be working with. Spring bars are tiny metal bars with springs inside. These are the things that keep your watchband securely attached to your watchcase. They have compressible ends that pop into small holes in the watch. Lugs are the little "arms" that stick out from your watch case, where the spring bars sit. You'll find holes in the lugs where the ends of the spring bars fit.

Your Essential Tool: The Spring Bar Tool

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These tools usually have a small, forked end on one side and a pointed end on the other. The forked end slips into the little ridges on the ends of the spring bars, letting you push them in to release the strap. The pointed end is for those drilled lugs (where you see a tiny hole on the outside of the watch's "arms") or sometimes for pushing out pins in metal bracelets.

You can find good ones on Amazon. Many pros love the Bergeon 6767 tool. It comes with different tips: a smaller fork for metal bracelets and a wider fork for leather bands (so you don't cut them). If you plan on swapping often, get a sturdy one that won't bend.

Good news! Every Argos order for watch comes with a complimentary spring bar tool, so you'll be ready to swap like a pro right out of the box.

Time to Change Your Watch Band!

We'll go through removing and installing different types of bands. Remember to take your time—rushing can lead to scratches.

Removing Your Current Band (Leather or Metal with End Pieces)

Remove a Watch Strap with a Spring Bar Tool:

Grab Your Tool: Use the forked end of the spring bar tool.
Find the Gap: Look between the strap and watch lug for the small space where the spring bar sits.
Insert & Grip: Slide the forked tip into the gap, aiming for the spring bar’s shoulder.
Compress & Pop: Push the bar inward to compress the spring, then nudge it sideways to release.
Remove the Strap: Once one end is free, the strap comes off easily.
Repeat: Flip the watch and do the same for the other strap end.

Installing a New Leather Strap

Insert Spring Bars: Slide spring bars into the ends of your new strap, with ends sticking out slightly.
Position the Strap: Place the short (buckle) side at the 12 o'clock position of your face-down watch.

Attach One Side:
  • Insert one end of the spring bar into the lug hole.
  • Use the tool to compress the other end and guide it into place.
  • Wiggle the strap—listen for the “click.” Tug gently to check it's secure.
Repeat: Flip the watch and attach the longer strap (the one with holes) the same way.
Final Check: Tug both sides to confirm they’re locked in place.

Installing a Metal Watch Band or Bracelet

Prep: Lay your watch face-down on a soft cloth. Have your bracelet, spring bars, and tool ready.
Orient the Band: Unclasp and lay the bracelet flat. Identify the 12 o’clock side (buckle should face right when worn).
Add End Piece: Slide the end piece onto the bracelet, align holes, and insert a spring bar.

Attach First Side:
  • Line up the end piece with the lugs (12 o’clock side).
  • Insert one end of the spring bar into a lug hole.
  • Compress the other end with the tool and guide it into the opposite lug.
Attach Second Side:
  • Flip the watch; unclasp the band if needed.
  • Insert the second end piece and spring bar.
  • Hold the watch on its side for more room.
  • Insert and compress the spring bar, guiding it into place.
Final Check: Tug both sides to confirm they’re secure.

Attaching a NATO Strap: The Easiest Swap!

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NATO straps are famous for being super easy to change because of their single-piece design. Many watch lovers collect them in different colors and patterns to match any mood or outfit.
Insert Spring Bars: If not already in, install spring bars in the lugs—compress one end, guide it in, and click into place. Tug to check.

Thread the Strap:
  • Slide the long part of the NATO strap down through the gap between the watch and top spring bar (12 o’clock).
  • Continue under the watch and up through the bottom spring bar (6 o’clock).
  • The shorter piece with the keeper ring should sit at the top (12 o’clock).
Secure the Strap:
  • Thread the long end through the metal ring on the shorter piece.
  • It should now resemble a standard watch strap.
  • Wear & Adjust:
  • Put the watch on your wrist, thread the strap through the keeper loops, and tuck in any excess.
You're all set with a snug, stylish NATO strap!

You're a Strap-Swapping Pro!

Removing and attaching watch straps and bracelets is pretty straightforward. As long as you have the right tools and a little patience, you'll be swapping straps in no time. Now you can give your rugged diver watch a cool NATO look or soften up a sporty watch by adding a classy leather band. With so many strap options, you can truly express your personal style.

Ready for Your Watch's New Look?

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Ready to try out your new skills? Check out the Argos Olympus collection. These are amazing mechanical watches, but they're also like a blank canvas for your style. Every Olympus watch lets you pick from a bunch of awesome straps to really show off who you are:
  • Black or Brown Italian Suede Leather: Smooth and classy, perfect for a smart look.
  • Jubilee Bracelet: A timeless, fancy metal band that looks super polished.
  • Crocodile Leather: Choose from bold Midnight Black, warm Umber Brown, eye-catching Royal Blue, or deep Dark Burgundy.
Don't just wear a watch; wear your watch, your way. Discover the Argos Olympus collection today and find the perfect match for your style. Your next great look starts now!

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