How To Change A Quick Release Watch Band
Switching up your watch band options can make a watch more comfortable, practical and can give you the confidence to express your personality and style.
Removing straps mounted with classic spring bars takes time and requires tools, whereas quick release spring bars don’t, allowing owners to change their straps in a few seconds. Quick release straps have capsa spring bars with a noticeable pin to help you separate the strap from the watch’s lug unlike the normal strap with plain spring bars. This feature makes your mix and match styling super easy - just make sure you get the exact strap size you need since spring bars (capsa or not) have different sizes as well.
In this guide, we demonstrate how to easily change a quick release watch band, from removing the old strap to installing the new band and everything in between.
This is how you change a quick release watch band:
- Remove the old band
- Slide the end of the spring bar into one side of the watch’s lugs
- Align the spring bar with the hole in the watch lug
- Repeat steps 2-3 on the other half of the watch band
1. Remove The Old Band
If necessary, remove the old strap from the watch. To remove a watch strap that has quick-release spring bars, locate the quick-release lever on the back-side of the watch strap.
Pull the quick-release lever towards the middle of the watch strap, and pull the watch strap away from the lug on the side of the lever.
Slide the other end of the spring bar out of the other lug, and remove the watch strap completely.
Repeat this step with the other side of the watch until both halves of the watch strap have been removed completely.
2. Slide The End Of The Spring Bar Into One Side Of The Watch’s Lugs
Slide the end of the spring bar that is opposite the quick-release lever into one side of the watch’s lugs.
3. Align The Spring Bar With The Hole In The Watch Lug
Pull the quick-release lever towards the middle of the watch strap while aligning the spring bar with the hole in the watch lug.
Release the quick-release lever and the spring bar should lock into the watch’s lugs.
4. Repeat Steps 2-3 For The Other Half Of The Watch Band
Repeat the previous steps for the other half of the watch strap so that both halves of the watch strap have been fastened securely to the watch.
Gently pull both halves of the watch strap away from the watch to ensure a secure installation.
The Best Quick Release Watch Bands
Staib Quick-Release Milanaise Mesh Watch Bracelet
Staib are a highly-regarded German firm that specialise in the production of mesh jewellery and accessories. The Milanaise is made from intricate chain-link bands designed for deep-sea divers - but is well loved by all.
This handsome watch strap comes fitted with a convenient and reliable fold over clasp and an added quick-release spring bar mechanism, allowing you to fit and remove the bracelet with ease - perfect for switching up your style!
Morellato CROQUET Quick-Release Leather Watch Strap
The Croquet is a bright and vibrant watch strap made from high-grade calfskin leather, with all of the quality you've come to expect from the artisanal craftsmen at Morellato.
This watch strap is equipped with a dependable 'Easy Click' quick-release spring bar mechanism. An ideal band for those who love to accessorise, mixing and matching colours to suit their overall look or mood.
Quick-Release Canvas Watch Strap
This rugged, high-quality canvas watch strap offers up an affordable, yet still stylish and dependable replacement band for your favourite wristwatch.
The strap has a selection of four buckle types for tailoring to your watch's style, while the dense weave with reinforced tang holes delivers a high level of long-lasting durability.
Hirsch PURE Watch Straps
The PURE watch straps from Hirsch are ideal for the more active user. Not only are they made entirely from soft, supple and hypoallergenic caoutchouc rubber, they are specially-formulated to resist water, UV light and wear & tear.
Hirsch LIBERTY Watch Straps
The LIBERTY watch straps from Hirsch are an ideal example of fine, natural grained saddle leather wrought into a sturdy and hard-wearing watch band.
Available in three rich and diffuse colours, this is a substantial strap that will last a good long while, and keep its natural good looks no matter what life throws your way.
Shop our luxury watches, watch straps and watch tools and accessories on our website.
Written by Kate, for WatchObsession.