How to Change the Strap on Your Swatch X Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
|
|
Time to read 6 min
Introduction
If you're lucky enough to own one of the highly sought-after Swatch X Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms watches, you've probably already considered swapping out the original strap for something different. Changing the strap on a Fifty Fathoms is a quick and easy job that can completely transform the look of your watch, letting you truly personalize your timepiece.
However, the strap change process on the Scuba Fifty Fathoms is unique. It requires a slightly different approach and set of tools than the typical spring bar system found on most conventional watches.
Table of Contents
How to Change the Strap on Your Swatch X Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
Step-by-Step Guide
Tools You Will Need
Unlike standard watches where the strap is held by a spring-loaded bar, the strap on the Fifty Fathoms is secured by a pin that is held in place by tiny hex screws on either end.
Therefore, the essential tools for this job are not a traditional spring bar tool, but a pair of small hex keys—specifically a pair of 0.9 millimeter Allen keys or hex drivers. You need two because you must hold one screw steady while turning the other.
Additionally, you will need a clean, soft surface to work on. We always recommend using a case cushion or a microfiber cloth to protect the Bioceramic case from accidental scratches and to keep your components safe.
Preparation and Removal
Before starting, always place your watch face-down on your soft surface. This keeps the crystal safe and gives you excellent access to the lug screws.
The original fabric strap is simply passed underneath the two bars. To remove the fabric strap, you can slide it out immediately. However, if you plan to install a conventional two-piece strap (like the rubber strap I am installing), the screw-pin itself must be removed.
Removing the Pin
Stabilize: Take one of your 0.9mm hex keys and insert it into the hex screw on one side of the lug. Gently hold this key still to prevent the entire screw-pin assembly from spinning.
Unscrew: Take your second hex key, insert it into the screw on the opposite side, and slowly begin to turn the screw counter-clockwise.
Release: Once the screw loosens, finish unscrewing it and carefully remove it. The pin holding the strap can then be gently pulled out from the other side of the lug. Handle these small components with care so they don't get lost.
Repeat this process for the second pin, and you should now have your bare watch head, ready for a new strap.
Pro Tip: Make Future Fifty Fathoms Strap Changes Easy
The factory setup requires you to use those two tiny hex keys every time you want to swap a strap, which can be fiddly and time-consuming. Luckily, there’s an excellent upgrade available!
Because the Swatch X Blancpain has drilled lugs, you can easily replace those screw-pins with a set of regular, sturdy spring bars. We have specific "fat" spring bars on our website that are perfectly sized for these lugs and for the wider holes in most quality aftermarket straps.
By making this simple swap, all your future strap changes become a matter of minutes using a standard spring bar tool—making quick styling changes effortless. This is a great, simple upgrade, and it means you can keep those original screw-pins safe in a drawer and not worry about losing those tiny hex screws!
Installing the New Strap (with the original Hex Pin)
Align the Strap: Align your new strap piece between the lugs. The lug width on the Fifty Fathoms is 21.85mm, so ensure your new strap is 22mm for a gap-free look.
Insert the Pin/Bar: Take the screw-pin and insert it through the lug hole and the strap. You may find it helpful to use one of the hex keys to gently guide the pin through the strap hole.
-
Secure the Screw-Pin: Take one of the small hex screws and thread it gently back into the pin end.
Use both of your hex keys again. Hold one side steady, and gently tighten the screw on the opposite side by turning it clockwise.
Crucial Note: Securely tighten it, but do not overtighten. Because the case is Bioceramic, excessive force could damage the lug itself or strip the threads. Tighten it until it feels snug and secure—that’s all you need.
Repeat for the other side of the strap.
The Crucial Final Step
You're almost done, but there is one crucial final step: test the connection.
Gently pull on both sides of the new strap to make absolutely sure the screw-pins (or spring bars) are fully seated and secure in the lugs. You do not want your Fifty Fathoms falling off your wrist.
And that’s it! Your Swatch X Blancpain Scuba Fifty Fathoms is now sporting a brand new look. This is a simple technique once you have the right tools, and it immediately opens up a huge range of new style options for your timepiece.
Featured Watch Strap
1. Hirsch EXTREME Natural Rubber Watch Strap in BLACK
To give this Scuba Fifty Fathoms a truly robust and purposeful dive watch look, we chose the Hirsch Extreme Natural Rubber strap in black.
This strap is made from premium Caoutchouc (natural rubber), making it exceptionally durable, tearproof, and completely waterproof—the perfect pairing for a watch rated to fifty fathoms. The design is segmented, which not only maximises wrist flexibility for superior comfort but also adds a substantial, almost industrial texture that perfectly complements the Fifty Fathoms chunky Bioceramic case.
Because the Swatch X Blancpain is a slightly thicker watch at 14.4mm, pairing it with the thick 8.0mm end of the Hirsch Extreme strap creates a beautiful, balanced profile. The deep black rubber perfectly matches the Ocean of Storms Black colourway, giving the watch a serious, high-end tool watch aesthetic that perfectly honours the Blancpain heritage. It’s the ultimate comfort and performance upgrade that makes the Scuba Fifty Fathoms feel ready for any adventure.
Conclusion
This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to safely change the strap on the Swatch X Blancpain Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms watch.
Key takeaways from this post:
Required Tools: You must use a pair of 0.9mm hex keys (Allen keys) to remove the strap's unique screw-pin system.
Removal Process: The process involves stabilising one screw with a hex key while carefully unscrewing the other to release the pin.
Installation: When re-installing the screw-pins, they must be tightened gently to avoid damaging the Bioceramic lugs.
Pro Tip: For easier future strap changes, we recommend upgrading the screw-pins to compatible "fat" spring bars, allowing for strap changes with a standard spring bar tool.
The Author: Will Parker
Will Parker is the Head of Media at WatchObsession and has been with the company since 2020. As our dedicated photographer, videographer and content creator, he has changed more buckles, straps and clasps than we can count and his own personal watch collection grows every year, although his strap collection is growing faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need two hex keys to change the Fifty Fathoms strap?
The Swatch X Blancpain Fifty Fathoms uses a screw-pin system where the pin is threaded on both ends and secured by two small hex screws. You need one hex key to hold the pin steady on one side of the lug, preventing it from spinning, while you use the second hex key to loosen and remove the screw on the opposite side.
What size hex key or Allen key do I need?
You need a very small key, specifically a 0.9 millimeter (0.9mm) hex driver or Allen key. Using the correct, small size is crucial to ensure a proper fit and prevent stripping the tiny screw head.
Can I use a standard spring bar tool to remove the strap?
No. The strap is held by a solid, threaded pin, not a spring-loaded bar. A standard spring bar tool cannot compress the pin to release it. You must use the 0.9mm hex keys to remove the screw-pins. However, you can use a standard spring bar tool for future changes if you follow our Pro Tip and replace the screw-pins with compatible spring bars.
Will replacing the screw-pins with spring bars damage my Fifty Fathoms?
No. Since the Fifty Fathoms features drilled lugs (the holes run all the way through the lugs), swapping the screw-pins for the correct size of "fat" spring bar will not damage the watch. It is a common and recommended upgrade that simply makes the strap changing process much more convenient.
What is the lug width of the Swatch X Blancpain Fifty Fathoms?
The lug width is 21.85 millimeters. Because of this irregular width, a swap lug width of 22mm is required.
Ready to Elevate your Watch Game?
Related Readings
Related product
Hirsch EXTREME Natural Rubber Watch Strap in BLACK
£74.95 GBP
