What Size Watch Strap Should I Get?
To determine which size watch strap you should get, you need to measure the strap length and lug width on your watch. You can measure the lug width with a standard ruler, a set of digital callipers, or a specific watch strap ruler. To determine strap length, you need to measure the circumference of your wrist. You will also want to consider where the strap holes are positioned and what kind of attachment is being used.
It is crucial to get the size of your watch strap right to keep you comfortable, and your timepiece safe.
To summarise, to determine which size watch strap you should get:
- Measure the lug width of your watch.
- Measure your wrist circumference.
- Consider watch holes and the attachment you'll use.
- Take into account personal preference and lifestyle.
1. Measure Lug Width of Watch
You can measure your lug width with a standard ruler, a set of digital callipers, or a watch strap lug measuring tool (or ruler). The latter will give you the most accurate fit, and is the easiest to use.
Watch Strap Lug Measuring Tool
This is a great little tool to have. You just measure the width of the straps using the measured openings and the notched measures for your watch lug.
If you are prone to buying as many watch straps as you do outfits, you can get this same tool in stainless steel from Hirsch. Although the WO tool is made to last, this Hirsch Hirsch Watch Strap and Lug End Ruler has a durable edge over the plastic ones.
Digital Callipers
A pair of digital callipers will measure the gap between the lugs. This is the most accurate form of measurement out of the three we have suggested.
Standard Ruler
If you can't get your hands on a set of digital callipers or a watch strap ruler in time, a standard ruler should do the trick.
You can simply hold a ruler up against the watch and measure the gap. If you measure the lug width in cm, be sure to know what this is in mm - most watch strap suppliers will sell their straps in mm.
2. Measure Your Wrist Circumference
The easiest way to measure your wrist size is with a flexible measuring tape, often known as a tailor's measuring tape. For those of us who don't have these on a hand, a piece of string and a standard ruler can work.
To measure with your tape, choose where on your wrist you normally wear your timepiece and wrap your tape around, with the metal tip in the centre.
You then need to add the total length of the strap to the case size of their watch to determine if the length is right for you.
3. Consider Watch Holes and Attachments
Attaching a clasp will be more comfortable and allow the strap length to be used more efficiently as it doesn’t have to bend through a buckle.
Having more holes on a strap, or a strap where the buckle can be put through at any point, means it will fit a bigger range of wrist circumferences. On top of this, if the holes are closer together (like on a Nylon or ISOFrane Straps), this allows for a more accurate adjustment and a more comfortable fit.
4. Take Into Account Your Personal Preferences
The last step is to consider what your personal preferences are. You should know them like the back of your hand - literally!
By this we mean that if you know you prefer a tighter or looser fit, or if you have a particularly small or large wrist, factor this in to your decision. This is similar to how you choose the style or material of a strap - consider what you will do the most when you wear your watch strap, and go from there. The last thing you want is for your strap to irritate your skin and be a poor investment.
Our Watch Strap Recommendations
If your watch has a conventional lug arrangement which will hold a straight ended watch strap, you can attach almost all watch straps to that watch.
This does not change the fact that it should fit well, however. To air on the side of caution in terms of width and length, a Nylon, Perlon or Erika's Originals MN Strap are suitable for a wide variation of wrist sizes.
Hirsch Osiris Black Calf Leather Watch Strap
The Hirsch Osiris is a smooth and refined strap with a timeless elegance that is well-suited to all watches. This particular strap has a wide range of width and lengths available, making it perfect for all wrists, with an excellent selection of understated colours to match.
Erika's Originals Black Ops MN™
Crafted from elasticated nylon webbing closely styled after 1970s French Marine Nationale parachutes, the Black Ops MN™ strap is a popular version of the adjustable one-piece strap created by Erika's Originals - and the talk of the marine watch enthusiasts' community.
The strap features parachute-style hardware that allows you to adjust the fit of the strap quickly and easily at any point along your forearm, for peerless versatility and comfort. A highly utilitarian strap that is rich with character - don't let this one pass you by!
Nylon strap in Burgundy
The Nylon straps are a brilliant addition to any watch, and a fantastic alternative to a metal or leather strap. Comfortable, breathable and secure, this must-have strap can be used for a range of outdoor activities.
With the extra length, these straps are great if you have a larger wrist circumference - or if you'd like to wear your watch over a jacket.
Melange Perlon in Juniper Green
The Perlon has garnered a reputation as a lightweight, breathable, comfortable and affordable fixture that suits a broad variety of sports and diving watches - characteristics that have made it a popular choice around the world. This is a highly durable piece, equipped with a sturdy coated brass buckle.
Available in a wide variety of distinctive colours, this has been one of the most popular items in the WatchObsession catalogue - and for good reason.
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Written by Holly Charman, for WatchObsession UK.