Installation Guides

How do I install a new watch band?

How to remove an existing band and install a new Wrist Outfitters™ watch band:

If you existing watch strap has quick-release spring bars, simply depress the spring bars and remove the strap. Then use the same process to install your new Wrist Outfitters™ watch band.

But what if you have traditional spring bars on your watch band? These are a little harder to work with, but not impossible. You will need one of our strap removal tools to get the old spring bars off.

Christian does a great job of explaining and showing how to swap your straps in this quick video:.

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How do I know if a watch band will fit my watch?

Finding your watch's lug width size:

Sizing your watch band to fit your watch is the first step in shopping watch bands. You need the measurement in millimeters between the lugs of your watch.

There are several ways to determine lug width size:

  1. Look on the back of your existing strap. Many watch bands and rubber straps will have the lug size printed/imprinted on the back of one of the straps. This is the fastest method and helps to ensure an exact fit.
  2. Find your watch specifications online. Google " lug width" (eg, "citizen promaster fugo lug width"). Most manufacturers list the lug-to-lug size on their website product pages (look under specifications or details). Common sizes will be 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm.
  3. Use a metric ruler or calipers, to measure the space between the lugs. An imperial ruler can also be used if you convert inches to millimeters.
  4. Use one of our watch band tools with a printed ruler and use that ruler to determine the lug size.
  5. Download and print out our measurement guide and put your watch over the millimeter ruler to determine the lug size.
  6. Run it by a watchmaker or jeweler. They will be able to tell you the size between your lugs.

Tips & Tricks

  • Odd lug widths: Most of our watch bands come in even lug widths: 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, and 24mm. If your lug width is between these lug widths, simply round up. For example, if your lug width is 21mm, order a 22mm watch band.
  • Lug widths with two numbers: Sometimes a watch band will list two sizes, such as 20mm-18mm or 20mm/18mm. The first number is the lug width. The second number is the taper width. For sizing compatability with your watch, you only need the first number.

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What is my wrist size, and does it matter?

Measure your wrist for a perfect fit:

Choosing a watch band that fits your wrist matters. If you have a larger wrist, shorter watch bands might be too tight or not reach the keepers. For smaller wrists, the watch band may wrap around too far, getting in your way.

But it's easy to determine your wrist size for a precise fit.

How to measure your wrist size:

  1. Measure the length of an existing watch strap that fits. The most accurate way to tell if our bands will fit you is to simply measure each side of the straps (without including the buckle) in millimeters and compare those lengths against the measurements we provide on our product pages. Lengths will vary, but if you're measurements are close or longer than the Wrist Outfitters™ band you're looking at, you should be good to go.
  2. Print our wrist measurement guide. Download and print our wrist ruler and sizing guide. Cut the ruler, wrap it snug, but not tight, around your wrist. Mark the length, lay it flat, and measure with a ruler.
  3. Use a tailor's ruler, made out of cloth or fabric. Wrap it snug, but not tight, around your wrist. Mark the length.
  4. Use a string. Wrap it snug, but not tight, around your wrist. Mark the length, then lay it flat and measure with a ruler.

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