Is your watch starting to show signs of wear?
Don’t panic: changing the bracelet is one of the easiest ways to give it a new lease of life, both aesthetically and functionally.
With the right tools and a few tips, you can easily transform your timepiece to suit your desires.
Why change the strap on your watch?
Changing the strap on a watch is one of the quickest and most effective transformations you can make. This simple gesture allows you to transform your appearance, adapt to different lifestyles, or even extend the life of your watch.
A new strap allows you to go from a formal to a casual look in a matter of minutes, and adapt your timepiece to the circumstances, whether it’s a business meeting or a sporting adventure.
The different types of watch straps
The bracelet is more than just an accessory: it extends the soul of the watch, influencing its comfort, style and function. Here’s an overview of their main characteristics, material by material.
Leather and natural materials: tradition and emotion
For centuries, leather has accompanied the most elegant watches. Noble and warm, it hugs the wrist, develops a patina over time and tells the story of its wearer. Calfskin, supple and comfortable, remains a safe bet, while cowhide, more robust, seduces with its longevity.
Exotic leathers, such as alligator or ostrich, embody the pinnacle of refinement. Cork and wood, more atypical, seduce by their ecological or artisanal character, but require particular care in the face of humidity.
Metal and alloys: sturdiness and brilliance
A classic and timeless choice, the metal bracelet (in stainless steel, titanium or gold) offers sturdiness and refinement. The ubiquitous steel balances solidity and price, while the lighter titanium appeals to sensitive skin. Gold, in all its variations, embodies the ultimate elegance, but requires extra care.
Metals such as bronze and copper, which develop a natural patina over time, appeal to lovers of authenticity and adventure.
Synthetics and composites: technicality and performance
In extreme environments, synthetics reign supreme. Rubber, silicone, polyurethane, composite fibers: light, resistant and easy to maintain, these materials are ideal for sports watches and diving watches.
Special mention to carbon fiber, rare and expensive, which combines extreme performance with high-tech aesthetics.
Technical textiles: lightness and freedom
Nato, Perlon, Cordura, Kevlar… Fabric bracelets offer comfort, practicality and casual style. Resistant and interchangeable, they allow you to vary your style according to your mood and the season.
Haute horlogerie and exceptional materials: the audacity of luxury
In the world of haute horlogerie, bracelets are becoming veritable works of art. Scratch-resistant ceramics, solid gold, precious stones… Each material demands expertise and delicacy, giving exceptional watches a unique and prestigious signature.
Tools needed to change a watchband
To change the strap on your watch safely, a few special tools are recommended:
- Spring bar tool: essential for removing or installing spring bars.
- Precision screwdriver: for screw-fastened bracelets.
- Tweezers: for handling small, delicate parts.
Which kit to choose?
| Kit type | Contents | Average price |
| Basic kit | Single spring bar tool, microfiber cloth | CHF 10-30 |
| Intermediate kit | Double-ended tool, screwdriver, spring bars | CHF 30-70 |
| Professional kit | Pin punch, complete tool set, cushion | CHF 70-200 |
| BeWatchmaker Kit | Complete amateur watchmaker’s tool kit | 650 CHF |
In the absence of suitable tools, it is possible to use an unfolded paper clip or a Swiss Army knife, but these methods increase the risk of damaging the case. In all cases, protect your watch with plastic film or a soft cloth.
Steps to change your watch strap
Changing bracelets requires a little method:
- Place your watch on a soft surface (microfiber cloth).
- Locate the spring clips that hold the bracelet in place.
- Using the appropriate tool, compress the spring bar to release one end of the strap.
- Remove the worn strap.
- Install the new strap by first inserting one end of the spring bar, then compressing to position the other side.
- Release gently to ensure correct engagement in the watch lugs.
Easyclip spring clips: change without tools
Some watch brands have made changing bracelets even easier with Easyclip spring bars.
The principle is simple: a small, discreet pull tab is integrated directly onto the spring bar. Simply slide it with your finger to release the strap, without tools and without risk of damaging the watch.
The benefits of the Easyclip system :
- Easy to use: change wristband in seconds.
- Safety: less risk of scratching the casing.
- Versatility: easily vary styles to suit your mood.
More and more modern bracelets – leather, steel, rubber – offer this innovation, making watch customization more accessible than ever.
Precautions and customization
When handling, always protect the case to avoid accidental scratches.
Changing your strap is also an opportunity to personalize your watch: brown leather for a professional look, steel for a versatile style, fabric for summer… Vary the materials and colors to suit your mood. To take things a step further, why not create your own watch with a DIY watchmaking kit?
Professional services for bracelet changes
If you’d rather avoid the hassle, calling in a professional watchmaker is an excellent option. Rates vary between CHF 15 and 50, depending on the watch and the service provider.
Specialized watchmakers often offer additional services: cleaning the case, checking the spring bars… For precious watches, opt for the expertise of a watchmaker rather than a traditional jewelry store.
FAQ
Why change the strap on your watch?
Changing bracelets can extend the life of your watch, adapt its style and enhance its comfort.
What types of bracelets are available?
Leather, metal, synthetics, technical textiles, precious materials… Each bracelet offers a different style and function.
What tools are needed to change a watchband?
A spring bar tool is essential; a precision screwdriver and tweezers can also be useful.
How to change a watch strap step by step?
Protect the watch, remove the old strap with the appropriate tool, then install the new one by following the spring bar locations.
How to personalize your watch with a new strap?
By playing with materials and colors, you can renew the look of your watch to suit the seasons or your mood.
When should you call in a professional?
If your watch is precious, or if you don’t feel comfortable handling it, a watchmaker will be able to carry out the change with care.
