How to Replace a Watch Strap

Removing the Old Watch Strap

1. Clear a spot to work and make sure that there is a small towel covering the table top so that you can see anything that may drop or pop out during the process of changing the strap.

2. Use a magnifying glass to look at the point where one side of the strap is attached to the watch. You will see a small pin connecting the band to the watch on either side of the strap. Carefully use a Spring Bar Tool or the jeweler's screwdriver to depress the spring loaded pin from the watch to the strap and release it from the watch. When the tension on the spring pin is released it may pop out of the strap and you will want to take care not to lose it. Repeat this process with the other half of the strap.

Installing the New Watch Strap

1. Take the new strap and slip the spring pins into the small holes on the end of the strap where it will attach to the watch. Working with one end at a time, slip one side into the pin hole in the watch body.

2. Use the Spring Bar Tool or the jeweler's screwdriver to depress the other side of the spring pin and guide it into the pin hole in the other side of the watch body. Repeat this process with the other half of the watch strap and other spring pin.