How to change your watch belt

We would all love to buy new watches, but most people can only afford one. Therefore, it is a practical way to secure yourself a little from time to time, how you can change your watch strap in order to secure yourself a little more affordable and in the budget.

“Changing a strap resembles the attempt to switch from serious dark gray wool suits to a handmade bomber jacket made of silk,” says collector Jay Liu of paddle waves. “The clock remains another. A brown bouquet leather would transform a Rolex submarine from Boardroom Relic into Paris flâneur. Quick sales spring bars? The small mercy of the modern button press and the DNA shifts. Audemars Piguet is now pioneering games on the sporty oak offshor models. Gold Daytona to fade Leather -Nato absorbs a different personality;

The lesson? “Watches did not drill us – we drilled them. With a simple strap change, a watch that we would have sold or put away could shine in a new light,” he adds.

Convinced? Here you can find out how you can change your watch belt

We like the idea of ​​changing a strap for a small revision, but how do we actually do that? According to Tom Hayes, watchmaker at Bobs watches, the exchange of belts is not as difficult as removing watch links and is actually a simple DIY job. “Exchange of belts is the easiest way to breathe new life into your watch,” he says. “You can switch from session hall to the beach by changing leather in rubber or giving a classic piece with a NATO a robust turn. It's like a new outfit – it changes the mood completely.”

Do you need certain tools? “Use a correct spring bar tool (or a toothpick in a pinch) and always work on a soft surface – you don't want to scratch your tabs. Take your time. It's surprisingly therapeutic.” But, warns Hays, pay attention to compatibility. “Not all straps are the same. You know your rag width (usually 18 mm, 20 mm, 22 mm, etc.) and whether your clock needs curved or just end. Some Rolex models have tight tolerances. And a bonus tip from Hayes:” Play with contrast. A clothing clock on a suede strap? Very cool. A diver on a leather strap, but sometimes it doesn't work. Experiment – that's half the fun. “

Would you like a little strap exchange? Here are some of our favorite methods to spice up your watch.

Jean Rousseau Paris