Which way round does a watch strap go?

One of the best things about owning and wearing a wristwatch is that you can regularly change up the watch’s straps. The good news is that changing a watch strap is simple enough to do, should you have the right tools to hand.

Not only this, but you should also have some know-how on how you can replace it and, of course, which way round the replacement watch strap goes.

To help you replace your watch strap and make sure that it is done in the right, we have put together this guide on which way round a watch strap goes.

So, which way does a watch strap go?

An easy way to remember is that the buckle end of the watch strap always attaches to the top of the watch case you can identify the top as this will always be the 12 o’clock position on the dial.

Before you replace your watch strap

It is essential to look at how your watch looks before you start to remove the watch strap, ready to replace it. Make a note of the side of the watch that the strap is attached to. Traditionally all watch straps are attached in the same way as in the image above. However, some Japanese watch manufacturers attach the straps opposite to our way – but it is down to personal preference and what you have become accustomed to.

How to remove the watch strap

The majority of watch straps are attached to the watch by spring bars. These then fit into small indents found within the watch’s lugs before going through a loop at the end of the watch strap.

To remove your current watch strap, you will need to compress one end of the spring bar underneath the watch case. Levering it out carefully and slowly. Once one side is out, the other one can then be removed with ease.

It’s usually easier to carry out if the watch is facing down but remember to put it on something soft.

Fitting your new watch strap

Before you go ahead and put on your brand new watch strap, it might be a good idea to take the time to clean up your watch. Watch cases can get dirty over time, especially if you are someone who wears them daily. However, it is hard to find the right moment to do this when you wear it every day.

You need to do this carefully and make sure that you only use methods and products designed to clean the delicate materials of your watch; the last thing that you are going to want to do is damage it when you are trying to make it look and feel better.

Now you are ready to attach your new strap; you need to insert the spring bars you removed from your old watch (all our watch straps come with new replacement spring bars). Then, one end of the spring bar needs to be placed back into the watch case. But, of course, you need to make sure that you have the watch strap the right way round.

With your tool of choice, you need to compress the other end of the spring bar and then slide it into the indent of the watch lug of the watch case. This can take some wiggling, but you will get there in the end, and then you need to repeat it on the other side.

It can be tricky to replace your watch strap, but it is possible, and in no time at all, your watch will look amazing, and you can wear it with pride. If you think that replacing your strap might be a little too fiddly you could always browse our collection of quick release watch straps which allow you to change a watch strap without any tools.