{"id":112,"date":"2026-11-03T17:41:22","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T10:41:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woocommerce.ltheme.com\/lt-lug\/strap-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T17:41:22","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T10:41:22","slug":"strap-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/woocommerce.ltheme.com\/lt-lug\/strap-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The strap guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The strap guide<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything about fitting a watch strap<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Lug width, materials, buckles, length, quick-release bars and care, in the order you choose them. Keep it open while you shop.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Lug width finder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Measure between the lugs, in three steps<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Read the strap guide<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The lug width is the gap between the two lugs where the strap sits. It is the one size a strap has to match exactly; the rest is taste.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Watch<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Measure the gap<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lay a ruler or calipers across the inside of the lugs, not the outside edges. Read it in millimetres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Strap<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the old strap<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

No ruler? Measure the strap end next to the spring bar. Most straps are the same width as the gap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Paper<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note your wrist<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Wrap a paper strip around your wrist where you wear the watch and mark it. You need it for the length chart.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Case diameter (sample)<\/th>Usual lug width<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
34\u201336 mm<\/td>18mm<\/td><\/tr>
37\u201339 mm<\/td>19mm or 20mm<\/td><\/tr>
40\u201342 mm<\/td>20mm<\/td><\/tr>
43\u201344 mm<\/td>21mm or 22mm<\/td><\/tr>
45 mm and up<\/td>22mm or 24mm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Sample guide only. Cases vary, so always measure your own watch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Odd number?<\/strong> 19mm and 21mm are common on older watches. A strap 1 mm too narrow wobbles; 1 mm too wide will not fit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Shop by width<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

18mm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

19mm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

20mm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

21mm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

22mm<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

24mm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lug widths are listed on every strap, so the chips above open only straps made in that width.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Strap material guide<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four materials, four kinds of day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each material feels, ages and copes with water in its own way. Choose by where you wear the watch most.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Leather<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Leather<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Smooth or suede calf, saddle-stitched by hand. Softens and darkens with wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feel:<\/strong> warm, softens over weeks
Water:<\/strong> keep it dry
Looks:<\/strong> dress to casual
Best for:<\/strong> office and evenings<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Canvas<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Canvas & nylon<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Woven straps that pass under the watch or close with two pieces. Light and quick to dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feel:<\/strong> light, slightly textured
Water:<\/strong> rinse and air-dry
Looks:<\/strong> casual, outdoorsy
Best for:<\/strong> travel and weekends<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Rubber<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Rubber<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Soft, flexible rubber with vents or a tapered end. The strap for swimming and sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feel:<\/strong> soft and grippy
Water:<\/strong> made for it
Looks:<\/strong> sporty
Best for:<\/strong> water, gym, summer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Steel<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Steel<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mesh and link bracelets with a fold-over clasp. Sized by removing links or sliding the clasp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feel:<\/strong> cool, a little heavier
Water:<\/strong> rinse after the sea
Looks:<\/strong> smart, all year
Best for:<\/strong> every day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Leather origin and tanning details are placeholders in this sample store; add your own supplier details.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Buckle and clasp picker<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How your strap closes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most straps come with a pin buckle. Swap it for a clasp if you take your watch on and off a lot.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Line<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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01<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fitted as standard<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pin buckle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The classic tongue and frame. Simple, light and easy to adjust by one hole.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Line<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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02<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saves leather<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Deployant clasp<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Folds under the wrist so the leather never bends at the same hole.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Line<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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03<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dress straps<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Butterfly clasp<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Two folding wings that close in the middle and almost disappear.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Line<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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04<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel bracelets<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Fold-over clasp<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The bracelet clasp with a safety catch and small holes to fine-tune the size.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Shop buckles and tools<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Buckles are made to the strap width at the tail end, usually 2 mm narrower than the lug width (sample guide).<\/p>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Strap length chart<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which length fits your wrist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Two-piece straps come in regular and long. Measure your wrist with a paper strip and read across.<\/p>\n\n\n\n