Watch Straps in the Right Width

How to measure the width of your watch strap

To choose the right watch strap, you need to measure the distance between the lugs on your watch. This is the inner width where the strap is attached to the case and is always measured in millimeters.

Use a ruler or caliper and measure straight between the lugs. Common widths are 18 mm, 20 mm, and 22 mm, but sizes can range from as narrow as 10 mm to as wide as 26 mm on certain models.

Always choose a watch strap with the same millimeter measurement as your watch. The correct width ensures that the strap sits securely, looks proportional, and feels comfortable on your wrist.

When the strap width does not match the watch

It is always best to choose a watch strap that exactly matches the width between the lugs. For example, if your watch has 21 mm between the lugs, you should select a 21 mm strap.

If the exact size is not available, it may sometimes work to go up one millimeter, especially with leather straps that have some flexibility. A 22 mm strap can occasionally be pressed into a 21 mm lug width.

However, choosing a strap one millimeter smaller is not recommended. A 20 mm strap on a 21 mm watch can move sideways, increasing the risk that the spring bars come loose and the watch falls off your wrist.