Tips for watches with odd-sized straps

In this article, we explore some options and tips for watches with unusual strap widths: 19mm and 21mm.

The simplest advice we can give you is, of course, to try to find a strap you like in the exact size, but we know that this can sometimes be a difficult task. Finding a replacement strap that matches your watch and is available in odd sizes, such as 19mm and 21mm (the most common), can be a bit of a challenge. That is why we decided to write this article, to give you some tips so that you don’t stop wearing your watch just because you can’t find a strap to your liking in an odd size. In the following sections, we present 3 tips for watches with odd-sized straps.

1 – NorteSpring odd-sized straps

One of the commitments we have made to our customers is to increase our range of models available in odd sizes, particularly 19mm and 21mm. We currently have a few straps in odd widths – you can check them out here! – but we plan to substantially expand the range of models available in the coming months and years.

2 – Handmade straps made to measure for your watch

Another solution for getting back into wearing a watch that requires an odd-sized strap is to approach a craftsman or a company that works with leather and can make a bespoke strap for your watch. Small watch repair workshops can be a good option, as they usually offer this service or know someone who does.

We recommend the workshop Reparar o Tempo in Lisbon. Their telephone number is: 21 099 22 08.

At NorteSpring, we do not make bespoke or made-to-order straps, as we aim to offer the best value for money. Our watch straps are mostly produced in an industrial setting, in large quantities, with the odd detail done by hand, as is the case with the Vintage Oil collection, where the stitching at the ends is done by hand.

3 – Try watch straps that are 1mm wider

If you’ve been looking for a replacement strap in an odd size for some time and can’t find one you like that matches your watch, the simplest advice we can give is to use a strap made from a flexible material (never a metal strap) and choose the nearest even size, but always one size larger. In other words, if the size is 19mm, the best option is to choose a 20mm strap, and if it is 21mm, choose 1mm larger, i.e., 22mm. The most important thing is not to stop wearing your watch just because it has an unusual width.

Conclusion:

Whether you opt for an odd-sized strap from NorteSpring, use a strap that is 1mm wider, or have an odd-sized strap made to measure for your watch, the most important thing is to rescue that watch you love so much, and not stop wearing it just because you can no longer find the brand’s original strap for sale. Older watches are the most valuable, and the ones that bring back the fondest memories, especially if they belonged to someone we cared deeply about. With the evolution of watch case sizes, it’s normal to find it harder to source 18mm and 19mm straps; however, here’s our tip: keep checking our website; we’re constantly launching new models, and we haven’t forgotten about the harder-to-find sizes 😊