What does the strap size mean?

When we talk about the size of a watch strap, we’re referring to the width of the strap in the area that fits between the watch lugs. This measurement is always given in millimetres (mm).

It is this measurement that determines whether the watch strap will fit correctly on the case of your model.

Examples of common sizes:

• 18 mm

• 20 mm

• 22 mm

These are standard sizes for most universal straps and replacement straps available in our shop.

How to measure your watch strap size?

Knowing how to measure your watch strap is essential to ensure a perfect fit. Here’s how you can do it at home:

1. Remove the old strap

If it is still attached, remove the strap using a strap-changing tool or a small precision screwdriver.

2. Locate the lugs

The lugs are the two small metal arms protruding from the watch case. The distance between them is what you need to measure.

3. Use a ruler or a calliper

Place the ruler or calliper between the lugs and measure the internal width — do not measure the outside of the lugs. Make sure you are measuring in millimetres (mm).

4. Record the measurement

Now you know the size of your watch strap! You can search for that size directly on our website and see all the available options.

Can’t measure it?

No problem! Here are two practical alternatives:

• Check if the measurement is engraved on your old strap — usually on the inside (the part that touches your wrist). Look for a number such as “18”, “20” or “22” — this number indicates the width, in millimetres, of the section that fits between the watch lugs.

• Send us photos of your watch and we’ll help you find the right strap size.

What are the most common sizes?

The most common sizes for watch straps are: 18mm, 20mm and 22mm. But we also have less common options such as: 19mm and 21mm.

NorteSpring offers universal straps in various sizes — for both newer watches and vintage models.

Still unsure about the strap size?

If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Our team is here to answer any questions and show you, in simple terms, how to find out the size of your watch strap, even if you can’t measure it directly.

Simply send us the brand and model of your watch — and we’ll get back to you with the right suggestion.

Contact us if you have any questions.

The post How do I know what size watch strap I need? appeared first on NorteSpring.

Leather: Classic and elegant

• Advantages
  • A sophisticated look, perfect for formal occasions.
  • Comfort that improves with wear, as the leather moulds to your wrist.
  • Wide variety of colours and finishes, from vintage to modern.
• Disadvantages
  • Less water-resistant, and may deteriorate with sweat or moisture.
  • Requires regular maintenance with specific products.
  • May not be the best choice in very hot climates, due to sweat retention.

Best for:
Classic watches, formal occasions and everyday use in a professional setting.
(Discover our range of genuine leather straps.)

Stainless steel: Durable and versatile

• Advantages
  • Extremely durable and wear-resistant.
  • Sophisticated and modern appearance, suits various watch styles.
  • Good resistance to water and sweat, ideal for extended wear and sports.
• Disadvantages
  • May be a little heavy for some people, particularly on large watches.
  • Prone to scratches, depending on the type of finish (polished, brushed, etc.).
  • In cold weather, it can feel cold to the touch, causing slight initial discomfort.

Best for:
Everyday use, sports or luxury watches, those seeking maximum durability.
(Includes options such as metal bracelets or Milanese bracelets.)

Nylon: Comfortable and casual

• Advantages
  • Extremely lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear.
  • Dries quickly and holds up well to water sports or outdoor activities.
  • Easily replaceable and available in a variety of colours, patterns and styles (such as the popular NATO straps).
• Disadvantages
  • Tends to wear out faster than leather or steel.
  • Not always suitable for formal occasions or a more sophisticated look.
  • May absorb odours over time if used during very sweaty or sporting activities.

Best for:
Casual watches, outdoor activities and those seeking comfort and lightness.
(For even more intense sports, also consider FKM rubber straps)

Which is the best option for you?

Choosing the perfect material depends, above all, on your daily life and the occasions on which you intend to wear the watch:

• If you’re looking for elegance and sophistication, leather straps are an excellent choice.
• For maximum strength and durability, steel straps are unbeatable.
• If you value comfort and lightness, nylon straps (or NATO straps) may be the best alternative.

Whatever your style, at NorteSpring – Watch Straps you’ll find universal straps in a range of materials, suitable for most watches.

Discover our collections

Did you like these tips? Take the opportunity to explore our selection of watch straps and find the perfect option for your wrist.

The post Leather, steel or nylon? The pros and cons of each material appeared first on NorteSpring.

Step One: Insert the spring bars (pins) into your watch

Insert the spring bars (pins) between the top and bottom lugs of the watch; this can be done using a spring bar removal tool or by hand. If you purchased your NATO strap from our online shop, you will receive two free spring bars. When you buy two or more straps, we offer a Multifunctional Steel Tool, which will help you with this first step.

Step Two: Prepare the bracelet for fitting

Make sure the two links of the bracelet are separated. If the larger link is passing through the clasp, release it. The two links must be separated to fit the NATO strap correctly and securely onto your watch.

Step Three: Fitting the strap to the watch

Thread the longer strap of the bracelet through the spring bars, starting at the top and front of the watch case.

Continue and thread the longer strap through the spring bar at the bottom of the watch case.

Finally, thread the long strap through the loop at the end of the shorter strap.

The installation is now complete

The NATO strap is now correctly fitted to your watch and ready to wear on your wrist.

What should you do if the strap is too long?

If the larger strap is too long, you can fold it over and fasten it at the nearest loop. If you have some experience, you can cut off the excess length of the strap to shorten it slightly. If the NATO strap is made of nylon, it is very important to seal the cut, i.e. to pass a small flame over the end of the strap, so that the nylon threads do not come loose and start to fray. We recommend, however, that you avoid cutting the strap.

The post How to put on a NATO strap appeared first on NorteSpring.

When it comes to breathing new life into a watch by replacing the strap, there are several things to bear in mind to ensure the new strap fits perfectly with the watch’s style and your lifestyle. The question we want to answer is: what should you bear in mind when choosing a new watch strap?

The brand and style of the watch; the type of material used for the strap; safety requirements and personal taste are some of the factors that can influence the choice of a new watch
strap or band
.
The watch strap also reflects your personal style. Buying a new strap is an excellent way to breathe new life into your watch collection. Without further ado, here are the factors to consider.

1 – The style and brand of the watch

When looking for the best option for a new strap for your watch, the style or type of watch will inevitably influence your choice. Therefore, it often makes perfect sense to opt for a strap similar to your watch’s original one. For example, if your watch has a distinctly classic style, such as a Hugo Boss model, with a genuine
black padded leather strap
, it wouldn’t make much sense to opt for a sporty silicone strap
. The watch has a classic style and, as such, the strap should match that style.

2 – The type of material used for the strap

Genuine leather, stainless steel, silicone or nylon are examples of the materials most commonly used in the manufacture of watch straps. What is the best option for a leather strap
? What type of buckle is most suitable for my watch? These are some questions to bear in mind when buying a new watch strap
.
If you do not intend to expose your watch to water and wish to replace a stainless steel strap
, a genuine leather strap
could be an excellent choice. The style of the leather strap can also vary. You can choose a smooth leather strap or one with a quilted crocodile-skin pattern.

3 – Essential security for your watch

Most stainless steel straps
feature a mechanism with a push-button and a butterfly clasp, thereby providing greater security for the watch. However, if the strap does not have a safety clasp, it may be worth reconsidering your choice and opting for a strap that provides extra security for your watch. NATO straps
(available in a wide range of colours) are the most secure; when fitted correctly, it is highly unlikely that your watch will fall dramatically from your wrist to the floor.

4 – Your Lifestyle and the Watch

Your lifestyle should influence your choice of strap. How will you be using your watch? Will you be using it for more relaxed activities, diving, or extreme sports? Or will you wear it only in the office or on a relaxed weekend outing?

If you use your watch in harsher environments, it is best to choose more robust straps made from materials that do not damage easily, such as FKM rubber and nylon.

5 – Multiple watches… multiple straps

If you have a varied lifestyle, and if your budget allows, one way to solve the problem is to have several watches, each suited to different activities.
You could have a Timberland watch and wear it with a sporty rubber strap
, or simply have a Seiko watch with a NATO strap
(it’s a perfect match).

6 – Is the original strap worn out or damaged?

You may simply need a new strap for your watch because the original one is already quite damaged. In that case, NorteSpring, as a specialist in the sale of replacement watch straps
, will be your saviour. You can choose from a wide range of leather
, rubber, nylon and metal straps
, all made from materials of the same quality as the original strap. The main difference from the original straps is the price.

7 – Your personal tastes

Once you’ve considered all the technical specifications involved in choosing a new strap (the watch’s style and brand, material and safety), the best option now comes down to your personal preferences and tastes. You may decide whether to match or contrast the colour of the strap with the colours of the dial, or simply add further colour and texture details by choosing a bolder strap for your watch.

It is important to maintain a balance between the size of the watch face and the width and thickness of the strap. For example, a thin strap will not look right on a Timberland watch, where the faces tend to be thicker.

8 – Talk to other watch enthusiasts

Choosing the best strap for your watch
is often made difficult by the vast range available on the market. There are various materials, different quality levels and a wide range of prices.

If you’re willing to do without the Timberland, Hugo Boss, Seiko, Police, OMEGA, etc. logo, you can find replacement straps of excellent quality for less than half the price.

If you’re still unsure about the best strap for your watch, send us an email or give us a call; we’d be delighted to share our advice to help you choose the best strap for your watch.

The post Find out how to choose the best watch strap for your watch appeared first on NorteSpring.