First step of diving into the endless possibilities of watch collection and customization hobby is usually replacing the straps. All of us start with a single watch and single strap it came with it. In time as per people nature, we want to try something different and the first and easiest victim is the strap. In this tutorial I will try to explain this easy task.
1- Spring-bars as you can see in the image below are the parts which holds the straps attached to the watch. Both ends of a spring bar are forced out by a spring inside the tube and can be pushed in when a certain force is applied. There are different type of spring-bars, you can see shoulder-less, single flange, double flange and screw in bars in the image below. Most common type is the double flange bars.
2- You need a spring bar tool to replace straps. You can either get one as gift or purchase a good quality one as it is a good future proof investment.
3- Easiest removable straps come with quick release. It is basically a shoulderless springbar with a tail which you can push it and release the spring bar from hole of the watch lug. First find the tail.
Then release the spring bar by pushing the tail to the other lug side.
4- Another easy strap replacement is on the watches with drilled through lugs. Just locate the lug hole.
And push the springbar with something fits in to the lug hole. Most likely your strap changing tool has a flat end on the other side.
5- The most likely procedure is like this. Push the strap while you are holding the watch case. Since all straps are flexible you can create an opening to put your springbar tool in the groove of the spring bar.
Place your spring bar tool in the groove.
Then release springbar from the hole by pushing it to the other lug side.
6- It is time to put your new strap back in. First find the hole inside the lug.
Place one end of the spring bar inside the lug hole. Of course first you need to place the spring bar inside strap.
Now you can push the other side in either pushing with you nail,
or with your strap changing tool.
Now you are ready to dress up your watches with countless styles leather, rubber, cloth or nylon straps!
