Changing a watch strap might sound tricky, but it’s way easier than most people think; no need to head to a jeweler or stress over tiny tools. With some helpful tips, patience, and possibly a spring bar tool (or even a paperclip if needed), you can easily install an AP rubber watch strap yourself.
Don’t Start a Strap Swap Without These
You don’t need a degree in engineering to replace a watch strap like the Panerai Luminor rubber strap, but changing the strap without professional equipment will become a real mess of frustration in a hurry. With a few easy tools and some prep, you can make the entire watch strap-changing process stress-free and easy. If you're a complete newbie or haven't done it in ages, this checklist for watch strap change will ensure you nail it the first time around.
Spring Bar Tool
If you're going to replace your AP rubber strap, don’t forget to buy the most important tool; the spring bar tool. It may be small and inconspicuous, but it makes a big difference when you're working with those tiny spring-loaded pins that secure your strap. When you have the right tool, you can push the spring bars in and out of the watch strap cleanly.
Soft Cloth or Towel
When you're taking off or putting on an IWC big pilot strap, you'll be flipping your watch around, using a little pressure, and likely fighting with small parts. Placing your watch face-down on a padded surface prevents scratching the crystal or case, and it keeps everything stable while you work.
A Little Tray
Don't even begin the strap-switching process without having a small dish or tray within reach. Those teeny-tiny spring bars you're pushing in and out? Yeah, they adore rolling, bouncing, and disappearing the instant you put them down. A small tray from the watch band & straps store keeps all the little parts in one safe spot, so you’re not crawling around on the floor halfway through your strap swap.
Well-Lit Workspace
It may not sound like a big deal, but when you're working with small spring bars and exact little grooves, light makes all the difference. You don't want to be straining or guessing where the pin's supposed to go on the Panerai Luminor rubber strap. A well-lit work area allows you to see where the spring bars fit, catch if something's out of alignment, and not scratch your watch doing it.
Steady Hands
Changing an AP rubber watch strap isn’t exactly brain surgery, but it does require a bit of finesse and that’s where steady hands come in. You’re working with tiny spring bars and narrow lugs, which means one wrong move can lead to a scratched case, a bent pin, or a flying spring bar that disappears into the abyss.
Time to Unstrap That Old Watch Band
When you want to install a new strap like the AP rubber strap over your watch, you have to bid farewell to that old strap. Here's a quick step-by-step guide to help you unstrap that old watch band stress-free:
- Flip your watch over: Place the watch face down on a soft cloth or towel to prevent scratches.
- Locate the spring bars: These are the small pins between the lugs are the real locking mechanism for watch straps.
- Pick up your spring bar tool: Use the forked tip to carefully push the spring bar towards the strap. A paperclip will do in an emergency but don't scratch anything.
- Wiggle the strap loose: If it doesn't come out easily, wiggle it and attempt to adjust your angle slightly.
- Repeat on the other side: Now, when you have successfully installed one strap, follow the same for the second strap piece.
Putting the New Strap in Place
Replacing a new strap is fairly easy, but it's good to be patient and careful. Here's a step-by-step guide to putting the new strap like the IWC big pilot strap in place:
- Get your spring bars: If you took them out of the old strap, make sure they're still straight and in good condition.
- Put the spring bar into the new strap: Push it through the holes at each end of the strap so it's protruding a little bit.
- Put one end of the bar into the lug hole: Put it in carefully so it's sitting inside the little notch on the case.
- Use your spring bar tool: take this tool as a key and insert it into the opposite lug hole to open and install the watch strap.
- Listen for the click: You will hear or feel a gentle pop as the bar goes into place.
NATO Strap Change
Replacing a Panerai NATO watch strap is one of the simplest watch improvements you can make; no tools, no anxiety. Slide the long end of your strap through the spring bars, starting from the top of your watch and heading toward the 6 o’clock side. Next, pass it through the metal keeper on the short end. Position it so that the watch lies comfortably between the keepers, and you're finished!
5 Handy Tips for a Smooth Strap Change
At the Gift of Time Luxury Store, you will find all kind of watch straps for luxury watches. Although each watch strap has its installation procedure, you need to follow these five basic tips for installation.
- Use the Correct Tools: A spring bar tool is so much easier to use than a paperclip or knife (just. don't).
- Work on a Soft Surface: A towel or cloth shields your watch face and prevents tiny parts from flying off.
- Good Lighting is Essential: Attempting to find small pins in low light is an invitation for a headache.
- Have a Small Tray Handy: Those spring bars on the watch strap are tricky little devils. A tray keeps everything in one spot.
- Take Your Time: Hurrying causes slips and scratches at the time of watch strap installation.
Luxury Watches Straps That Will Give Your Watch a New Life
Panerai Black Rubber Caoutchouc Logo Strap
Ready to bring your Panerai from boardroom to waves? This black Panerai submersible rubber strap is all about the action, featuring a deployant buckle and the unmistakable Panerai logo for that classic seal. It's super-duper comfy, water-resistant, and downright sexy; perfect for diving, sweating, or just general living.
Panerai Black Canvas Strap With Blue Stitching
Give your Panerai a rugged twist with this black canvas strap, topped off with understated blue stitching for a hip splash of color. It's tough enough for daily wear, but the contrasting detail adds just the right level of personality.
Breitling Oem Diver Pro Light Blue Rubber Strap
Make a splash with this light blue rubber strap created specifically for Breitling dive watches. Created with comfort and endurance in mind, this strap cradles your wrist without being cumbersome. Dive deep or just lounge by the pool; the Breitling rubber watch strap gives your watch a sporty-chic look.
Audemars Piguet Diver Oem Lime Green Rubber Tang Strap
Turn heads with this bold lime green rubber strap for your AP DiDesigned with OEM precision and a classic tang buckle, it brings a vibrant twist to a serious timepiece. Super comfy and ready for water or weekend wear, this strap’s got personality for days.
IWC Tan Suede Strap
Give your IWC a relaxed touch with this tan suede strap that's both laid-back and elegant. The warm color available at the watch band & straps store looks great with silver, black, or cream dials. A fashion-forward switch for when leather is too formal and rubber too sporty.