Guide to Selecting the Perfect Watch Band Size and Length
Transform your timepiece with a strap change, reflecting both function and personal style. This guide ensures you find the right watch band size, focusing on compatibility, comfort, and style.
Importance of Watch Strap Sizes
- Compatibility and Comfort: Selecting the correct strap size is crucial for securing the watch properly and ensuring comfort. A strap that's too large or too small can cause instability or unsightly gaps.
- Dimensions: Width and Length: A well-fitted strap should stay in place comfortably, highlighting the importance of understanding strap dimensions.
Determining Strap Width
- Lug Width: The key measurement for strap width is the lug width, which typically ranges from 18mm to 26mm. This measurement is the distance between the two points on the watch case where the strap attaches.
- Finding Lug Width: Some straps have the lug width engraved or imprinted on the back, simplifying the process of determining the size needed for a replacement.
- Measuring Lug Width When Not Imprinted: If the lug width is not indicated, use a ruler or a digital caliper to measure the distance between the lugs after removing the current strap.
Watch Strap Size Chart
A comprehensive list of popular watch models and their lug widths includes:
- Breitling Navitimer: 20mm
- IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII: 20mm
- Omega Speedmaster Professional: 20mm
- Omega Seamaster: 20mm
- Rolex Datejust: 20mm
- Rolex Daytona: 20mm
- Rolex Submariner: 20mm (new model 21mm)
- Hamilton Khakifield: 20mm
- Tag Heuer Carrera: 20mm
- Tudor Blackbay: 22mm
Choosing the Right Strap Length
- Single Piece Straps: For single-piece straps, measure the total length (e.g., 200mm).
- Two-Piece Straps: For two-piece straps, measurements are divided between the buckle side and the tail side, not including the length of the buckle itself (e.g., 110/70mm).
The strap's width must align with the lug width, while the length should match your wrist size. The width of the strap does not affect its length, offering flexibility in finding the right size.
Strap Size Charts
Two Piece Strap Size Chart
Wrist Size (inches) |
Wrist Size (cm) |
Strap Length |
5 | 12.7 | 9.5 / 5.5 |
5.5 | 14 | 10 / 6 |
5.6 - 5.9 | 14.2 - 15 | 10.5 / 6.5 |
6 - 6.4 | 15.2 - 16.2 | 10.5 / 7 (Short) |
6.5 - 6.9 | 16.5 - 17.5 | 11.5 / 7.5 (Regular) |
7 - 7.4 | 17.8 - 18.8 | 11.5 / 8 |
7.5 | 19 | 12 / 8 |
8 | 20.3 | 12.5 / 8.5 |
8.5 | 21.6 | 13 / 9 |
9 | 22.9 | 13.5 / 9.5 |
One Piece Strap Size Chart
This guide is for strap such one-piece nylon or leather straps.
Inches |
Millimeters |
Strap Length |
5.0” to 5.5” |
127mm to 140mm |
155mm (95/60mm) |
5.6” to 6.0” |
142mm to 152mm |
175mm (110/65mm) |
6.1” to 6.5” |
155mm to 165mm |
190mm (120/70mm) |
6.6” to 7.0” |
168mm to 178mm |
200mm (125/75mm) |
7.1” to 7.5” |
180mm to 191mm |
210mm (130/80mm) |
7.6” to 8.0” |
193mm to 203mm |
220mm (135/85mm) |
8.1” to 8.5” |
206mm to 216mm |
235mm (145/90mm) |
These charts provide guidelines, but custom lengths are available for unique wrist sizes.
Bund Pad Sizes
- Bund Size 1: Length 95mm x Width 45mm
- Suitable for watches with a case diameter of 36mm to 40mm and a lug width of up to 20mm.
- Bund Size 2: Length 100mm x Width 50mm
- Fits watches with a case diameter of 43mm to 46mm and a lug width of up to 24mm.
Tapered vs. Straight Straps
- Tapered Straps: Ideal for a formal style, tapered straps narrow towards the buckle, enhancing the watch's elegance.
- Straight Straps: Best suited for larger watches and casual wear, maintaining a uniform width for a robust appearance.
Special Section: Apple Watch Strap Sizes
For Apple Watch users, finding compatible straps is simplified, with lug widths consistent across different series.
Watch Case & Size | Lug Width (mm) |
Apple Watch 1st generation 38mm
|
22mm
|
Apple Watch 1st generation 42mm
|
24mm
|
Apple Watch Series 1, 2 and 3 38mm
|
22mm
|
Apple Watch Series 1, 2 and 3 42mm
|
24mm
|
Apple Watch Series 4, 5 and 6 40mm
|
22mm
|
Apple Watch Series 4, 5 and 6 44mm
|
24mm
|
Apple Watch SE 40mm
|
22mm
|
Apple Watch SE 44mm
|
24mm
|
Our collection of straps are compatible with the two larger Apple Watch case sizes (42mm and 44mm). All you need is an Apple Watch strap adaptor.
Selecting the right watch band size is crucial for enhancing both the look and comfort of your timepiece. By following the guidelines and considerations outlined in this guide, you can find the perfect fit for your style and wrist size.