[VIDEO] How To Replace a Watch Bracelet

Replacing a watch bracelet can completely change the look of your watch. If you want to go more casual, replace the bracelet with a rubber or NATO strap. Headed to a more formal occasion? Stick with the metal bracelet or a black leather strap.

But how do you replace a watch bracelet yourself? There are two different ways to do it depending on if the watch has holes in the lugs or not. Below are two separate videos, showing how to replace a watch bracelet with or without holes in the lugs.

 

How To Replace a Watch Bracelet With Holes in the Lugs

Place the watch in your hand in between your thumb and forefinger. Place the screwdriver in the hole on the outside of the lug and gently press down, while also pulling the bracelet away from the watch. Flip the watch over and repeat these steps on the hole on the other side of that lug. The bracelet should then come loose. Repeat these same steps to remove the other end of the bracelet. The watch bracelet should then become separated from the watch.

To put a bracelet back on the watch, line up the bracelet. For a Rolex watch, make sure the Rolex crown on the buckle and the dial are both pointing in the same direction. Turn the watch case and the bracelet over so that the dial and the front of the bracelet are both facing down. Thread the spring bar into the end of the bracelet. Place the ends of one side of the watch bracelet in between the two lugs on the bottom of the case. Take a brass tweezer and push the spring bar into the holes in the lugs. Once in, check the bracelet to make sure it is secure. Repeat these steps on the other side as well. Lastly, check that the bracelet is securely attached to the bracelet.

 

How To Replace a Watch Bracelet Without Holes in the Lugs

Place the watch case in between your forefinger and thumb with the caseback facing up, applying pressure outward. Take the screwdriver and insert it just beneath the lug to disengage the flange. Push down and inward to loosen the spring bar. Repeat on the other side of the lug. That end of bracelet should then come loose from the watch. Remove the spring bar. Note that we are placing the screwdriver in between the two flanges on the spring bar. Repeat these steps on the other set of lugs.

To attach a bracelet to the watch, take the spring bar and thread it through the bracelet. Going in from the back of the watch, place one end of the bracelet in between the two lugs. Take the screwdriver and softly press the ends of the spring bar into the lugs. Make sure the bracelet is securely attached to the watch case.

 

Replacing a watch bracelet can be quick and simple as long as you do it properly. Now, you shouldn’t have too much problem doing it on your own.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 11, 2015. We have updated it for clarity.