Getting a watch strapped replaced is one of the most commonly requested repairs. Whether you are replacing it for wear and tear issues or just changing the look of your timepiece, it is a service that you can find at any watch shop. Some watch brand and models are easy to do on your own, while others are more challenging. Below I will discuss where to get a strap replaced how the watch strap replacement near me works.
Watch Strap Replacement Near Me
If you are looking for “watch Strap replacement near me” or “watch strap repair near me”, use the map below…
For replacing a strap, most local jewelry stores and watch repair stores can perform this work for you. In many cases if you take your watch back to where you purchased it, they may do the labor for free and just charge you for the new strap.
For a high end luxury watch you may want to consider a designer strap, which cost more money. A strap from the manufacturer of your watch brand will create the most authentic look.
Where to Get Watch Strap Replacement Service
You can get watch strap replacement done at several different places.
Watch Repair Shops, Jewelry Shops, and Watch Dealers
A watch strap replacement at your local watch repair is routine service. They will use a small watch vice that holds the case in place, while they remove the pins from the lugs. Most repair shops will have a variety of straps that will fit your watch. Most will be be compatible 3rd party strap makers. If you want a strap from your manufacturer they will likely need to order it.
In my experience going to these places a strap replacement takes only about 15 to 20 min.
Your Watch Manufacturer
If you are trying to replace the band on your timepiece with the same exact band, then the watch manufacturer is your best option. You can either visit their store, contact them online, or contact their authorized service center.
For a vintage watch getting the original strap may be difficult depending on the age. Your watch manufacturer may have it, but replacing it will be expensive. If they don’t have it, you may be able to have their authorized service center help find it on the secondary market.
Online Stores
Some, but not all, timepieces can use a universal strap made by a 3rd party vendor.
FAQ’s for Watch Strap Replacement, Repair, and Style
Can You Choose Any Watch Strap Style?
The style of the strap is completely up to you. You are only limited to finding a strap that fits your lugs and can be sized securely on your wrist. Style is one of the easiest things to change up. For some watches you can find bundles of colored bands for just a few bucks. For more on choosing a style: refer to this style guide.
Is My Strap Covered Under My Warranty?
Technically speaking your watch strap is covered under warranty. Most watches have a limited warranty that covers manufacturer defects and craftsmanship. So if there is something wrong with the strap that is the manufacturers fault it is covered. A good example of this is a fabric strap that has it’s seams come unsown within the first few days of ownership. If you have an issue like that it will be covered.
Most strap issues aren’t going to fall under your warranty coverage. Straps typically get a lot of wear and tear. The more you take on and off your timepiece the more your strap issue is the result of everyday use. Straps also tend to deteriorate over time as the sit directly on your skin. Your skin rubs off oils and dirt onto the strap which degrade is and falls under common wear and tear.
How Long Does a Strap Replacement Take?
In my experience 15 to 20 minutes max. If you know the strap you want and have a simple lug set up, it may even take less time. For most people it takes longer to pick out a new strap then it takes a technician to replace one.
How Do I Get My Strap Sized?
Straps, unlike bands, are a bit more difficult to resize. Straps are made of fabric, leather, or rubber and not metal. Therefore you can punch more holes in them to loosen or tighten the fit, but eventually you run out of material to work with. You can find a replacement strap with a longer or shorter length which would give you more sizing room in the future. Typical lengths are 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, and 24mm.
How Much Does a Strap Cost?
Cost depends on the brand and material. Rubber straps are usually cheaper then leather. But even still, the manufacturer will impact the price for example a Rolex leather strap will be far more pricey then a Seiko. You can find straps that range from £10 to £360. What’s crazy is that is just for the strap, some shops will charge you that much for the product and then charge you more to do the work for you.
If you go to the place you purchased the watch most places will charge you for the strap itself, but do the replacement work for free.
Can I Replace a Watch Strap Myself?
You can certainly change a watch strap yourself on most brands. For most watches you can just use some common watch repair tools. You can do the work on most timepieces with a Spring Bar tool, Holder, Head Hammer, Tweezers, Glasses Cloth, and Cotter pins.
Changing out a strap on your own is pretty straight forward. If you have a high end luxury watch or an antique timepiece, I would advise finding a pro shop.
Watch Strap Replacement Near Me – Conclusion
If you are looking for the same exact strap, the manufacturer is your best choice. For anything else though you can go to a watch shop, dealer, or jeweler, Online stores like Amazon tend to have 1000’s of options that universally fit most timepieces. What you choose style wise is up to you and there is no right or wrong. This is what I have leaned with my experience at the watch strap replacement near me.
