Guide to buying a leather watch band (What size watch band?)
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This is a step-by-step guide to choosing a leather, rubber, or other non-metal watch band to fit both your watch and your wrist.
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| Step 1: |
Determine the Attachment Style
The Watch Prince offers many brands, sizes, and styles of watch bands. With the exception of select models for
Casio,
Seiko,
Steinhausen, and
Swatch, we offer standard, non-integrated straps.
If your watch accommodates a strap with a straight end ("Standard" photo,
below), proceed to Step 2. If your watch band integrates with the watch case
("Integrated" photo, below) we will not have a strap for you.
| We have these...
Standard
If your watch utilizes this type of strap,
you are shopping at the right place!
The Watch Prince offers watch bands for both men and women, ranging in size from
6mm to 30mm. |
| Not these...
Integrated
If your watch band integrates with the watch
case, we will not have a strap for you. Exceptions include select models from
Casio,
Seiko,
Steinhausen, and
Swatch. |
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If your watch is Standard
(accommodates a strap with a straight end)
...proceed to step 2 |
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| Step 2: |
Determine the Strap Size
You will first want to know what size watch band is needed for your watch. To do so requires that you know the distance between the lugs (the area where your strap fits into the case).
Strap size measurements are made in millimeters.
You may determine the size you need using one of the following methods:
 when measuring, it is always best to measure the watch case, rather than an existing leather strap. The leather strap may have shrunk over time, or it may not be the proper size. We have seen many watches with straps on them that were not the correct size to begin with.
| method a: Check for a
size imprint on your current strap — if you
currently have a leather watch band on your watch, look at the interior to
see if the size is imprinted (like photo, below).
In this example, we will select the strap at far left with the “22” imprint.
Size Imprint
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If your current strap has a size imprint
...proceed to step 3 |
| method b: Measure using a metric
ruler — measure the distance between the lugs of your watch in
millimeters (mm) using a metric ruler (like the one shown in the photo, below).
Metric Ruler
If you are measuring with a strap on the watch (as shown in photo
below), be sure to measure the lug width, rather than the strap itself.
Metric Ruler w/strap on watch
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|
Watch bands are sized in millimeters,
so you may skip the other methods and
...proceed to step 3 |
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↓ Size Conversion ↓ |
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Inches |
Millimeters |
|
1 1/5" (1.18") |
30mm |
| 1 1/10" (1.10") |
28mm |
|
1" |
26mm |
| 15/16" |
24mm |
|
7/8" |
22mm |
| 13/16" |
21mm |
|
25/32" |
20mm |
| 3/4" |
19mm |
|
11/16" |
18mm |
| 21/32" |
17mm |
|
5/8" |
16mm |
| 19/32" |
15mm |
|
9/16" |
14mm |
| 1/2" |
13mm |
|
15/32" |
12mm |
| 7/16" |
11mm |
|
3/8" |
10mm |
| 11/32" |
9mm |
|
5/16" |
8mm |
| 1/4" |
6mm |
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↓ Length Conversion ↓ |
|
Men's Lengths |
|
6.75" - 7.20" |
Short |
| 7.25" - 7.70" |
Regular |
|
7.75" - 8.00" |
European Standard |
| 8.10" - 8.50" |
Long |
|
8.55" - 9.25" |
Extra-Long |
| 9.30"+ |
XX-Long |
|
Ladies' Lengths |
|
6.20" - 6.50" |
Short |
| 6.60" - 7.10" |
Regular |
|
7.20" - 7.70" |
Long |
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| |
| method c: Measure using an
English (Imperial) ruler— measure the distance between the lugs of your watch in
inches using an English ruler (like the one shown in the photo, below), and
then convert the measurement to millimeters (mm) using the
size conversion chart
(at right).
In the example below, the measurement is 7/8, the equivalent of 22mm.
English (Imperial) Ruler
a ruler that measures in inches
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Once you have converted your measurement
from inches to millimeters you may
...proceed to step 3 |
| method d: Measure using caliper — a
caliper makes it easier to arrive at a precise measurement of the distance
between your watch lugs. You might use either a Vernier caliper,
or a more advanced Digital caliper. If your caliper measures in inches you
may simply convert the measurement to millimeters (mm) using the
size conversion chart
(at right).
 
Vernier Caliper
Digital Caliper
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Once you have determined your
measurement in millimeters you may
...proceed to step 3 |
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Step 3: |
Determine the Strap Length
If you have previously purchased watch bands, and never given much (or any)
thought to strap length, it might be safe to order a "Regular" length. If you
suspect that your wrist might be above or below average in size, it is very
important to determine what length is best for you. Either way, you can avoid
the hassle of an exchange by verifying your length requirement.
Strap length measurements are made in inches.
You may determine the length you need using one of the following methods:
| method a: Measure your existing leather strap — if you have an existing leather strap that fits, measure it to determine your required length. Measure leather, only (do not include buckle), using an English ruler
(remember, we are using inches to measure length).
Measuring strap length
with English ruler
Lay both sections of strap end-to-end on the ruler (exclude buckle, as
shown in photo) and measure together for Total Length.
| Total Length Measurement: |
7.50" |
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↓ Size Conversion ↓ |
|
Inches |
Millimeters |
|
1 1/5" (1.18") |
30mm |
| 1 1/10" (1.10") |
28mm |
|
1" |
26mm |
| 15/16" |
24mm |
|
7/8" |
22mm |
| 13/16" |
21mm |
|
25/32" |
20mm |
| 3/4" |
19mm |
|
11/16" |
18mm |
| 21/32" |
17mm |
|
5/8" |
16mm |
| 19/32" |
15mm |
|
9/16" |
14mm |
| 1/2" |
13mm |
|
15/32" |
12mm |
| 7/16" |
11mm |
|
3/8" |
10mm |
| 11/32" |
9mm |
|
5/16" |
8mm |
| 1/4" |
6mm |
|
Inches |
Millimeters |
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↑ Size Conversion ↑ |
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| |
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Compare the Total Length
Measurement to the
length conversion chart (at right) to
determine your Desired Length.
In our example, we can look at the length conversion chart, at right, and determine that 7.50" falls within the Men’s Regular length range of 7.25" - 7.70"
| Total Length Measurement: |
7.50" |
| Desired Length: |
Regular (7.25" - 7.70") |
|
|
Once you have determined your desired length you may
...proceed to step 4 |
| method b: Calculate length
requirement (the "Ribbon Method") — this is a bit more involved, but the
time spent can help ensure that you order a watch band with the proper length.
First, measure the
circumference of your wrist. To measure the circumference of your
wrist, you will want to use some ribbon or string — we prefer ribbon, as it is a
bit easier to use. Cut a piece about 12 inches in length.
Ribbon / 12-inch piece
Wrap the ribbon around your wrist
(as snugly as you like your watch to fit). As shown in the photo, it
may be a bit easier if you tape one end to your wrist. After you have the ribbon
wrapped to your liking, apply a second piece of tape to secure the position of the
ribbon. Be sure that you don't place tape over the area that meets up with the
ribbon end.
 
Tape ribbon to wrist
Now, mark the ribbon
where it meets up with the end that your first taped to your wrist (a Sharpie
pen works well).
Mark ribbon
Next, measure the ribbon to
determine wrist size. Lay the ribbon down on an English ruler to
measure from the taped end to the mark you made. This is your
wrist size.
Measuring ribbon on ruler
| Wrist Size: |
7.375 inches (7 3/8") |
We have now determined the wrist size. Generally, you can use this
measurement as in indicator of desired strap length.
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↓ Length Conversion ↓ |
|
Men's Lengths |
|
6.75" - 7.20" |
Short |
| 7.25" - 7.70" |
Regular |
|
7.75" - 8.00" |
European Standard |
| 8.10" - 8.50" |
Long |
|
8.55" - 9.25" |
Extra-Long |
| 9.30"+ |
XX-Long |
|
Ladies' Lengths |
|
6.20" - 6.50" |
Short |
| 6.60" - 7.10" |
Regular |
|
7.20" - 7.70" |
Long |
|
| |
| If you are
beginning to lose patience and are willing to accept that "close enough" is
"good enough, then simply compare your
Wrist Size to the
length conversion chart
(at right) to determine your Desired Length. You may
then proceed to step 4. HOWEVER, if you want a more precise
measurement, there are more calculations to perform in order to identify the
desired strap length for your wrist.
Next, measure the watch
case.
The watch itself will span part of the distance around your wrist. Measure
it from the lug pinholes on the 12 o'clock side to the pinholes on the 6 o'clock
side (as shown in photo, below). This is your Case Size.
Watch case on ruler
Next, subtract case size
from your wrist size.
| wrist size: |
7.375" |
| subtract case size: |
-
1.875" |
| remaining distance: |
5.50" |
Does this mean that you need a 5.50 inch leather watch band? No — there
is one more calculation to make.
Next, add distance from
strap tip to middle hole. This is where most like to fasten their
straps. (If there is an even number of holes, use the fourth hold from the strap
end.)
Long section of strap
The distance will vary from one watch strap to another, it is typically 1.50
inches to 1.75 inches. In this example, the distance is 1.75 inches. That needs
to be added to the "remaining distance" that we calculated above.
| wrist size: |
7.375" |
| subtract case size: |
-
1.875" |
| remaining distance: |
5.50" |
| add distance to middle hole: |
+
1.75" |
| Total Length Measurement: |
7.25" |
|
|
|
|
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↓ Length Conversion ↓ |
|
Men's Lengths |
|
6.75" - 7.20" |
Short |
| 7.25" - 7.70" |
Regular |
|
7.75" - 8.00" |
European Standard |
| 8.10" - 8.50" |
Long |
|
8.55" - 9.25" |
Extra-Long |
| 9.30"+ |
XX-Long |
|
Ladies' Lengths |
|
6.20" - 6.50" |
Short |
| 6.60" - 7.10" |
Regular |
|
7.20" - 7.70" |
Long |
|
| |
|
Finally, compare the Total Length Measurement to the
length conversion chart (at right)
to determine what length is going to work best for you — your Desired Length. In our example, we can look at the length
conversion chart and determine that 7.25 inches falls within the Men’s Regular
length range of 7.25 - 7.70 inches.
| Total Length Measurement: |
7.25" |
| Desired Length: |
Regular (7.25" - 7.70") |
Most regular-length straps will
measure 7.40 inches. For many it will not be possible to find a strap that is
exactly your target length. Minor differences will not matter much. The
important objective is to have enough strap to reach through buckle, yet not so
much excess that it is annoying.
|
|
Once you have determined your desired length you may
...proceed to step 4 |
|
|
|
|
↓ Length Conversion ↓ |
|
Men's Lengths |
|
6.75" - 7.20" |
Short |
| 7.25" - 7.70" |
Regular |
|
7.75" - 8.00" |
European Standard |
| 8.10" - 8.50" |
Long |
|
8.55" - 9.25" |
Extra-Long |
| 9.30"+ |
XX-Long |
|
Ladies' Lengths |
|
6.20" - 6.50" |
Short |
| 6.60" - 7.10" |
Regular |
|
7.20" - 7.70" |
Long |
|
|
Step 4: |
Search for straps meeting your size/length criteria — now that you know
what size and length of watch strap you need, you may search our website to see
what we have available.
In our example, we have identified the following:
| Size: |
22mm |
| Length: |
Regular |
|
22mm regular |
With this information, you can place your computer cursor in the "Search Website" box and type in
22mm regular then click the orange "Search" button. (shown in the graphic below)
Search Website for Size and Length
After clicking the "Search" button, results will be displayed. You will see
thumbnail images like those shown below. Click on any image to view a product
page providing product descriptions, details, and larger photographs.
Search Results: Size and Length
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Step 5: |
Limit Your Search to a Particular Color (optional) — the color of your leather watch band is matter of personal preference. However, we mention it here to help you narrow your search.
We just learned how to search by size and length. Let’s add to that and say that
you want a brown strap. In our example, we have now identified the following:
| Size: |
22mm |
| Length: |
Regular |
| Color: |
Brown |
|
22mm regular brown |
With this information, you can place your computer cursor in the "Search Website" box and type in
22mm regular brown then click the orange "Search" button. (shown in the graphic below).
Search Website for Size, Length, and
Color
After clicking the "Search" button, results will again be displayed. This time,
however, the resulting list of products will be smaller and more-focused than
the previous size/length search.
Search Results: Size, Length, and Color
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Step 6: |
Limit Your Search to a Particular Style (optional) — the style of your
watchband is also a matter of personal preference. However, if you know what
style you desire, you can further refine your search.
We just learned how to search by size, length, and color. Let’s say that you want a crocodile band. If so, add that to the previous list of attributes:
| Size: |
22mm |
| Length: |
Regular |
| Color: |
Brown |
| Style: |
Crocodile |
|
22mm regular brown crocodile |
With this information, you can place your computer cursor in the
"Search Website" box and type in 22mm regular brown crocodile then click the
orange "Search" button (shown in the graphic below).
Search Website for Size, Length, Color,
and Style
Again, you will see an even smaller, more-focused list of product choices than the
previous size/length/color search.
Search Results: Size, Length, Color, and
Style
Of course, you can always change your mind and try other searches; or, you can enter only a style description if you want to see all colors available. Just remember,
Size and Length (22mm regular, in our example) should usually be a part of your search to avoid bands that are not the correct size. |
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