Chloe Zhang
Changing a plastic watch band is a simple process that can be done at home with the right tools and a steady hand. It is a cost-effective way to replace a broken band or update the look of your watch. The first step is to remove the existing band by using a spring bar tool to compress and remove the spring bars. Then, the new band can be installed by threading the spring bars through the loop or hole at the top of each side of the band and sliding the spring bars into the new band. Finally, the band can be secured by compressing the spring bars and sliding them into the watch's lug.
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What You'll Learn
Removing the current band
To remove a plastic watch band, you will need to pay careful attention to the following steps:
First, lay your watch on a table with the dial facing down. You should be looking at the case back and the backside of the strap. Make sure you have a spring bar tool with a forked end. Gently insert the forked end of the spring bar tool in between the strap and the lug. You should be looking for the spring bar, which is often hidden under the watch case.
Once you have located the spring bar, position the forked end of the spring bar tool above the donut ring on the spring bar and push down until the end is out of the way. Turn your watch case on its side for stability. Take your spring bar tool and insert the forked end into one of the openings where you see the spring bar above the donut ring. Once the forked end grabs the spring bar's ridge, apply a controlled downward pressure to compress the spring bar on the other side. This should detach one end of the strap from the lug.
Now, slowly remove the whole strap from the spring bar. Turn the watch case around in your hand so that the other half of the band that is still attached to the case is accessible. Take your spring bar and repeat the previous step: find the edges of the spring bar that are sticking out of either side of the watch band and insert the spring bar tool so that it will catch on the donut ring. Push the spring bar down on itself with the spring bar tool. When it is compressed, twist the spring bar tool to push that end of the band out of the case.
Finally, release the spring bar and carefully pull the second half of the watch band out of the watch case. You have now successfully removed the current band and can move on to installing the replacement strap.
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Installing the replacement band
Now that you have removed the old watch band, it is time to install the new one. Pick one side of the new watch band and insert the spring bar. Orient the watch case so that it is sitting on its side with the back facing you and the end that matches the watch band free. If your new watch band did not come with spring bars, you can reuse the old ones as long as they are in good condition.
Thread the spring bar through the ends of the new band. Make sure the spring bar fits the indents in your watch lugs. Line up your new band next to the old one so that you can tell which side of the watch band belongs on each side of the watch case.
Insert the bottom end of one spring bar into the watch lug indent. Take one half of the band, and carefully place the bottom part of the spring bar into the indent in the shoulder, or case lug, of the watch. Put the spring bar back into the place where it was before you took off the old band.
Now, grab the second half of the new watch band and insert the other spring bar into the band. Turn the watch case around so the end without a band attached is accessible. Insert the first end of the watch band into the space for it in the watch case. Position one end of the spring bar in the notch in the case.
Finally, use your spring bar tool’s forked end to push down the free end of the spring bar and slide the end of the watch band completely into place in the watch case. Gently tug on the watch band to ensure the spring bar is firmly seated.
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Using a spring bar tool
To remove the old watch band, position the fork end of the spring bar tool between the strap and the watch casing. Locate the notch on the spring bar and use the tool to push that part of the spring bar. Compress the spring bar so that you can lower it into place, aiming for the other lug hole. Repeat the process for the other piece of the strap. Then, gently tug on each strap to ensure the spring bars are secured in place.
If you are removing a metal bracelet, use the thinner fork end of your spring bar tool on the end links of the bracelet (where the bracelet meets the watch head). You will usually find cut-away slots where you can partially see the spring bar. Slot the thinner fork end into the outside edge of the slot in front of the flange (a raised ring around the spring bar end) and push inwards until you release the spring bar from the lug.
When removing a rubber or leather watch strap, position the wider fork end so that it slots between the end of the strap and the inside of the lug. You may need to squeeze the strap inwards slightly. Pull the spring bar inwards until you hear or feel it release from the lug.
To attach the new watch band, insert the spring bars into the lugs and then secure the band to the watch using the same spring bar tool.
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Positioning the spring bar
First, ensure that the spring bar is properly threaded through the ends of the new watch band. The spring bar attaches the end caps to the band and watch case, so be careful not to lose any parts when releasing the spring bar. The spring bar should protrude equally from both sides of the strap.
Next, orient the watch case so that it is sitting on its side, with the back facing you and the end that matches the watch band free. Line up the new watch band next to the old one to determine which side of the new band belongs on each side of the watch case. This step ensures that the finished side of the watch band is facing the same direction as the watch face.
Now, you can begin positioning the spring bar. Insert the first end of the watch band into the watch case, and then angle the band so that you can position the spring bar in the notch within the watch case. Use your spring bar tool to gently push down on the spring bar, compressing it, and then slide the end of the watch band completely into place. Be cautious during this step, as the spring bar tool may slip, causing the spring bar to fly off.
Finally, grab the second half of the new watch band and repeat the process. Insert the other spring bar into the band, and then turn the watch case around so that the end without a band attached is accessible. Position one end of the spring bar in the notch in the case, and then use the forked end of your spring bar tool to push down on the free end of the spring bar, sliding it into place. Again, ensure that the finished side of the watch band is facing the correct direction.
With these steps, you should be able to successfully position the spring bar when replacing a plastic watch band.
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Checking for stability
To check for stability, it is important to ensure that the new watch band is secure and will not come loose during wear. This can be done by gently tugging on the watch band to ensure the spring bar is firmly seated.
For a NATO strap, which differs in the way it is installed and styled, it is important to follow the specific instructions for this type of strap. First, prepare the watch by removing the original strap. Then, attach the NATO strap by threading the spring bars through the loops at the top of each side of the band. Make sure the spring bars fit the indents in the watch lugs.
For a secure connection, it is crucial to check that the spring bars are properly compressed and inserted into the lug holes. The spring bar tool should be used to compress the spring bar, and then it should be pushed into the lug. This process should be repeated for the other side of the watch band.
Additionally, for watches with adjustable bands that are attached with screws, it is important to ensure that the screws are tightened securely. A small jeweler's or watchmaker's flathead screwdriver can be used to tighten the set screws in the lug holes. By adding a little force to turn the screwdriver an additional quarter turn, you can ensure a secure fit.
Finally, check that the finished side of the watch band is facing the same direction as the watch face. This ensures that the watch band is not only stable but also aesthetically pleasing.
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Frequently asked questions
Place the watch face down on a soft surface. Use a spring bar tool to compress and remove the spring bars. You should see the edges of the spring bar on either side of the watch band. Remove the band and place the spring bar in a parts tray so you remember which side of the watch case it belongs on.
Thread the spring bars through the ends of the new band. Make sure they fit the indents in your watch lugs. Place the bottom end of one spring bar into the watch lug indent. Put the spring bar back into the place where it was before you took off the old band. Gently tug on the watch band to ensure the spring bar is firmly seated.
You will need a spring bar tool and a soft surface to work on. You may also need a small jeweller's screwdriver if your watch band is attached with small screws.
The attachment system, the spring bars, are very small and easy to lose, so caution should be taken when working with them. The spring bar tool may slip off the spring bar as it is being compressed, or the spring bar may slip out from between the lugs during placement.
