How To Replace A Watch Buckle

To replace the buckle on your strap, you will need a spring bar removal tool and a new buckle that is the correct size to fit your band.

Before we begin, you will need to measure the width of the strap at the buckle end to know what size buckle you need. For example, if the band is 20mm wide at the buckle end, you will need a 20mm buckle. The width of a watch strap’s buckle end is usually, but not always, a different size than the width of a watch strap’s watch end.

The other thing to consider is the thorn width. A heavy-duty pre-v buckle will not necessarily fit on a strap that previously had a simple tang buckle, as the cut-out for the thorn will be too small.

Now that you know how to choose the right fit, let’s get started.

STEP 1 – REMOVING THE OLD BUCKLE

To remove the old buckle, use the forked end of the spring bar removal tool to compress the spring bar that is securing the buckle to the strap.

This is done by inserting the end of the tool between the strap and the edge of the buckle so that the forked end is hugging the spring bar. Use the tool to compress the spring bar inwards (towards the strap) until it is released from the buckle.

NOTE: Some buckles have small holes on the side to make this process easier. If your buckle has these holes, simply insert the pin pusher end of the spring bar tool into the hole to compress the spring bar until it is released from the buckle.

Next, remove the spring bar from the strap completely by simply pulling it out with your fingers. If the spring can’t easily be removed with your fingers, you can use the pin pusher end of the spring bar removal tool to push it out.

Once the spring bar has been removed completely, the thorn of the buckle will either fall off, or can be easily removed from the strap.

The old buckle has now been removed completely, and we are ready to proceed with the installation of the new buckle.

STEP 2 – INSTALLING THE NEW BUCKLE

We begin the installation of the new buckle by inserting the spring bar through one side of the strap until it reaches the cut-out.

Next, insert the thorn into the cut-out, and hold it in place while you continue to push the spring bar through the rest of the way. You can use the pin pusher again to help if needed.

Finally, we will install the rest of the buckle. To do this, simply catch it on one side of the spring bar…

…and then use the forked end of the spring bar removal tool to compress the spring bar on the other side, allowing you to slide the buckle on top of it.

Give it a gentle pull to make sure it is attached securely, and the installation is complete.