How to Change a Watch Strap and Spring Bar Basics - Watch and Learn #9

In the 9th episode of Watch and Learn, we show you how to change the strap or bracelet on your watch. It's a simple undertaking that can really transform your watch without costing much. Afterwards, we will break apart a spring bar and show you how they work, and why you need to check them every time you change your strap.
For a link to the tool used in the video, please visit: www.longisland...

[@davidcoven6614]

I watched this video after spending over an hour yesterday trying to change an expansion band from one watch to another. I bought a watch repair kit from Amazon. After it arrived, I could not figure out from the cryptic instructions how to use the spring bar. Since I readily admit to not being the brightest bear in the country, I watched the video again, watched whole video on how to use the tool, and was able to change the band in about 4 minutes . Everybody else might never need the video but it worked well for me. Thank you for taking the time to make it

[@manoflego123]

I love seeing these old W&L videos, they show how the simplicity and straightforward nature of the series has never changed, just the lighting and background (for the better).

[@wrthrash]

Owe you another beer, was having huge probs putting on a nice MM300 bracelet, this saved the day.

[@RoelfvanderMerwe]

Best watch related series on KZbin! Loving your stuff Marc. I'll be buying a watch from your site soon

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching!

[@CompetentSalesUSA]

Good!

[@Streak09]

@@islandwatch I have my WWE watch band can I change the links to a Strap or not

[@stacyfoote9639]

I have been struggling for over a week to get this watch band on. I thought I knew what I was doing. No one would do it for me because it was a Samsung watch and they "do not sell them." So I ordered my own watch kit box with springs. I have struggled and struggled. Finally googled it and you popped up. YOU ARE THE BEST TEACHER EVER!!! Bam, first time, I got the springs in. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mark for having a video of such online. Best Wishes to you from Sebring, Florida.

[@Alex-px2mb]

I installed a NATO strap on my Citizen watch tonight with the help of this video, even though you only talk about NATO straps for a few seconds. And the rest of it was super-informative. Thanks!

[@scuba453]

I recommend turning the watch over and removing the spring bars from the backside of the lugs. Over time there will be minor scratches from this action...best to have them hidden on the back of the lugs. Never paid much attention to the bars....from now on will regularly check their springiness. Thanks for the upload.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching! Changing a strap on camera is quite an undertaking!

[@matt_valentine]

This is exactly the video that I needed to watch, as I'm planning to swap out a bracelet for a leather strap next week. This is incredibly helpful information. You explain everything in perfect detail. Thank you!

[@islandwatch]

Great, glad you found it useful.

[@Beechnutlk]

Received my DS5X bracelet from LIW. Planning to install it in my DS57 today. These videos and buying from LIW are a great combination.

[@bronco1199]

Hi Mark, I just want to say how much I love these videos. New to the hobby and trying learn how to DIY as much as I can. The expression "tricks of the trade" is so appropriate for what I'm going through lol. Changed my first strap! Scratched the hell out of the lugs!!!! Bought a cheap spring bar tool, lesson learned.

[@runningwithscissors0911]

Thanks! You are a good teacher - clear, concise and you don't gloss over the details (I love the details)!

[@wkc1217]

Thank you! I changed my Citizen strap which came with new pin bars while watching your excellent video.

[@yourdata2478]

Excellent for people who want to get in to the fix themselves side of watches and for their personal satisfaction, you really do this well Marc 👍👏👏

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@coochykilla]

the 2nd part of your video is what really won me over. Very detailed and informative. Great job.

[@marybethfrain7165]

Wow ..wow...thank you for taking the time to share these skills !! Helped me immensely

[@carpandrei7493]

Watch and learn is the reason I subscribed. The best educational series about watches on KZbin, hands down!

[@vinnie_baggadonuts]

I just ordered a titanium bracelet from you guys today to swap out in my victorinox divemaster 500 titanium. This video looks like it will help me out quite a bit! Thanks!!

[@michaeloesterheld5166]

Hi Mark, thanks for this video. Just did my first leather strap change. Put a an old crockskin Seiko strap on my Grandfathers old Rothermans.

[@corazoncubano5372]

I had no idea how to remove the awful watchband that came with a watch I just recently purchased. Your clear and simple demonstration allowed me to be able to both remove and replace the strap on the watch. Thank you.

[@davidconlon7410]

Excellent information with clarity.

[@brewer9565]

Discovered your site via TGV Urban Gentry. Great video. Hugely informative - especially the info about spring bars. I have my eye on a Squale from the website and will definitely be in contact with you. Keep up the great job!

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@jfrschnell]

What I like about it it's not just the timepeices on itself but the educational things around it. always waiting for the next one to come up. By the way the junk watches.... You can send the junk watches to my place :D :D

[@ottoworner9602]

This had been very very interesting indeed. Everybody wears a wristwatch but only a few are able to get through those details. YOU get a glimpse how to change the straps in a sophisticated way so your watch won't get lost. Highly recommended to know about.

[@paulb1383]

Informative video. I do most of my own adjustments these days but this was helpful. Wasn't aware of the Sieko 5 and glad I seen this before racking my brain! Lol 😆 Thanks

[@caglioso]

This video was really helpful. I ordered a kit so I can do this myself since my jeweler is shut down from the pandemic. Thank you!

[@timemachineeddie1146]

Excellent video Mark! Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@istvantoth7431]

Best watch-channel on KZbin by far ... Thanks for all the vids Sir 👊

[@59lizzz]

Many, many. Thanks I did this myself with no problem. Again thanks and God bless you and all your loved one.

[@cherylchiasson473]

THANK. you for this video! I was about to throw out a new watch band due to not knowing how to install the spring clip.

[@Malcolm1959]

Great stuff Marc, I for one certainly undervalued the importance of the humble spring bar!!! No more though thanks to you..

[@du315h0k]

This is so good to learn. Thank you for the watch and learn series. I had a reoccurring problem with the end link of my bracelet. The bent spring bars would always come out of the holes in the lugs and there were 2 sets of holes for some reason. Took it to a few jewelers for new pins and the bracelet kept unfastening anyways. Ended up using JB Weld to affix ths spring pins in place to the end links and the end links to the lugs on my cheap chinese beater that I wear to work in the machine shop.

[@siddhunkarthik]

As always.....good video.....👌🏻...your video makes me so comfortable to change stainless steel bracelet & straps easily. 🤪

[@e.eeyore2862]

Love *ALL* your videos Marc! These learn ones are awesome! Thank you so much for them. Somebody below asked about resizing Seiko bands and you have mentioned the warning several times about them. I don't understand the issue so I too would love it if you covered it. Thanks a million!

[@AvgJoeWatchReviews]

Interesting! Thanks Marc.

[@praagner]

Thank you for making this, it's very useful for someone new to watches.

[@garywilson7992]

Wait a second here! Your not Philip Raagner, your Robert Taylor, and who do you think your fooling with that old photo, you couldn’t possibly still look that good.

[@garywilson7992]

I didn’t watch very long, how common is it for everyone to have measuring calipers, and to just pull out their handy strap changing tool ? but if that wasn’t disappointing enough, he’s measuring in millimeters. So that’s where I stopped, I guess I’ll just have to go to the watch repair shop. He’s a pretty nice guy, but for quite awhile now he’s been sitting in there by himself scared to death, & looking he’s a member of the klu klux klan, and insists that whoever comes in looks like a fellow member or ready to perform surgery.

[@anthonyblore]

im fixing my watch strap ive bought watch spring bars so needed to see something like this

[@deecampbell1005]

You and your videos are extremely helpful and invaluable. Thank you sir 🙏🏾

[@deecampbell1005]

Subbed

[@nrs6956]

Great. Many thanks for your trouble. Please keep on with your series.

[@varunu4176]

I usually use my nails to change the straps and spring bars, works just fine and easy :) Oh, and I just replaced my strap on an Orient bambino that I purchased from Marc in 2016.

[@BruceWilliams]

Love the choices for your WWC bro

[@islandwatch]

thanks!

[@cayrick]

Good video Marc. When trying to buy spring rods, manufacturers provide the barrel length and barrel diameter but not the tip length. I just bought some high strength generic rods for my Casio Pathfinder watch with a titanium bracelet. A heavy bag of fertilizer fell out of my hands and snagged the watch band shearing the spring rods. I ordered new rods but did not have the old tip lengths. . The replacements had the correct barrel length and diameter but the tips were too short to fit properly into the bracelet itself so I scrapped them. The end of the bracelet is Y shaped and straddles the solid plastic lug on the watch. The bracelet/watch attachment points on the bracelet where the tips seat are about 5mm in length which is non standard. So instead of cheap generic spring rods I have been forced to buy OEM pins for $14.95 with a handsome margin for Casio. People like me do not have your expertise and are simply looking for a simple solution like "these rods fit a Casio-1300T" for example and if advertised properly that margin goes to you. I assume the same thing applies to Seiko watches. Same thing for those overpriced metal turtle bracelets that Casio sells for between $120 - $200. Again market your product line properly and those margins could be yours.

[@jimboutilier7552]

Great video and series! Fyi, Citizen sometimes uses a variation of pins and collars where the collar sits in a little hollow in the center part of the link. Downside is you can't tell by looking before you start. Good side is you don't have to fight the collar when reinserting the pin - just make sure you put in back in the center link - or later the pin falls out and the watch falls off.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for sharing; just another reason to always be careful and watch everything when you're sizing.

[@m.b.alford6760]

Awesome Video. Thanks for taking the time to make these Videos. It's a Great source of information for those of us new to Horology and Wrist Watches in particular.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for taking the time to watch.

[@LampSticker]

Love these Videos!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

[@BolFelix]

your videos are so useful and I like my black strap Lexington so much! Thx Long Island Watch.

[@islandwatch]

Great, enjoy!

[@krissimon3053]

Keep up the great work, Marc! Bonus points for introducing me to the SNZH55K1 in this video, now I have the blue version on my wrist.

[@greg6379]

Thanks so much! I'm about to perform my first strap change.

[@awakeningwolf]

i may be late but this is awesome video. I learned a lot.

[@TheChadWork2001]

Thanks Mark!

[@markpercival2619]

Thanks Marc. Yet another of your useful, informative videos. Have a wonderful Christmas Season..

[@islandwatch]

Thank you for watching.

[@alamohamed8485]

Very nice video. I learned lots. Thank you very much....

[@jesstotten5571]

Liked just for the wrist check

[@slicksport2000]

Thank you for the info! Exactly what I needed to know to replace mine 👍

[@raymondmalone9721]

Once again another fantastic video Marc.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@chriskelly509]

Thank you for the video

[@rickyny78]

Thank you Mark, this was awesome.

[@leemcgowan9]

great video and thanks again for the ray raven ii . love it

[@islandwatch]

Great, enjoy!

[@elizabethleondariti5597]

This was very helpful - thank you! :)

[@haroldrios80]

Thanks Men ,that really help me a lot ,and on the way I learn a few other stuff

[@safari2411]

thanks for this very useful and educational video!

[@steven2809]

Extremely useful...thanks! 👍

[@DeltaVictorMike]

great series, much needed. thanks

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for watching.

[@courtneyMoody81188]

Thank you for teaching me about the Spring bar but I don't understand why my Spring bar is not holding in the end tips they just fall out so is it because my Spring bar is broken or my Spring has been sprung

[@philliphull50]

Great work Mark I really appreciate this video!

[@islandwatch]

Glad you enjoy it.

[@joelocascio]

Thank you. Great video, Mark!

[@256k_]

i can't wait for high end spring bars market... 24k gold spring bars or titanium spring bars.... that's the future!

[@Orphe123]

Thank you I got the answer I was looking for.

[@jasonriccoboni5931]

Helpful video as always, really like watching the “watch & learns”. Not sure if you’re posting these anymore, but I would love for you to post a video putting the bracelet, preferably one with a solid end link, back on. I understand that it’s just the opposite procedure as removing, or at least in theory in should be, but I am having a heck of a time putting my TAG bracelet back on my TAG watch head. I took it off so that I can change out leather and silicone bands, but I’d love to learn how to re-attach the bracelet with ease so that I can switch between leather, silicone and the bracelet. Maybe you can show some tips or tricks of the trade to make it easier? For reverence, just as an FYI, I have the TAG Aquaracer WAY211C.

[@RobinMarkowitzcoolmedia]

Thank you. One caveat. The original buckles often do not have deep enough holes to snap back in. This refers to the buckle, not the band. Third-party buckles are a really good idea so you don't waste an hour on a s--tty buckle. You can't know until you remove a buckle as to whether it's good enough. They needn't be expensive. Barton is excellent! I have 3 Pebble Times, all with new bands and buckles. Well, 2½. I have to order one now.

[@MyCrystalPlaid]

Thank you!

[@rongriffiths6927]

Hi Mark, Can you show and advise of how to change a Seiko metal strap, from a Seiko Padi, but then replace it with a metal strap that I bought of better quality, I think it's a Jubilee bracelet for Seiko models, it has the same Seiko ends, I managed to get the bracelet out, but how on earth do you get the spring bars on the replacement bracelet back. I have spent hours trying too no avail. I watch all your videos and can't say thank you enough for all your wonderful presentations. am scolling your Web site, you have a great choice many thanks Ronnie.

[@sjonny-depp]

3:50 that moment where I would scratch my case.

[@stevefarmer15]

Seiko's kick arse. After all those years of hearing how size isn't important, how must my Tissot feel now, next to the big boy Seikos? Loving this series, learning so much. Regards.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you for watching.

[@Niidas]

Great video Marc. Really helpful and informative.

[@daspiper8941]

I highly recommend you use double-flange Spring Bars for easier removal. ~Be sure to buy extras because these buggers can easily be lost on carpets. ~They can also be bent if not carefully removed.

[@wangandy2551]

So do I,just bought this double-flanged spring bar from Amazon and it looks great.www.amazon.com/dp/B088DTR4CG

[@sir3612]

Could you please do a video on bracelet re-sizing? I tried to adjust my Seiko monster bracelet my self and completely ruined it! thanks

[@islandwatch]

Sure, great idea!

[@philipallen2730]

As usual Marc excellent and informative video

[@islandwatch]

Thank you!

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

That was *one* cool lecture. Thank you.

[@mikebutlermedia4211]

You weren't kidding about it being harder to put the spring bar and end link on a bracelet watch! I'm still trying! (I should have parted the bracelet in the middle)

[@robertparkes4982]

I love your videos.THANKS !

[@islandwatch]

Thank you.

[@glen8461]

thanks great content

[@ccooper8040]

Great learning video Marc. Love my Seiko watches except of the integrated stainless bracelets. I have 2 and neither have failed yet. Hopefully in 20+ years Seiko will offer replacement bracelets.

[@stevenc8140]

I have had a Seiko watch since 1974. It finally broke where they could not get parts. It was one of the first “move-your-wrist-wind” watches made! Gosh I wish…

[@erizzle67]

Maybe obvious, but I always work with the spring bars from the back side of the lugs. So if I slip I don’t scratch the front! As for integrated bracelets, I have a smart watch with very few aftermarket options. But they all come with this “interface” link that’s 3D printed or something. So I bought several so I could have a bunch of the interface links as spares. Now I can put just about any strap I want on it!

[@HeinrichGerber]

Wish I "watched" this before replacing my Seiko 5 strap...

[@hoc5303]

Thanks ❤❤❤

[@brandonjantoniewicz7116]

Excellent video, thorough and detailed. Helped guide me through my band resize. Unfortunately I misplaced one of my clasp's spring bar pins. Where can you find a parts list to purchase a replacement. None of my local Seiko dealers carry the bars/pins in stock. For a SPB167J1.

[@MartinGER-watchlover]

Nice one Mark thanks.

[@islandwatch]

Thank you for watching.

[@WuBloodKin09]

Good stuff!

[@alahhart3368]

Good but my watch has no pin holes to remove extra links. each link has a flat bar with no holes but a plain face. It does have arrows on last 4 links where it meets the clasp No holes there either to drive out pin. Clasp has hole to adjust but not enough to shorten the strap to keep it from hanging. Better still a link to show how? Appreciate. Some one put it together so it must come apart. Seller doesn't know and a watch repair person will charge more that I Paid. Seller sent me to a link to remove pins that had holes for pin while mine has none. like the watch but far to big need to remove as least 3 sections

[@jasonamoako9729]

Great video

[@NOSUCHVideos]

Will you be able to figure out an adapter to put a nato on a swatch?

[@waelnajj1670]

İ have seiko presage ssa379j1 very beautiful time piece i just wonder if it is possible to replace it's leather strap with metal bracelet ?? Any suggestions?

[@wallflower225]

My watch doesn't have spring bars to remove the bracelet. I believe they're pins. I tried pushing it out with the pin side of the spring bar tool but was unsuccessful. I would like to try to change the band myself. What do you recommend I use?

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

If you don't change the strap, bracelets etc, how often would you check or renew these bars? I can imagine they have a maximum life. Cheers. Love this series:-)(

[@johnmilner7603]

I’ve changed many spring bars with the correct tools but I wish you had removed a spring bar out of the Seiko dive watch which has a 2.5mm dia spring bar case with a 1.1mm tip and last of all it’s shoulderless which makes it a PITA to get a grip on the spring bar to remove. When the tools don’t work then that’s when the dental floss comes out to use.

[@ripcordjr5696]

good info thank you.

[@ProducerWannabe]

Hi, what’s the difference beteeen the big and the small fork? Di the bith have specific function?

[@edeneriggs3841]

Great video. I've changed spring bar held bands before but having trouble with the rubber strap on my Longines LungoMare. There are notches on the underside of the band to give access but the spring bar won't compress, I even bent the forked removal tool. Rubber strap has big cracks and about to break. Could I have corrosion inside the spring bar not allowing them to compress? Suggestions?

[@thecoyote9866]

What do you call the spring-bar inside the micro adjuster clasp of a Seiko?

[@Staggo_L]

Great. Thanks !

[@Kraftiediva]

Thank you