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Watch Lugs Explained: Measure the Strap Opening Correctly

Measure lug width between the inner faces of the lugs in millimetres. Learn how it differs from lug-to-lug length and what to check before buying a replacement strap.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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Watch lugs are the projections on a watch case where the strap or bracelet attaches. To find the lug width you need for a replacement strap, measure the gap between the inner faces of the lugs at the attachment point, in millimetres. That measurement—not the case diameter or the distance from one end of the watch to the other—sets the strap’s width at the watch end.

What are watch lugs?

Lugs are the parts of the case that hold the strap or bracelet. Nixon’s watch guide describes a lug, also called a horn, as the place where the strap or bracelet attaches to the watch case. A watch typically has a pair of lugs at each strap attachment point.

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What does lug width measure?

Lug width is the inside-to-inside distance between the two lugs at one attachment point. It tells you how wide a replacement strap must be where it meets the watch. Measure and record it in millimetres.

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Measurements that are easy to confuse

  • Lug width: the gap between the inner lug faces; use it to choose the strap’s watch-end width.
  • Lug-to-lug: the distance from the outer tip of the upper lugs to the outer tip of the lower lugs, measured along the watch’s 12-to-6 direction. It describes how much length the watch occupies on the wrist, not the strap width.
  • Case diameter: a separate measurement of the case. It does not tell you the lug width.
  • Buckle width and strap length: separate strap dimensions. A tapered strap can be wider at the watch end than at the buckle.

How do you measure watch lugs?

  1. Place the watch on a clean, soft surface. If the strap blocks the gap, remove it only if you know how to release its attachment safely. A conventional spring-bar strap may require a spring-bar tool.
  2. Use a millimetre ruler across the opening, from the inner face of one lug to the inner face of the other. Align the ruler with the strap attachment axis and read the scale straight on.
  3. Repeat the measurement to check the reading. If the gap is difficult to measure clearly, use the inside-measuring jaws of calipers gently, without pressing against or forcing the tool onto the case.
  4. Write down the opening in millimetres. Do not measure across the outer lug edges, across the dial, or from the upper lug tips to the lower lug tips; those measure different spans.

Nixon recommends a millimetre ruler or calipers, measuring between the inside faces, removing the strap if necessary, and double-checking the result. Its guide gives 16 mm, 20 mm, and 23 mm as examples of widths offered for its replacement straps; those are product examples, not a complete range of possible lug widths.

#1 Best Overall
BISONSTRAP Men’s Nylon Watch Bands, Two-Piece Military Watch Straps, Quick Release, Brushed Buckle, 20mm, Black (Black Buckle)
  • Flexible and Comfortable: Made of tightly weave nylon fabric, this watch strap is soft, breathable, lightweight, washable and quick drying, paired with a sturdy brushed stainless steel buckle, suitable for various occasions
  • Sturdy and Durable: The double-layer nylon is sewn, and the neat stitching enhances its aesthetic appeal and makes the strap more durable. The strap features laser cut holes to resist fraying and won't scratch your skin
  • Easy to Change: The quick release springs make it a breeze to install on your watch, no tools required
  • Applicable Wrist Length: The strap length is 75mm+125mm, thickness: 2.2mm, suitable for wrists ranging from 15.5cm to 20cm (6”-8”)
  • Size Selection: Compatible with traditional or smart watches with standard lug width of 18mm, 19mm, 20mm and 22mm. Please accurately measure your watch lug width before ordering. Size=Watch Lug Width

Measuring an old strap instead

If you cannot measure the watch opening, measure the end of the existing strap that attaches to the watch. Do not use the buckle end as a substitute: tapered straps may narrow toward the buckle. Also check what the maker means if the strap has a printed size, since a stated width may refer to a different part of the strap.

What size watch strap do you need?

Start with the measured lug width, and confirm that a listing’s width refers to the watch end of the strap. Width is only the first compatibility check. Before ordering, check the exact watch model or reference and case-size variant, then confirm these details:

Rank #2
BISONSTRAP Watch Strap 18mm, Vintage Leather Replacement Watch Band, Brown
  • SIZE SELECTION: Available in 14mm 15mm 16mm 17mm 18mm 19mm 20mm 21mm 22mm 23mm and 24mm, please accurately measure your watch lug width and choose the right size
  • WATCH BAND MATERIAL: Vintage Crazy Horse Leather lined with soft genuine leather, comfortable on your wrist, polished solid stainless steel buckle
  • RETRO LOOKING: Natural crack appears when the leather is bent (NOTE: the black strap no crack), elegant and stylish. It's a loud little piece that express your style and personality
  • BAND LENGTH: This strap is a regular length, suitable for wrists of 6" to 8", please refer to figure 6 for details
  • BISONSTRAP SERVICE:If there are any question about the strap, please email us. REFUND or FREE REPLACEMENT, we will try our best to satisfy every customer
  • Attachment type: Make sure the strap connects in the same way as the watch. Integrated or proprietary attachments may need a model-specific strap.
  • Strap-end shape and clearance: Check that a straight, curved, or otherwise shaped end fits the case without fouling it.
  • Spring-bar fit: For a conventional spring-bar attachment, verify the bar body and tips are suitable for the watch and strap.
  • Length: Choose a strap length appropriate for the wearer; length is separate from lug width.
  • Material and style: Leather, fabric, nylon, rubber, steel, and silicone are material options, but none can compensate for incorrect dimensions or an incompatible attachment.

A millimetre ruler is usually enough when the opening is accessible. Calipers are an optional aid for a difficult reading; a spring-bar tool is useful only when removing or fitting a compatible conventional spring-bar strap.

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Best Value
BISONSTRAP Watch Bands 20mm, Alligator Embossed Leather Watch Straps, Black with Silver Buckle
  • Band Material: High-quality calfskin with alligator grain embossing, lining with soft genuine leather, breathable and comfortable to wear, solid stainless steel buckle
  • Band Design: Adopting a padded style, this strap tapers in thickness from 5mm to 3mm, vivid crocodile pattern, adding character to a watch
  • Band Width (Size): Fit for different kinds of watch that uses 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 24mm spring bars, please accurately measure your watch lug width and choose the right size
  • Band Length: 75mm and 125mm. This strap is designed to fit wrists 6" to 8" (15.5cm-20cm), but watch geometry also impacts fit
  • Package Included: 1 watch strap + 1 installation tool + 4 spring bars. Any questions about the strap, please contact us. REFUND or FREE REPLACEMENT, we will try our best to satisfy every customer
Rank #4
Archer Watch Straps - Classic Military Style Nylon Watch Bands (Black/Gray, 20mm)
  • Elite Heritage – First issued by Britain’s Ministry of Defense, the military-style nylon watch strap was designed to be tough, lightweight, and failsafe. Ours is no different—a testament to uncompromising quality and design that cuts no corners.
  • Classic Design – Here at Archer Watch Straps, we consider the military-style nylon strap the wayfarer of watch straps. That’s why it was our very first model. A perfect balance of fashion and function, our nylon bands are clean, classic, and timelessly sharp.
  • Made to Endure – Honoring its esteemed history, our strap was carefully crafted with premium waterproof nylon and a durable stainless steel mil-spec buckle that won't chip or tarnish. Fit for the modern day adventurerer, it's one of the most durable straps in our lineup.
  • Locked in Place – Using the simple Y-Strap ensures that if one of your watch’s spring bars fails, the other will keep that treasured time-piece on your wrist. Our straps are sewn with use time-tested, heavy-duty stitching, so unlike bands that use cheap heat-bonding, our seams won’t come apart.
  • A Fit for Any Wrist – This classic style comfortably fits wrists from about 5.5” to roughly 8.5” in circumference. And don’t worry—any excess tucks away easily for your comfort and convenience. We’ve also spaced our stainless steel keeper rings to allow for added slack in the loop, giving you more flexibility for placing the watch and buckle along the band.
Rank #3
TIESOME Silicone Watch Bands, Quick Release Waterproof Soft Rubber Replacement Straps with Silver Plated Stainless Steel Buckle Compatible with Smart Watch Sport Watch for Men Women (22mm, Black)
  • 【Quick Installation】The quick-release strap has a quick-release function, the quick-release spring bar allows you to change the watch strap in seconds without tools.
  • 【High-quality material】: The watch strap is made of high-strength and environmentally friendly silicone rubber with a black matte stainless steel buckle. Simple fashion and durable.
  • 【Soft and skin-friendly】: The watch accessory watch straps have no sharp edges, feel soft, are light, flexible to use, and very strong. The bracelet can be washed repeatedly without fading.
  • 【Wide Application】: The watch strap for men and women is suitable for creating your unique daily style. Ideal for outdoor sports such as running, fitness, hiking, climbing, camping, fishing, golf and more.
  • 【Compatibility】: The replacement silicone watch strap is suitable for any watch that uses a standard 22mm spring bar. Please confirm the width of the watch lugs before purchasing. Just choose the strap with the appropriate width; it will fit your watch.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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