Watch Talk #1 – How to Measure Your Watch Lug Width
A new strap is the fastest way to give your timepiece a completely new personality. Whether you’re swapping a stainless steel bracelet for a vintage leather strap or a rugged NATO, there is one technical detail you cannot ignore: the lug width.
If you get this measurement wrong, your new strap either won't fit at all or will leave an unsightly gap. In this first edition of Watch Talk, we’ll show you exactly how to measure your watch strap size like a pro.
What is Lug Width?
Before we grab the tools, let’s define the term. The lug width is the distance between the two "horns" or lugs of the watch case where the strap is attached. This measurement is almost always expressed in millimeters (mm).
3 Easy Ways to Find Your Lug Width
We’ve curated three simple methods to find your size, ranging from "no tools required" to "pro-level precision."
Method 1: Check Your Current Strap (The Quickest Way)
Before you start measuring, take a look at the back of your current watch strap. Many manufacturers stamp the size directly onto the lining of the leather or rubber.
As you can see in the image above, the number 18 indicates the width in millimeters. If your current strap fits perfectly and has a number, you’ve found your size!
Method 2: Use a Digital Caliper (The Most Accurate Way)
If there is no number on your strap, a digital caliper is the gold standard for watch enthusiasts. It provides a pinpoint accurate reading down to the decimal.
Place the internal jaws of the caliper between the lugs. Make sure the tool is flat against the case. This is especially helpful for luxury watches where a 1mm difference matters significantly.
Method 3: Use a Fine Ruler (The Accessible Way)
Don't have a caliper? A standard metric ruler with fine millimeter markings will do the trick.
Place the "0" mark on the inside of one lug and measure across to the inside of the opposite lug. Be careful: even a tiny tilt of the ruler can lead to an incorrect reading. Always measure twice to be sure!
Common Watch Strap Sizes: What to Expect?
While watches come in all shapes and sizes, the industry has several "standard" measurements. Knowing the common sizes for specific models can help verify your own measurements.
The "Big Three": 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm
The vast majority of modern watches use even-numbered lug widths.
18mm: Very common for vintage men’s watches and modern dress watches.
20mm: Perhaps the most popular size in the world. This is the standard for icons like the Rolex Datejust and the Rolex Day-Date.
22mm: Often found on larger modern sports watches and divers.
The Challenge of Odd Sizes (19mm, 21mm, 23mm)
Some luxury brands use "odd" sizes to ensure a specific aesthetic proportion. This can make finding aftermarket straps a bit more challenging, but it’s crucial for a perfect fit.
19mm: Found on the modern Rolex Explorer (36mm case).
21mm: The standard for the modern Rolex Submariner (41mm models).
23mm: Frequently seen on specific Breitling models, which often favor a wider, more substantial presence on the wrist.
Smaller Sizes: 16mm and Below
If you own a vintage timepiece or a small ladies' watch, you will likely encounter a 16mm lug width. These narrower straps emphasize the delicate nature of smaller cases and are a staple of mid-century watch design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit a 20mm strap on 19mm lugs?
We don't recommend it. Squeezing a leather strap can damage the material and make it look "pinched." For metal bracelets, it’s physically impossible. Always buy the exact size for your lugs.
What if my measurement is between sizes?
Always round to the nearest whole millimeter. If your ruler shows slightly over 20mm, it is almost certainly a 20mm lug width. Manufacturers rarely produce watches with half-millimeter lug widths.
Is the buckle size the same as the lug width?
Not always! Many straps "taper" (get narrower) toward the buckle. For example, a strap might be 20mm at the lugs but 18mm at the buckle. If you plan on reusing your original buckle, make sure to measure that as well!
Ready to Upgrade Your Style?
Now that you have your measurement, the fun part begins. A high-quality strap can make a €500 watch look like a €5,000 watch, and it can make an old heirloom feel brand new again.
Explore our collection of Suede and Saffiano watch straps, available in 18mm, 19mm, and 20mm straps HERE to find your perfect match.