One of the most important things to do when you are planning to change your watch band is to measure the existing band (if possible) and find out the width and length. Without those two measurements, you will not be able to ensure that you have the right size watch band for your watch case. Use this guide from Esslinger.com to help you successfully measure a leather watch band.

You can use this same method to measure silicone, nylon, and diver Velcro watch bands. Always be sure that you are ordering the right size watch band.

Tools Needed:

• A Ruler
• Optional: a digital gauge

Step 1

Before you can measure the watch band, you must first remove the old band from the watch case. You can learn How to Remove a Leather Watch Band here.

Step 2

Once the old watch band has been removed, the first thing to do is determine the width of the watch band. Remove the spring bar from the band and prepare to measure the flat end that usually holds the spring bar. You can do this in two different ways.

Take the flat end up of the watch band and line it up against your ruler so that one edge is even with the zero marker on the metric side of your ruler. Note where the other edge of the watch band ends and take that measurement in millimeters. Note: you can also make this measurement with a digital gauge.

-OR-

Hold the watch case in your hand so that the lugs are facing outward. Then take your digital gauge and place the backward opening upper jaws in between the watch case lugs. Open the gauge’s jaws until they fit snugly against the inside of the watch lugs. Record the millimeter measurement listed on the gauge’s display. If the measurement is not a whole number, round up if the decimal is five or above, and round down if the decimal is less than five. Note: while you can take this measurement with a ruler, you will get the most accurate results using a digital gauge.

Step 3

Now that you know how wide the watch band is, you can measure for the length of the watch band. Start by lining up the two flat ends of the watch band parts so they are touching – remember to keep the watch band parts arranged so you know which side belongs where on the watch case.

Step 4

Next, take your ruler and align the zero mark on the standard side of the ruler with the end of the watch band that holds the clasp. DO NOT include the clasp in your measurement. When you’ve aligned the watch band with the ruler, read the measurement where the pointed end of the watch band stops. This is the length of your watch band in inches.

Finished

Once you have the length measurement, you can easily order a replacement band that is the perfect size for your watch. If you need help changing your watch band or placing the new watch band on you watch case, check out this article.