Changing a leather watch strap involves compressing the spring bar to release the old strap and reversing the process to install the new one. Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Gather your tools: You'll need a watch spring bar tool (or a small, thin screwdriver) and your new leather watch strap.
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Locate the spring bar: The spring bar is a small metal rod that connects the watch strap to the watch case. It has small flanges that protrude slightly. These are what you'll compress. You'll find the spring bar where the strap connects to the watch lugs (the protruding parts of the watch case where the strap attaches).
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Compress the spring bar: Use the forked end of the spring bar tool (or a thin screwdriver if you're careful) to push in one end of the spring bar. This compresses the spring, allowing you to dislodge that end of the bar from the lug hole.
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Release the strap: While keeping the spring bar compressed, gently maneuver the strap and spring bar to free it from the lug. Be careful not to scratch the watch case.
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Repeat for the other side: Do the same for the other end of the strap to completely remove it.
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Install the new strap: Take one end of the new leather watch strap and insert the spring bar. Position the end of the spring bar into the lug hole on one side of the watch.
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Compress and secure: Using the spring bar tool, compress the other end of the spring bar and maneuver the strap until that end of the spring bar clicks into place in the lug hole on the other side of the watch. Make sure the spring bar is securely seated in both lug holes.
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Repeat for the other strap piece: Follow the same process to install the other piece of the leather strap.
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Check the security: Gently tug on both ends of the straps to ensure the spring bars are properly secured and the straps are firmly attached to the watch case.
