The number that matters
Lug width — the gap between the horns where the strap sits, measured in millimetres. Usually somewhere between 18 and 22 on a men’s watch, smaller on a woman’s. Get it wrong and the strap either will not fit or sits with gaps either side. We measure it rather than guess.
What the options actually feel like
- Leather — classic, comfortable, and it does not love water or daily sweat.
- Rubber or silicone — for the gym, the pool and the summer. Practical rather than dressy.
- Mesh or Milanese — metal that adjusts anywhere along its length, so fit is never a problem.
- A metal bracelet — heavier, more formal, and it needs sizing.
- NATO or fabric — cheap, tough, easy to swap, and the watch cannot fall off if a spring bar goes.
Check the spring bars too
The little sprung pins holding the strap on wear out, and a failed spring bar is how watches end up on pavements. When a strap is being changed anyway, replacing them is a small thing worth doing.
While it is here
We will look at the lug holes too. Years of strap changes can wear them oval, and that is worth knowing about before it becomes a problem.
Questions we get asked
How do I know my strap size?
Lug width in millimetres. We measure it at the counter.
Can you fit any strap?
Most, once we know the lug width and the fitting. Bring the watch in.
Should the spring bars be replaced?
When a strap is off anyway, yes. A failed spring bar is how watches hit the floor.
How long does it take?
Usually while you wait.
Not sure we can fix it?
Send a couple of details and we will call you back. Or just walk in — it is quicker, and we can actually look at the piece.
Drop it off, shop the mall, wear it tonight
We are inside Orland Square Mall in Orland Park. Walk in during mall hours, no appointment. Most repairs are finished the same day and a good number while you wait.
Where we are
Julio's Jewelry, 800 Orland Square Drive, Orland Park, IL 60462 — inside Orland Square Mall. Mon–Thu 10am–8pm · Fri–Sat 10am–9pm · Sun 11am–6pm. We are also at North Riverside Park Mall, 7501 W Cermak Rd, North Riverside, IL 60546.