Lug Width: What is It and How is It Measured?

No one goes shopping for shoes without knowing their size. Well, the same is true when buying a watch band. It's important to know the lug width of your timepiece before you spend bucks on a new bracelet. If you have zero knowledge about this, we're here to help. This article will shed light on how to measure the lug of your watch for a replacement band.

So, read on.

KNOWING THE RIGHT WATCH BAND SIZE FOR YOU

The straps of wristwatches are available in various sizes. The key to knowing the right band size for your wrist is determining the distance between your timepiece's lugs.

WATCH LUG: WHAT IS IT EXACTLY?

For starters, a watch lug, also called a horn, is where a watch band, bracelet, or strap attaches to the case. There are spring bars running between the lugs, either with the strap slid between them or through the strap.

LUG WIDTH MEASUREMENT 101

When it comes to measuring your watch's lug width, estimates won't help. Keep in mind that it takes precision to size your bands properly. That's because even just a millimeter off the mark could make everything go south.

Below are some of the best hacks to find your watch's exact lug width:

  • Grab a millimeter ruler or calipers to measure between the inside of your lugs.
  • Grab a millimeter ruler or calipers to measure your existing watch strap.
  • Grab a printable sheet to measure the lugs and refer to the lug width of Grayton's models.

Now, here are the step-by-step procedures in measuring your watch's lugs.

  1. Get your hands on your preferred measuring device (calipers or a millimeter ruler).
  2. Remove the strap and lay your timepiece on a flat, soft surface.
  3. Start by measuring the gap between the inside of the watch's lugs where the strap will connect.
  4. Check your measurements. It's important to note that straps are only available in whole number (mm) widths that are typically between 16mm and 24mm, respectively. Thus, if you get around .5mm, you most likely got the wrong measurement.

MEASURING THE WIDTH OF AN EXISTING WATCH BAND

The width of most straps is displayed on the underside. Thus, before breaking out the ruler, remember to flip the existing strap over to see if the information you're looking for is right there.

We hope you now have a clear understanding of lug width and how to measure it precisely. Once you master that, the next step is to search for the perfect replacement strap. Here at Grayton, we offer an array of replacement band selections for your watch.

 Check them out here!