Do you actually know your watch's lug width?

Most people shop for watch straps by feel.

They find one that looks good, hope it fits, and click "Buy."

Then it arrives...

Too wide to fit.

Or too narrow, leaving an annoying gap and wobbling from side to side.

The culprit?

Nobody checked the lug width first.

Before buying a new watch strap, there's one measurement you should always know.

And it takes less than a minute to check.

🔍 What Is Lug Width?

Lug width is the distance between the inside edges of the two lugs on your watch case.

In simple terms, it's the measurement that determines how wide your watch strap needs to be at the case end.

Lug width is measured in millimetres (mm).

For example:

18mm lug width → 18mm strap

20mm lug width → 20mm strap

22mm lug width → 22mm strap

24mm lug width → 24mm strap

Some of the most common watch strap widths include 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, and 24mm, although many other sizes are available.

And yes, 20mm is one of the most widely used sizes.

📏 How to Find Your Lug Width

There are three easy ways to find out your watch's lug width.

From easiest to most hands-on:

1. Check Your Watch Specifications

The easiest option is to check the information provided with your watch.

Look at:

• The manufacturer's website
• The original product specifications
• The watch manual
• The retailer's product page

Many watch brands list the lug width as part of the technical specifications.

For example:

Lug Width: 20mm

That's all you need.

2. Check Your Existing Watch Strap

If you're replacing an existing strap, you may be able to check the size printed or stamped on the strap itself.

Some manufacturers include the strap width on the underside of the strap.

You can also measure your existing strap at the end where it attaches to the watch case.

Just remember:

The width at the watch case is the important measurement.

The buckle end may be narrower if the strap is tapered.

3. Measure the Watch Yourself

If you can't find the information anywhere else, you can measure the lug width yourself.

Use a ruler with millimetre markings or, even better, a digital caliper.

Measure the distance between the inside edge of one lug and the inside edge of the other.

Like this:

Inside edge → Inside edge

Not:

Outside edge → Outside edge

And definitely not across the watch dial.

That's one of the most common mistakes beginners make.

The measurement you need is the internal distance between the lugs where the strap sits.

⚠️ Don't Confuse Lug Width With Watch Case Size

This is another common mistake.

Your watch might be described as a 40mm watch.

That does not mean you need a 40mm strap.

The 40mm measurement usually refers to the watch case diameter.

The lug width might be:

18mm

20mm

22mm

Or another measurement entirely.

So before ordering a strap, make sure you're looking for the lug width, not the overall case diameter.

💡 HMS Tip: What If Your Watch Has an Unusual Lug Width?

Not every watch uses a standard size.

You might come across measurements such as:

19mm

21mm

Or other less common widths.

Don't automatically size down.

A strap that is too narrow can leave a visible gap between the strap and the watch lugs, which may affect both appearance and stability.

The best option is to find a strap that matches your exact lug width whenever possible.

If your watch uses an unusual size, check whether the strap manufacturer offers a matching width or a specific solution for that model.

Getting the right fit is always better than trying to force the wrong size.

Lug Width vs Strap Length: You Need Both

Knowing your lug width is only half the equation.

You also need to consider your wrist size and strap length.

Think of it this way:

Lug width = Does the strap fit your watch?

Strap length = Does the strap fit your wrist?

You need both measurements before ordering.

For example, you could have:

20mm lug width + 175mm wrist circumference

That tells you the strap needs to be 20mm wide at the case, while the strap length should be suitable for your wrist size.

Get both right, and you're much more likely to get a comfortable fit.

The Golden Rule

Before buying a new watch strap:

Measure once.

Check twice.

Order once.

Knowing your lug width takes less than a minute, but it can save you the frustration of receiving a strap that simply doesn't fit.

Because when it comes to watch straps:

The right leather means nothing if the size is wrong.

Explore HMS Watch Straps

Now that you know your lug width, explore the HMS collection of genuine leather watch straps in a range of sizes, styles, and finishes.

Find the right fit for your watch and your wrist.

Visit HMS.Watch

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