Customize Your Watch Strap to Fit Your Existing Buckle
If you’re planning to use your existing buckle with one of our straps, this guide covers the key steps for a seamless customization process. We’ll walk you through the ordering process, including the key measurements needed to ensure a perfect fit and seamless compatibility.
Step 1: Determine Your Existing Buckle Type
Tang Buckles a.k.a. Pin or Classic buckles work similarly to a belt buckle. They feature a metal pin (the tang) that fits into a hole on the strap and a sturdy frame that anchors the pin.
Deployant Buckle or folding clasp, uses hinges to secure the strap with a fold-over mechanism. It eliminates the need to adjust the strap to a buckle pinhole each time.
Step 2: Measure the Buckle Width
Remove the strap and measure the inner width of the buckle (where the strap fits) using a ruler or caliper. Record the width in millimeters.
Step 3: Measure the Buckle Tongue Width
Determine if your buckle has a tongue/prong. Most tang buckles come with a tongue. Deployant buckles can either come with or without a tongue.
If the buckle has a tongue/prong, the strap needs a cutout to fit. When measuring the buckle tongue cutout, focus on the base of the tongue. The cutout in the leather accommodates the base.
Step 4: Measure the Hole Width
Deployant clasp: measure the hole width using the pin head diameter as a reference.
Tang buckles: measure the diameter of the tip of the buckle tongue/prong (the part that slides through the adjustment holes).
Pro Tip: Leather straps can stretch over time. Selecting slightly smaller holes than the buckle tongue width allows the leather to adapt comfortably. For example, a 1.7mm buckle tongue can snugly fit into 1.5mm holes.
Step 5: Determine if Your Custom Strap Needs Keepers/Loops
Once you’ve finalized the hole width, the next consideration is whether keepers, also known as loops, are needed for your watch strap. Keepers (also known as loops/ strap holders) play a vital role in holding the strap tail securely in place. In a typical setup, a strap includes one fixed keeper and one sliding keeper, but this requirement may be different depending on your buckle.
- Tang Buckles: Most tang buckles utilize both fixed and sliding keepers
- Deployant Clasps: They may or may not need keepers depending on how the clasp folds. If the hole side is tucked underneath the clasp, the strap tail will be secured automatically so there is no need for keepers. But if the hole side of the strap is secured above the clasp, it will need keepers.
Other Important Considerations for Compatibility:
Length
Strap length is divided into two parts: the long side with holes (tail) and the short side that attaches to the buckle. For tang buckles, these are fairly standard, while deployant clasps may require non-standard length ratios. Typically, the buckle side (12 o’clock) is shorter than the holes side (6 o’clock), but variations exist. Some clasps work best with even strap lengths, while others reverse this pattern. Measure the OEM strap that came with the clasp to ensure a balanced and secure fit for your wrist.
Thickness
Deployant clasps have a maximum thickness allowance for leather straps to fit through. Overly thick straps may not fold or close properly. Always check the buckle’s measurements carefully to ensure compatibility and avoid issues.
Guide to Designing the Perfect Custom Watch Strap
With your buckle type and measurements ready, you're set to order your custom watch strap.
Step 1: Measure your buckle width
Step 2: Click Customize to check the Custom Buckle option
Step 3: Choose your existing buckle type
Step 4: Measure your buckle tongue cutout width
Step 5: Measure the hole width 
Step 6: Determine whether your custom strap requires keepers or loops. This option will only appear if you select the Deployant Buckle in Step 3.
You're now ready to proceed with checkout—if you have any remaining questions, check out the FAQs below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I want to use a tang buckle with a strap that has a cutout?
A: If the clasp does not have a tongue, a strap without a cutout will look best. But a strap with a cutout can still be compatible (in case you want to swap with a tang buckle).
Q: Does every tang buckle require both keepers?
A: In most cases, yes. Some rare exceptions such as the Seiko tang buckle that comes with a metal fixed keeper.
Start Your Customization Journey
Whether you’re looking for a practical upgrade or a design refresh, the customization process puts control in your hands while making the best use of what you already own. Take this opportunity to explore your options here and give your watch the upgrade it deserves.
