Watch Band Replacement Near Me

There are various reasons you may want to do a watch band replacement. From changing up the style to getting your watch band links repaired the price and options will vary depending on your brand and material preferences. Whatever your reason I will help you find the best place for you to get a new band for your timepiece. Below I will discuss when to get a repair vs DIY, how your warranty may come into play, and how the watch band replacement near me operates.

Map of Watch Band Replacement Near Me

If you are looking for “watch band replacement near me” or “watch band repair near me” use the map below to find locations…

The map above will display everything from watch repair shops to jewelry stores. While you can often find bands at watch repair shops, the best bet for quality and fit is finding a store for the manufacturer of your watch. For example, if you have a Cartier…my advice is to get your band replaced at a Cartier boutique. If you need it repaired, you can bring it in or mail it to their authorized service center.

Replacing a Band vs Replacing a Strap

The words band, strap, and bracelet are pretty interchangeable. Any watch technician will know what you talking about if you ask with any of the terminology. For the purposes of this article, we are dealing with metal bands and not material straps.

Watch Band: a band or bracelet is made of metal or hard plastic, has linked pieces pinned together, and closes with a locking mechanism which can be a deployment clasp or jewelry clasp.

Watch Strap: a strap is made of leather, fabric, rubber, or soft material and closes with a tang buckle, safety strap,  flip clasp, or Velcro.

Replacing a watch strap is much less expensive than replacing a band. This is due in large part to the type of material involved. For example, I can get a used leather watch strap for $20 to $30, but my Breitling band replacement costs about $450.

Fitness Trackers and Smart Watch Straps

Many of the new digital products like Fitbits and smart watches are made with easy bands that snap and snap off. They aren’t designed like traditional mechanical watches which require a spring pen to pop the pin to release the band. These new wearables are made for function and fashion so you can easily change put the bands to try new colors and change the style or feel of the device.

What Stores Provide Watch Band Replacement Services

There are a few types of stores that perform watch band replacement near me. Chances are you will have one of these located locally. Band replacement is among the most requested repairs among watch owners.

Watch Repair Shops

While these stores perform tasks like movement overhauls, routine servicing, and cleaning, they often carry a variety of traditional links for bands. They generally are knowledgeable about all brands from Casio to Rolex and will be able to make suggestions about what bands work best. Most places can identify the original band that came on your watch and order the exact replacement for you.

A perk about going to a watch repair shop is they can also size it correctly for you which is helpful if you need links added or removed from the band. Additionally, they can inspect if the band, the pin, or the lug is damaged. If you have a vintage watch that has a band problem, they might be able to fabricate a piece for you to fix it.

Jewelry Stores and Watch Retail Shops

These two styles of business are pretty similar. They carry a variety of mid to low-grade watch brands in-house and tend to have replacement parts for popular models and manufacturers. They will have the tools to properly remove your band and links but likely won’t have the exact band you need especially if you have a high-end luxury watch.

The pro about going to these places is they are in popular locations such as towns and malls. The downside is that you will likely not find what you need there for a repair or replacement. Any real work or damage to a band will need to be sent out off-site to a 3rd party vendor anyway.

Your Watch Manufacturer

This is your best choice for watch band repair or replacement. Its best to either find your manufacturer’s store or mail your watch into their authorized service center. Dealing with your manufacturer you are sure to get original pieces.

The advantage here is if you are getting a repair or replacement under warranty, you will not be charged. Most warranties on a band will cover only manufacturer defects and not normal wear and tear. The disadvantage is that dealing with the manufacturer is likely your most expensive option. To find your watch manufacturers authorized service center, click here.

DIY Watch Band Replacement

When your favorite timepiece starts to look a bit worn out, or you simply want a fresh look, opting for a DIY watch band replacement can be a rewarding endeavor. Not only does it give you a sense of accomplishment, but it also allows you to personalize your watch to your liking. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:

Tools Needed for DIY Replacement:

• A small flat-head screwdriver or a spring bar tool for removing the pins.
• A soft cloth or mat to protect the face of your watch.
• Replacement watch band (ensure you’ve purchased the right size).
• A pin pusher or a pair of small pliers.
• A magnifying glass (optional, but can be helpful).

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down the soft cloth or mat on a flat surface. This ensures that the watch face doesn’t get scratched during the process.
2. Remove the Old Band: Using the screwdriver or spring bar tool. Gently push or pull the spring bars or pins holding the band in place. Once released, remove the old band.
3. Attach the New Band: If you’ve chosen a new watch band in a blue, brown, black, or beige color, it can add a fresh aesthetic to your watch. Slide in the spring bars or pins into the new band. Carefully position one end of the spring bar into its lug hole, then use the tool to compress the other end and slide it into place.
4. Check the Fit: Ensure that the band is securely attached by gently tugging on it. Adjust if necessary.
5. Set the Time and Battery: If you’ve also opted for a battery replacement or a complete overhaul of the watch’s internal mechanisms, ensure everything is set correctly.

Pros and Cons of DIY vs. Professional Service:

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Doing it yourself can save on prices charged by watch repair services.
• Personal Touch: You can choose and sell bands that resonate with your style, be it sport bands or classic leather ones.
• Convenience: No need to visit a store or website. Plus, some bands come with free tools for replacement.

Cons:

• Risk of Damage: Without proper care, there’s a risk of scratching the watch or damaging its internal components.
• Time-Consuming: Especially for those unfamiliar with the process.
• Limited Resources: Customers might not have access to specialized tools or high-quality bands that professionals do.

In conclusion, while DIY watch band replacement can be fulfilling and cost-effective, it’s essential to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. If unsure, consulting with professional watch repair services might be the best course of action.

FAQs For Replacing A Watch Band or Strap

Is My Watch Band Covered Under Warranty?

Yes, your watch and band should be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty for all brands. However, it’s likely a limited warranty that covers the whole timepiece. So this will be a manufacturer’s defects-only coverage from a certain time period from the date of purchase.

What this means is that normal wear and tear, nicks, dings, and dents, or discolored metal caused by oil in your skin or lotion, will not be covered. Being a watch is worn on the wrist, the band takes a lot of abuse. If something is wrong with it, an authorized technician will need to see a defective part, like a weak pin or faulty lug.

What you need to be careful of is the idea of having an authorized technician work on your watch. If someone not authorized, like your local jeweler damages the band, it may void the warranty.

How Long Does a Band Repair Take?

This is determined by the level of damage that has occurred and whether or not the place you go to has the parts. It also depends on the age of your watch. If you have a current model, parts can be ordered and replaced in a few days. If you have a vintage watch, they may need to shop around for parts or fabricate parts which can take much longer. At the watch band replacement near me, they will let you know the timeframe and call you when it’s ready.

Some watches, depending on the brand, come with a few extra replacement links and you don’t need a whole new band. Just provide the technician with the links and they have the tools to replace the links for you.

How Do I Get My Band Sized?

Almost any jewelry store or watch repair shop can adjust your band size for you. To make the band smaller, they can remove links. Remember if you have links removed, to take the removed links with you, especially if it is made of a high-end valuable metal. To make it larger, they can add links. For adding links it’s better if you have a few extra links that may have come with your watch when you bought it. This is of course much more difficult in the case of a vintage watch. Making a band larger may require fabrication or having to find original parts.

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost to replace a watch band will vary depending on the brand, material, and size of the band. High-end metals like Platinum are going to be very expensive. I have seen bands at the watch band replacement near me go from $50 to $1000. That’s just for the band, there may be additional labor charged for performing the replacement.

At the watch band replacement near me, they don’t charge labor if you bought the watch from them. This is pretty typical for band and replacement. For example, If you get a Rolex band at a Rolex store, they only charge for the band, not for putting it on.

Is There a Right or Wrong Style Band for A Watch?

This is truly up to you and your style. I would argue though that there is a right and wrong way to band a watch.  For example, I wouldn’t put leather watch bands or a mesh band on a Rolex. There is a,fashion advice strap and band guide here.

Can I Replace a Watch Band or Link Myself?

It seems like changing a watch band or link is straightforward, but it can be tricky without the proper tools. Your ability to DIT is dependent on the mechanisms used to connect links together and how the band attaches to the casing or watch movement. Typical tools used are a Spring Bar tool, Holder, Head Hammer, Tweezers, glass cloth, and  Cotter pins. These tools are really inexpensive and I would highly advise getting them instead of hacking it with home tools.

It’s not necessarily difficult to replace links or a band using the correct tools. This is the simple pin remover I use here. If you have a high-end luxury timepiece though, I would advise against it. If you don’t have the proper tools I encourage you to find a local band replacement place at a minimum.

Watch Band Replacement Near Me – Conclusion

If you need a repair or replacement of the band it’s best to deal with the manufacturer. Sure many stores can repair or replace the band, but most don’t have the proper link on hand anyway. Plus if damage gets caused while they are repairing or replacing it, you may void your warranty. This is what I have learned from the watch band replacement near me.