Updated October 2026 · By the BGStraps team
Quick answer: to change an Omega strap, lay the watch face down on a soft cloth and compress the spring bar with a spring bar tool. Lift the old strap out, fit the spring bar into the new strap and click it into the lug holes. Check that both ends are seated. It takes about five minutes, and the same method works on the Seamaster, Speedmaster, Aqua Terra and the Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch.
Changing the strap is the fastest way to make an Omega feel new again: a Speedmaster on leather feels vintage, a Seamaster on rubber is ready for the sea, and an Aqua Terra on a bracelet goes anywhere. You don’t need a watchmaker for it. With one inexpensive tool and a few minutes, you can swap straps at home as often as you like.
What you need
- A spring bar tool with a fork on one end and a pin on the other.
- A soft cloth or microfibre pad to protect the crystal and case.
- Low-tack tape (optional) to cover the lugs so a slipping tool can’t mark them.
- The right strap width. Most Omegas take 20mm or 21mm; see the size table below.
How to remove the old strap
- Lay the watch face down on the cloth with the strap pointing towards you.
- Slide the fork of the tool between the strap and the lug until it catches the shoulder of the spring bar.
- Push gently towards the centre of the strap to compress the spring bar, then tilt the strap out of the lug.
- Repeat on the other end, and keep the spring bars. Unless they’re bent or worn, you can reuse them.
Removing a bracelet works the same way: the spring bar sits inside the end link. The gap is tighter, so work slowly and keep the tool angled away from the case. For resizing rather than removing a bracelet, see our guide to adjusting an Omega bracelet.
How to fit the new strap
- Slide the spring bar through the hole at the end of the new strap.
- Seat one end of the spring bar in its lug hole.
- Compress the other end with the tool, line it up with the opposite hole and release. You’ll feel it click.
- Tug firmly on the strap. If it moves in the lug, one end isn’t seated; refit it before wearing the watch.
Omega strap sizes by model
The width of the new strap must match the distance between the lugs. These are the most common sizes:
| Model | Case | Strap width |
|---|---|---|
| Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch | 42mm | 20mm |
| Seamaster Diver 300M | 42mm | 20mm |
| Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M | 43.5mm | 21mm |
| Seamaster Aqua Terra | 38mm / 41mm | 20mm / 21mm |
| Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch | 42mm | 20mm |
Omega has made many versions of each family, so measure between the lugs if you’re not sure. Our guide on how to measure your watch strap shows how.
Model notes
Seamaster Diver 300M and Planet Ocean
The Seamaster’s lugs curve around the case, so a curved-end strap looks best. It closes the gap between strap and case the way the original bracelet does. Rubber is the practical choice for a dive watch: see our curved rubber strap for the Seamaster and Planet Ocean or the fabric strap in the style of the 007 Seamaster. More ideas are in the Seamaster strap guide.
Speedmaster
The 20mm Speedmaster is one of the easiest watches to strap. Straight-end leather suits its vintage look, while rubber and fabric make it more casual. Try the nappa leather strap or the canvas and leather strap. Our Speedmaster strap guide has the full picture.
Aqua Terra
The Aqua Terra is dressier than the dive Seamasters, so a slim rubber or smooth leather strap works best. Our rubber band for the Aqua Terra is cut for a clean fit against the case.
Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch
The MoonSwatch is made by Swatch, not Omega, but it’s changed the same way. It comes on a hook-and-loop fabric strap held by standard spring bars and takes 20mm. Any good 20mm rubber, leather or fabric strap will fit, and many owners find a rubber strap more comfortable and water-friendly than the original. Browse our rubber straps in 20mm.
Which strap for which use?
| Material | Water | Comfort in heat | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber | Excellent | Excellent | Sporty |
| Leather | Avoid | Fair | Classic, dressy |
| Fabric / canvas | Good, dries slowly | Good | Casual, military |
| Steel bracelet | Excellent | Good | All-occasion |
For sizes, materials and every Omega family in one place, read our complete guide to Omega replacement straps, or shop the Omega collection.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change the strap on an Omega Seamaster?
Lay the watch face down on a soft cloth and compress the spring bar with a spring bar tool. Lift the strap out, fit the spring bar into the new strap and click it into the lug holes. Most Seamasters take 20mm or 21mm.
Can you change the strap on an Omega Speedmaster?
Yes. The Speedmaster Professional uses standard spring bars and a 20mm width, so it accepts a wide range of leather, rubber, fabric and steel options.
How do I change the strap on an Omega MoonSwatch?
The same way as any spring-bar watch. Compress the spring bar, remove the strap and fit a new 20mm strap in its place.
Can I reuse the old spring bars?
Yes, if they’re straight and still spring back firmly. Replace any that are bent, corroded or feel loose.
Are Omega watch bands interchangeable?
Straps are interchangeable between any Omegas with the same lug width. Bracelets have end links shaped for a particular case, so check the compatible references.