How to Change a MoonSwatch Strap

The Omega × Swatch MoonSwatch is one of the easiest watches to re-strap, which is a big part of its appeal. Whether you want something sportier than the hook-and-loop strap it comes on or simply a new color for the season, you can swap it at home with a couple of simple tools. This guide covers what size strap you need, which tools to use, a step-by-step removal and fitting process, and the small details that keep the Bioceramic case looking good.

What size strap fits a MoonSwatch?

The MoonSwatch uses a 20 mm lug width, and the strap is held by standard spring bars rather than a proprietary system. In practice this means two things:

• Any strap that is 20 mm wide at the lug end will physically fit between the lugs.
• A curved-end strap made to follow the MoonSwatch case will sit flush against it, while a straight-end 20 mm strap will leave a small gap between strap and case.

Many 20 mm straps taper toward the buckle (for example 20 mm to 18 mm). That taper is purely about looks and comfort; only the lug-end width matters for fit. If you are unsure how lug width works, our guide on measuring lug width explains it in detail.

Tools you will need

• A spring bar tool with a forked end. Some hobbyists prefer plastic or brass tips around Bioceramic, which is scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof.
• A soft cloth or mat to rest the watch on.
• Spare 20 mm spring bars (optional), in case one is bent or lost.
• Good light – spring bar ends are small, and seeing the lug holes clearly makes the job much faster.

If your new strap has quick-release spring bars – a small lever on the underside of the bar – you may not need a tool at all for the new strap, only for removing the old one if it lacks quick-release bars.

Step 1: Prepare your workspace

Lay the cloth on a flat table, away from the edge. Spring bars are under tension and can jump when released, so working over a cloth also stops them from rolling away. Place the watch face down with the top lugs facing you.

Step 2: Remove the old strap

1. Look along the gap between the strap and the lug to find the end of the spring bar. On a hook-and-loop or fabric strap, you may need to gently push the material back to see it.
2. Slide the forked end of the tool between the strap and the inside of the lug until it catches the shoulder of the spring bar.
3. Press the bar toward the center of the strap. This compresses the spring and pulls the tip out of the lug hole.
4. Keep light pressure on and tilt the strap upward so the freed end clears the lug. The other end will come out easily.
5. Repeat for the other side of the watch.

If the old strap has quick-release bars, simply slide the lever toward the center of the strap and lift.

Keep the strap your watch came with somewhere safe. It is useful to have if you ever want to return to the stock look.

Step 3: Prepare the new strap

Check that each half of the new strap has a spring bar fitted through its end. Note which half has the buckle and which has the holes. Most people wear the buckle half at the top (12 o'clock side) and the holed half at the bottom (6 o'clock side), with the buckle on the outside of the wrist. If the strap is curved-end, check which way the curve faces: the concave side should face the case.

Step 4: Fit the new strap

1. Insert one end of the spring bar into the lug hole on one side.
2. Using the tool (or the quick-release lever), compress the other end of the bar.
3. Guide the strap into position so the compressed end lines up with the opposite lug hole.
4. Release slowly. You should feel, and often hear, a small click as the tip seats in the hole.
5. Repeat for the second half.

With curved-end straps, the fit between strap and case is snug by design. It can help to angle the strap slightly as you seat the second end, then let it rotate into place.

Step 5: Check the fit

• Tug test: hold the case and give each strap half a firm, steady pull. Neither should move.
• Rotate test: try to slide each strap half sideways along the spring bar. A properly seated bar will not move out of its holes.
• Look test: from the side, the tips of the spring bar should be inside the lug holes on both sides, not resting against the inner face of the lug.

If anything feels loose, remove that half and seat it again. Do not wear the watch until both halves pass the tug test.

Curved-end vs. straight-end: which should you choose?

A straight-end 20 mm strap gives you the widest choice of materials and styles, from rubber to leather to fabric. It leaves a small gap where the strap meets the case, which some people like for a lighter, more casual look.

A curved-end strap made for the MoonSwatch case closes that gap so the strap appears to flow out of the case. Because it is shaped for one case, it is model-specific – check the compatibility list on the product page before ordering.

Common problems and fixes

• The spring bar will not click in. The tip is usually resting on the inside of the lug rather than in the hole. Compress it again and move it a millimeter up or down until it drops in.
• The curved strap will not sit flush. Check it is the right way round, with the concave side toward the case, and that it is made for the MoonSwatch case.
• A spring bar bent during removal. Replace it with a new 20 mm bar rather than straightening it.
• Tiny scuffs on the lugs. Prevent them by keeping the tool angled away from the case and working slowly. A strip of low-tack tape on the lugs adds extra protection.

Care after the swap

Rubber straps can be rinsed with fresh water and a little mild soap, then dried with a soft cloth. Check the spring bars occasionally; if one feels loose or a quick-release lever no longer snaps back, replace it. Leather and fabric straps should be kept away from prolonged moisture.

Find a strap for your MoonSwatch

Browse our straps compatible with the Omega × Swatch MoonSwatch, including curved-end rubber designs, or look through our wider range of 20 mm straps. Each product page lists the fit, lug width, material and what hardware is included.

Omega, Swatch and MoonSwatch are trademarks of their respective owners. Brand and model names are used only to describe compatibility. Lugline is an independent brand with no affiliation to any watch manufacturer.