19mm & 21mm Watches: Straps for Odd Lug Widths

Why odd sizes exist

Lug width is a design decision. Manufacturers choose whatever balances the case, so a 41mm watch might end up at 21mm because 20mm looked too thin and 22mm too heavy. It's great for proportions and annoying when you shop for straps, because many strap ranges only come in even sizes.

Odd lug widths in our index

• Grand Seiko Snowflake — 21mm · 21mm — an uncommon size to shop for.
• Rolex Datejust 41 — 21mm · 21mm — few straps are made in 21mm.
• Tissot Gentleman — 21mm · 21mm — uncommon; check availability.
• Orient Bambino v2 — 21mm · 21mm — an awkward size to shop for.

Some of these models come in several case sizes with different lug widths, so check your exact reference on its page before buying.

Option 1: buy the exact size (best)

Specialist strap makers and the watch brands themselves sell 19mm and 21mm straps, especially in leather and rubber. When shopping, check that the listed width is the lug end and not the buckle end. A “21/18mm” strap is 21mm at the lugs and fits; an “18mm” strap described as fitting 21mm watches does not.

Option 2: go half a size down (usually fine)

A 20mm strap on 21mm lugs leaves about half a millimetre each side. On NATOs, perlon and rubber that's hardly visible. On leather or fitted-end straps you'll notice it. It's a common compromise and doesn't stress anything.

Option 3: never go up

Don't squeeze a 22mm strap between 21mm lugs. It bunches, looks wrong, wears the strap edges and presses on the spring bar tips. It's a common reason bars let go.

Option 4: made to measure

Many independent leather makers will cut any width. If you want a perfect fit on a dress watch, it's often the best-looking result for the money.

Spring bars for odd widths

Use bars that match your lug width: a 21mm watch takes 21mm spring bars. Our spring bar guide covers diameters.