The Ultimate Guide to Lug Sizes for Popular Watches (2025 Edition)
When you’re buying a new strap or bracelet, one number matters more than you might think: lug size. The lug width (measured in millimeters) determines what straps fit your watch.
This guide is designed for collectors, enthusiasts, and strap buyers who want clear, accurate, SEO-optimized information on the lug sizes of today’s most popular watches. Whether you own a Rolex Submariner, Seiko Alpinist, Grand Seiko Snowflake, Tudor Black Bay, or Cartier Tank, this is your one-stop reference.
What Is a Watch Lug Size and Why It Matters?
- Definition: The distance between the two lugs of your watch, where the strap attaches.
- Why It’s Important:
- Ensures a secure fit.
- Maintains design integrity.
- Opens up customization options (leather, rubber, NATO, bracelet).
Common Lug Width Ranges
- 18mm–20mm: Dress and smaller watches (Cartier Tank, Nomos, Longines Master).
- 20mm–22mm: Sport and everyday pieces (Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamaster, Grand Seiko Snowflake).
- 22mm–24mm: Tool and diver watches (Panerai Luminor, Tudor Pelagos).
Popular Watches and Their Lug Sizes
Rolex
- Submariner (124060, 126610): 20mm
- GMT-Master II (126710): 20mm
- Daytona (116500): 20mm
- Datejust 41 (126300): 21mm
Omega
- Seamaster Diver 300M: 20mm
- Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch: 20mm
- Aqua Terra 41mm: 20mm
IWC
- Big Pilot (IW501001): 22mm
- Portugieser Chronograph: 20mm
Breitling
- Navitimer 43: 22mm
- Superocean Heritage 42: 22mm
TAG Heuer
- Carrera 41mm: 20mm
- Aquaracer 43mm: 21mm
Cartier Tank
- Tank Louis Large: 19mm
- Tank Louis Medium: 17mm
- Tank Must XL: 23mm
- Tank Solo Large: 23mm
- Tank Française Medium: 18mm
Seiko
- Prospex Diver SPB143: 20mm
- Presage Cocktail Time SRPB41: 20mm
- Alpinist SPB121: 20mm
Grand Seiko
- Heritage SBGA211 (Snowflake): 20mm
- Elegance SBGW231: 19mm
- Sport SBGA229: 22mm
Tudor
- Black Bay 58: 20mm
- Pelagos: 22mm
- Heritage Chrono: 21mm
Longines
- HydroConquest 41mm: 21mm
- Master Collection 40mm: 20mm
- Spirit 42mm: 22mm
How to Measure Lug Size at Home
- Remove the current strap or bracelet.
- Use a digital calliper or a precise ruler.
- Measure inside the lugs in millimeters.
- Always round to the nearest millimetre.
Expert Tips for Strap Shopping by Lug Size
- Buy the exact lug width; even a 1mm difference can be problematic.
- Consider taper (e.g., 20mm lug to 16mm buckle) for comfort.
- Exotic or thick materials may require slight adjustments.
- Keep spare spring bars handy for easy strap changes.
Download the Complete Lug Size Reference Table
Download Excel Sheet → Popular_Watch_Lug_Sizes.xlsx
This downloadable file includes all the watches mentioned above for easy access and offline use.
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- Exact lug width matches for Rolex, Seiko, Tudor, Cartier, Panerai, and more.
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