Urwerk Strap Change Tutorial: Quick Guide

After a few weeks of wearing my Urwerk continuously for three weeks during my trip to the US, I finally had a chance to play around with the strap changing process of my UR-203 and take a few photos of the process.

In the end, I think this must be one of the least complicated and most intuitive strap changing processes - that is simply four slotted screws to a case.

Full disclaimer - I guess I got introduced to the wonders of strap changing from early experience with Panerai, so I have some experience in the past, but as you see below take some precautions (but not the full extent) - please bear in mind that it’s always best usually to go to an AD with a proper watchmaker in the back and preferably to Urwerk to do it perfectly

Tools needed:
A) watch screwdriver with 2.00mm width
B) any simple tape to protect case and other parts
C) proper backup screws ( if needed, check with AD)

Straps used:
A) baltimora strap with tang buckle
B) vulcanised rubber strap with built in buckle



Step 1: layout your straps and align the strap containing the buckle side with the top of the case, the Velcro portion on the bottom.




Place your watch flat on its side. Then tape all adjacent areas to protect any parts which can be scratched (as your screwdriver may slip with torque)

Place screwdriver firmly on screw, and rotate counterclockwise. Depending on the degree of loctite used, you may want to heat the area with slight heat to loosen. Note that the screw is about 0.5cm deep, so there is not a lot of Travel. Be careful not to put too much torque, as it may damage the screw threads, or risk slipping and scratching the case.


You repeat this on each side. Note I prefer to do the opposite screw, in order to limit any torsion that could occur with the strap affixed to only one screw.




Now put tape around the area which is your first target casehole. Carefully affix the new strap to the case, being careful to align the casehole with the strap hole.


Align the screw into the strap and case, and carefully rotate the screw clockwise. Note that sometimes, you will miss the casehole, so be mindful of alignment. You will feel slight torque whilst twisting if the screw is properly seated. Continue twisting until you feel it’s properly seated, and note that the screw is literally 0.5cm or less in depth, and should be close to flush with strap.




Repeat three times, being mindful of tape to protect the case. Note that if you prefer to protect the screwhead, it is absolutely possible to tape the screwhead or better yet the screwdriver.



After all screws are properly seated, remove tape, and enjoy!

Hope this helps provide a basic tutorial! It’s super intuitive and simple and hopefully this helps a little bit.

Separately, I wanted to share that the tang buckle is a simple spring bar variety, so many other tutorials available for that!

Cheers,
Peter