What are lugs on a watch?
The arms at the top and bottom of the case that hold the strap or bracelet, with a spring bar running between each pair.
Why lugs matter
Lugs decide two numbers that matter more than case diameter. The gap between a pair of lugs is the lug width, which sets what straps fit. The distance from the tip of the top lugs to the tip of the bottom lugs is the lug-to-lug, which decides whether the watch fits your wrist: if the lugs overhang the edges of your wrist, the watch looks and feels too big.
Lug shape changes how a watch wears too. Short, steeply curved lugs hug the wrist, and long, straight lugs make a watch wear bigger. Drilled lugs have holes through the side so you can push the spring bars out without slipping a tool between strap and case.
Lug widths in our catalog
| Lug width | Share of watches |
|---|---|
| 20 mm | 49% |
| 22 mm | 17% |
| 21 mm | 11% |
| 18 mm | 7% |
| 19 mm | 7% |
See every watch by lug width, and how lug-to-lug decides fit.
Questions
- What's the most common lug width?
- 20 mm, followed by 22 mm and 18 mm. Wider lugs suit larger and sportier watches; dress watches often use 18 or 19 mm.
- How do I measure lug width?
- Measure the inside gap between the lugs at one end of the case with calipers or a ruler, in millimetres. It's also listed on most spec sheets and on every watch in our catalog.