Nothing changes a watch’s character more effectively than a new strap. But switching between straps is an incredibly fiddly operation that often involves watchmaker’s tools, case scratches and severely raised blood-pressure levels.

Until now.

What’s the big deal with changing a strap? Fastening a strap has never been the problem – certainly with Christopher Ward’s range. But changing the strap has always been a pain, involving special watchmaker’s tools, fiddly little pins and a lot of patience. The watch industry has shown little enthusiasm for changing this. We thought differently. Which is why we’ve pioneered our revolutionary quick-release straps.

And how did you do that? By designing a quick-release mechanism that makes changing straps and bracelets a breeze. Instead of buying a specialist tool, trying (and failing) to push spring-loaded pins into the strap, then fitting that strap into the watch lugs, you slide a pusher on the bottom of the strap. Then it’s a matter of taking the strap out or pushing a new one in. It takes seconds. This sounds a small thing, but it makes dressing up or dressing down your watch a pleasure, and gives you endless options for customisation.

What’s so special about Christopher Ward straps? Aside from the quick-release mechanism: the quality and the variety. Remember, we’re watch-lovers as much as we’re watchmakers, so we understand the importance of a great strap. If you want a vintage look, you might go for a canvas – or ‘NATO’ – strap. Alternatively, if you’re after a luxurious feel, our dress watches look particularly dashing with a cordovan leather strap. Others love the toughness of our hybrid rubber straps. The only limit is your imagination.

Learn how to change a strap
The Trident has always been a masculine timepiece, and the stainless steel bracelet it’s associated with gives it a classic, rugged look

Do metal straps have the quick-release mechanism, too? Yes, and this is something that works exceptionally well on our range of Trident diving watches. The Trident has always been a masculine timepiece, and the stainless steel bracelet it’s associated with gives it a classic, rugged look. But when you swap the bracelet for a Tiber leather or hybrid strap, it becomes a different beast altogether. It’s like owning a new watch.