If you’ve been in the watch hobby for more than five minutes, you’ve probably run into the dreaded problem of odd lug widths — those frustrating 19mm, 21mm, or 23mm lugs that make finding a proper strap feel like an impossible mission.
This guide breaks down why these odd sizes exist, which watches use them, and how you can finally get a perfect fit without resorting to squeezing in a strap that “almost fits.”
🤔 Why Odd Lug Sizes Exist
Most watches use standard lug widths like 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, or 24mm, but some brands use odd sizes for aesthetic reasons:
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Balanced Proportions: A 39mm watch case might look better with 19mm lugs than 20mm.
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Brand Identity: Some brands use non-standard sizes to keep you on OEM straps and bracelets.
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Heritage: Vintage reissues often stay true to the original lug widths, even if they’re inconvenient.
⌚ Popular Watches with Odd Lug Sizes
Here are just a few enthusiast favorites with those tricky lug widths:
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19mm: Omega Speedmaster Professional, vintage Rolex Datejust, Nomos Club Campus
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21mm: Rolex Submariner (modern), Rolex GMT-Master II, Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 41mm
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23mm: Panerai Radiomir models, certain Breitling and IWC references
Collectors often settle for “close enough” straps — like squeezing a 20mm onto 19mm lugs — but this can cause wear on the strap, stress on the spring bars, and an uneven look.
🎯 Why Proper Fit Matters
A perfectly sized strap not only looks better — it also keeps your watch secure.
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Aesthetics: The strap sits flush against the case, avoiding unsightly gaps.
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Comfort: No pinching or over-stretching of leather or rubber.
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Safety: Proper tension on the spring bars keeps your watch where it belongs — on your wrist.
🩻 WIS Straps: Your Solution for Odd Sizes
At WIS Straps, we make sailcloth straps, leather straps, and NATOs in odd sizes specifically for collectors who demand a proper fit:
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Sailcloth: Waterproof, quick-release, available in 18–24mm, including 19, 21, and 23mm.
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Leather: Italian leather in alligator, carbon fiber, suede, and calf — all available in odd sizes.
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NATO: Offered in 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24mm — so your field watch can stay historically correct.
You no longer have to compromise or cut corners (literally).
🏁 The Takeaway
Odd lug sizes used to be frustrating, but now they’re just another excuse to get the perfect strap. Whether you’re rocking a modern Submariner, a Speedy, or a vintage dress watch, there’s no reason to settle for “close enough.”
👉 Shop our full collection of odd-size straps and give your watches the perfect fit they deserve.