How to change a Royal Oak strap

Metal bracelet to a Rubber strap

Changing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 41mm Bracelet to a Rubber Strap - Velcro® Edition

If you have an Audemars Piguet watch and you want to know how to change a Royal Oak 41mm bracelet to the most comfortable and sturdy designer strap - the Rubber B band that features Velcro® closure for a custom fit, then read below to see how simple it is…

Steps to change Audemars Piguet Rubber Strap for the Royal Oak

Select your Rubber Band

First, grab your steel AP Royal Oak and select a compatible Rubber B strap. If you have a 41mm Audemars Piguet on a metal bracelet, you will want to select your strap from this page here (Velcro® Series). These straps are made from the highest level Vulcanized Rubber and have a Velcro clasp that attaches around a titanium loop. It comes in two colors - Jet Black and Navy Blue. For installation procedures, it is recommended to always protect your watch lugs work area with tapes such as scotch tape or painters tape, to avoid any scratches on the AP watch lugs.

Gather Your Tools

Make sure you have two basic watch tools (and something to push the pins through such as a paperclip). The most important tool is a small flat head screwdriver. You can find small screwdriver kits for eyeglasses or a professional watch kits for under $15 on the internet and at stores that sell household goods. We advise to purchase the Bergeon 1.4mm screwdriver. However, a little smaller would be fine if that is what you have to work with. Most importantly, find a solid flat surface, such as a table that you can place your tools on and keep track of the tiny parts. As you remove the screws and pins from the AP timepiece, you do not want to lose them as they can easily rollaway somewhere like a thick rug where it may get lost forever. You might want to use a cloth or placemat to help prevent scratching of your surfaces.

Change-watch-bands-for-Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Offshore

Remove the Screws from the OEM AP Watchband

Take your small flat head screwdriver and unscrew the small screws protecting the lug pin on each side of the Audemars Piguet bracelet. You should end up removing 4 simple screws. This is where you need to be careful to not strip the screw head. Having the professional watch kit allows you to find the perfect screwdriver head thickness for your timepiece. The rule of thumb is "Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosie." This just means that if you want to unscrew the screw from the Audemars Piguet metal bracelet you will be twisting the screwdriver to the left (counterclockwise). "Lefty Loosie." By turning to the left, you loosen the screw from the Audemars Piguet bracelet.

Push the pin through and out of out of the AP Lug

Using a paperclip or a pin-like watch tool, push the pin out of the AP lug. Remember you need to have both screws removed completely on both sides of the Audemars Piguet watch before attempting to push the pins through. Be careful not to damage the body of the AP watch by scratching it. The pin should come out fairly easily. Make sure you are using a correct diameter paperclip rather than a too fat one (so as not to damage your shaft edges).

How to Install a Royal Oak Rubber Strap

The next thing to do in our discussion of how to change an Audemars Piguet strap, is to preview the set-up by simply holding your new Rubber B Velcro® Series band in place at the grooves of the Royal Oak case. Preview the outcome of the upcoming finished look to make sure you are installing the strap on the Audemars Piguet in the correct direction - with the velcro® padded strap on the 12 o’clock side and the titanium loop end strap on the 6 o’clock side of the Audemars Piguet watch.

Place the Audemars Piguet Lug Pins Back into Position

First, while holding the rubber strap to the AP watch case in position, it is smart to push the paperclip or straight tool all of the way through the rubber strap and watch lugs, to line them up so the pin will slide through smoothly, without resistance. Sometimes it takes a little jiggle in pace to set the line-up just perfect and then firmly push the pin into the lug hole until it provides enough room to add the finishing screw on each side.

Do not over-tighten

Be sure to not over-tighten the screws to the case. They should be fully flush, but take care not to strip the threading of the screw or the head of the screw. As soon as you feel a good amount of resistance, you stop turning.

Luxury AP Watchband With a Perfect fit!

Blocked integration offers many benefits, such as reliability, comfort and stability of the AP watch upon the wearer’s wrist. Marine structures use Titanium for its enduring structure qualities. It is as strong as steel, yet light-weight and extremely resistant to corrosion from sea water, aqua regia, and chlorine. Titanium is less dense than steel and can be used in finite applications where optimal strength is desired. The Rubber B for Royal Oak 41mm incorporates a flawless, flush design to the watch case and lugs, using titanium inserts at several integral points in its design.

Enjoy your new high-tech Velcro® strap on your Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Knowing how to change a Royal Oak strap is one of the best skills you can have as a watch collector. You are well on your way to changing the look and feel of your collection with a simple update of the AP bracelet. A simple color change, or upgrading to The Ultimate Swiss-Made vulcanized rubber strap from Rubber B will allow you to enjoy limitless activities and comfort on your great journey.