7 Ways to Instantly Upgrade Your Watch

by Luxury Watch Straps April 11, 2025

Because your wrist deserves better than “just fine.”

We love a good watch. Mechanical marvels. Quartz-powered wonders. Chunky divers. Slim dress pieces. But sometimes—even with a beautiful watch on your wrist—you can’t shake the feeling that something’s... missing. It’s like wearing a tailored suit with tired old trainers. You’re 90% there, but that final flourish is still waiting.

Fear not, fellow timekeepers. Whether you're rocking a vintage Seiko or a Swiss heavyweight, there are some brilliantly simple ways to instantly upgrade your watch. Think of it as a wrist-level glow-up: minimal effort, maximum swagger.

Here are seven ways to give your watch an upgrade—without selling your car or raiding the family jewels.

1. Swap the Strap (Yes, Immediately)

This is the watch world’s equivalent of changing shoes—and it makes all the difference. A simple strap swap can completely transform the vibe of your timepiece.

Got a dress watch? Try a rich leather strap with contrast stitching for that boardroom-to-bar charm.
Wearing a field watch? Slide on a rugged NATO for military-chic energy.
Daily beater looking a bit tired? A fresh rubber strap will breathe new life into it—and make it swim-ready too.

And if you're still sporting the default strap it came with? It’s time, mate. Your watch deserves better. So do you.

Bonus points: try a quick-release strap. Tools down, elegance up.

2. Upgrade Your Buckle or Clasp

Here’s a cheeky one most people overlook. That little bit of metal keeping your strap together? It could be fancier. More refined. More you.

Swap your standard pin buckle for a butterfly clasp or a deployant and watch your watch go from "meh" to "magnifique." Not only do these look sleeker, but they also reduce wear on your strap and add a little mechanical delight every time you pop it on.

It's like upgrading from Velcro to magnetic buttons—once you try it, there’s no going back.

3. Polish the Case (Responsibly)

Now, we’re not saying you should go at your luxury watch with a belt sander. But a gentle clean and polish? It can make a world of difference.

Use a microfibre cloth to wipe away fingerprints, smudges, and the inevitable grime of daily wear. For a deeper clean, a tiny dab of metal polish (on non-coated cases only!) can remove light scratches and restore shine.

Pro tip: avoid polishing vintage watches—patina is personality. You don’t want your 1970s piece looking like it was born yesterday.

4. Match Your Watch to Your Wardrobe

It’s a criminally underused flex. Nothing says "I’ve got my life together" like matching your watch strap to your belt, your shoes, or even your mood.

Going formal? Black leather and steel.
Weekend brunch? Tan suede and a casual chrono.
Beach holiday? Blue rubber strap, linen shirt, sunglasses on.

Your watch isn’t just for telling time—it’s a statement piece. Dress it accordingly.

Extra credit if you coordinate the metal tone of your watch with your cufflinks, belt buckle, or phone case. It’s the horological version of tying your outfit together with a bow.

5. Add a Pop of Colour

Here’s the thing: watches don’t have to be all black, brown, and boring. One simple strap swap can bring in a bold splash of colour—without making you look like a try-hard.

Try a deep red NATO, a navy blue suede, or even mustard yellow if you're feeling spicy. The key is contrast. A brightly coloured strap on a clean, classic watch dial? Chef’s kiss.

Not ready for full colour commitment? Consider coloured stitching on a leather strap. It’s a subtle wink that says: “I know what I’m doing.”

6. Replace the Crystal (if it’s past its prime)

Scratched, cloudy, or cracked crystal? Your watch deserves better than looking like it’s been dragged through a gravel car park.

If your timepiece has an acrylic or mineral crystal and it's taken a beating, replacing it can be surprisingly affordable—and incredibly effective in making your watch feel brand new.

Even better? Consider upgrading to a sapphire crystal. It’s highly scratch-resistant, crystal-clear, and adds that luxury feel. Think of it as giving your watch a new set of glasses—suddenly, everything looks sharper.

7. Get a Custom Strap (Because You’re a Main Character)

Off-the-shelf straps are fine. But a custom strap? That’s next level.

A bespoke leather strap, tailored to your watch’s lug width, wrist size, and your own particular flavour of style, adds a level of polish that mass-produced straps just can’t match. Think hand-stitched Italian leather, lined with soft suede, finished with burnished edges and your initials discreetly embossed. Mmm.

You’re not just wearing a watch—you’re wearing a piece of craftsmanship that’s uniquely yours.

Honourable Mentions (If You’re Feeling Extra)

Lume upgrade: If your lume’s faded, there are services that’ll relume your dial for better nighttime visibility (and street cred).
Display caseback: Fancy a peek at the movement? Some watches can be fitted with a sapphire exhibition back.
Travel case: Not technically on-wrist, but a good travel roll or case instantly levels up your whole collection’s vibe.

Final Word: Upgrade Without Overthinking

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to remortgage your house or buy a Rolex to elevate your watch game. A thoughtful strap change, a bit of polish, and a few stylish swaps can make your existing timepiece feel like a whole new creature.

Watches, after all, are more than just tools. They’re expressions of personality, style, and (if you’re doing it right) a bit of fun. So don’t be afraid to experiment, get playful, and—most importantly—make it yours.

Time waits for no one. But style? That’s entirely in your hands.