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Adjusting your Milanese watch strap

Blog-Mesh-horlogebanden-verstellen
June 12, 2026
Vanity

A Milanese watch strap, also known as a mesh strap, is stylish, comfortable and easy to adjust. But how exactly do you resize a strap like this? No worries: Horlogeband.com explains it step by step. Including a video, useful tools and a few extra tips for when you have just ordered a new strap.

Adjusting your Milanese strap step by step

Adjusting a mesh strap is easier than you might think. All you need is a flat screwdriver, a watch tool or simply a blunt knife. Prefer a visual explanation? We also have a useful video at the bottom of this guide.

Step 1: Find the clasp and the small tab
Place your watch with the dial facing up. You will now see the clasp on the watch strap. There is a small tab that you can lift up.

Step 2: Open the clasp
Use your tool or knife and carefully place it under the tab. Gently lift the lock open. You will hear a soft click. This means the clasp is loose and can be moved.

Step 3: Slide it to the right size
Move the clasp to the correct length. Use the small grooves on the strap to click the tab back into place. This keeps it secure. Then press the lock back down until it clicks shut again. Tip: you can also press it back down with your tool or knife.

Watch our instruction video here:

What is a Milanese watch strap?

A Milanese strap is made from fine or coarse woven steel. This structure not only gives the strap a luxurious look, but also makes it flexible and lightweight to wear. The clasp is usually an adjustable folding clasp, allowing you to easily adjust the length.

  • Available in different colours, such as silver, gold, black and rose gold
  • Different weave structures, from very fine mesh to coarser woven steel
  • Available in various strap widths, such as 18 mm, 20 mm and 22 mm

Shop all Milanese watch straps

Want to buy a new watch strap? Tips!

When buying a separate Milanese strap, it is important to choose the right strap width, for example 18, 20 or 22 mm. This depends on the distance between the lugs of your watch.

Not sure which size you need?
Check the image or read our blog.

Blog: how to measure a watch strap

Useful tools for adjusting the strap

Although you can open the clasp with a knife or screwdriver, it is easier and safer with a special tool. This helps prevent damage to your strap or watch.

View our recommended tools here:

SHOP ALL WATCH TOOLS

Rather have it done for you?

re you not very handy, or do you want to be sure your watch does not get scratched? No problem. At Kish.nl, you can also have your watch strap adjusted in our store. We are happy to help.

Both Kish.nl and Horlogeband.com are based in Zenderen, Overijssel. The shared Experience Center is located at Hoofdstraat 38, 7625 PE Zenderen. Here you will find a large collection of more than 5,000 watches and 25,000 watch straps. The Experience Center is open from Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 17:30.

Route to Kish.nl and Watchstraponline.com


Route naar Kish.nl en Horlogeband.com