Watch Strap Taper & Proportions Calculator

A 4 mm taper is the classic choice. For a 20 mm lug width, that means an 16 mm buckle. This creates an elegant silhouette that complements the refined look of a dress watch.

Most dive watches look best with minimal or no taper. A straight 20 mm strap throughout gives a robust, tool watch feel that matches the utilitarian nature of divers.

An aggressive taper (6 mm or more) can make the watch head look disproportionately large and top heavy. The strap may also feel flimsy at the buckle end.

Measure the inner width between the spring bar holes on the watch case. This is the strap width you need. Common sizes are 18 mm, 20 mm, and 22 mm.