What is Hidden Lug Watch? And the Demo by Universal lug Watch bands
If you’re one of the adventure spirits who just can’t settle having the same watch band for a lifetime of your favorite watch, then you’ve probably come to the point where you wondered how to pick the right watch straps to change the stock one. Since the most of the watches have the curved case, most of the stock watch bands come with the curved end links to fill in the gaps between the watch case and the watch band.
Seiko Prospex Quartz Tuna S23626 is one of the watch with a "hidden lug" lies beneath the watch case, on left : Super-J Louis watch band SS221820BBK020S , Right : Hexad Watch Band SS201803BBK042S
But, when it comes to curved end links, in the last few years many people prefer to buy watches with the HIDDEN LUGS, whose watch band's 'end links' are hidden beneath their case. This not only hides the gap between the watch and the watch bracelet but gives you plenty of options when it comes to combining your watch with custom watch strap bands.
Seiko Prospex 1978 Quartz Saturation Diver’s Re-creation Limited Edition S23627J1. on left : Dark Grey Bony Alligator watch band 22B18PBU63A1G15 , Right : Black Nylon Watch Band 22B20BBU54N9A77
Left : Ordinary watch case, the gap between the watch and the watch strap is noticeable, on Right : Seiko Prospex Diver 200m SPB103J1 Green Sumo paired with FKM quick release watch band FKM01I-20A18BIW01
These, so called straight lug watches, or watches with the hidden lug have the option which allows you to perfectly match them even with straight end link watch bands. That means that there’s no gap left between the watch case and the watch band or at least it isn't visible from the outside, no matter which type of watch bands you choose.
Left : Hidden lug hides the gap between the watch and the watch band, on Right : HEUER Vintage Chronograph CALCULATOR Ref-110633 demo on Rally Racing leather watch strap 22J18PBU63S6A80, looks like it was born to be with this watch strap.
Therefore, the 'end link' is as firm as the one with the stock watch bands. That means you can pair these watches with basically any watch bands with straight end links and need only to match the width of the bracelet with the one on your watch. Most common lug size can be found are in even numbers such as 18mm, 20mm, 22mm and 24mm however there are odds size as well, watches may be found at Grand Seiko Boutique Limited Edition SBGJ235 Hi-Beat 36000 GMT and Seiko Prospex Diver SLA017, both have 19mm lug.
Ordinary watch case with unusual odd number 19mm lug watches : Grand Seiko SBGJ23 GMT and Seiko Prospex Diver SLA017
That not only minimizes the amount of work you need to put in to swap the watch bands – but it also means that you don't need to worry about the fit anymore as you would with curved end links. Look at it this way - this is like owning a watch with both curved and straight end link option, with the possibility of making your watch fit any outfit by matching it with the desired strap band and without losing anything on the aesthetic side. Take a closer look at our pictures to see some of the watches from Seiko’s Marinemaster and Baby Tuna series showcased with some of the best watch straps with straight end links. Most of these watchbands come in standard width options so you only need to know your watch lug width.
Seiko Baby Tuna SRPA99K1 matched with MiLTAT watch bands with straight end links, get the look on the left : watch band SS222203B024 ; on right : watch strap 22C20EBU57S6F22
The picture above showcases Seiko Prospex 200m Diver Tuna Limited Edition Automatic Watch SRPA99K1 with Super Engineer II Solid Stainless Steel Watch Band and vintage Nubuck leather watch strap .
But let's not stop at classic look. Here's something for those who feel young and energetic for something more bold:
Seiko Prospex Marine Master 600m Spring Drive SBDB009, on Left : Crafter Blue Straight Lug Rubber Watch Band CB01J-22A20BZZ, on right : One-piece Nylon watch strap 22A22DZZ00N6P47
Plus, stripe pattern doesn't have to be boring. The next picture clearly showcases that.
Seiko PADI Marinemaster Tuna Professional 300M Diver Quartz SBBN039 paired with, on left : Velcro Nylon watch band 22B22EBR01N9H10, Right : Blue and white One-piece Nylon watch strap 22B22DZZ00N4B16
As well as the next one. Seek watch strap under the code : 20C20BBU54N9A28 to copy this look for your 20mm watches.
Seiko Baby Tuna Prospex SRPA82K1 Automatic Divers paired with Double Layer Nylon Velcro Watch Strap
Seiko Prospex PADI Tuna SRPA83 Ceramic 200m Automatic demo on Denim & Leather watch strap 22N20BIW01C2B08
We don't stop here.
Here's something with cool retro feel just to intrigue you enough to never settle with the ordinary and remind you to always be unique.
3 models from Seiko Recraft series matched with 22mm MiLTAT Italian Handmade Racer Vintage strap bands in 3 different colors
Never satisfied with the existing condition of your watches, because you are UNIQUE.
Written by M.H. , Photo by Toni and others as noted
Continue Reading
- The glossary of terms & functions about watch bands > Here
- Guide to changing your watchband like a professional > Here
- SEIKO watch cases detail dimension > Here
- What is Milanese mesh? A brief history of Mesh watch > Here
- Which stainless steel type is the best for watch bands > Here
- Black PVD Coating on your wristwatch > Here
- Horween Chromexcel or Shell Cordovan watch strap > Here
- Why choose an alligator skin watch strap > Here
