Tudor Black Bay 58 lug width: collector's strap guide

A collector once ordered a 22mm strap for his Tudor Black Bay 58, confident it would fit. The package arrived, he tried to mount it, and reality hit: the lugs measured 20mm. That mistake taught him what every serious collector eventually learns: lug width is not negotiable. The Tudor Black Bay 58 carries a 20mm lug width - a specification that defines every strap choice you make.

You can spend as much time as you want arguing about the material, the finish, whether it's heavy or light, but at the end of the day none of that really matters if you get the metric wrong. In our case the metric is 20mm.

Why 20mm matters for the Black Bay 58

The distance between the two bars that your strap is attached to. In the case of our Tudor Black Bay 58, this measurement is 20mm. In general, most tool watches prior to 2018 were 22mm lug spaced. Tudor chose to lug space the Black Bay 58 at 20mm in order to create a vintage inspired watch that could be paired with a modern strap that is comfortable and easy to wear. Prior to 2018, the majority of tool watches with a 39mm case were 22mm lug spaced. In general, this spec looks very balanced to the eyes of a watch collector.

For watch width, the BB58 sits right in the middle of the spectrum as a fairly small modern watch. Many dress watches are 18 or 19mm wide, and some divers are 22mm and wider. At 20mm wide, the BB58 is just about as versatile as you could hope to be - it's small enough to be unobtrusive on the wrist, but wide enough to use just about any strap or band you might fancy.

• Strap selection expands dramatically when you shop the correct size
• Comfort improves because properly fitted straps distribute weight evenly
• Style flexibility increases as you rotate between materials and colors
• Knowing your exact lug width eliminates the frustration of ordering incompatible straps. A 0.5mm difference matters when working with spring bars. Measure with digital calipers before any purchase, even if the manufacturer lists specifications.

The complete lug width guide for collectors covers sizing across the 18mm to 24mm range. For BB58 owners, 20mm is the constant. The Smartlet modular adapter was engineered for this specification - mount a secondary watch on the same wrist without modifying the BB58's original lugs.

Original and aftermarket straps: heritage vs modern comfort

The Black Bay 58 is available with two traditional style bracelets: the riveted 3-link or the 5-link. The 3-link with visible rivets is a nod to the brand's heritage and was inspired by the classic design of vintage Tudor bracelets from the 1950s and 1960s. The 5-link offers more points of articulation, allowing for a closer fit to the wrist. Solid link, with folding clasp. Heavier than fabric or rubber.

FKM (fluoroelastomer) rubber dominates the aftermarket conversation. It resists water, chemicals, and UV degradation better than natural rubber or leather. FKM flexes without memory - it returns to its resting shape after each wear, every time.

Leather is popular for dressier contexts but absorbs moisture and degrades faster under daily stress. For active wearers, rubber is not optional.

• Choose the 3-link if you value vintage authenticity and plan to keep the watch stock.
• Opt for the 5-link if comfort during extended wear outweighs heritage appeal
• Use leather for office or formal settings where water exposure is minimal
• Install FKM rubber for active wear, travel, or any situation involving moisture

Aftermarket FKM straps have become a material of choice for many watch collectors for their everyday timepieces. A metal watch can be paired with a fabric strap that offers a very comfortable and smooth wearing experience. Many watch collectors now treat their leather watches as their second watch due to the fact that they have to remove the leather strap from the watch head due to the presence of water.

The Smartlet modular system introduces a fourth option: wearing your BB58 alongside a smartwatch. The adapter mounts via your existing 20mm lugs using standard spring bars - no modification required. Guides on watch strap comfort for daily wear explore material science and ergonomic factors in depth.

How to choose and fit straps

Selecting a compatible strap starts with confirming the 20mm lug width, but fit quality depends on additional factors. Strap thickness at the lugs should not exceed the case height - this preserves visual proportion. Buckle width typically tapers to 16mm or 18mm for the BB58, matching wrist taper naturally.

1. Place the watch face-down on a microfiber cloth to prevent crystal scratches
2. Insert the forked end of your spring bar tool between the strap and the lug. Apply steady pressure - do not let the tool slip.
3. press the spring bar down gently and slide the strap away from the lug.
4. Remove the spring bar and put it away.
5. Align the new strap's holes with the lug openings
6. Feed one end of the spring bar into the lug hole. As you do this, push the other end of the spring bar inward and compress it. The spring bar should then slip through the narrow gap on the opposite side.
7. Guide the new spring bar into both lug holes. Insert one end first, compress the other end inward, then seat it into the opposite hole. Tug the strap firmly to confirm both ends are fully locked.
8. Repeat for the opposite side

• Spring bar tool with forked and pointed ends
• Microfiber cloth to protect the case and crystal
• Spare spring bars in 20mm width
• Digital calipers for verifying strap thickness
• Good lighting to see lug holes clearly

Please avoid the use of modern colour schemes and textures as they will not give a BB58 vintage feel. We suggest the use of a black, brown or navy blue strap. A steel link bracelet should also be brushed to match the case.

Simple practices to ensure a long life for your watch strap - Rubber watch straps must be rinsed with fresh water if they have been exposed to salt water - Before storing away, make sure that your leather watch strap is completely dry - It is recommended to check your spring bars after a few months of use to avoid a possible breakage which could happen at any time.

The Tudor compatibility page lists models that work with the Smartlet modular adapter, including the Black Bay 41. The adapter uses the same 20mm spring bar mounting system - installation is identical.

Strap care and customization options

Regular maintenance will greatly increase the life of your strap. Every week we advise to clean the rubber with a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt that can accumulate on the surface. We also advise to clean the leather with a leather cleaner every month and to apply a leather conditioner to avoid drying out. Store your straps flat in a dry place. We advise not to leave a leather strap on a watch while storing it, as this can cause it to deteriorate quickly.

The BB58 is rated for 200m, who really cares if the leather strap has to come off. FKM rubber is water proof, and surprisingly quite comfortable. Water-resistance is a must for any watch that is to be worn regularly in wet conditions.

• Two-tone straps combining black and gray or brown and tan
• Deployant clasps that reduce wear on strap holes
• Quick-release spring bars for tool-free strap changes
• Custom buckle materials like titanium or bronze to match case accents
• Perforated designs for improved ventilation during exercise

The Smartlet adapter introduces a fifth customization layer: dual-watch configuration. Engineered in brushed SS316L steel and available in Grade 2 titanium, it mounts securely to the BB58's 20mm lugs. Full analysis of material weight impact is available in the watch strap weight guide.

How Smartlet works with the BB58

You invested in a Tudor Black Bay 58 because you value precision, heritage, and craftsmanship. The Smartlet patented modular adapter is compatible with all watches from 18mm to 24mm lug width - including the BB58's 20mm specification. Standard spring bar attachment, no modification required.

Three versions address different collector priorities. Classic (349 EUR) in brushed SS316L pairs cleanly with the BB58 steel case. Shadow (449 EUR) with black PVD suits darker dial variants. Titanium (599 EUR) in Grade 2 titanium reduces total wrist weight by 40%. Concours Lepine 2025, Awarded - CES 2026. Compatible with Apple Watch, Garmin Fenix, and all major smartwatch platforms.

Smartlet keeps your BB58 attached to your wrist and your data flowing. Every single day. Not just when you remember to switch back to your watch.

Questions fréquentes

What is the lug width of the Tudor Black Bay 58?

The BB58 lug width is 20mm - no more, no less. Any strap you purchase must match this exactly. 20mm is common among vintage-inspired tool watches, giving access to a wide aftermarket selection.

Can I use aftermarket straps on the Tudor Black Bay 58?

Yes. Any 20mm wide strap with spring bars can be used. We prefer to use aftermarket FKM (nitrile rubber) material for better water resistance and strap retention. Leather, NATO, and rubber can all be used, just make sure that the thickness at the lug tips does not exceed the height of the case, and that the buckle end tapers down to a reasonable width for your wrist.

How do I properly fit a new strap on my Tudor Black Bay 58?

Place the watch face down on a soft cloth. Using the forked end of your tool, press down on the spring bar to remove the strap. Insert one end of the new spring bar into the lug hole and then use the forked end of your tool to press down and in on the other end. You may need to pull quite hard for it to fit properly. Repeat for the other side.

What are the best straps for daily wear on the Black Bay 58?

FKM for wet conditions. Leather for formal occasions. Smartlet for when you need both watches and do not want to choose.