18mm Watch Straps

Over 190 watch straps in 18mm, the usual width for smaller and vintage-size watches. The range covers NATO straps, leather, elasticated Marine Nationale straps, silicone and metal, and prices start under £10.

18mm straps are harder to find on the high street than 20mm or 22mm, which is why we keep so many. If you're not certain of your size, measure the gap between the lugs in millimetres, or email us the make and model and we'll try to confirm for you.

Free UK delivery on every order, 60-day returns, and free spring bars with any strap that isn't quick release. 10% discount also available for first time buyers.

18mm Watch Straps Collection by The Thrifty Gentleman

Choosing an 18mm watch strap

An 18mm strap fits a watch with 18mm between its lugs. That is typical of smaller cases, many women's watches and a lot of vintage pieces. Here is what we stock in the size and who each type suits best.

18mm straps by type

  • Leather (from £16.99): nearly 60 straps in smooth, grain, crazy horse and vintage styles. For dress watches and everyday wear.
  • NATO and two-piece NATO (about £11 to £15): about 40 nylon straps, one-piece and two-piece, including Bond stripes. Light, casual and washable.
  • Marine Nationale (£14.99): 18 elasticated nylon straps. A slim, stretchy fit with no bulk.
  • Canvas, perlon and other fabric (from under £10): about 50 straps. Good for summer and for field-style watches.
  • Silicone, tropical and FKM rubber (from £11.99): 17 straps for swimming and sport.
  • Metal (from £16.99): Milanese mesh and steel bracelets. A smarter look that lasts for years.

Getting the fit right on a smaller watch

On a smaller watch, the strap's thickness matters as much as its width. A thick, padded strap can overwhelm a slim case, while a flat leather strap, a Marine Nationale or a slim nylon NATO keeps things in proportion. If your wrist is on the small side too, our guide to straps for small wrists has more on this.

Measure before you buy

Lug width is measured in a straight line between the inside of the watch's lugs. If you get 18mm, everything on this page will fit. If you have a 20mm lug width watch, you want our 20mm watch straps. Still not sure? Email us a photo or the watch model and we'll try to help you.

18mm watch strap questions

What watches take an 18mm strap?

18mm is most common on watches with a case of roughly 34mm to 38mm, which includes many classic, vintage and women's watches. It varies by model, so measure the gap between the lugs to be sure.

Do you sell 18mm NATO straps?

Yes. We have about 40 nylon NATO straps in 18mm, including the classic G10, elastic, seatbelt-weave and two-piece styles, most between £11 and £15. You can see every NATO we stock in the NATO watch straps collection and filter by lug width.

Do you sell 18mm leather watch straps?

Yes, nearly 60 of them, from £16.99, in black, brown, tan and other colours. Browse the leather watch straps collection and filter by lug width to see only 18mm.

Can I put an 18mm strap on a 20mm watch?

We wouldn't. A strap narrower than the lugs leaves a gap at each side, shows the spring bar and can slide about. Buy the width your watch was made for.

Are 18mm straps long enough for a larger wrist?

Width and length are separate. Most of our 18mm straps are a standard length that suits most wrists, and NATO and Marine Nationale straps have the most adjustment. If your wrist is larger than average, email us before ordering and we'll check the length of the strap you like. This information is also provided on every product listing in the specifications section.

Do 18mm straps come with spring bars?

Yes. Quick-release straps have them built in, but all other straps include a free set.

A second strap for less

Smaller watches change character completely with a different strap: leather for the office, nylon for the weekend. Our multi-buy discount is automatic, with 10% off two straps, 15% off three and 20% off four or more.