Audemars Piguet strap replacement:Take the AP15400 (Audemars Piguet Royal Oak) as an example
For owners of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15400, replacing the original steel bracelet with a fluororubber strap will adds a unique style to the watch. Below is a complete guide covering tool preparation, operation steps, and the advantages of the strap, helping you easily complete the Audemars Piguet strap replacement.
I. Pre – Preparation: Tool and Part List
- 1 spring bar tool: Used for accurately removing and installing the screw pins at the strap connection part ;
- 2 flathead screwdrivers: Assist in tightening the screws that fix the end links and the strap.
- 4 * connector: The core accessories connecting the watch case and the FKM rubber strap, which must fully match the size of the 15400 case interface;
- 1* FKM Strap For Audemars Piguet : It is advisable to select a style that fits the lug spacing of the 15400(your watch model) to ensure no looseness after installation;
- 4 special screws: 2 for fixing the end links and the case, and 2 for connecting the end links and the strap. Corrosion – resistant stainless steel material should be used;
- 1 * deployant clasp: A special buckle for the fluororubber strap, which needs to match the size of the strap to ensure firm wearing.
Before You Start: Understand the Audemars Piguet Strap Connection System
Before replacing an Audemars Piguet strap, it is important to understand how the strap connects to the watch case.
For many AP models, the connection can be understood as:
Watch Case → Adapter / Connector → End of Strap
The adapter or connector is the key component between the watch case and the replacement strap. This is why simply purchasing a replacement AP rubber strap does not always mean that the strap can be installed directly onto your watch.
Does Your Original AP Strap Have a Removable Adapter?
This is one of the most important things to check before ordering an Audemars Piguet replacement strap.
If your original strap is a leather or rubber strap, the adapter/connector can generally be removed from the original strap assembly and reused when you replace the strap with another compatible leather or rubber strap.
In this situation, you may not need to purchase another adapter/connector if the original component is still in good condition and is compatible with your replacement strap.
However, if your original AP watch comes with a steel bracelet, pay special attention to the connection structure.
The end-link portion of the original steel bracelet is integrated with the bracelet assembly and is not necessarily designed to be transferred to a replacement rubber or leather strap.
Therefore, when changing from an original AP steel bracelet to a rubber or leather replacement strap, you may need to purchase a separate compatible connector (many people called conversion kit)
This is one of the most common reasons customers purchase a replacement AP strap but later discover that they cannot install it.
We have received customer feedback that the strap could not be installed onto the watch.The missing component was the adapter/connector between the AP case and the replacement strap.
For a more detailed explanation of how watch lug adapters work and why the original watch and its connection structure matter, see our guide:Watch Lug Adapter Compatibility Guide: Why Genuine Watches Matter
How to Change the Strap on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or Royal Oak Offshore
II. Step 1: Remove the Original Steel Bracelet
First, place the watch face down on the soft cloth to expose the steel bracelet connection part at the lugs;
Align the flathead screwdriver with the side screw position of the steel strip, loosen and remove the screw clockwise. Pay attention to placing the screws in the designated storage box to prevent loss;
After the tube on both sides are removed, the original steel bracelet can be completely separated from the watch case. Store the steel bracelet, the removed screws, and the tube separately for subsequent reuse.
III. Step 2: Install the FKM Rubber Strap for AP 15400
Finally, use a flathead screwdriver to tighten the fixing screws on both sides. The tightness should be such that the screws are secure, and do not over – tighten to cause deformation of the accessories.
Connecting the Strap
Align one end of the FKM rubber strap with the adapter that has been fixed.
First insert the screw pin, and after ensuring that the strap is fitted with the adapter, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws on both sides;
Repeat this step to connect the other end of the strap with the adapter on the other side of the watch case.
Why Is the Pin Sticking Out After Installation?
Another installation problem we have seen from customers is that the pin appears to stick out after the replacement strap has been installed.
In many cases, the problem is caused by incorrect installation or incorrect alignment between the adapter, strap and pin.
The connection components need to sit in their intended positions before the screws are tightened. If the adapter or strap is not fully seated, the pin may not pass through the connection correctly and can remain partially exposed.
Before wearing the watch, check the following:
Make sure the adapter is fully seated against the watch case.
Make sure the strap is correctly aligned with the adapter.
Make sure the tube and pin are correctly positioned.
Make sure the fixing screws are properly tightened.
Check both sides of the connection to make sure no pin is visibly protruding.
Never wear the watch if the connection pin is visibly loose or incorrectly positioned.
The following video demonstrates the installation process and shows how the adapter, pin and strap should be positioned during installation.
IV. About the Audemars Piguet Rubber Strap Replacement Watch Band
The reason why fluororubber material has become a popular strap choice for Audemars Piguet watches such as the 15400 (including Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or Royal Oak Offshore models) lies in its excellent performance suitable for sports scenarios.
- Exceptional Durability
- Super Corrosion Resistance
- Good Biocompatibility
- Wide Scene Adaptability
In addition to the fluororubber strap suitable for sports, Royalwatchstrap also provides a variety of customized options according to different wearing scenarios to meet the personalized needs of watch owners.
FKM Rubber Strap Sizes & Compatible References
26mm Premium FKM Watch Rubber Strap For AP Audemars Piguet Royal Oak
- Compatible with: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 39mm–41mm
- 15400, 15500, 26331, 26240, 26579, 26585, 26599, 26611, 26586, 26574, 26674, 26606, 26615, 26609, 26625, 26598, 25920, 77450, 15550, 15450, 25979, 26014, 25960, 25860, 26300, 26022, 25978, 25967, 26603, 26603, 26377, 25831
- …
28mm FKM Fluoro Rubber Strap For Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore
Compatible with AP ROO 42mm
15710, 26710, 26170, 26470, 25940, 26238, 26299, 25721, 26480, 26474, 26473, 67651, 56175, 8638, 67650, 14470, 66786, 66344, 66319, 66270, 66131, 56323, 56271, 56048, 56143, 15000…
Ⅴ. About the custom watch straps for Audemars Piguet
1. Fashionable and Personalized: Custom Velcro Strap For Audemars piguet
If you pursue a trendy feeling and convenience, the Velcro strap is the first choice. Its advantages are as follows:
- Convenient Wearing
- Personalized Customization
- Comfortable and Breathable
- Fashion Trend
2. Formal Occasions: Customized Alligator Leather Strap
- High – end Material: High – quality leathers such as cowhide and alligator leather
- Customized Adaptation: The length of the strap and the style of the buckle can be customized
- Temperament Matching: The warm texture of the leather strap is consistent with the elegant atmosphere of formal occasions
Whether it is the fluororubber strap, the Velcro strap, or the customized leather strap, Royalwatchstrap can provide styles suitable for the Audemars Piguet 15400 and all of other AP models, taking into account material quality and design sense to meet the wearing needs in different scenarios.
Learn More About Audemars Piguet Replacement Straps
Read our complete Audemars Piguet Replacement Strap Guide to find the right strap for your watch.
Finding the correct replacement strap for an Audemars Piguet watch requires more than just choosing a color or material. Different AP collections, including Royal Oak, Royal Oak Offshore, Code 11.59 and Millenary, use different lug widths, case sizes and strap designs.
To help you choose the right fit, we created a detailed guide covering AP strap sizes, compatible models, materials and replacement options.