If you find yourself struggling to fasten the buckle (clasp) of your new watch, do not worry, you are not alone. This type of buckle is a “push-button dual deployant clasp.” These clasps are usually not found on watches under $1,000 and until you see it and use it for the first time, it can cause confusion.

The first thing you should do is to open the clasp. If you hold your watch in such a way that the Stührling Logo on the clasp is right side up and reading from left to right, the “push-buttons” are located on the left and right of the clasp. Just squeeze them together and the clasp will spring open.

Now that the clasp is in the open condition, if you will look inside the “mouth” of the clasp you will see a little post. The mouth of the clasp is that part that has the Stührling logo on the top. The post is actually attached to the floor of the mouth and that is what would prevent you from sliding the leather strap (with the holes in it) into and through the mouth.

The floor of the mouth of the clasp actually swings open like a little gate. You must use both hands and “open” the gate by pulling the top of the mouth (the part with the Stührling log on it) and the bottom (the floor) in opposite directions. The gate will swing open. Sometimes the gate is a little difficult to open when it is new. If you look at the clasp from the side, you will be able to see the pin for the hinge for the gate.

Once you have the gate open, you can then slide the leather strap in and close the gate. The post will fit into the holes of the strap. You may want to try the second or third hole to begin the sizing process. Once you have the strap secured into the clasp, you would merely slide the watch over your hand and onto your wrist. When closing the clasp, it is recommended that you close the side of the clasp that is affixed to the strap first (as opposed to the side that has the holes in the strap). The clasp will “click” into place. Then you would close the side with the Stührling logo and that will click into place as well. If your watch is too loose or too tight, then merely open the clasp and adjust which hole you put the post through.

You will find it very easy to take your watch off by merely using the “push-buttons” to open the clasp and then slide the watch over your hand. This type of clasp also saves wear and tear on your leather (or exotic) straps.

We also have a pictorial instruction of how the clasp operates here: buckle instructions