It seems like nearly every wristwatch I get, the common point of failure is the watch band, but when I try to find replacement bands, it’s always sort of a hassle.
It’s not “universal” but there is definitely standard size, and any shop would have spare wristband. Moreover, very often, the point of failure isn’t the wrist band but the piece that connects it to the watch. It’s something that any jeweler can replace within 5 minutes
Main thing is the lug width. You could get a few straps on the smaller side and they’ll fit inside bigger lugs, just not look ideal.
Something that can be worth buying in person, even a mall key/watch repair stall would have a variety of types and sizes on hand and can find you something suitable on the spot.
Most of the time, watch band sizes are given by the width of the strap (i.e 20mm or 22mm). You (or any jeweler) can measure that dimension on the watch face, and then it should be super easy to find a compatible replacement. For the most part, the locking mechanism for attaching the band to the watch is very standardized (spring loaded barrel pin), and while they can be fiddly, generally they are fairly easy to work with.
Generally speaking, you can get your watch band width just by going to the store page for the watch you have. If not, this is one of many reasons why everyone should own a pair of cheap digital calipers. Measure your watchband and round off to the nearest standard size.
At which point, you are now only really having to care about the pins that connect to the watch. Many (most?) will have a little push button on the inside of the watch band. Depress/slide that, and then you can pop the old band off and the new one on. Some might use the same kinds of pins as watch links where you just need to pick up a watch repair kit (specifically the tiny hammer, a push pin, and a block to hold the watch vertically) which you can generally get for less than ten bucks and watch a youtube for how to use. Pretty much essential if you like metal wristbands/links, but also good to have in general.
Yeah, find an online store accessible to you such as Amazon and measure the width of your old band. You can then search 18mm watch band for example and they should have a bunch of choices. I usually get third party ones because they work just as well as original bands.
Sometimes watches like casio have special connectors but even then you can find replicas that work just as well.
Also just because the watch band says it’s for a smartwatch doesn’t mean it won’t work with a normal watch. Look closely at the photos/measurements and sometimes it’s just a normal strap you can use on any watch.
Try NATO style watchband. Come in various widths and are pretty durable.
Someone recommended blusharkstraps to me, haven’t used them (not a watch person) but I trust the source. Might find something there.
I can recommend “milanese” watch bands. It’s like tiny chain mail and very long lasting.
Try posting this on !malefashionadvice@lemmy.world