If you frequently change watch straps, one tiny case feature can make the process considerably easier:
drilled lugs.
Searches such as “what are drilled lugs on a watch,” “drilled watch lugs,” “drilled vs non drilled lugs,” and “how to remove watch strap with drilled lugs” usually come from buyers who notice small holes on the sides of a watch case.
What Are Watch Lugs?
Lugs are the projections extending from the watch case that hold the bracelet or strap.
A spring bar normally sits between each pair of lugs and secures the strap.
What Are Drilled Lugs?
Drilled lugs contain small holes that pass through the outer sides of the lugs.
These holes provide direct access to the spring bars.
Why Do Watches Have Drilled Lugs?
The primary advantage is easier strap removal.
Instead of accessing the spring bar from underneath the watch, you can use an appropriate tool through the drilled hole.
How Do Drilled Lugs Work?
A spring bar has spring-loaded tips that sit inside the lug holes.
With drilled lugs, a suitable tool can push the tip inward from outside the case.
Once compressed, the strap or bracelet can be released.
Drilled vs Non-Drilled Lugs
Drilled Lugs
Advantages include:
- easier spring-bar access
- convenient strap changes
- easier bracelet removal
Non-Drilled Lugs
Advantages include:
- cleaner case sides
- no visible external holes
- more seamless appearance
Are Drilled Lugs Better?
They are particularly useful for people who frequently swap straps.
However, some buyers prefer the cleaner appearance of non-drilled case sides.
Neither construction automatically indicates higher quality.
Do Drilled Lugs Make Strap Changes Safer?
They can reduce the need to insert a spring-bar tool between the strap and underside of the lug.
That may reduce the chance of scratching certain surfaces.
Care is still required.
What Tool Do You Need?
A suitable spring-bar or pin-style tool can be used to compress the spring bar through the hole.
The tool should fit correctly.
Avoid forcing oversized or inappropriate objects into the lug opening.
Can You Remove a Bracelet Through Drilled Lugs?
Yes, provided the bracelet uses compatible spring-bar construction.
Bracelet end links may still require careful handling.
Are Drilled Lugs Good for Leather Straps?
Yes.
They can make changing between:
- leather
- rubber
- fabric
- bracelets
much easier.
Drilled Lugs vs Quick-Release Straps
Both systems make strap changes easier, but they work differently.
Drilled Lugs
Provide external access to a traditional spring bar.
Quick-Release Strap
Includes a small built-in lever that retracts the spring bar.
Can You Use Quick-Release Straps With Drilled Lugs?
Often, yes, assuming:
- lug width matches
- strap fits
- spring-bar geometry is compatible
The two features are not mutually exclusive.
Why Don't All Watches Have Drilled Lugs?
Many modern designs prioritize smooth, uninterrupted case sides.
Manufacturers may therefore hide the spring-bar access underneath the lugs.
Do Drilled Lugs Affect Water Resistance?
Generally, the lug holes are external to the sealed movement compartment.
They do not normally create an opening into the movement itself.
Water resistance depends on the actual case-sealing system.
Are Drilled Lugs a Vintage Feature?
They are commonly associated with many older tool-watch designs, although modern watches can use them too.
Do Drilled Lugs Make a Watch Look Cheaper?
Not inherently.
On a tool-oriented watch, visible lug holes can reinforce the functional design.
On a dressier case, hidden spring-bar access may create a cleaner appearance.
Specht & Sohne Strap Compatibility
Different Specht & Sohne models use different case and bracelet designs.
Before changing a strap, check:
- lug width
- spring-bar type
- end-link construction
- strap compatibility
Final Thoughts
So, what are drilled lugs on a watch?
They are small holes through the sides of the lugs that provide direct access to the spring bars.
Their biggest advantage is simple:
easier and potentially more convenient strap changes.
For enthusiasts who regularly switch bracelets and straps, drilled lugs can be an extremely practical feature.