Someone strapped an automatic watch to the Fitbit Air – here’s how

Someone strapped an automatic watch to the Fitbit Air – here’s how

June 4, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

Users of the Google Fitbit Air are adopting a new trend by integrating their analog and digital watches directly onto the fitness tracker’s strap. This modification allows enthusiasts to maintain the aesthetic of a traditional timepiece while still collecting health data.

The Fitbit Air differs from many modern wearables by returning to a basic design. It features a sensor chassis on a strap without any buttons or a display, making it a discrete companion to other wristwear.

The Rise of the Hybrid Wrist Setup

For many, the choice between a traditional watch, such as a Longines Hydroconquest and a fitness tracker often results in “double-wristing.” Wearing both a smartwatch and an automatic watch is often viewed as a bold stylistic move, while wearing two separate bands can feel like wearing too many bracelets.

From Instagram — related to Longines Hydroconquest

To solve this, some users have begun sliding their analog watches onto the Fitbit Air strap. This “Frankenstein” approach positions the watch on top and the Fitbit Air sensor underneath the wrist.

One creator has even gone as far as printing a custom adapter to make this configuration work for a Casio calculator watch.

Did You Know? The Fitbit Air returns to the basics of traditional Fitbit products, consisting essentially of a sensor chassis on a strap with no display and no buttons.

Technical Requirements and Implementation

The process involves removing the strap from the analog watch while leaving the spring bars in place. The Fitbit Air strap is then slipped through those spring bars, similar to a single-pass NATO band.

Google Fitbit Air – Detailed follow up! No smartwatch needed for me at this point!

Compatibility depends largely on the lug width of the watch. The Fitbit Air strap has a width of 18mm, meaning watches with a similar width are the best fit.

While 20mm lugs can work, they may leave a visible gap. Users with 19mm lugs, such as those on a Certina DS Action Diver 38mm, may also find the strap compatible despite the odd gap size.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this user-led modification highlights a significant tension in the wearables market: the desire for comprehensive health tracking balanced against a preference for traditional horological style. By moving the sensor to the underside of the wrist, users are effectively prioritizing “invisible” technology.

Market Implications and Future Outlook

A primary limitation of this modification is the current lack of strap variety. Users cannot currently purchase alternative options like Marine Nationale bands or basic NATO straps for the device.

Market Implications and Future Outlook
Longines watch Fitbit strap

However, Google has recently released its own designs to allow band manufacturers to create near-OEM straps. This move could likely lead to a wider variety of third-party strap options hitting the market.

While Google does not officially support the method of strapping an analog watch to the device, the ease of the project makes it an attractive option for those avoiding multiple bands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you attach an analog watch to the Fitbit Air?
Undo the Fitbit Air strap (keeping the body attached), remove the strap from the analog watch while leaving the spring bars in place, and slip the Fitbit strap through the spring bars. Secure it so the watch is on top and the Fitbit Air is underneath the wrist.

What is the strap width of the Fitbit Air?
The Fitbit Air has a strap width of 18mm.

Does Google officially support this watch-strapping method?
No, Google does not officially support this method.

Would you prefer a discrete sensor like the Fitbit Air over a full-featured smartwatch to keep your traditional watch on your wrist?