The Samsung Gear 2 is a literal relic in the smartwatch world. Honestly, it’s kind of a miracle if yours is still ticking in 2026. Released way back in 2014, this was the era before the "Galaxy Watch" branding took over, back when Tizen was the king of Samsung’s wrist-wear and we all thought taking photos with our wrists via that built-in 2MP camera was the peak of the future.
But here is the problem.
The original strap—that stiff, textured elastomer—wasn't exactly built to last a decade. It cracks. It gets "sticky" due to plasticizer migration. Or maybe you're just tired of looking at that dated ribbed texture. Finding Samsung Gear 2 watch bands today isn't as simple as walking into a Best Buy or hitting "Buy Now" on the first thing you see on Amazon. There are specific physical constraints with this model that catch people off guard, especially because the Gear 2, the Gear 2 Neo, and the Gear S2 are all completely different beasts with different lug requirements.
The 22mm Standard and the Camera Problem
Most people don't realize that the Gear 2 actually uses a standard 22mm width. That sounds like great news, right? It means you can technically slap any 22mm strap from a Seiko diver or a modern Fossil watch onto it.
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But there's a catch. A big one.
The Gear 2 has that unique camera housing integrated into the top of the watch body. If you buy a band that is too thick at the spring bar point, it will rub against the casing or, worse, won't pivot at all. You need something thin near the lugs. I've seen people try to force heavy duty "Zulu" style nylon straps onto these, only to find the strap blocks the sensor or sits at a weird, uncomfortable angle because the clearance is so tight.
If you have the Gear 2 Neo, things are slightly more flexible because you don't have the metal premium finish to worry about scratching, but the lug width remains the same.
Material Choices That Actually Make Sense Now
Back in 2014, your choices were basically black, "Gold Brown," or "Wild Orange." Today, the market is different. Since you're likely sourcing from third-party sellers on eBay or specialized watch sites, you should look for specific materials that complement the Gear 2's bulky, rectangular aesthetic.
- Stainless Steel Mesh: These are great because they are infinitely adjustable. Since the Gear 2 is a bit top-heavy, a mesh band (often called a Milanese loop) allows you to get a precise fit so the watch doesn't slide around and mess up your heart rate readings.
- Top-Grain Leather: If you have the silver or gold-colored Gear 2, leather makes it look less like a "gadget" and more like an actual timepiece. Just make sure the leather isn't "padded." You want a flat 22mm leather strap.
- Silicone with Quick Release: Honestly, these are the most practical. Look for the ones with the little integrated lever on the spring bar. It makes swapping them out a ten-second job instead of a "where did that tiny screwdriver go" nightmare.
Why You Should Avoid "Original" OEM Listings
You'll see them on eBay. Sellers claiming to have "Brand New Original Samsung Gear 2 Watch Bands" in the box.
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Don't do it.
Even if they are genuine, that rubber has been sitting in a warehouse for over ten years. Rubber degrades over time through a process called oxidative degradation. You’ll pull it out of the box, stretch it once, and it’ll snap like a dry cracker. Or it will be covered in a white, powdery film. Stick to modern, third-party replacements made within the last year or two. The chemistry in modern silicone is just better than what Samsung was using during the Obama administration.
The Gear 2 vs. Gear S2 Confusion
This is the number one mistake I see in forums and product reviews.
The Gear 2 (and Neo) uses a standard lug.
The Gear S2 (the round one that came later) uses a proprietary proprietary connection for the non-Classic version.
If you search for "Samsung watch bands," 90% of what you find will be for the modern Galaxy Watch 4, 5, or 6. Those often use 20mm bands. If you buy those for your Gear 2, they will be too narrow, and the watch will slide back and forth on the pin. It looks terrible and it's annoying. Always double-check that the listing explicitly says "22mm."
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The Hardware Swap You Might Not Know About
If you still have your original broken strap, don't throw it away just yet. The Gear 2 strap came with a very specific deployment clasp that was actually pretty high quality for its time.
Many 22mm aftermarket bands come with a cheap tang-and-buckle (the kind with the holes and the little needle). If you’re handy with a spring bar tool, you can often harvest the "Samsung" branded clasp from your old, broken band and move it to a new leather or silicone strap. It keeps the "authentic" look while giving you the durability of new material. It’s a bit of a "Frankenwatch" move, but it’s a favorite trick among enthusiasts who want to keep the vintage tech vibe alive.
Longevity and Maintenance
Since the Gear 2 isn't waterproof (it’s IP67, which basically means "don't submerge it"), your band choice matters for sweat. If you’re still using this for fitness, avoid the leather. The Gear 2's heart rate sensor is okay, but it requires a very snug fit against the wrist.
Clean your bands. Seriously.
Because the Gear 2 body is made of a mix of metal and plastic, skin oils and salt buildup can actually corrode the charging pins on the back of the watch. A clean band means a clean wrist, which means your charging cradle—which is already notoriously finicky on this model—will actually work.
How to Install Your New Band Without Scratching the Sensor
The Gear 2 has its heart rate sensor right between the lugs. When you're fishing around with a metal tool to get the spring bar in, it is incredibly easy to slip and gouge the sensor glass.
- Lay the watch face down on a microfiber cloth.
- Use a plastic shim or your fingernail if the band has a quick-release lever.
- If using a traditional spring bar tool, always enter from the "under" side of the lug. That way, if you scratch the metal, it’s on the part that touches your skin, not the part the world sees.
Where to Actually Buy These in 2026
Since Samsung officially dropped support for these devices years ago, your best bets are:
- AliExpress/DHGate: Best variety, but shipping takes weeks. Look for "22mm universal sport strap."
- Amazon: Look for brands like Barton or Archer. They don't specifically market to "Gear 2" anymore, but their 22mm "Quick Release" straps are perfect.
- Etsy: Believe it or not, there are leather workers who make custom 22mm straps that can give this old tech a massive glow-up.
Actionable Next Steps for Gear 2 Owners
If you're ready to refresh your wearable, start by measuring your current setup. Even though the spec is 22mm, some "heavy duty" bands are actually 22.5mm and won't fit the tight tolerances of the Gear 2's lugs.
First, check your charging cradle. If the cradle is cracked, a new band won't help you. If the cradle is good, go find a 22mm silicone quick-release band with a tapered end. This ensures it clears the camera housing. Avoid "Gap-less" bands designed for the Galaxy Watch 6; they have a curved end that is molded specifically for the round Watch 6 casing and will not physically fit the square Gear 2.
Once the new band is on, give the charging contacts on the watch a quick wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol. You'll have a device that looks brand new, even if the software is a total blast from the past.