Strap for Novonaut N-42 First Edition / Block Bracelet

The Fortis Novonaut F2040010 features a 22mm lug width, the modern standard for high-end wrist chronographs. This width ensures balanced proportions between case and strap, guaranteeing natural draping on the wrist without visual excess.

For the F2040010, we recommend a vegetable-tanned alligator or shell cordovan strap. Alligator offers a natural texture that dialogues with the ceramic's roughness, whilst cordovan develops an aesthetic patina over time. For extreme environments, a nylon ballistic NATO or vulcanised rubber remain radical alternatives.

Changing the F2040010's strap is performed using a dedicated tool (spring bar tool) to extract the metal lugs (spring bars) from the case lugs. Position the tool in the lateral slots, extract the spring bar with gentle movement, remove the old strap, and insert the new one ensuring the spring bars click firmly into place.

Yes, any strap with 22mm lug width is compatible. High-quality artisanal aftermarket straps (vegetable tanning, alligator, cordovan) often offer superior finish and durability compared to OEM options. Always verify that the strap is specifically constructed for 22mm width.

A high-quality vegetable-tanned leather strap, subject to moderate use, lasts between 3-5 years. Shell cordovan, more resilient, reaches 6-8 years. Intensive use in humid or salt-spray environments reduces durability. The strap is not a permanent component: its controlled ageing forms part of the watch's temporal aesthetic.