Strap for Portofino Automatic Stainless Steel / Black / Short Milanese

The lug width (ansa width) of the IWC Portofino IW3565-08 is 20 mm. This width is the definitive standard for the model and allows the exclusive use of straps and bracelets calibrated to 20 mm. Verify the measurement before purchase by positioning a calibrated ruler between the internal edges of the lug.

Alligator represents the ideal formal choice for the Portofino IW3565-08, thanks to its natural grain and milky texture that enhance the classical geometry of the case. Alligator maintains a surface that catalyses light with discretion, emphasising proportions without excess. Alternatively, shell cordovan offers structural compactness and a patina that reaches aesthetic maturity after months of use, ideal for those seeking chromatic evolution over time.

Strap replacement is accomplished by removing the lug pins (spring bars) using a specialised watchmaker's tool: a pin remover. Position the watch on a soft surface, insert the tool gently beneath the pin starting from the inside, then apply light pressure until extraction. Once the pin is removed, the strap detaches easily. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side. Installation of the new strap follows the reverse process, ensuring perfect alignment of the lug holes.

An aftermarket strap of equivalent manufacturing quality differs from the original IWC strap primarily in leather selection and constructive details. High-quality artisanal aftermarket straps, such as those crafted by Casati Milano, offer freedom in raw material selection (choosing alligator, cordovan or vegetable-tanned calf) and permit customisations impossible in serial production. Compatibility is guaranteed by the identical lug width (20 mm), whilst structural durability depends on the intrinsic quality of the leather employed and constructive precision, not brand name.

The lifespan of a leather strap depends on the material chosen and conditions of use. A high-quality alligator maintains structural integrity between 3 and 5 years in daily use; shell cordovan can extend durability to 6-7 years owing to fibre density. A calf leather with vegetable tanning, though more vulnerable to moisture, maintains functionality between 2 and 4 years. Frequent exposure to moisture and atmospheric agents significantly reduces longevity. Regular rotation amongst multiple straps and proper storage (dryness, absence of pressure) extend the useful life of each individual strap.