Strap for Portugieser Chronograph Stainless Steel / Silver - Blue / Rubber

The lug width of the IWC Portugieser Chronograph IW3716-20 is 20 millimetres. This measurement represents the distance between the inner edges of the case lugs and determines which strap is compatible with the watch. A common error is confusing this measurement with the outer diameter of the lug itself: the distance between inner edges remains the correct parameter.

For the 41mm Portugieser IW3716-20, three materials excel: satin-finished black alligator for formal contexts, shell cordovan for those desiring a patina that ages in harmony with the case, and vegetable-tanned calf for daily versatility. A stainless steel deployant with rubber underlay offers sporting practicality whilst maintaining elegance. Choice depends on use context: office, leisure, or outdoor activity.

Strap replacement on this model requires removal of the case bars—the small pins connecting the strap to the lugs. Use a dedicated tool (spring bar tool) or watchmaker's lever: insert the bifurcated tip beneath the bar, push toward the case centre to release internal tension, then extract the bar. Repeat on the other lug. Clean the lugs before installing the new strap. If the strap has a deployant, replacement is even quicker: open the clicklock and slide the strap away.

Yes, any strap with a 20-millimetre lug width is compatible with the Portugieser IW3716-20. Quality artisanal aftermarket straps (leather-tanned, precise curves, stainless steel bars) often surpass original offerings in longevity and personal aesthetic. Always verify that bars are 316L stainless steel to avoid galvanic reactions with the case.

Leather strap lifespan depends on material, tanning method, and usage. An alligator or shell cordovan, worn 3–4 days weekly, maintains structural integrity for 5–8 years. Vegetable-tanned calf, subject to greater body perspiration, may require replacement after 4–6 years. A rubber strap has indefinite lifespan if protected from prolonged direct UV exposure. Regular maintenance (brushing, stable microclimate) significantly extends leather life.