Strap for Squad Watch Atacama.2 / Stainless steel / Black

The lug width of the Laco Squad Watches 861632.2 is precisely 22mm. This measurement refers to the internal distance between the two lugs on the watch case and is critical for selecting a compatible strap. Any strap intended for this model must feature this exact 22mm dimension to fit securely without forcing or misalignment.

The optimal strap choice depends on your intended usage. For formal daily wear, we recommend alligator leather or vegetable-tanned calf, which emphasise the military elegance of the design. For outdoor and aquatic activities, NATO in organic cotton or structured rubber offer maximum robustness and water resistance. The most versatile compromise remains a double-thickness NATO strap, suitable for any climatic condition and easily interchangeable with alternatives.

Changing the strap on the Laco 861632.2 requires a dedicated spring bar tool. Position the watch on a soft surface, locate the small hole inside each spring bar, insert a thin tool to release the spring mechanism, and carefully extract the old strap. Insert the new strap through both lugs, ensuring correct orientation, reposition the spring bars, and verify security by gently pulling the strap in opposite directions.

Yes, any strap manufactured for 22mm lugs is fully compatible with the Laco 861632.2. Artisanal leather straps made from vegetable-tanned hides or preformed NATO straps often deliver superior quality compared to OEM accessories, with better shape retention and more refined ageing characteristics. Ensure the strap features adequate length—minimum 8–9cm on the crown side, 10–11cm on the buckle side—for comfortable fit across varying wrist sizes.

The lifespan of a leather strap depends on material quality and usage patterns. Premium vegetable-tanned leather, worn daily under normal conditions, maintains structural integrity for 2 to 4 years. Wear accelerates with constant exposure to moisture, saline perspiration, and harsh detergents. Visible patina indicates natural ageing, not deterioration—vegetable-tanned leather darkens elegantly whilst retaining flexibility. Synthetic NATO straps offer extended longevity (4–6 years), whilst structured rubber maintains performance for 3–5 years before showing reduced flexibility.