Strap for Seamaster 120M Automatic 36.25 Stainless Steel / Blue

The lug width is 18mm. This width corresponds to the distance between the case lugs where the strap is attached via spring bars. This is a specification specific to the 2501.81.00 model, not a variant: you can verify it by measuring perpendicularly with a digital caliper between the upper case attachments, avoiding confusion with the total case diameter (36.25mm).

It depends on your intended use and desired aesthetics. For formal occasions, black or brown alligator offers elegance without ostentation. For those who value aesthetic evolution over time, vegetable-tanned calf develops a distinctive patina. For sports and nautical contexts, vulcanized rubber resists moisture and maintains flexibility. Cordura canvas NATO represents the versatile and comfortable solution for those who desire easy strap changes.

The strap is removed via two horizontal spring bars located at the case lugs. Use a dedicated tool (spring bar tool) to compress the bar slightly on one side, allowing extraction from the lug. Check that the bars are intact and not worn. When inserting the new strap, ensure the bar clicks firmly into both lug holes: it must be impossible to remove the strap by pulling gently. Many professional watchmakers offer this service in just a few minutes.

Yes, with one clarification: compatibility is guaranteed if the strap is indeed manufactured for 18mm lug width. Always verify this specification with your retailer. The only variable is strap length: the Seamaster 120M, with its compact case, requires shorter lengths. Artisanal quality straps allow customization of measurements, ensuring comfort and secure wear.

A quality leather strap, with ordinary maintenance, lasts 3-5 years under standard use conditions. Determining variables are climate (humidity and UV rays accelerate aging), frequency of wear, the practice of wetting the strap, and the type of tanning. Vegetable-tanned leather tends to last longer than chrome-tanned leather and develops patina over time. Vulcanized rubber, by contrast, lasts 5-8 years if not exposed to extreme temperatures. An 18-month warranty covers any manufacturing defects and provides initial protection against unexpected wear.