Strap for Rolex Explorer 1016

The lug width of the Rolex Explorer 1016 is 20 mm. This is a standard measurement for Rolex models of that era. It can be accurately verified using a digital calliper placed internally between the two lugs, in contact with the case.

It depends on the intended use. For formal occasions, a belly-cut alligator strap in black or tobacco brown is the most coherent choice for the dial's aesthetic. For daily wear, vegetable-tanned calf leather or shell cordovan develop a patina over time that pairs naturally with the vintage tritium dials of the 1016. A nylon NATO strap is ideal for sporting use, in keeping with the watch's original purpose.

To remove a strap from the Rolex Explorer 1016, a double-ended spring bar tool is required. Insert the tip into the slot on the lug, compress the spring bar, and slide the strap laterally. It is advisable to work on a soft surface to avoid scratching the case and lugs.

Yes. The Rolex Explorer 1016 accepts any strap with a 20 mm lug width and an end-piece thickness not exceeding 2.5 mm, owing to the geometry of the lugs. Milano Straps offers a selection of handcrafted 20 mm straps in various materials — alligator, calf leather, shell cordovan, NATO — all compatible with this reference.

Longevity depends on the material and frequency of use. A vegetable-tanned calf leather strap, with ordinary care, typically lasts 2–3 years of daily wear. Shell cordovan can exceed 5 years thanks to its dense fibrous structure. Alligator leather, when not regularly exposed to perspiration or water, retains its shape and texture for 3–4 years. Casati Milano straps come with an 18-month warranty against manufacturing defects.