Strap for Ballade III Automatic Silver

The lug width of the Tissot Ballade T97.1.483.31 is precisely 20 millimetres. This measurement must be adhered to strictly when selecting aftermarket straps to ensure compatibility and prevent mechanical play between the strap bar and the case lugs.

The optimal strap depends on intended use. For formal elegance, we recommend alligator leather or shell cordovan with vegetable tanning. For daily wear, French calf or FKM rubber. For sports-casual styling, grey or navy NATO nylon. All materials must feature a 20mm lug width.

Remove the original strap by extracting the lateral case pins using a spring bar tool. Once the lugs are freed, insert the new strap, ensuring the strap bar slides smoothly between both lugs. Reinsert the pins until you hear the click of engagement. Verify that the strap bar width is exactly 20mm.

Yes, the 20mm lug width is compatible with an extensive aftermarket strap catalogue in leather, alligator, canvas NATO, and rubber. Milano Straps offers a dedicated collection for this measurement, featuring vegetable-tanned options and steel deployant clasp finishes.

The lifespan of a leather strap depends on tanning method and usage. With vegetable tanning, premium-quality leather lasts 3–5 years with daily wear, developing patina. FKM rubber straps offer 5–7 years of durability. With a steel deployant clasp, the fastening system exhibits no accelerated wear, extending the lifespan of the entire assembly.