Laco
Vintage 861845— lug 18mm

The Laco Vintage 861845 is equipped with lugs measuring 18 millimetres in width. This intermediate sizing, uncommon among modern wristwatches, reflects the historical proportion that Laco developed for its pilot chronographs. To verify strap compatibility, measure the horizontal distance between the two spring bars: it must be precisely 18 millimetres, with no tolerance. A 20-millimetre strap will not adhere correctly, whilst a 16-millimetre strap will leave visible gaps at the casing sides.

There is no singular answer, as it depends on intended usage and aesthetic preference. A dark brown alligator strap is the most formal and elegant choice, suitable for professional contexts. If you seek natural ageing and coherence with the patina of the casing, vegetable-tanned calf leather is ideal. For sporting activities and humid environments, a NATO textile strap in polyamide offers robustness without aesthetic compromise. Vulcanised rubber straps, lastly, represent the most versatile and durable solution, perfect for those who prefer minimal maintenance.

Strap replacement requires extraction of the two spring bars (attachment pins) that link the strap to the casing. Employ a spring bar tool, an inexpensive instrument available from any watchmaker: insert the flat tip beneath the pin, compress the internal spring and extract the pin itself. Repeat for the second end. The strap then releases freely. For installation of the new strap, insert the two pins into the designated casing holes, ensuring the spring engages properly. Professional intervention is not necessary if you possess manual dexterity, though an experienced watchmaker can execute the operation in fewer than five minutes without risk of damage.

Yes, numerous international manufacturers and Italian artisans produce straps dimensionally tailored for 18-millimetre lugs. milanostraps.it offers a dedicated collection, with options in leather (alligator, calf, cordovan), textile NATO, and vulcanised rubber. Each strap is factory-verified to ensure perfect geometric compatibility and absence of lateral play. Artisanal aftermarket straps often offer superior longevity compared to original equipment, alongside greater aesthetic customisation.

The lifespan of a leather strap depends upon intensity of usage, raw material quality and tanning methodology applied. A quality alligator strap, under moderate daily wear, resists between four and seven years before exhibiting structural failure signs (cracking, delamination). A vegetable-tanned calf strap ages more rapidly visually, yet retains elasticity for five to eight years. Humidity accelerates degradation: if you wear the watch during sporting activities or in humid climates, reduce this estimate by one-third. Periodic maintenance (cleaning, treatment with natural balms) significantly extends longevity. Once failure occurs, a removed strap can be easily replaced without casing intervention.