Louis Erard
Excellence 34238AA61.BVA130— lug 20mm

The lug width is 20mm. This measurement refers to the distance between the spring bar attachment points on the case. To order the correct strap, measure the space between the two pins that secure the strap to the case—it must precisely match 20mm.

Given the watch's minimalist philosophy and honest construction, the finest strap is a vegetable-tanned alligator in cognac, dark brown, or black. Alternatively, structured calf leather with marked but uniform grain maintains aesthetic coherence. For daily technical use, quality cotton NATO straps are practical and genuine—exactly as the watch itself is designed to be.

20mm straps are fitted by removing the spring bars from the case lugs. Using a spring bar tool, press inward to compress the spring, then extract the bar. Insert the new strap into the attachments and reinsert the spring bar until you hear a secure click. There is no need to disassemble the movement—the operation is fully reversible and takes less than two minutes.

Yes, any strap with a 20mm lug width is mechanically compatible. The real difference is aesthetic and qualitative. A premium aftermarket strap—alligator, vegetable-tanned leather, solid-steel buckles—can genuinely enhance the wearing experience and the visible ageing of the watch, transforming it into a conscious companion rather than a mere accessory.

A high-quality artisanal alligator or calf strap with vegetable tanning lasts 5–8 years in conscious daily use. Longevity depends on frequency of wear, humidity exposure, and maintenance discipline. The natural patina that develops over time is evidence of correct ageing, not deterioration—the leather becomes more characterful whilst remaining structurally sound. Periodic cleaning and occasional natural wax conditioning significantly extend the strap's life.