Nomos Glashütte
Orion 306— lug 18mm

The Nomos Glashütte Orion 306 features a lug width of 18 millimetres. This measurement represents the distance between the two metal pins (lugs) on the case. To verify compatibility with a strap, measure the space between the two holes precisely: it must correspond exactly to 18 mm. This width excludes standard commercial straps, requiring specialised artisanal solutions.

The choice of the best strap depends on usage and aesthetic preferences. For formal elegance, we recommend an alligator strap with vegetable tanning: the regular texture and the patina it develops over time amplify the minimalist purity of the dial. For daily versatility, vegetable-tanned veal leather in black offers fine grain and chromatic contrast with the stainless steel case. For sporting contexts, a canvas NATO strap guarantees robustness without formal compromise. All straps must feature an 18 mm width and appropriate thickness to the case lug.

To change the strap: 1) Obtain a spring bar tool (small lever instrument). 2) Position the watch on a stable surface. 3) Insert the thin tip of the spring bar tool into the small lateral hole at the base of the upper pin. 4) Push gently downwards to release the internal spring. 5) Extract the pin from the case. 6) Repeat the procedure on the second pin. 7) Insert the new strap by threading it through the two holes in the case and securing it with the pins. The procedure requires care to avoid scratches on the case.

Yes, any strap with an 18 millimetre lug width is compatible with the Orion 306, provided that the thickness of the material is appropriate to the case lug and does not exceed 3–4 millimetres. Artisanal quality straps, made to measure, offer not only mechanical compatibility but also aesthetic coherence with the minimalist design of the 306. Always verify that the width is exactly 18 mm and that the pins are of standard size (typically 1.5 mm in diameter).

The lifespan of a leather strap depends on the material and usage. An alligator or vegetable-tanned veal strap, with proper maintenance, lasts 3–5 years with daily wear; the material develops a natural patina, acquiring character. In part-time formal contexts, lifespan extends to 5–7 years. A canvas NATO strap resists 4–6 years. Longevity increases significantly if the strap is dried after moisture exposure and not bent violently. A quality leather conditioner, applied every 12 months, enlivens the fibrous structure and delays signs of fatigue. A deployant clasp (ratchet fastening) ensures greater usability than simple buttons, as it distributes load more uniformly across the strap.