The Baltic Bicompax 001 is one of those watches that punches absurdly above its price point. A hand-wound chronograph with a stepped case, bi-compax layout, and unmistakable 1940s DNA — all from a French microbrand that launched on Kickstarter and somehow produced something that feels like it belongs in a vintage dealer's display case. The 38mm case sits beautifully on the wrist, and the ST19 movement (with its column wheel, no less) gives it real mechanical credibility.
But here is the thing — the Bicompax 001 is a watch that truly transforms with the right strap. Swap the stock option for something with a bit more character, and it goes from "nice watch" to "where did you get that?" territory. The 20mm lug width gives you a huge range of options, and the vintage-leaning design means it pairs particularly well with straps that have some warmth and texture to them.
I have been testing various combinations on the Bicompax, and these are my seven picks — straps that genuinely elevate this already impressive chronograph. Every Delugs strap ships with quick-release spring bars pre-installed, so swapping takes about 10 seconds and zero tools.
Looking for more options? Browse the complete collection on the Baltic Bicompax 001 Strap Finder.
Baltic Bicompax 001 — Quick Specs
| Case diameter | 38mm |
| Lug width | 20mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 47mm |
| Case thickness | 13.3mm |
| Water resistance | 50m |
| Crystal | Domed Hesalite |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Movement | Seagull ST1901 (manual-wind chronograph, 45-hour power reserve) |
1. Cognac Shell Cordovan Slim Strap
Best for: Vintage character and patina development
If I had to pick just one strap for the Bicompax 001, this would be it. Horween Shell Cordovan in cognac is practically made for vintage-inspired chronographs. The leather has this incredible depth of color — rich, warm, and slightly waxy — that mirrors the warmth of the Bicompax's cream dial perfectly.
Shell Cordovan develops patina unlike anything else. Within a few weeks, you will notice the leather taking on a deeper, richer tone that makes the strap look like it has been paired with the watch for years. The slim 2.2mm profile keeps things proportional on the 38mm case — no unnecessary bulk.
| Material | Horween Shell Cordovan |
| Profile | Slim (2.2mm) |
| Price | $165 |
| Buckle tip | Match polished steel buckle to the Bicompax's polished case |
Shop Cognac Shell Cordovan Slim →
2. Matte Navy Alligator Signature Strap
Best for: Dressing up for dinners and events
Want to take the Bicompax from casual chronograph to something you can confidently wear with a sport coat? This is your strap. The matte navy alligator has a quiet sophistication — dark enough to read as formal, but with enough texture and visual interest that it does not feel stuffy.
The Signature profile starts at 4.5mm near the lugs and tapers to 2.2mm at the buckle, which gives it a sculpted, padded look that adds presence to the 38mm case. Alligator sits at the very top of the formality hierarchy, and on the Bicompax's stepped case, it creates this beautiful contrast between the retro dial design and an elevated strap.
| Material | Matte Alligator |
| Profile | Signature (4.5mm → 2.2mm padded taper) |
| Price | $205 |
| Buckle tip | Polished steel buckle to complement the case finish |
Shop Navy Alligator Signature →
3. Natural Pueblo Slim Strap
Best for: Weekend wear and patina enthusiasts
Badalassi Carlo Pueblo leather is an Italian vegetable-tanned leather that was practically born to age. The natural colorway starts as a pale, sandy tone and gradually darkens into a rich honey — it is the strap equivalent of watching a watch develop wabi. On the Bicompax 001, the light color creates this wonderful contrast against the dark sub-dials while echoing the creamy main dial.
The texture is slightly grainy and matte, which gives it a relaxed, approachable feel. This is the strap for Saturday mornings at the coffee shop or lazy Sunday market strolls. At $110 for Italian veg-tan leather, it is hard to argue with the value either.
| Material | Badalassi Carlo Pueblo (vegetable-tanned) |
| Profile | Slim (2.2mm) |
| Price | $110 |
| Buckle tip | Polished steel for a clean match |
4. Navy Saffiano Stitchless Strap
Best for: A clean, modern edge on a vintage design
Here is a slightly contrarian pick: a stitchless strap on a vintage-inspired chronograph. It works because the clean, uninterrupted lines of the saffiano leather let the Bicompax's dial complexity take center stage. No stitching competing with the sub-dials and tachymeter scale — just smooth, cross-hatched leather flowing from the lugs.
Navy is the perfect color bridge between casual and dressed up. The saffiano texture gives it just enough grip and visual interest without being fussy. At 2.2mm thick, it sits flat and comfortable, and the slightly structured nature of saffiano means it holds its shape beautifully over time.
| Material | Saffiano leather |
| Profile | Stitchless (2.2mm, no visible stitching) |
| Price | $110 |
| Buckle tip | Polished steel for a seamless look |
Shop Navy Saffiano Stitchless →
5. Dark Brown Nubuck Slim Strap
Best for: All-day comfort and everyday versatility
Nubuck is the comfort king of leather straps, and dark brown is the shade that works with everything. The soft, velvety texture has this immediate warmth that pairs beautifully with the Bicompax's retro personality. It feels like a strap that has always belonged on this watch.
The dark brown shade is versatile enough to work with jeans and a t-shirt or chinos and a button-down. On the Bicompax's compact 38mm case, the slim 2.2mm nubuck keeps everything streamlined and comfortable. This is the kind of strap you put on Monday morning and forget to take off until Friday.
| Material | Nubuck leather |
| Profile | Slim (2.2mm) |
| Price | $110 |
| Buckle tip | Polished steel to keep it classic |
6. Cream Saffiano Stitchless Strap
Best for: Summer days and light-toned outfits
A cream strap on the Bicompax 001 creates this gorgeous tonal harmony, especially on the cream-dial variants. The color flows seamlessly from the dial down through the lugs and onto the wrist. It is a look that feels intentional and cohesive — almost like Baltic designed the combination themselves.
The stitchless construction keeps it sleek, and the saffiano texture prevents it from looking too plain. Light-colored straps tend to show wear quickly on softer leathers, but saffiano is structured enough to maintain its appearance longer than you would expect. A great warm-weather option.
| Material | Saffiano leather |
| Profile | Stitchless (2.2mm, no visible stitching) |
| Price | $110 |
| Buckle tip | Polished steel for a refined finish |
Shop Cream Saffiano Stitchless →
7. Rust Crazy Horse Side-Stitch Strap
Best for: Rugged vintage character
This is the strap for people who think the Bicompax 001 already looks a bit too polished. The Crazy Horse leather has a rugged, pull-up quality — scratch the surface and the oils migrate, creating lighter streaks that darken again with wear. The rust color is a perfect vintage tone that makes the Bicompax look like something you found in your grandfather's drawer (in the best possible way).
The side-stitch construction adds to the utilitarian character, and at 2.5mm it sits in a nice middle ground between the slimmer profiles and a full padded strap. If you are the kind of person who wears field jackets and drinks black coffee, this is your strap. It develops patina aggressively and looks better every single week.
| Material | Crazy Horse leather (pull-up) |
| Profile | Side-Stitch (2.5mm) |
| Price | $110 |
| Buckle tip | Polished steel to balance the rugged leather |
Shop Rust Crazy Horse Side-Stitch →
Quick Comparison
| Strap | Material | Profile | Thickness | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cognac Shell Cordovan | Horween Shell Cordovan | Slim | 2.2mm | $165 | Vintage character |
| Navy Alligator | Matte Alligator | Signature | 4.5→2.2mm | $205 | Dressy occasions |
| Natural Pueblo | Badalassi Carlo Pueblo | Slim | 2.2mm | $110 | Weekend wear |
| Navy Saffiano | Saffiano | Stitchless | 2.2mm | $110 | Modern minimalism |
| Dark Brown Nubuck | Nubuck | Slim | 2.2mm | $110 | Everyday comfort |
| Cream Saffiano | Saffiano | Stitchless | 2.2mm | $110 | Summer style |
| Rust Crazy Horse | Crazy Horse | Side-Stitch | 2.5mm | $110 | Rugged vintage |
Switching From the Bracelet?
If your Bicompax came on a bracelet or you are rotating from another metal band, you will need to remove the existing bracelet first. The Delugs Bracelet Removal Tool ($195) makes this painless — spring-loaded tips grip the spring bars without scratching your lugs. Once the bracelet is off, the quick-release spring bars on your new Delugs strap click right in.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lug width of the Baltic Bicompax 001?
The Baltic Bicompax 001 has a 20mm lug width. Any strap in 20mm will fit this watch. Delugs offers straps in 20mm across leather, rubber, and sailcloth options.
What is the reference number for the Baltic Bicompax 001?
The reference number is 2025. This is useful when searching for compatible straps and accessories.
What is the best strap material for the Baltic Bicompax 001?
It depends on how you wear it. We recommend alligator or crocodile for formal occasions, or a chevre leather for refined everyday wear. Each material brings a different character to the watch.
Can I use a rubber strap on a Baltic dress watch?
Absolutely. A rubber or sailcloth strap can give a dress watch like the Baltic Bicompax 001 a more casual, sporty feel — perfect for weekends or travel. It is all about versatility.
Do Delugs straps come with spring bars?
Yes. Every Delugs strap ships with a pair of stainless steel spring bars included, along with a spring bar tool for easy installation.
Does the Baltic Bicompax 001 use quick-release spring bars?
Most Baltic watches do not come with quick-release spring bars from the factory. However, you can use any standard spring bar or upgrade to quick-release bars for easier strap changes.
Where can I find straps compatible with the Baltic Bicompax 001?
You can browse all compatible straps on the Delugs Strap Finder, or contact our team via live chat for personalised recommendations.
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These seven picks cover a wide range of styles, but the full collection goes much deeper. Head over to the Baltic Bicompax 001 Strap Finder to filter by material, color, and style. And if you are unsure about anything — color matching, sizing, or which profile suits your wrist — our 24/7 live chat team is always ready to help with personalized recommendations.
— Marcus Koh

