Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph · Ref. 104981 · 22mm lug · 43mm case
At a Glance
| # | Best For | Strap | Material | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overall / First Purchase | Bordeaux Chevre Slim Strap | Chèvre | 2.2mm |
| 2 | Dressy / Formal | Matte Boreal Green Alligator Signature Strap | Alligator | 4.5–2.2mm |
| 3 | Everyday / Casual | Brown Buttero Chunky Strap | Buttero Calfskin | 3.0mm |
| 4 | Minimalist / Refined | Green Shell Cordovan Slim Strap | Shell Cordovan | 2.2mm |
| 5 | Casual / Relaxed | Black Crazy Horse Chunky Strap | Waxy Leather | 3.0mm |
| 6 | Active / Sporty | Navy Mosaic CTS Rubber Strap | FKM Rubber (Mosaic) | 4.0–3.3mm |
| 7 | Comfort / Wildcard | Mocha Babele Chunky Strap | Babele Calfskin | 3.0mm |
Some dials you glance at. The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph (ref. 104981) is one you study. The finishing and attention to detail speak for themselves. The 22mm lug width might not be the most common, but the options are deeper than you would expect.
The case measures 43mm with a thickness of 14.8mm — proportions that sit comfortably on most wrists without dominating them. It strikes that balance between presence and wearability that makes it suited to almost any strap.
Here are my 7 picks — and why each one works.
Quick Specs
| Case diameter | 43mm |
| Lug width | 22mm |
| Lug-to-lug | |
| Case thickness | 14.8mm |
| Water resistance | 30m |
| Crystal | Sapphire, domed, double AR coating |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Movement | Montblanc Calibre MB R200, manual winding |
The 22mm lug width means your options are curated but well-covered. Already know what you're looking for? Browse all Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph-compatible straps on the Strap Finder →
1. Best Overall — Bordeaux Chevre Slim Strap
There's a reason this is the number one pick — it just works.
The Bordeaux Chevre Slim Strap is made from chevre (goatskin) leather, sourced from the Alran tannery. The natural pebbled grain is finer than Epsom and slightly shiny — it looks luxurious without trying too hard. Chevre is also impressively water and scratch resistant for a natural leather. At 2.2mm thick, it balances presence and wearability nicely.
What makes this pairing work on the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph is the contrast — the refined case finishing against the texture creates visual interest without conflict. With a 43mm case, the proportions stay balanced.
Worth a look in other colourways:
- Light Grey Chevre Slim Strap
- Colibri Chevre Slim Strap
- Lavender Chevre Slim Strap
- Gold Chevre Slim Strap
2. Best Dressy — Matte Boreal Green Alligator Signature Strap
The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph cleans up remarkably well — and this strap is the reason.
The Matte Boreal Green Alligator Signature Strap is crafted from genuine alligator leather — not embossed calfskin, the real thing. Each scale pattern is unique, and the matte finish gives it a refined presence that catches light without being flashy. The leather is supple from the start with minimal break-in needed. At 4.5–2.2mm thick, it balances presence and wearability nicely.
What makes this pairing work on the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph is the contrast — the refined case finishing against the texture creates visual interest without conflict. With a 43mm case, the proportions stay balanced.
If this style appeals but you want a different tone:
- Matte Black Alligator Signature Strap
- Matte Navy Alligator Signature Strap
- Matte Himalayan Alligator Signature Strap
- Matte Mahogany Alligator Signature Strap
3. Best Everyday — Brown Buttero Chunky Strap
The strap you reach for without thinking — that's what an everyday pick should be.
The Brown Buttero Chunky Strap features Buttero leather from the Walpier tannery in Italy. This vegetable-tanned leather develops one of the most beautiful patinas in watchmaking — scratches blend into the surface and the colour deepens over time. If you enjoy watching your strap age gracefully, this is the one. At 3.0mm thick, it balances presence and wearability nicely.
What makes this pairing work on the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph is the contrast — the refined case finishing against the texture creates visual interest without conflict. With a 43mm case, the proportions stay balanced.
Once you see it on the wrist, it just clicks.
The range goes deeper if you want to explore:
4. Best Minimalist — Green Shell Cordovan Slim Strap
Sometimes less is more. This strap proves it.
The Green Shell Cordovan Slim Strap is crafted from premium materials with careful attention to detail and construction quality. At 2.2mm thick, it balances presence and wearability nicely.
On the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph, this strap preserves the watch's go-anywhere character. The 43mm case at 14.8mm thick pairs naturally with the padded construction without creating any imbalance on the wrist.
Once you see it on the wrist, it just clicks.
The range goes deeper if you want to explore:
- Black Shell Cordovan Slim Strap
- Navy Shell Cordovan Slim Strap
- Cognac Shell Cordovan Slim Strap
- Natural Shell Cordovan Slim Strap
5. Best Casual — Black Crazy Horse Chunky Strap
For those days when the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph comes out with jeans and a t-shirt.
The Black Crazy Horse Chunky Strap uses crazy horse leather — an oil-infused leather that develops character with every scratch and mark. Rub a scratch with your thumb and it blends right back in. It is built for people who actually wear their watches, not baby them. At 3.0mm thick, it balances presence and wearability nicely.
On the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph, this strap preserves the watch's go-anywhere character. The 43mm case at 14.8mm thick pairs naturally with the padded construction without creating any imbalance on the wrist.
Other colours worth considering:
- Maroon Crazy Horse Chunky Strap
- Cognac Crazy Horse Chunky Strap
- Mocha Crazy Horse Chunky Strap
- Tan Crazy Horse Chunky Strap
6. Best Sporty — Navy Mosaic CTS Rubber Strap
When you want your Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph to feel more relaxed and sporty, this is the pick.
The Navy Mosaic CTS Rubber Strap is made from FKM rubber — a high-performance elastomer that resists chemicals, heat, and ageing. Unlike silicone, it does not attract dust or lint. Cut-to-size construction means you trim it to your exact wrist measurement — no leftover tail, no keepers. At 4.0–3.3mm thick, it balances presence and wearability nicely.
On the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph, this strap preserves the watch's go-anywhere character. The 43mm case at 14.8mm thick pairs naturally with the padded construction without creating any imbalance on the wrist.
The kind of strap that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
If this style appeals but you want a different tone:
7. The Wildcard — Mocha Babele Chunky Strap
This one's different — and that's exactly the point.
The Mocha Babele Chunky Strap features Buttero leather from the Walpier tannery in Italy. This vegetable-tanned leather develops one of the most beautiful patinas in watchmaking — scratches blend into the surface and the colour deepens over time. If you enjoy watching your strap age gracefully, this is the one. At 3.0mm thick, it balances presence and wearability nicely.
On the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph, this strap preserves the watch's go-anywhere character. The 43mm case at 14.8mm thick pairs naturally with the padded construction without creating any imbalance on the wrist.
The range goes deeper if you want to explore:
A Note on Buckle Colour
Quick but important: always match your buckle to your case. The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph's Stainless steel case calls for a silver (brushed or polished) buckle. All Delugs leather straps ship with a pin buckle and can be upgraded to a Spring Deployant Clasp for extra security and convenience. All Delugs straps come with quick-release spring bars pre-installed, so swapping straps takes seconds.
How to Change the Strap on Your Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph
Swapping straps on the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph is one of the easiest upgrades you can make — and with Delugs straps, you don't even need a tool.
If your Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph came on a bracelet, you'll first need to remove it. The easiest way to do this at home is with a Bracelet Removal Tool, which lets you compress the spring bars without risking scratches to the lugs or caseback. Once the bracelet is off, you can slide your new Delugs strap straight in.
All Delugs straps come with quick-release spring bars already pre-installed, so changing straps is completely tool-free. Here's how:
- Prepare your workspace. Lay the watch face-down on a soft cloth or microfiber pad to protect the caseback from scratches.
- Release the spring bar. Locate the small lever on the quick-release spring bar. Pull it back with your fingernail or fingertip to compress the bar.
- Remove the strap. While holding the lever, angle the strap out from between the lugs. Repeat for the other side.
- Insert the new strap. Slide one end of the spring bar into the lug hole. Pull the lever on the quick-release spring bar knob, guide the entire spring bar into the opposite lug hole, and then release the knob. You should hear a small click when the spring bar extends and seats into the lug hole.
- Check the fit. Give the strap a gentle tug to make sure both spring bars are securely locked in. If there's any play, reseat the spring bar.
The entire process takes under a minute once you get the hang of it — no spring bar tool required. The Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph uses a standard 22mm lug width, and all Delugs straps in 22mm will fit perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lug width of the Montblanc 104981?
The Montblanc 104981 has a 22mm lug width. While 22mm is less common than 20mm, there is still a strong selection of quality straps available. All Delugs straps are available in 22mm.
What is the reference number for the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph?
The reference number for the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph is 104981. You can find this on the caseback of your watch or on the original paperwork. Knowing your reference number helps ensure you get the right lug width when ordering a strap.
Can I use a dressy leather strap on a Montblanc versatile watch?
The Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph is one of the most versatile watches in the Montblanc lineup — it takes both dressy and casual straps equally well. That's part of what makes it such a rewarding watch for strap changes. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Do Delugs straps come with spring bars?
Yes — every Delugs strap comes with quick-release spring bars pre-installed. This means you can change straps by hand in seconds, without needing any tools. The quick-release mechanism uses a small lever that you pull with your fingertip to compress the spring bar.
What is the best strap material for the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph?
The Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph's versatile nature means it works with almost everything. Start with what matches your most common wearing occasion — rubber or sailcloth for active use, nubuck or waxy leather for everyday, and alligator or saffiano for dressier moments. The Strap Finder makes it easy to browse by material and style.
Does Montblanc use quick-release spring bars?
Most Montblanc watches use standard spring bars that require a tool to remove. All Delugs straps come with quick-release spring bars pre-installed, so once you make the switch, future changes are completely tool-free.
Where can I find straps compatible with the Montblanc 104981?
The Montblanc Strap Finder shows every Delugs strap compatible with the 104981, filtered by lug width and style. You can also use the general Strap Finder to browse by brand, collection, and material. If you need help choosing, our team is available 24/7 via live chat.
Finding Your Strap
The beauty of the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph is that it rewards experimentation. A dressy alligator for the office, nubuck for the weekend — each strap brings out a different side of the watch.
Use the Montblanc Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph Strap Finder to see every compatible strap in one place, filtered to your exact reference. Or if you'd rather explore by feel, the general Montblanc Strap Finder lets you browse the full lineup and find your match.
Not sure which strap is right for your specific Nicolas Rieussec Chronograph? Our team is available 24/7 via live chat — drop us a message and we'll help you find the perfect match for your watch, wrist size, and style.
About Delugs
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Singapore, Delugs is dedicated to elevating the experience of watch ownership through the simple yet powerful act of strap changing. We believe that straps are integral to how a timepiece is worn, perceived, and enjoyed. Our mission is to make strap changing a lifestyle — an everyday act of self-expression and versatility.
Delugs is an independent brand with a global community of clients, with a strong online presence and growing physical retail footprint. Our direct-to-consumer focus keeps us closely connected with the watch enthusiast community — fostering conversations, hosting events, and helping shape a more inclusive and expressive culture around watch collecting. We also work closely with watch brands to craft straps that complement their timepieces, bridging the gap between brand and collector, form and function.
Our catalogue spans leather, rubber, and fabric straps, with options for every watch and every occasion. We are committed to craftsmanship and quality, product design and innovation, and outstanding customer service. We offer watch owners the freedom to change straps as easily as changing outfits, and the opportunity to engage more deeply with the watches they love.
Visit our flagship boutique at Raffles Hotel, Singapore →
— Marcus
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