SKU: 42916401750

18mm Elasticated French Navy and Special Forces Strap in Maroon

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Description

18mm Elasticated French Navy and Special Forces Strap in MaroonMilitary Watch Straps: A Legacy of Functionality and Design The term military watch straps is often broadly applied to one piece straps, but a closer look reveals a fascinating variety, each with its own origins in different military branches across various countries. Historically, ground troops have relied on the NATO strap or its U. S. variant, while aircrew have preferred the Bund Strap. Divers, on the other hand, have used standard NATO straps,

Military Watch Straps: A Legacy of Functionality and Design

The term military watch straps is often broadly applied to one-piece straps, but a closer look reveals a fascinating variety, each with its own origins in different military branches across various countries. Historically, ground troops have relied on the NATO strap or its U.S. variant, while aircrew have preferred the Bund Strap. Divers, on the other hand, have used standard NATO straps, though in some countries, naval divers have operated with a highly specialized strap known as the Parachute Elastic Strap, or Marine Nationale strap.

All military straps share a common heritage of necessity-driven design, offering practicality and functionality. The Parachute Elastic Strap was first used with a Tudor watch, but it was also seen on ELVIA and various other watches used by the French military.


The Origins of the Parachute Elastic Strap

The Parachute Elastic Strap dates back to the 1950s. Some divers purchased Perlon straps made of woven nylon fibers, while others resourcefully repurposed the elastic straps from their reserve parachute bags. These elastic straps—often khaki-green with a yellow stripe, though also available in various other colors—were flexible, resilient, and comfortable when worn over a wetsuit.

The metal components from the parachute bag were also repurposed for the strap’s hardware, including the keepers and hook clasp. The design was simple yet effective:

  1. A long strip of elastic material was folded at the midpoint, where a metal hook was stitched into place.
  2. A metal loop was fitted over both loose ends, serving as an anchor for the hook.
  3. The loop slid freely along the strap’s length, allowing for easy adjustment and a perfect fit.

Comfortable and practical, these straps were made from issued materials, making them a cost-effective solution for military divers.


Premium Parachute Elastic Straps

Our Parachute Elastic Straps replicate the vintage Marine Nationale strap, making them ideal for summer wristwear and a perfect match for dive watches. Crafted from premium elastic, the material is tightly woven, resulting in a strap that is both soft to the touch and incredibly strong.

Each strap features brushed stainless steel hardware, including a hook clasp that stays true to the original vintage design. Our designs are available in 18mm, 20mm and 22mm widths.


Advantages of Parachute Elastic Straps

Customers choose Parachute Elastic Straps for several reasons:

  • Unmatched Comfort: Many users claim it's the most comfortable strap they've ever worn—it fits so well, you barely notice it.
  • Sweat and Odor Resistant: The elastic wicks away sweat instantly and absorbs no odor.
  • Washable: Simply remove the strap, wash it, and reattach it.
  • Infinite Adjustability: The strap allows for a perfectly snug or loose fit, depending on preference. Adjustments are effortless.
  • Secure Fit: Once in place, the strap remains firmly secured, preventing flipping, twisting, or movement. The watch stays centered on the wrist.
  • Enhanced Security: The design minimizes the risk of losing the watch due to spring bar failure.
  • Affordability: Parachute Elastic Straps offer a cost-effective way to refresh your watch’s look.
  • Stylish Color Options: The variety of color choices allows for coordination with watch dials. The central stripe can highlight a dial feature, such as the seconds hand, a complication, or simply add a touch of color.

Installing a Marine Nationale Strap

Installing a Marine Nationale strap may seem tricky at first—similar to the initial challenge of fitting NATO straps due to their length. However, once you understand how it works, the process is straightforward.

The first time we came across one of these straps a few years ago, despite being very familiar with watch straps in general, it took a bit of figuring out. However, once we understood the technique, it couldn’t have been easier.

For those new to fitting these straps, the process can seem confusing at first, but this video provides a clear demonstration: How to Install a Marine Nationale Strap

It's important to note that these straps cannot be used on watches with fixed solid bars.

Marine Nationale straps share many advantages with NATO straps but achieve a similar function in a different way. They are especially popular among military personnel who prefer them over ballistic nylon straps to avoid snagging. Consequently, we offer various straps made from the same material used in these original French military designs.

Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
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SKU: 42916401750

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Amazon Customer
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 3
Missing Dividers
Color: Black, Size: 9.4*4.1*5IN
Disappointed it was missing the adjustable dividers. Not great to hold dishwashing brushes. They slip right threw the side.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2026
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dr
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 4
Sturdy. Built to last. It solves all the problems my old organizer had. Very satisfied.
Review for ARTLEO Kitchen Sink Caddy with Super Water Absorbent Diatomite Stone Sink Tray, Fast Drying Sink Organizer with High Dish Brush Holder Sponge Holder for Kitchen Sink, Stainless Steel This appears to be a sturdy organizer of stainless steel painted with a good amount of black protective paint. I ordered it to replace an inferior organizer of the same material (made by a different company altogether). This one solves the problems I had with my previous organizer which had begun to rust and break apart after six months of use. The narrow steel bars on the bottom shelf of this new organizer are supported by wider steel flats in the frame that will prevent them from breaking off the frame. (My old organizer bars broke because they were barely welded onto the frame and the repeated "pushing down" of my soap pump-bottle eventually broke them apart from the frame). The pads that prevent it from sliding across my counter in big waves (we live and travel on a boat) are secured around the steel legs as opposed to just being glued onto the bottom (like the pads of my previous organizer were, which fell off). There is no metal hanging over onto the sink edge to cause rust (like the metal that had caused rust with my old organizer.) The dish-brush holder can fit on the inside of the frame or it can hang on the outside of the organizer, which is nice because it makes more room if you have many tools that you like to use at the sink. And it can be compact if you don't. Be cautious not to remove the hanging part (dish-brush holder) too often because repeated wear can cause the paint to rub off and it could begin to rust. The "Water Absorbent Diatomite Stone" is new to me but it seems to be working just fine. I assume I will have to clean out the ridges of it as gunk forms there, but that would be the case with any sink organizer tray. I am very satisfied with this organizer, it is robust and it solves all the problems I had with my previous one. The price is on the higher side of similar organizers, currently priced at $23.99. All the best, Mrs. dr
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Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2025
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am
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Good quality,easy assembly, nice size
Color: Rustic Brown + Black
Perfect size exactly what I was looking for. Holds quiet a few bottles. Even has wine glass holders. I can put an ice bow on it and make cocktails on the top and wheel the drinks to me guest. Matches my decor perfectly. I put it together myself, very easy instructions and sturdy.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2025
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Antoinette
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
nice size
Color: Rustic Brown + Black
bar looks great in my dining room, right size easy to assemble
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Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2026
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Mo
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Really cute
Color: Rustic Brown + Black, Color: Rustic Brown + Black
Very sturdy , just follow directions
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Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026

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