SKU: 80005028486

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: 80005028486

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Jerry
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
A perfect white work shirt.
Fit Type: Regular Fit, Color: White, Size: Medium
Thick, durable, iron exquisitely and the fit is spot on. Perfect white work shirt. I have a grey shirt too, the quality is the same.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2026
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Blusher
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 3
Right fit
I love this shirt it was nice and bright when I got it after a few wash it started to fade out a bit was a perfect fit for a medium built person 5’7 I still would recommend this product they are really nice and thick
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Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2025
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Linda Mokkosian
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent value and has saved me from the sun!
Fit Type: Regular Fit, Color: White, Size: Large
I ordered this large mans shirt because it was 100% cotton and long sleeve. I am a woman and use it to protect myself from the sun walking my dog, very stiff at first, but comes out with several washes. I love the shirt!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2026
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Wilf
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 4
NICE Shirt that SHRINKS!!
Fit Type: Regular Fit, Color: Blue, Size: X-Large
Loved this shirt right out of the package. Put a little steam pressing on it and it was perfect. Has a thicker softer feel than most casual dress shirts. Ordered XL with the "regular" fit and it could be worn tucked or out without it looking overly blousy. SADLY, after a first wash on cold and tumble dry low, and pulled it out early and it shrunk by almost a full size!!! The sleeves, length of shirt and overall fittage shrunk so that now it fits like a snug large. I've never had a shirt shrink like this, hence, the one star off. I would have given it 2 stars off, but the original quality of the shirt is nice, just beware of the shrinkage factor. Don't put it in the dryer at all, only air dry it. I'm tempted to reorder another but just then never put it in the dryer.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
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Cartripa
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
nice fit
I am thoroughly impressed with this Amazon Essentials white shirt. For the price, the quality is outstanding. The fabric feels soft, breathable, and has a good weight to it
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Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2026

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