SKU: 78973501282

20mm Elasticated French Navy and Special Forces Strap in Maroon

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Description

20mm 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: 78973501282

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Tilly
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Great fitting sandals
Size: 7.5, Color: Sand
Great fitting. Beautiful. Fit like a glove. Great to walk in. Great quality. Lightweight. All in one gorgeous sandals.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026
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J. C.
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
My new favorite summer sandal!
Size: 8.5, Color: Bay Fog
I am loving these shoes so far this summer! The color is so cute, perfect for a light summer palette. It's the perfect light purple that doesn't make me look pale or washed out. For reference, I have fair to light neutral skin tone. They are SO comfortable - a little too comfortable for a shoe, it's more comfortable than my ugg slippers! They do take a second to put on as you have to either force your ankle in without unstrapping the back - don't judge me - or undo them. Thankfully they have a strap to help get them on easily. I love these shoes. I am a medium width, but I think these have some wiggle room since both the straps are velcro and adjustable somewhat. They are easy to walk in, hold onto the foot, have been more balanced than some others I have had in this platform style, and are very cushioned to walk in. Slight arch support to me but I have somewhat high arches so if you are more flat footed or standard arch these will give you even better support. Really impressed with these. They are more casual but work with many different outfits from sundresses to jeans. For me, these were a great buy and I will be wearing them all summer.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2026
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Sonia
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Comfort and style
Size: 8.5, Color: Chestnut
Like walking on clouds with support. Thank you Ugg’s. Perfect size 8.5 Will buy again.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2026
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Jennifer
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Style, Comfort
Size: 9, Color: Sand
If I could give a Ten Star review, I would. Hands down the most comfortable pair of sandals I have ever owned. I wore them 16 days straight while touring Italy. Comfortable and goes with all of your outfits. They pack well in a suitcase too. Light weight.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
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Naomi L.
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Wonderful
Super comfy and easy on and off, yet stylish imo! I could walk miles in these as a 56 yo and have worn them for three years! I hope they never stop making them. The only tweek I would suggest is to cover the footbed with leather or suede not cloth so they would last longer!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2026

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