{"product_id":"22mm-elasticated-french-navy-and-special-forces-strap-in-green-with-a-red-stripe-copy","title":"22mm Elasticated French Navy and Special Forces Strap in Green with a White Stripe","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe 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 within different military branches of the military in a wide variety of countries. Historically ground troops have relied on the NATO strap or it’s US variant, aircrew on the other hand prefer the Bund Strap and divers opted for either standard NATO straps or in some countries naval divers have operated for a very specialised strap often referred to as the Parachute Elastic strap or ‘Marine Nationale’ strap. These military straps all share a common heritage of necessity-driven design, offering practicality and functionality. The straps were first used with a watch made by Tudor but we also used on the \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/mwcwatches.com\/products\/elvia-automatic-military-divers-watch-with-sapphire-crystal-and-25-jewel-automatic-movement?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=9fa3bb4bb\u0026amp;_ss=r\" href=\"https:\/\/mwcwatches.com\/products\/elvia-automatic-military-divers-watch-with-sapphire-crystal-and-25-jewel-automatic-movement?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=9fa3bb4bb\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eELVIA\u003c\/a\u003e and various other watches used by the French military.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Origins of the Parachute Elastic Strap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe origins of the Parachute Elastic strap can be traced back to the 1950s. While some divers purchased resilient Perlon straps made of woven nylon fibres, others creatively repurposed the elastic straps from their reserve parachute bags. These elastic straps, often khaki-green with a yellow stripe, although also made in a wide variety of other colors were flexible, resilient, and comfortable over a wetsuit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe metal elements on the parachute bag were also repurposed for the strap’s hardware: the keepers and hook clasp. Essentially, a long strip of elastic material is folded over itself at the halfway point. Here, the metal hook is stitched into place. A metal loop is fitted over both loose ends, providing an anchor for the hook. The loop slides freely along the strap’s length, making it easy to adjust for a perfect fit. Comfortable and practical, the strap was made from issued material and was therefore a cost-effective solution for the divers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Parachute Elastic Straps\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur Parachute Elastic Straps replicate the vintage Marine Nationale strap, making them perfect for summer wristwear and an ideal partner for dive watches. Crafted from premium elastic, the tight weave of the material is soft to the touch yet rugged and strong. Available in several colours, the strap that most closely resembles the original is our Khaki Green\/Yellow Stripe Elastic Strap. Additional color options available currently of due to be added to the range include Khaki versions with Red and White Stripes, Black, Grey, and Navy Blue. Featuring brushed stainless-steel hardware, the hook clasp stays true to the original vintage design. All the designs are manufactured in 20mm and 22mm widths.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdvantages of Parachute Elastic Straps\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are many reasons for customers to opt for a parachute elastic strap:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eUnmatched Comfort:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Many people claim it's the most comfortable strap they've ever experienced. It fits so well, you barely notice it.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSweat and Odour Resistant:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The elastic wicks away sweat almost instantly and absorbs no odour.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eWashable:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Simply pull it through, wash, and pull it back through.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eInfinite Adjustability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The strap is infinitely adjustable, allowing for a snug or loose fit as desired. Adjusting is effortless.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSecure Fit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Once on, the strap remains firmly secured to the wrist with no flipping, twisting, or moving. The watch stays centered and secure, eliminating movement up and down the wrist.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eEnhanced Security:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The strap's design helps keep the watch safe, reducing the risk of loss due to spring bar failure.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eAffordability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Parachute Elastic Straps are an affordable option allowing for easy access to a new look.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003eStylish Colour Options:\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e Great color choices allow for matching with dials. The central stripe can highlight a feature on the dial, such as the color of the seconds hand or a complication, or simply add a splash of color.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstalling a Marine Nationale strap may seem challenging at first, similar to how some people struggle with NATO straps due to their length which can seem quite baffling until you realise how it's fitted and worn. The same applies with parachute elastic watch straps once you know how it's done, the process is very straightforward. It's important to note that these straps cannot be used on watches with fixed solid bars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"50be089d-7be8-4a42-b1f1-924ad0f01760\" dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-[20px] text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-5 overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarine Nationale straps share many advantages with NATO straps but achieve a similar purpose in a different way. They are very 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 French military straps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReturning to the issue of fitting the strap, it can be slightly challenging at first. However, there is an excellent video on YouTube that demonstrates the process clearly. Once you watch it, you'll find the installation very simple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2X26pc3TlWk\" title=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2X26pc3TlWk\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2X26pc3TlWk\u003c\/a\u003e the first time we saw one of the straps here, a few years ago, even though we are very familiar with straps in general it took a bit of figuring out but once you know how it's done, it could not be easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2X26pc3TlWk\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MWC - Military Watch Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48950716727626,"sku":"MOD42\/22","price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1140\/1866\/files\/Green_and_White_Parachute_Elastic_NATO_Strap_b.jpg?v=1722510100","url":"https:\/\/mwcwatch.com\/products\/22mm-elasticated-french-navy-and-special-forces-strap-in-green-with-a-red-stripe-copy","provider":"MWC - Military Watch Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}