{"product_id":"22mm-elasticated-french-navy-and-special-forces-strap-in-green-with-a-white-stripe-copy","title":"20mm Elasticated French Navy and Special Forces Strap in Green with a White Stripe","description":"\u003ch3 data-end=\"150\" data-start=\"81\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"148\" data-start=\"85\"\u003eMilitary Watch Straps: A Legacy of Functionality and Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"703\" data-start=\"152\"\u003eThe term \u003cem data-end=\"184\" data-start=\"161\"\u003emilitary watch straps\u003c\/em\u003e 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 \u003cstrong data-end=\"671\" data-start=\"644\"\u003eParachute Elastic Strap\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cem data-end=\"694\" data-start=\"676\"\u003eMarine Nationale\u003c\/em\u003e strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"967\" data-start=\"705\"\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"972\" data-start=\"969\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1026\" data-start=\"974\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1024\" data-start=\"978\"\u003eThe Origins of the Parachute Elastic Strap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1417\" data-start=\"1028\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-end=\"1059\" data-start=\"1032\"\u003eParachute Elastic Strap\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1586\" data-start=\"1419\"\u003eThe 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-end=\"1895\" data-start=\"1588\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1701\" data-start=\"1588\"\u003eA long strip of elastic material was folded at the midpoint, where a \u003cstrong data-end=\"1674\" data-start=\"1660\"\u003emetal hook\u003c\/strong\u003e was stitched into place.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1791\" data-start=\"1702\"\u003eA \u003cstrong data-end=\"1721\" data-start=\"1707\"\u003emetal loop\u003c\/strong\u003e was fitted over both loose ends, serving as an anchor for the hook.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1895\" data-start=\"1792\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-end=\"1819\" data-start=\"1799\"\u003eloop slid freely\u003c\/strong\u003e along the strap’s length, allowing for easy adjustment and a perfect fit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2030\" data-start=\"1897\"\u003eComfortable and practical, these straps were made from issued materials, making them a cost-effective solution for military divers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"2035\" data-start=\"2032\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2079\" data-start=\"2037\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2077\" data-start=\"2041\"\u003ePremium Parachute Elastic Straps\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2378\" data-start=\"2081\"\u003eOur \u003cstrong data-end=\"2113\" data-start=\"2085\"\u003eParachute Elastic Straps\u003c\/strong\u003e replicate the vintage Marine Nationale strap, making them ideal for summer wristwear and a perfect match for dive watches. Crafted from \u003cstrong data-end=\"2269\" data-start=\"2250\"\u003epremium elastic\u003c\/strong\u003e, the material is tightly woven, resulting in a strap that is both soft to the touch and incredibly strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2843\" data-start=\"2658\"\u003eEach strap features \u003cstrong data-end=\"2714\" data-start=\"2678\"\u003ebrushed stainless steel hardware\u003c\/strong\u003e, including a hook clasp that stays true to the original vintage design. Our designs are available in \u003cstrong\u003e18mm, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2840\" data-start=\"2816\"\u003e20mm and 22mm widths\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"2848\" data-start=\"2845\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2898\" data-start=\"2850\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2896\" data-start=\"2854\"\u003eAdvantages of Parachute Elastic Straps\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2964\" data-start=\"2900\"\u003eCustomers choose Parachute Elastic Straps for several reasons:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"3984\" data-start=\"2966\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3098\" data-start=\"2966\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2990\" data-start=\"2968\"\u003eUnmatched Comfort:\u003c\/strong\u003e Many users claim it's the most comfortable strap they've ever worn—it fits so well, you barely notice it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3192\" data-start=\"3099\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3130\" data-start=\"3101\"\u003eSweat and Odor Resistant:\u003c\/strong\u003e The elastic wicks away sweat instantly and absorbs no odor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3261\" data-start=\"3193\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3208\" data-start=\"3195\"\u003eWashable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Simply remove the strap, wash it, and reattach it.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3398\" data-start=\"3262\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3291\" data-start=\"3264\"\u003eInfinite Adjustability:\u003c\/strong\u003e The strap allows for a perfectly snug or loose fit, depending on preference. Adjustments are effortless.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3550\" data-start=\"3399\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3416\" data-start=\"3401\"\u003eSecure Fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once in place, the strap remains firmly secured, preventing flipping, twisting, or movement. The watch stays centered on the wrist.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3654\" data-start=\"3551\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3575\" data-start=\"3553\"\u003eEnhanced Security:\u003c\/strong\u003e The design minimizes the risk of losing the watch due to spring bar failure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3759\" data-start=\"3655\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3675\" data-start=\"3657\"\u003eAffordability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Parachute Elastic Straps offer a cost-effective way to refresh your watch’s look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3984\" data-start=\"3760\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"3788\" data-start=\"3762\"\u003eStylish Color Options:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3989\" data-start=\"3986\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"127\" data-start=\"82\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"125\" data-start=\"86\"\u003eInstalling a Marine Nationale Strap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"343\" data-start=\"129\"\u003eInstalling 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"575\" data-start=\"345\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"802\" data-start=\"577\"\u003eFor those new to fitting these straps, the process can seem confusing at first, but \u003cstrong data-end=\"707\" data-start=\"661\"\u003ethis video provides a clear demonstration: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2X26pc3TlWk\" rel=\"noopener\" data-end=\"800\" data-start=\"710\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"754\" data-start=\"711\"\u003eHow to Install a Marine Nationale Strap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"903\" data-start=\"804\"\u003eIt's important to note that these straps \u003cstrong data-end=\"855\" data-start=\"845\"\u003ecannot\u003c\/strong\u003e be used on watches with \u003cstrong data-end=\"900\" data-start=\"880\"\u003efixed solid bars\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1254\" data-start=\"905\"\u003eMarine 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 \u003cstrong data-end=\"1137\" data-start=\"1125\"\u003esnagging\u003c\/strong\u003e. Consequently, we offer various straps made from the same material used in these original French military designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2X26pc3TlWk\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MWC - Military Watch Company","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48950724002122,"sku":"MOD42\/20","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-white-stripe-copy","provider":"MWC - Military Watch Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}