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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4.2 ★★★★★
Based on 13 reviews
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Verified Purchase
Ellen and Stephen
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Multi-Function Watch
Color: Gray/Digital/Gray
I absolutely love my Timex Ironman watches. I have had many over a very long period of time. Wonderful set of functions for the price. Very affordable. Easy to use. Lasts a long time. Very easy to read in standard lighting. I like the Indiglo when needed, but do not use it too often. Absolutely love the ability to set a repeat timer to remind me to do something at a fixed interval, or to keep me on task for a fixed period of time. Great to be able to set three independent alarms. Potential to capture a huge number of splits with the stopwatch. I purchased this watch to replace a similar model with a dead battery. I have replaced batteries in the past, but it is quicker and easier to buy a replacement watch. I am saving my old watches for that day in the future when the Ironman model may no longer be available. I expect this will be my watch of choice for the rest of my life.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
E
Verified Purchase
E-Dub
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Just fine if you have simple needs...
Color: Black/Digital/Black/Green
Exactly what I needed: a cheap, durable wrist watch. The only thing it was lacking were instructions, but about 5 minutes of messing with the buttons got it set up
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
S S.
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice watch
Color: Black/Digital/Black/Green
Good watch
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2026
L
Verified Purchase
Lil
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Amazing quality and well worth it!!!
Color: Black
Great watch! My son saw his friend have and was impressed so I got him one! This one doesn’t have a connection point from the band to the watch so it can’t break there which has been the issues with all his other watches. This is easy to setup and use! It worked so great that I got one for my other son! They both say the size and options are perfect! Highly recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2026
E
Verified Purchase
Evan
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Great classic timepiece
Color: Black/Digital Gray/Silver-Tone, Color: Black/Digital Gray/Silver-Tone
I’ve been using the Timex Men’s Ironman Triathlon Classic 30 (38mm) for a while now, and it’s easily one of the most dependable watches I’ve owned. The design is simple but functional — lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for workouts, outdoor activities, or just daily wear. The Indiglo backlight is super bright and makes it easy to read in the dark, and the buttons are responsive without feeling flimsy. The stopwatch and countdown timer features are straightforward and accurate, which I really appreciate for timing workouts. I also like that it’s water-resistant, so I never have to worry about it in the rain or while swimming. The 38mm size is just right — not too bulky, but still sporty and easy to read. The battery life is excellent, and the Timex durability definitely shows; this watch can take a beating and still look good. If you want something rugged, affordable, and practical, the Ironman Classic 30 is a solid choice. It’s a no-nonsense watch that does exactly what it’s supposed to — and does it well.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2025

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