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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Pearlh
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
Work well, no bad skin reactions
Size: 50 count (Pack of 1), Size: 50 count (Pack of 1)
I can't believe what a great deal these are! It's less than $7 (as an add-on buy) for two packets. I had already bought this brand once before so I knew they'd work for me. They remove make-up pretty well. I don't think they are the very best of all time, but they are up there with the other brands I've tried. This product states that it has no artificial dyes or perfumes. These points are really important. Any fragrance that is added to beauty products can irritate your skin, which has happened to me in the past. I do detect the slightest scent, though. It's actually rather pleasant. I think there's still a slight residue of mascara left over after using the wipes pretty thoroughly, so I only gave them 4 stars. Your experience may differ as the packaging promises to remove all makeup residue. Maybe I'm not using them properly? I have very sensitive skin and I didn't break out or otherwise react poorly to these. They do the job as well as I think can be expected for facial wipes so I bought them again. I really hope the claims to being simply formulated are true. I have a healthy scepticism of the beauty industry. My experience with these wipes has been positive so I will take it on faith that they live up to their advertising as far as having no unnecessary additives. One more thing: I like the idea of the added vitamins. It always cracks me up when facial cleansers advertise the addition of helpful vitamins. How can they help when you're immediately rinsing them back off your face? The addition of any vitamins to regular liquid cleansers is just a waste. They do nothing for you. That being said, when they are added to facial wipes, they are spread on your skin and stay there, since you don't generally rinse after using wipes. In this way of cleaning, you may actually be reaping some benefit from the added vitamins.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2016
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Janett Massolo
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
facial wipes
Size: 25 Count (Pack of 6)
I love these facial cleansing wipes. I have been using them for years.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2026
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Tiffany
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Love these!
Size: 50 count (Pack of 1)
Leaves my face feeling fresh and clean. Doesn't leave any type of film behind
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Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026
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Heather
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Awesome!
Style: Blemish Clearing Toner, Size: 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Love this product! I've used witch hazel for a long time as a toner and to help keep acne under control. Thayer's is the brand I've always used and loved. This one is specific for acne and blemishes, so I thought I'd give this blend a try. There is a slight fruit loop smell (it fades quickly!) and I feel like it's slightly sticky (which is not how plain witch hazel feels) but that also goes away as it dries. I use this anywhere on my face, but especially where there are blemishes and acne. It works well, and doesn't seem to adversely react with my rosacea , which is a plus! I let it air dry, then apply my favorite moisturizer. Results come quickly, and I love how clean and fresh and skin feels!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2026
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Ragamuffin
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Toner!
Style: Blemish Clearing Toner, Size: 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I have both rosacea and acne. I use this to control my acne breakouts, and it never makes my rosacea flare up. It’s really good toner & I highly recommend it. It has never made me have any sort of rash/breakout/reaction.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2026

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