20mm Elasticated French Navy and Special Forces Strap in Maroon
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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SKU: 78973501282

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Nicole K
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 4
Strong and Great for Treats, but Heavier Than Expected
Style: Gorilla, Size: Small (Pack of 1), Style: Gorilla, Size: Small (Pack of 1)
This is a very durable and well-made chew toy with good overall quality. The material is thick rubber and holds up well to chewing. It also works very well for holding treats, which stay in place securely. The main drawback is the weight. My dog is about 30 pounds, and even though this is a smaller version, it is still fairly heavy. She tends to use it mainly to get the treats out and then loses interest afterward. What I like: Very durable material Works great for holding treats Good bounce and quality construction Cute design Things to be aware of: Heavier than expected Some treats may be difficult to insert Dogs may lose interest once treats are gone Overall: This is a solid treat-based toy that is built well, but the weight may limit how much some dogs interact with it beyond treat use.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026
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Verified Purchase
JS
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Extremely tough!
Style: Gorilla, Size: Large (Pack of 1)
These are seriously so much better (and cheaper) than any other supposedly "strong/durable" type toy like this. We have 70lb very strong chewers and they chew through everything. Can not have stuffies. They do eventually chew through but it seriously takes awhile. Especially in comparison to other brands. I will say it says "recommended for dogs under 35lbs" but I also work for houses where I recommended these for their dogs which were smaller and they wouldn't chew on because too tough. But they also accidentally bought the large which is what I buy my big dogs. So the large is GREAT for big dogs. If you have a dog under 35lbs I'd get the size small. Also .... says you can stuff treats. You really can't. Which my dogs don't need. They just love to chew on. I call it their bubble gum because when they FINALLY get a chunk off(which again takes awhile.... as in over a week) they will fling the pieces into the air and chew on like a piece of bubble gum lol... they love it! I don't notice a difference in breath or anything but I don't use the toothpaste either. I just bought to see if tough and they are!! And again price is clearly so much better. I hate spending $20+ on a toy they destroy in a day.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2023
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Verified Purchase
Alanna
Houston, US
★★★★★ 3
Beware if your dog likes to chew
Style: Gorilla, Size: Large (Pack of 1)
It’s super cute and my dog loved it, but it didn’t last very long. My dog started peeling off pieces of it and eating it within three hours of play. If you have a dog that takes it easy on the toys I would recommend this one. Otherwise I recommend passing because there’s no way it’s safe for them to be swallowing these pieces.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2026
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Josh K.
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Lasted pretty long for my aggressive chewer
Style: Gorilla, Size: Large (Pack of 1)
Right away I was excited with this product because of the smell, texture and thickness. Smells minty fresh which does help with breath smell. The texture is great, had smooth areas and rigid areas all while being soft and durable. The product is pretty thick, which I needed for my Pit-Bull. She doesn’t chew much but, when she decides to she is 110% in and dedicated to destroying that item. She chews through most things in less than a day. This product however lasted years before I started to notice damage. It is one of her favorite toys. She liked it so much I bought two, one for the house and one for the car for road trips. It’s the perfect toy to keep a chewer distracted inside a car, along side a deer antler, which also helps with dental hygiene. She gets dental hygiene compliments every trip to the Vet. We use multiple different things to help with her teeth and breathe but, I think this toy contributes the most to her healthy teeth. I call it a toy because she plays with it all the time. Definitely will keep buying long as they keep making it. This product is a must for all dogs, it’s almost perfect for my Pit-Bull
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Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2021
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Verified Purchase
TGue
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Currently surviving a SUPER CHEWER!
Style: Gorilla, Size: Small (Pack of 1), Style: Gorilla, Size: Small (Pack of 1)
Welcomed a pomeranian/terrier mix to the family recently. Although he is small he is very capable of tearing things apart! He has destroyed many, many types and brands of toys. When he grew tired of destroying those he turned to objects in my house, walls, furniture, railing etc! I've tried different brands and textures and this is one of only 2 brands he hasn't outright destroyed! He's had this toy for almost a month now and it has come out of this time almost completely unscathed! You'll notice there's a little damage to one of the hands and top of the head but hes managed to destroy toys in an hour or less, so I consider this a big win and will absolutely replace with the same product when the time comes! There's a hole, I think for treats. I haven't used that. It also has a smell, almost like baby powder. In any event, absolutely worth the price which I found to be great to begin with. My dog loves it, and me and my house are soo glad he's chewing on this! If you have a super chewer (I'd never heard of that) I strongly suggest this toy. They also have larger ones for bigger breeds!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2025

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