SKU: 38088393856

20mm Elasticated French Navy and Special Forces Strap in Green with a Yellow Stripe

Sale price$18.90 Regular price$21.00
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Description

20mm Elasticated French Navy and Special Forces Strap in Green with a Yellow StripeSKU Code: FR20MM SF ELA 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

SKU Code: FR20MM/SF/ELA

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 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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  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
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SKU: 38088393856

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Daniel Customer
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 4
pretty good for the price
Color: Brilliant Black, Size: Large
pretty darn good for the price. You can tell its cheap when you feel it and look close but its really not bad. Surprisingly it fit very well. (for reference Im 6' 1.5" 180 pounds and everything fit me good, except the pants that were a little baggy and the vest a little short) but for the price its good. Its nice enough you can wear it out and not feel like your wearing a Halloween costume or something.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2025
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Gladys perez
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect for such a special occasion
Color: Brilliant Black, Size: Medium, Color: Brilliant Black, Size: Medium
I bought this suit for my son's graduation and was very satisfied. It looks elegant and modern, and the fit was excellent. The fabric is comfortable and of good quality—ideal for wearing for several hours. I received many compliments that day. Without a doubt, a very good choice for important and special events.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
Jesse
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Feels Tailored, Perfect Fit, Fast Delivery, Zero Complaint
Color: Black, Size: Large
I honestly did not expect this level of quality ordering a suit online, especially on such short notice, but this completely exceeded my expectations. First off, the fit is incredible. The jacket feels like it was tailored specifically for me, it wraps cleanly around the shoulders and arms without being tight, and tapers perfectly at the waist. I still have full range of motion, which is rare for a fitted jacket. The one-button design gives it a modern, sleek look that really stands out. The pants are just as impressive. They fit perfectly, not too tight, not too loose, with a clean, straight fall that looks amazing with dress shoes. The length is spot on, and the overall structure makes it look very polished. I also appreciate the thoughtful details like secure closures, belt loops, and well-placed pockets. The vest was the cherry on top. It fits clean and adds an extra level of sophistication to the whole outfit. Together, the full set gives a very sharp, put-together look without feeling overdone. What really shocked me was the speed. I ordered this late at night and received it the next morning. That alone would have been impressive, but to combine that kind of delivery with this level of quality is next-level. Overall, this suit looks, feels, and fits far better than I expected at this price point. If you're hesitant about buying a suit online, this is definitely one of those rare cases where it absolutely pays off. Highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2026
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Esther
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 3
One piece was true to size and the other wasn’t
Color: Brilliant Black, Size: XX-Large
Looked nice and perhaps decent quality for the price, but one piece fit while the other didn’t, like I forgot which, but either the jacket fit, but the pants were too big or small or vice versa . Had to return it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2026
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Kristin Chadwick
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Quality product!!!
Color: Black, Size: X-Small
This tuxedo was perfect for the price!!! Quality material!! My son is 5'10" and 145 lbs...the xsmall fit just right!!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026

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