SKU: 32257911202

18mm Elasticated French Navy and Special Forces Strap in Green with a Yellow Stripe

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Description

18mm Elasticated French Navy and Special Forces Strap in Green with a Yellow StripeSKU Code: FR18MM 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: FR18MM/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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SKU: 32257911202

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Ann
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
My Niece dog loves it!
Size: 18in, Style: Sport
This ball launcher takes a bit of getting. used to, but it is really helpful for those of us who are not MLB pitchers! The launcher itself is a sturdy plastic that is not brittle yet not soft; when the ball is launched there is no destructive bending in the shaft. The handle is padded and ergonomically sound while the cup end cradles the ball but has cut-outs on each side for easy loading and unloading of the ball. It did take a bit of practice for me to get the hang of it, but for my husband and son it was much easier. The launcher works well to help us older, non-gifted athletes launch the ball farther and faster while saving the shoulder, elbow, and wrist (important if there is any arthritis). The ball fits nicely into the cup and releases easily. The 2.5 size was too small for my Doberman, so we opted for the 3.5 in launcher. This smaller launcher and ball are now in the employ of my sister and her husband for their retriever-border collie mix, an 18 month old little fireball!. This is just the right size for her. My sister's husband has difficulty with arthritis and is neither quick on his feet nor able to stand very long. So the launcher comes in very handy. He can actually sit in a lawn chair and throw the ball repeatedly when their dog retrieves and returns it to him. That is a win- win! Top 3 Likes: -Easy to use -Helps older pet owner -Drives the ball farther and faster Top 3 Dislikes: -With repeated uses the edges of the launcher appear to get scuffed and scratched -Some ingrained staining on the edges persists requiring scrubbing to remove -There is a mild worry that with time the launcher may snap
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Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024
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Verified Purchase
RAWN001
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
My dog loves it
Size: 25in, Style: Sport
I am amazed at how far I can throw a tennis ball. My dog and I absolutely love this. What happens to work well with the squeaky balls?I get on amazon as well. I have one of these at home, And I keep another one in the truck. Very durable, The balls have good bounce, My dog and I have a lot of fun with it. My dog doesn't chew much on balls, But this one seems like it's going to stand out, I love the versatility, Hey can handle almost ending ball that same size. Are you solid rubber bouncy balls, Squeak. Ing tuba balls, Whiffle balls with all the holes in it, Even the squeaky chewing balls. As long as there are that same size. love the product. I've been using them for a few years.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
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Gear guy
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Durable
Honestly I didn't think this ball would last but 2 years later and only one battery change later and it is going strong. This ball has given me so much more time to play with my dog since I can throw the ball at night on short winter days I can't recommend it enough. I can throw the ball at night and my dog can find it in the dark. Add a collar LED and it's a funny light show of one light intercepting another.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2026
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Davis
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 4
Great for pm at the park!
This is alot like Nite Eyez but not as good but if you have never used Nite Eyez you will love this!! I have an am. staff that i take to the park at night so she can run around without the fear of a dog running up on her (she doesn't like that) and this ball is great! Stays lit and changes colors and it she cant destroy it!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2025
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L. Reller
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Works Great!
This is a new version of an old style that was the best most durable, and long lasting night time balls!!! They stay on long enough for me to find if my lab cant find it. (We have an acre backyard and in ground swimming pool) sometimes I have to retrieve it. Stays on and auto shuts off after inactivity. They ARE waterproof and we play in the pool with them on night swims. My lab is very hard on balls, very few hold hold up to his chomping on them. Great balls!!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2025

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