Zulu Watch Straps From The Thrifty Gentleman - Affordable Watch Strap Specialists
Military-style watch straps have long been popular for their practicality and subtle style. Among fans of NATO and Marine Nationale watch strap styles, Zulu watch straps have gained significant ground.
If you’ve been experimenting with military style but don’t want all the bells and whistles, Zulu straps are perfect for everyday wear. Their statement design, strong hardware and heavy-duty nylon offer incredible durability, no matter what you’re getting up to.
That’s not to say that Zulu straps can’t help overhaul an outfit, however. Their substantial width offers ample room for patterns and bold colours, perfect to spruce up a monochrome ensemble or pair with khaki casuals.
The Long Legacy Of Zulu Watch Straps…
Bold Beginnings: The NATO watch strap was popularised in 1973 as the standard strap for members of the British armed forces. It quickly came to be associated with sophisticated style and unbeatable practicality.
A Suave Solution: But, the NATO was associated mostly with servicemen, meaning everyday gents were unable to take advantage of this high-quality watch strap’s comfort, durability and look. Fast forward and a modern everyday solution was invented: the Zulu watch strap.
Variety and Versatility: As well as appropriating all the best parts of the NATO strap, the hardy woven nylon and robust loops, Zulu watch straps offered wearers a huge amount of variety. Now, among sailcloth nylon watch straps and elastic nylon watch straps, heavy-duty nylon reigns supreme.
A Long-time Favourite: Additionally, while the traditional military NATO had to conform to rigid specifications, Zulu straps could come in any colour or style. With the addition of rounded hardware, Zulu watch straps brought another dimension to wristwear, the popularity of which is yet to wane.
Why Choose The Thrifty Gentleman’s Zulu Watch Straps?
As a niche watch strap company for discerning individuals working with discerning budgets, The Thrifty Gentleman continues the historic legacy and inspiration of military watch straps.
If you want to try a military style watch strap but don’t know where to start, or are looking to add a new accessory to your existing collection, the Zulu is a must-have.
But whilst you are checking out our Zulu watch bands don’t forget to also check out their equally smart siblings - the NATO and Marine Nationale watch strap.
FAQs on the range
What is a Zulu watch strap?
Zulu watch straps are similar to NATO watch straps in that they feature a single strap piece that feeds through the fixed or removable spring bars between the lugs of your watch case.
Unlike the NATO strap though, the Zulu strap doesn't come from the same prestigious military background, instead they are a more modern creation.
From a style perspective, you'll notice the Zulu watch strap is generally more robust with rounder, thicker hardware and thicker more robust nylon.
Similarly to their military inspired cousin (the NATO strap) the Zulu strap is another affordable, stylish, versatile option perfect to inspire personalisation of your watch.
Why are NATO straps so good?
NATO straps have many benefits. The key ones being:
Versatility, Easy Installation, Secure Fit, Durability, Comfort and Affordability.
These main benefits of the NATO strap mean they are perfect for either everyday wear or in more active environments.
For more on what makes NATO straps so good, check out the key advantages of a NATO watch strap.
Are NATO straps bulky?
Yes, NATO straps can be bulkier due to their double pass design which makes them overall thicker than many two piece straps.
This additional thickness can then ultimately add "height" to your watch. This style is often sought after by those inspired by military watch styles, and showcase the watch strap's sturdiness and durability.
You might also like
The Thrifty Gentleman is your one-stop shop for any style or type of replacement strap. If you like this style, you may also want to check out the following ranges:
Marine Nationale straps
NATO straps
James Bond watch straps
Nylon watch straps
