Marine Nationale Elasticated Nylon Watch Strap | ARMY GREEN / RED | 18 20 22 mm

Band Width: 18mm / 20mm / 22mm

Band Length: The beauty of the Marine Nationale strap is that it is extremely flexible size-wise. However, these straps best suit wrist sizes between 16.5cm to 20.5cm (6.5 inches to 8 inches)

Band Material Type: Elasticated Nylon

Clasp Type: Stainless Steel Buckle with brushed effect

FREE Spring Bars Included

Please Note - This watch strap is suitable for all watches with spring bars but is not suitable for watches with fixed pins

A Marine Nationale watch strap in army green with a red centre stripe, made from soft elasticated nylon in 18mm, 20mm and 22mm, with a brushed stainless steel buckle and free spring bars. The stretch means it moves with your wrist instead of digging in. The red stripe adds just enough colour to lift a plain black or white dial without shouting.

Where it comes from

The Marine Nationale strap dates from the 1960s and 70s, when the French navy wanted a reliable way to keep a watch on the wrist. The first ones were cut from parachute elastic and sewn back together, which is why it's still sometimes called a parachute watch strap. Vintage collectors brought them back, and the Marine Nationale watch band is now one of the most comfortable alternatives to a NATO strap.

Will it fit?

Choose an 18mm, 20mm or 22mm Marine Nationale strap to match your watch's lug width (the gap between the lugs; it's often engraved on the back of the case or embossed on your old strap). The strap best suits wrists from 16.5cm to 20.5cm (about 6.5 to 8 inches), and the elastic gives you a little extra room on a hot day. It needs a watch with removable spring bars, because it threads between them; it won't fit watches with fixed pins.

Questions and answers

How is it different from a NATO strap? A NATO is firm woven nylon with a row of holes and a buckle. A Marine Nationale strap is an elastic watch strap, so it stretches slightly and you set the length by sliding keeper along the strap material and then through the buckle rather than picking a hole. It's lighter and softer on the wrist, and many people find it the more comfortable of the two for all-day wear.

How do I fit it? Take the spring bars out, thread the strap between the lugs and behind your watch case, put the spring bars back in over the strap, then set the length with the keeper and at the buckle. Our step-by-step guide shows it with pictures (see How To Guides below).

Can I wear it in water? Yes, if your watch is water resistant. Rinse the strap in fresh water after the sea or a pool and let it dry naturally.

See all 20 colourways of our Marine Nationale straps, or compare them with our NATO watch straps.

How To Change Your Watch Strap

How To Install Your Marine Nationale Watch Strap