Announcing: ZULUDIVER and Avanti Jewellers Partnership

Until now, the only place you could buy ZULUDIVER straps was on our website. However, if you are near Avanti Jewelers in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, and you can now pick up a new ZD strap, their trained staff will even fit it directly to your Superlative Chronometer.

Zuludiver Straps in Avanti - Credit Zuludiver

Who is Avanti?

Avanti is the premier pre-owned watch dealer in the Derbyshire area, with a stock of around 70 watches. They are unsurprisingly a great advocate of the High Street dealer, encouraging people to come in and foster a relationship to find your perfect watch. They are okay with you visiting half a dozen times to try on different models. They're all interested in matching you up with your perfect Submariner at a fair price. During one of our regular visits to record a podcast with Alan, the owner and Sarah, the Operations Manager, we discussed how great vintage Rolexes looked on 1973 Military Nylon straps. This could have had something to do with the fact that our roving interviewer (in this case, myself) was wearing a Rolex Explorer on a 1973 strap, and the consensus was it looked excellent and mission-ready.

Zuludiver Straps in Avanti - Credit Zuludiver

Fast forward to November 2023, the relationship developed, and Avanti has just taken possession of a fine collection of ZULUDIVER 1973 straps such as the Classic Bond, Hydrarib and Armoured Recon. Some of this stock has been fitted to vintage Rolex and Omega watches to give them a different look, with some of these models on display in their windows. The rest of the stock is behind the counter, ready to be fitted to your watch. With prices starting from just £18, what's not to love?

ZULUDIVER 1973 straps require little introduction.

1973 BRITISH MILITARY WATCH STRAP: HYDRARIB

In 1973, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) were challenged to design and provide its military personnel with a watch strap to withstand some of the harshest conditions during combat. The mission was clear. A watch strap that could conquer the humidity of tropical climates, survive the abrasive sands of the desert and live through ice from the Arctic. These environs wreak havoc on leather watch straps, and shiny steel watch bracelets are unwelcome during covert operations. Also, the MOD wanted to address spring bar failures in the buckles and watches, which caused countless watches to meet an untimely demise.

The Defence Standard

1973 British Military Watch Strap: ARMOURED - No Time Bond

The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) Standard 66-47/2 defined and documented new stringent requirements. Within this comprehensive guideline, several vital conditions emerged, which we have highlighted below.

Material: Admiralty grey woven 1.2mm thick nylon for durability and resilience. Free from additives which may act as an irritant.

Buckle: A one-piece buckle design, integrated without spring bars, guarantees a seamless and irremovable fastening method.

Construction: Heat-welded, fusing an inseparable bond to withstand even the most demanding conditions.

The design was awarded its own North Atlantic Treaty Organization stock number (NSN), a thirteen-digit code 6645-99-124-2986, which was used by the British army's stores' requisition process.

How has ZULUDIVER improved the 1970s design?

Building upon the foundation of the original design, we have refined every aspect of this watch strap. We have fortified the strength and durability by moving to a sewn construction. Instead of chrome-plated brass, we use solid stainless steel hardware that guarantees resilience and longevity. We have increased the size of the keepers.

This thoughtful adjustment allows for the fitting of larger watch cases. Understanding that wrists come in all shapes and sizes, we have extended the overall length of our straps to a generous 300mm. This also enables you to fold the strap's tail back through the keepers, creating an additional layer of security while still allowing the watch to be worn over clothing if required.

We love the humble 1973 British Military Nylon Strap. It is one of the most significant accessories in the world of watches and can fundamentally change the look of your watch. Our entire portfolio is of course, available at ZULUDIVER.com, but now, thanks to our new friendship with Avanti, you can pop into their beautiful shop and try one for yourself.