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The Back Story
In 1973, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) were challenged to
design and provide to its military personnel a watch strap to withstand
some of the harshest of conditions during combat duty.
The vision was clear, a watch strap that would conquer the humidity
of tropical climates that often wreaked havoc on leather watch straps,
avert the perils of shiny steel watch bracelets in covert military
operations. Also they wanted to address the spring bar failures in the
buckles and watches, which caused countless watches to meet an untimely
demise.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
View 1973 APEX Collection
The design received an official North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Stock Number (NSN), a unique thirteen-digit identifier used to standardize and catalogue equipment across member countries.
In this case, the NSN assigned to the design was 6645-99-124-2986, which is specifically used for items related to time-measuring instruments, such as watches or chronometers. This NSN allowed the British Army to track, order, and distribute the design through their store's requisition process efficiently. By assigning the item a NATO stock number, it became easier to ensure uniformity and standardization across military supply chains, simplifying logistics and ensuring that the correct equipment could be quickly sourced and deployed as needed.
Ministry of Defence Specification
These stringent requirements were defined and documented in the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) Standard 66-47/2. Within this comprehensive guideline, several key requirements emerged, which we have highlighted below.
Ribbon Material: Straight cross weave nylon ribbon, free from additives which may act as an irritant. The colour 18B25 admiralty grey. Dimensions of 20mm wide, 1.2mm thick and 280mm long.
Buckle: One-piece brass, chromium plated buckle design, integrated without spring bars, guaranteeing a seamless and irremovable method of fastening.
Construction: Heat-welded, fusing an inseparable bond and heat-sealed ends, to withstand even the most demanding conditions.
ZULLUDIVER Specification
Cadet Nylon Material
The nylon used in this collection is inspired by the original Defence Standard 66-47 material.
Known for its exceptional durability and resilience, this nylon was designed to meet the rigorous demands of active duty, offering excellent resistance to wear and tear in harsh environments.
Apex Nylon Material
The Apex nylon material is crafted to meet the same high standards used by some of the most prestigious Swiss watchmakers, ensuring a premium quality that watch enthusiasts expect but at a fraction of the price.
By using the finest polyester and precision techniques, we’ve created a strap that rivals the quality found in luxury timepieces,
HydraRib Nylon Material
he nylon used in the HydraRib strap is no ordinary material. It’s crafted from the same high-grade polyamide nylon trusted by leading technical and performance-driven industries.
This premium yarn is known for its strength, resistance to abrasion, and ability to handle the rigors of daily wear, all while maintaining its vibrant appearance.
Gallery
FAQ
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A British Military watch strap is a durable and secure watch strap originally designed by the British Ministry of Defence in 1973. It was created to endure extreme conditions encountered in military operations, such as tropical humidity and covert missions. It’s made of strong
nylon with a one-piece buckle design. -
The strap was designed to solve issues faced by military personnel, such as humidity-damaging leather straps, shiny steel bracelets compromising covert missions, and spring bar failures that caused watches to fall off. The NATO strap provided durability, reliability, and stealth.
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These watch straps are made from 1.2mm thick Admiralty grey woven nylon, which is both durable and resilient. The material is free from additives that could irritate the skin.
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The original watch strap is constructed using a heat-welded process, which ensures a strong and inseparable bond, making it ideal for harsh conditions. The buckle is a one-piece design that integrates seamlessly without the need for spring bars. At ZULUDIVER we use a sewn construction as we have found this is a more durable design.
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The stock number (NSN) assigned to the watch strap standardizes it across member countries. This 13-digit identifier allows military organizations to track, order, and distribute the strap efficiently through their supply chains, ensuring uniformity and ease of procurement.
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Yes, these watch straps have become popular among civilians for their durability, comfort, and military heritage. Many watch enthusiasts use them for their everyday watches due to their practicality and stylish look.
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These watch straps are designed to be more secure and durable than regular straps. They use a one-piece design, so if a spring bar fails, the strap will still hold the watch in place. Regular straps often use two pieces and are more prone to failure if a spring bar breaks.
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While the original watch strap was Admiralty grey, modern versions come in a variety of colours and styles. However, the grey version remains a favourite due to its military roots.
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These watch straps are easy to maintain. Simply wash the nylon strap with mild soap and water, then let it air dry. They are built to withstand tough conditions, so minimal maintenance is needed.
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Provide the answer to the question here.Yes, the watch straps are designed for comfort as well as durability. The nylon material is lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods, even in hot and humid conditions.
1973 British Military Watch Straps
