1973 British Military MoD Watch Strap
Time to read 2 min
Time to read 2 min
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.
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.
Material: Admiralty grey woven 1.2mm thick nylon for durability and resilience. Free from additives which may act as an irritant.
Buckle: One-piece buckle design, integrated without spring bars, guaranteeing a seamless and irremovable method of fastening.
Construction: Heat-welded, fusing an inseparable bond to withstand even the most demanding conditions.
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.
ZULUDIVER has been selling military watch straps for over a decade, and we are well-known worldwide for our high-quality military nylon watch bands.
The popularity of this style continues to grow, especially with those who are looking to find the perfect watch strap for their next adventure. These watch bands are quick and easy to change, and quick drying if they get wet. Here are some of our most popular styles.
CADET collection is a time-honoured design that has withstood the test of time for over a decade.
Crafted with exceptional quality, this watch is a true testament to the durability and reliability that you can trust. Expertly constructed with 1.2mm sturdy nylon material, this watch is built to endure the toughest conditions, making it the perfect companion for any adventure.
The original nylon material combined with stainless steel hardware ensures that this range is not only stylish but also incredibly robust. Don't settle for run-of-the-mill when you can have the enduring elegance and strength of the ZULUDIVER CADET collection on your wrist.
The Apex nylon is made from 100% polyester material, ensuring exceptional durability. It is long-lasting and environmentally friendly, reflecting our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Cutting-edge production techniques, including high-temperature and high-pressure dyeing, as well as filament twisting, to create the Apex nylon material. These methods result in vibrant, fade-resistant colours that maintain their brilliance over time.
the HydraRib—a premium strap crafted from 100% polyamide nylon, engineered for durability and style. Made using a core-spun technique on precision weaving machines, this strap boasts a distinct three-dimensional texture that not only looks great but feels incredible on the wrist.
The close-grain weave enhances its strength, making it resilient enough to handle daily wear while maintaining its sleek appearance. For those who value both quality and design in their watch straps, the HydraRib delivers on every front.