An entire visible glossary to the opposite half of a watch’s look.
A watch strap does greater than maintain a case to your wrist. It shapes the character of the watch itself. Swap the strap and you alter all the really feel, generally extra dramatically than altering the watch.
By their very nature, watch straps are sometimes significantly cheaper than a wholly new watch, so it’s usually cheaper to broaden one’s assortment of straps over splurging on one other watch.
Constructing a small rotation of straps offers you much more versatility than including one other watch to the drawer. Leather-based for the workplace, rubber for the water, nylon for weekends, metal for one thing sharper. One watch can cowl a stunning quantity of floor.
There are dozens of strap kinds, every with its personal backstory and use case. Under is a breakdown of a very powerful varieties, the place they got here from, and when to put on them.
There’s a completely humungous quantity of watch straps obtainable to you, and I’ll do my finest to doc the very best watch straps right here. Every strap has a captivating historical past, so if considered one of them jumps out at you, the accompanying textual content will certainly be an attention-grabbing learn. Lastly, make sure to take a look at the lists of obtainable retailers; they need to show you how to discover precisely what you’re in search of, no matter your worth vary. Don’t be afraid to spend a bit further to get precisely what you need!
With out additional ado, let’s get began!
What’s the Distinction Between Watch Bands, Watch Straps, and Watch Bracelets?
These phrases are sometimes used interchangeably, although there are small distinctions.
- Watch band is the broad umbrella time period. It consists of something that secures a watch to your wrist, steel or non-metal.
- Watch strap normally refers to non-metal choices resembling leather-based, nylon, rubber, sailcloth, or material.
- Watch bracelet refers particularly to steel constructions resembling stainless-steel, titanium, or valuable steel hyperlink designs like Oyster or Jubilee.
Whereas these distinctions exist, it’s normal to search out these phrases used interchangeably, particularly in informal dialog or on-line retail. The nuances are sometimes extra acknowledged by watch fanatics and collectors who respect the delicate variations in materials and design.
In the long run, whether or not it is a band, strap, or bracelet, the selection usually comes down to private type, consolation, and the event for which the watch is worn. Understanding these phrases provides a layer of perception for these seeking to discover the various world of watch equipment, permitting for a extra knowledgeable and tailor-made choice.
How one can Measure a Watch Band
Watch bands are bought in sizes measured in millimeters primarily based on the inside width of the watch lugs. When you’re fortunate, the scale could also be printed on the again of the present watch strap.
To measure, use a metric ruler or a free printable template like this one to search out the space between the lugs of the watch case or the spring bar finish of the present strap. Don’t embrace the spring bar within the measurement. As a refresher, there are 10 millimeters in a centimeter.
The Evolution of Watch Straps: A Timeline
The journey of utilizing a strap to connect a clock to your wrist is a captivating story, interwoven with historical past, trend, performance, and innovation. Here is a glimpse into the important thing milestones that formed the world of watch straps:
- Straps within the Late 1800s: Within the rugged terrains and disciplined routines of army life, troopers started carrying pocket watches on their wrists with leather-based straps often called “trench watches”. A sensible answer that marked the standard beginnings of a development.
- Ladies’s Trend within the Early 1900s: Watches transcended mere timekeeping as ladies began treating wristwatches like jewellery, attaching them with ornate steel chains and bracelets. A fusion of magnificence and performance was born.
- Wristwatches Grow to be Modern: The modern wave reached the shores of the US, and in 1912, The New York Instances reported the burgeoning development of wristwatches amongst working ladies and leisurely socialites alike.
- World Warfare I Affect: The trenches of WWI additional propelled the development, as troopers relied on wristwatches, changing delicate chains with rugged leather-based straps, turning a trend assertion into a logo of utility and resilience.
- Luxurious Wristwatches: From troopers to celebrities, wristwatches developed with initially produced leather-based straps, however quickly steel bracelets just like the Oyster, President, and Jubilee by Rolex grew to become iconic, synonymous with luxurious and status.
- Informal and Sturdy Choices: As occasions modified, so did the straps. Rubber straps and nylon NATO straps have been launched for particular features, additionally providing informal and sturdy choices for on a regular basis put on.
- Altering Straps: A development emerged, altering straps grew to become greater than a necessity; it grew to become a solution to improve look, performance, and even breathe new life into outdated timepieces.
- Trendy Watch Customization: Right now, altering the strap is a straightforward solution to replace a watch’s look. Whether or not a DIY residence adjustment with spring bar connections or skilled help for built-in steel bands, the chances are as diverse because the straps themselves.
This historic panorama units the stage for understanding the multitude of strap choices obtainable immediately, from the basic NATO to the avant-garde Milanese. The watch strap, as soon as a mere sensible accent, has change into a canvas for type, id, and a mirrored image of the occasions.
Watch Strap Varieties
Desk of Contents Click on on every to leap to its part
NATO Strap
Initially developed for British Military troopers within the Nineteen Seventies, the NATO strap initially debuted below the title “G10”, a title taken from the shape for requisition. Though comparable kinds might be traced again to World Warfare II, this was the primary look of the strap below its modern title.
It shortly grew in reputation all through the army, and over time, most of the people steadily started to understand the strap for its quite a few options and skills. When the Chilly Warfare ended, G10 straps have been bought in army surplus retailers across the nation, they usually have been all branded with a novel NATO Surplus Quantity. Surplus shops bought out shortly, however watch strap retailers sprung as much as make the most of the surge in reputation. The veritable storm of NATO straps by no means fairly ended, and they’re certain to stay common for many years to come back.
Probably the most notable characteristic of a NATO strap is its single-piece development; most different straps are composed of two separate items, and may solely be utilized by eradicating each of the spring bars that connect to the watch. Switching out straps is often a time consuming course of, however NATO straps are merely woven beneath the spring bars, to allow them to be eliminated or utilized in a matter of seconds.
Lastly, the addition of a watch keeper strap ensures that the watch case will stay firmly in your wrist even when one of many spring bars snaps. James Bond has famously worn NATO straps throughout movies and actors. All of those traits make NATO straps a wonderful selection for almost any scenario, and their low worth is a boon to these on a finances.
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One Piece Slip-Via & Zulu
Trademarked by Maratac, Zulu straps have surprisingly little background for such an attention-grabbing title. Though clearly impressed by NATO straps, there are just a few minor variations that separate the 2. Firstly, they’re composed of thicker supplies, be it nylon or leather-based. This barely will increase their power and sturdiness, however in addition they may not match between the spring bars of some watches. Secondly, Zulu straps have bigger, extra rounded {hardware} to accommodate their elevated girth.
In distinction, NATO straps have small, squared-off buckles and rings that higher go well with its diminished quantity. Lastly, the watch keeper strap is an elective inclusion on Zulu watch bands, so they’re obtainable in each 3- and 5-ring configurations. Both method, there’s virtually no aesthetic impression, so simply go along with no matter you discover to be probably the most snug.
Thinner straps extra akin to a NATO however with out the keeper strap are additionally generally discovered labeled as one piece or slip-thru, such because the Timex within the photograph above.
What is the distinction between a NATO strap and a Zulu strap?
The widely bigger dimensions Zulu straps make them particularly good for giant watches, because the face is extra corresponding to the {hardware} by way of measurement. Conversely, NATO straps are glorious for small watches; the thinner materials is extra more likely to match by way of the spring bars, they usually have a extra proportionate look. Zulu straps additionally take a bit longer to interrupt in, however on the identical time, they may most certainly last more than a NATO.
In the long run, it comes down to private desire – some folks can’t deal with the additional bulk a Zulu supplies, however others discover NATO straps to be too flimsy. I like to recommend selecting up considered one of every kind and deciding which you favor in-person!
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Smartwatches and Apple Watch Bands
Smartwatches function on a unique attachment system than conventional watches. Most mechanical and quartz watches use spring bars and customary lug widths, normally measured in millimeters. Apple Watch fashions and lots of different smartwatches use easy-to-swap however proprietary slide-in connectors as an alternative.
This implies conventional straps is not going to connect immediately with out an adapter. Fortunately, adapters are broadly obtainable and permit you to use customary 20mm or 22mm straps on an Apple Watch case.
Apple’s personal bands fall into a number of broad classes:
- Sport Band, a versatile rubber-like choice for exercises
- Sport Loop, a light-weight woven nylon with velcro closure
- Milanese Loop, a magnetic mesh bracelet
- Hyperlink Bracelet, a steel bracelet with detachable hyperlinks
- Leather-based choices, together with fashionable magnetic designs
When you want the look of conventional straps, third-party adapters make it attainable to put on leather-based, NATO, rubber, and even steel bracelets on an Apple Watch. Simply ensure that the adapter matches your case measurement.
Rally
Impressed by old-fashioned racing gloves, Rally straps might be simply acknowledged by the three or extra massive perforations punched out beneath the lugs. Automotive racing is primarily a take a look at of pace, and weight performs immediately into the utmost achievable velocity – as such, many early race vehicles have been constructed of elements with holes drilled by way of them. This decreased the general weight, so nearly all the things made from steel was perforated to some extent. To stay aesthetically constant, driving gloves (and later, rally straps) have been perforated, too.
Some may argue that the perforations existed primarily for air flow and breathability, however it’s troublesome to inform the true purpose. Race vehicles are notoriously heat, and perforations helped to scale back each warmth and weight, so it might have been both one!
No matter their origin, Rally straps are an amazing selection for summer time put on. Even when it wasn’t the unique intention, the perforations do considerably enhance air flow, which might be helpful in the summertime warmth. Moreover, there’s no more sensible choice of strap to pair with a classic chronograph, since they have been regularly used to time races. If the type or historical past of the Rally strap appeals to you, I extremely suggest selecting one up.
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Oyster
Launched by Rolex within the Nineteen Thirties, the Oyster bracelet is an absolute basic in each sense of the phrase. The Oyster is characterised by its lengthy and thick three-piece hyperlink design, and is by far the preferred bracelet mannequin obtainable. It has premiered on almost each Rolex mannequin thus far, and has gained a large following because of this.
Whereas its storied historical past is one purpose for its success, many individuals swear by it for its sheer performance. The vast middle bar makes every hyperlink sturdy and fewer susceptible to stretching, so the bracelet is exceedingly sturdy. Moreover, the comparatively small variety of hyperlinks reduces the variety of attainable break factors. This does come at a value, nonetheless; the diminished variety of swivel factors makes the strap really feel a bit stiff compared to different bracelets.
Other than this minor drawback, the Oyster bracelet is a good selection for almost any watch. The hefty hyperlinks are sometimes extra proportionate on a big watch, however it appears nice on a smaller one, too. The Oyster has an unlimited and attention-grabbing historical past, and it’s not going wherever anytime quickly. When you’re keen on experimenting with bracelets, this can be a nice first step!
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President
Initially worn on the Rolex Day-Date in 1956, the President bracelet acquired its title from its shut affiliation with Dwight D. Eisenhower. Because the story goes, Rolex provided Mr. Eisenhower the corporate’s 150,000th licensed chronometer as a token of respect, which he gladly accepted. The relative width of every hyperlink piece is just like that of the Oyster, however there’s a drastic distinction within the variety of whole hyperlinks. The President bracelet is markedly denser than the Oyster, so every hyperlink is far shorter as compared.
This eliminates the issue of stiffness, however it does current a possible drawback by way of sturdiness. The rise in whole hyperlinks additionally results in a direct enhance in possible failure factors, however this shouldn’t be a significant concern. You may discover a small quantity of stretching after intensive put on, however this relies solely on the standard of the strap, not its hyperlink development.
The President bracelet is significantly extra formal than the Oyster as a result of its compact hyperlinks. This additionally will increase the strap’s versatility, since it may be dressed up and down extra simply. Because of this, it is a superb selection when versatility is a main concern. It sometimes works finest with small- to medium-sized watches, however this comes down to private desire.
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Jubilee
The Jubilee bracelet was first launched in 1945 for Rolex’s 40th anniversary – it premiered on the Datejust, considered one of Rolex’s most famed costume watches. Although it was at first solely obtainable in gold, metal and two-tone variations have been launched quickly after. The Jubilee is characterised by three slim, extremely polished hyperlinks located between the thick, matte end aspect hyperlinks. The full variety of hyperlinks is equivalent to that of the President bracelet, however the central portion tends to seem narrower as a result of its triple-wide development.
When positioned on a watch, the Jubilee attracts consideration to the middle of the watch face, minimizing the footprint on the wrist. The 2-tone variations exacerbate this impact, particularly when the central hyperlinks are a unique shade than the watch case. As such, a Jubilee bracelet (be it of mono- or duo-tone development) is a superb selection for giant and small watches alike, because it brings out the very best qualities in each.
The one true drawback with the Jubilee is its propensity in the direction of stretching over lengthy durations of time. Similar to the President, the Jubilee’s small hyperlinks cut back its structural integrity. After some time, the pins holding every hyperlink collectively are likely to broaden and loosen, steadily extending previous the wearer’s true wrist measurement. Fortunately, fashionable development capabilities have mounted lots of the structural issues, so the marginally decreased sturdiness is simply seen on classic fashions. Until you place it by way of some severe abuse, you must by no means have to fret a few Jubilee strap carrying out.
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Engineer
Designed to be extraordinarily chunky, Engineer bracelets have a notoriously massive wrist presence. Believed to have been created by Seiko, the Engineer is an ideal match for hefty dive watches as a result of its proportionally sized hyperlinks. Despite the fact that these hyperlinks are fairly massive, they’re stacked to a width of 5 whole hyperlinks, so they seem fairly visually dense. The hyperlinks themselves are sometimes minimize in a pseudo-hexagonal sample, which makes them angular in a method that few different bracelets can match.
The sheer measurement of the Engineer bracelet additionally causes it to be exceedingly heavy and thick, so that you may expertise a little bit of wrist fatigue once you first begin carrying it. After all, the Engineer does make up for its unwieldy quantity with its unimaginable sturdiness, so it’s a wonderful selection for a beater watch.
Whereas its cumbersome look may at first steer small-wristed folks away, one should contemplate that proportions are extra essential than bodily dimensions. As acknowledged beforehand, Engineer bracelets have an simple wrist presence, however this makes them good to pair with massive divers just like the Seiko Monster. The bracelet itself matches the width of the watch case, so it has a surprisingly low profile when worn on the wrist. The surprisingly small lugs assist with this, too, since they’re unlikely to hold over the sting of the wrist.
Regardless, the Engineer bracelet can work with any measurement wrist so long as it stays proportional the watch it’s hooked up to.
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Aviator / Pilot
As its title suggests, the Aviator watch strap was popularized by the German air power throughout World Warfare II. The primary iterations have been extremely lengthy in order to suit immediately over the pilots’ flight jackets, and a number of rivets have been added immediately beneath the lugs to stop the watches from flying off of their wrists. The watches themselves have been additionally outsized (generally upwards of 55mm in diameter) for the sake of readability in intense conditions. Each of these things have been tremendously shrunk after they reached the final inhabitants, however the primary options remained: the ultimate result’s an austere, black watch face with white Arabic numerals, hooked up to a leather-based strap with massive rivets situated beneath the lugs. Whereas these rivets are actually non-functional, they do add an attention-grabbing aesthetic aptitude with a captivating backstory.
On account of their historical past within the air power, Aviator straps work finest on pilot watches, particularly these made by Stowa, IWC, Laco, and Hamilton. The stark distinction between the black dial and brown Aviator strap exudes a very militaristic essence, and the rivets act as a delicate element harkening again to the watches’ authentic function.
This strap additionally pairs excellently with chronographs, which have been launched to pilots at a later date to assist time flight durations. Both method, the Aviator is a wonderful strap that makes for a compelling dialog starter.
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Bund
Like Aviator straps, Bund straps have been additionally invented for German pilots in World Warfare II, albeit for a barely totally different purpose. The only largest hazard within the occasion of a aircraft crash is the following hearth, and something composed primarily of steel would shortly change into superheated. Watches are at all times in direct contact with the pores and skin, so a normal strap would permit the watch to scald the wrist.
Bund straps, then again, are constructed with an additional layer of padding beneath the again of the case, due to this fact stopping it from burning the wearer. This was additionally helpful in excessive altitudes the place the temperature would drop dramatically, because the further layer of leather-based would prohibit the steel from freezing to the pores and skin. One ultimate use of the Bund strap was its capacity to soak up perspiration; early watches weren’t very water-resistant, so sweat might simply enter by way of the case again and destroy the inner mechanisms of the watch. Servicemen led a really lively way of life, so the Bund strap helped to drastically enhance the lifespan of government-issued watches.
You will need to be aware that Bund straps aren’t for everybody – they’re sometimes fairly heat, which makes them troublesome to put on in the summertime, and they’re usually too massive for small-wristed folks to put on frequently. Nonetheless, they’re a wonderful selection for these stricken with a steel allergy, since they stop all contact between the watch and the wearer’s pores and skin. In case your wrist is massive sufficient to help this strap proportionally, you must give it a strive, particularly when you personal a pilot watch or a chronograph! Keep in mind, although: the Bund’s padding ought to hint the define of the watch as intently as attainable.
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Shark Mesh
The title of the Shark Mesh bracelet may instantly conjure pictures of the fierce oceanic predator, however the strap itself has virtually no bodily relation to the vicious beast. The well-known title was derived from a preferred promoting marketing campaign launched by Omega for his or her new ground-breaking dive watch, the Ploprof 600. Supposed for skilled use, this watch was constructed to face up to prolonged operations at excessive depths.
This watch was some of the rugged and strong divers’ watches ever made, and its strap lives as much as the hype. Though it isn’t actually “shark-proof” because the commercials declare, it’s extra sturdy than a normal bracelet because of the lack of pins between hyperlinks. For the reason that total strap is held collectively by intertwined loops, there are drastically fewer break factors. The unfastened and chunky chainmail design supplies a versatile and cushty match to anybody’s wrist, and the simply detachable hyperlinks permits the wearer to take away all extra materials.
Whereas the strap is comparatively heavy, it retains a excessive degree of breathability by way of the massive gaps between the interwoven hyperlinks.
Probably the most noticeable characteristic of the Shark Mesh strap is its comparatively massive hyperlinks. Most different mesh bracelets are usually tightly woven with small hyperlinks, however the Shark Mesh is the exact opposite. As such, many individuals are likely to view it as probably the most snug choice, because the relaxed nature of the hyperlinks permits for a clean drape across the wrist. I like to recommend pairing this strap with a classic Nineteen Seventies diver, however so long as the proportions are proper, you may connect it to absolutely anything!
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Milanese
As their title implies, Milanese watch straps have been initially developed in Milan, Italy. The Milanese mesh design might be traced all the best way again to the 13th century, the place it was used as a particular form of chainmail. The manufacturing course of was accomplished solely by hand, and remained an Italian specialty for over 500 years. Famend German watch strap specialists Staib and Vollmer renewed manufacturing of those uncommon straps within the early Twenties, inflicting a skyrocket in reputation. This demand lasted late into the 60s, so Milanese straps are a typical look on classic costume watches.
The straps themselves are simply distinguished by their extraordinarily dense and tightly woven mesh development, which makes them a few of the smoothest steel straps available on the market. This does come at a slight value to sturdiness, however these straps are regularly worn in additional formal environments, so resistance to the weather is much less of a priority. Some folks additionally could discover that the tightness of the mesh causes a sure diploma of rigidity, which could really feel a bit much less snug than looser weaves.
No matter these minor issues, Milanese straps are a wonderful selection for all-around put on. Though some may view them as considerably vintage, they work simply as effectively with modern watches as they do classic ones. Keep in mind to maintain proportions in thoughts – the extraordinarily skinny hyperlinks may seem disproportionate when worn with a big watch, so I like to recommend maintaining the watch face below 40mm.
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Tropic
Tropic straps have been initially developed within the 60s as a less expensive various to the steel bracelets used on sport-based Rolex and Tudor watches. Metallic bracelets have been definitely sensible for underwater excursions, however they have been very heavy and costly to interchange; fortunately, rubber straps served as an answer to each of those issues.
The Tropic strap was the primary rubber strap ever launched, and it shortly started to nook the dive watch market. It was simply recognizable by the attribute basket weave sample stamped into the outward-facing aspect of the strap, along with the quite a few perforations operating lengthwise from tip to lug. This gave the strap a novel texture along with a copious quantity of breathability, which was surprising out of a strap constructed to be waterproof. Early fashions have been considerably stiff and brittle, however by the 70s, Tropic straps had been additional improved to retain their supple qualities even after years of use.
One of the vital wonderful options of the Tropic strap was its unimaginable longevity – regardless that it was marketed as simply replicable, many fashions are nonetheless in use immediately (over 40 years later), they usually really feel and performance identical to after they have been first commissioned. Moreover, they managed to own this sturdiness whereas sustaining a really slim profile, which is uncommon even for contemporary variants.
Tropic straps are likely to work finest on classic divers as a result of their shared historical past, however in addition they work exceptionally effectively with modern timepieces.
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Perlon
Like Tropic straps, Perlon straps have been additionally popularized within the 60s. Perlon straps are simply acknowledged by their tightly woven basket weave sample, which has similarities in look to the floor of a Tropic strap. As a substitute of being a stamped sample, nonetheless, it’s an precise weave composed of thick nylon-esque threads. This attribute offers Perlon straps an impressive three-dimensional texture whereas concurrently offering excessive quantities of breathability.
One of the vital distinctive options of the Perlon strap is its infinite resizability – there aren’t any predetermined holes, so the buckles prong merely slides by way of a gap within the weave.
This makes the strap an ideal selection for peculiar wrist sizes, since any circumference might be reached precisely. Perlon can also be very abrasion resistant, so it hardly ever fray from continued use. Lastly, Perlon dries shortly and doesn’t stretch when moist, so it is a superb selection for diving when rubber is unavailable or undesirable.
Perlon straps have been invented in Europe, they usually by no means fairly managed to cross into American tradition. In consequence, only a few continental retailers provide these straps, so that you may need to look into worldwide sellers to search out particular colours and kinds. Perlon straps peaked in reputation within the 60s and 70s, so they have an inclination to look finest on classic divers.
No matter their authentic function, they work fantastically with all method of watches, from chronographs to decorate watches. Their excessive breathability and sturdiness makes them a summer time favourite, and their low-cost worth makes them simple to put money into – I extremely suggest selecting up just a few of them!
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Waffle
Premiering on the 6105 Diver within the early 70s, the Waffle strap is an iconic Seiko invention. This watch is broadly considered the one most essential diver within the companys historical past, and was a typical selection for Vietnam servicemen. Whereas the unique army-issued watches failed within the humid jungles, the Seiko 6105s stored ticking lengthy after the tip of the conflict. As veterans returned to the U.S., their watches went with them, they usually shortly rose in reputation amongst civilian circles.
The attribute Waffle strap, clearly named for its distinct texture, adorned a majority of those watches, and was beloved by many. Quite a few small vents ran down the perimeters of the strap, which tremendously elevated its breathability. Because it was composed of rubber, it was solely waterproof and simply washer-friendly, and in addition fairly versatile in addition. Sadly, most classic straps are actually hardened and brittle, so many fanatics have turned to replicas and homages.
Clearly, the Waffle strap appears finest on a classic Seiko, however thats a reasonably tall order. These watches (and their accompanying straps) are now not in manufacturing, so they’re ludicrously overpriced for any non-collector. Even so, comparatively cheap 1:1 reproductions have been made by a number of retailers, so when you’re in search of a historic Seiko expertise, I extremely suggest making an attempt one out.
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Lastly, there are two extra hardly ever seen straps that I’ll shortly gloss over:
Double Ridge
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NASA
This lengthy velcro strap was supplied to the Apollo astronauts to put on with their Omega Speedmasters on the surface of their spacesuit. Right now, velcro straps are fairly widespread, particularly with the recognition of good watches, which have adopted the type. Be taught extra about The Different (Reasonably priced) Moon Watch.
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