WatchGecko's Top 5 Military Nylon Straps

Nylon military style straps have been with us for over 50 years now and like many items born from the rigours of combat they are well tested and have proven to be highly effective. As trends change we've come to see them not just as tools but as fashion accessories that give a more rugged look to a watch head, as well as plenty of added durability. Indeed, there is a valid argument that they are super stylish; hence brands like Tudor have created models like the Pelagos FXD which is only available on a military strap.

A quality military nylon is a great thing and a cheap one is an awful thing as it will let you down very quickly. Astonishingly, many such straps are available online and it's not uncommon to see them resting against expensive watches. There is no reason to buy cheap though, when true milspec straps are available without actually needing to break the bank.

Equally, you can be caught out by overpriced OEM straps. No names being mentioned but if you want to buy an OEM strap for your “Moonwatch” you can pay an eye-watering £330 (US$426) for a model affiliated to a well know secret agent movie franchise. If that seems extravagant (and it should) the standard strap is marginally less shocking at £170!

It is a single pass or double pass overlong strap most likely with a metal buckle that will be made from some type of fabric. It gives the appearance when fitted of a classic British military issue strap which we know have been used since the 1970s. There is a wide range of these straps available now which are inspired by military issue models, movies and real adventures. These straps are wonderfully versatile and can instantly dress up or down a watch depending on what style, and most importantly colour, is selected. 

The WatchGecko Ridge British Military Watch Strap design offers a chance to give your watch a classic vintage look with a contemporary twist. This premium level strap has a subtle ribbed texture to the nylon, deliberately designed to pay homage to vintage military webbing.

The buckle and keepers are fashioned from stainless steel, and the keeper nearest the buckle is floating so that you can adjust it to suit the amount of excess nylon you have.

This versatile strap is available in a vast spectrum of colours and is especially recommended for Field and Tool Watches which will benefit from the enhanced military look.

Whilst technically one could argue that the ZULUDIVER OctoPod Strap System is not a true military nylon, it does look like a single pass strap when fitted and that’s why I've taken the liberty of including it. The principle difference is that the Octopod gives you a larger buckle area which sits comfortably on the wrist and gives a better 360 degree aesthetic for larger steel watch heads.

The strap is one of the most innovative available today and has been called the most advanced dive strap in the world today. The material allows the Octopod to move with your wrist and compress and expand in line with your decompression routine.

The WatchGecko Signature Military Nylon Watch Strap perfectly blends military heritage and wearability. The 1.25mm thick nylon is supple making it comfortable on the wrist, while the bespoke tight weave leaves it incredibly strong and durable.

The hardware on the Signature is brushed stainless steel which matches a wide variety of cases and the solid buckle is strong enough to stand up to wear and tear. The keeper nearest the buckle is a floating keeper that can move to suit the length of the excess strap that needs to be secured. A 21^st Century manufacturing process combining laser and ultrasonic technology is used to fashion adjustment holes which will never pull out of shape.

This is a flagship strap which has been designed without compromise yet is available at a fraction of the price of other straps we could mention.