When you are faced with a watch that is a recreation of a dial from a World War 2 Hurricane fighter cockpit, there are certain styles of aftermarket straps which will suit far better than others.
Zero West H2 Original Review can be read HERE.
Such is the case with the Zero West H2, which is a recreation of the slip-turn indicator from the iconic aircraft, giving the pilot critical turn, bank and yaw information. The case back is the heart of the H2. Embedded within it is a small textured disc. This is a part of the original Rolls-Royce Merlin engine from Hurricane P-3708, which was flown by Sergeant Pilot Alexander' Jock' Girdwood. He was shot down (and survived) in this aircraft during the Battle of Britain, but the wreck lay undiscovered till the 1990s. Zero West gained access to the remnants of the engine metal and made the case back discs from that. Equally evocative is the crown. It is a small brass clone of the original joystick trigger which fired the Hurricane's eight machine guns.
RAF and Commonwealth crew who would originally have flown these aircraft almost certainly would have worn British military-issue watches with leather or canvas straps, so with that in mind, we have very carefully selected some specific straps which we think perfectly complement the design ethos of this highly unique and collectable wrist watch.
ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military Watch Strap: OXFORD - Chestnut Brown
Old worn leather is a widespread element in original WW2 collector's items, from period rifle slings to Army clothing. The addition of this strap takes the watch back to the era and makes it look like it was an integral part of a 1940s Hurricane.
The 1973 Crazy Horse Pull-Up Leather Military Watch Strap is cut and crafted from oiled 'crazy horse' pull-up natural premium leather. Over time, this leather will absorb the natural oils from your skin and cause the leather to form a glossy sheen that will make the watch strap look even better.
As you enjoy wearing your premium leather ZULUDIVER strap over the years, it will gradually take on an increasingly vintage leather look from being rubbed or scuffed. Perfect for a WW2-inspired watch.
Vintage Highley Genuine Leather Watch Strap - Reddish Brown
A quality 2-piece leather strap always looks good on any watch, especially where you want access to the case back, such as the H2.
The Highley is a generous strap in every way. It is thickly padded (6mm thick at the lug end) and made from the best Italian vegetable-tanned, full-grain leather. The supple pull-up leather is oiled and will age gracefully, picking up the patina as it's worn.
ZULUDIVER Vintage Canvas Military Watch Strap – Charcoal
WW2 pilots would have worn their watches most likely on canvas straps. These could have been watches from the famous Dirty Dozen range or one of many other supplied to the RAF. The canvas strap was the forerunner to the venerable 1973 Military, so it certainly has earned its place in this H2 strap showcase.
Our canvas military straps are crafted from highly durable canvas for style and strength. This design is similar to our regular British military straps, but it does not have the additional material that doubles up behind the watch case, making this strap more streamlined and less bulky on the wrist.
Our canvas is available in five colours, all of which have a deliberate faded vintage effect, bringing an appearance of the classic military style. Extra stitching has also been applied around the holes for added durability.
ZULUDIVER Anvil FKM Rubber Watch Strap – Black
The Zero West H2 comes on a quality rubber strap, not a material we would initially have thought to put on a WW2-style watch. But it works well, so feeling inspired, our next choice is the ZULUDIVER Anvil.
The Anvil rubber watch strap reimagines the classic design of the dive strap. The design features distinctive grooves for air circulation and comfort, making the Anvil the ideal watch strap for hot climates. Made from FKM rubber, the ZULUDIVER Anvil is an incredibly durable strap, able to withstand any harsh conditions you throw at it. This strap benefits from tear-proof properties and resistance to saltwater, UV and sweat.
WatchGecko Ridge Military Nylon Watch Strap – Brown
To round off the strap suggestions for the H2 we had to include a classic 1973 Military Nylon. This premium strap has a subtle ribbed texture to the nylon, similar to old-fashioned military webbing. The 1.2mm thick nylon is incredibly tough and hardwearing, like military webbing. You'll not have to worry about keeping your watch secure while exploring.
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 excess nylon you have. With a length of 285mm this strap will fit any wrist size from 6 inches to 9 inches (15.25cm to 22.86cm).
