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Results for NATO Strap

768 articles · 50 videos found · page 4 of 28

Rolex Oysterflex: The Watch Strap That's Really A Bracelet Teddy Baldassarre
Rolex Oct 24, 2025

Rolex Oysterflex: The Watch Strap That's Really A Bracelet

Among all of Rolex’s bracelet options, the Oysterflex is perhaps the most unconventional and arguably the most misunderstood. Now marking 10 years on the market, and encompassing attributes of both a sturdy steel bracelet and a supple rubber strap, the Oysterflex has gone from being a curious, one-off outlier on a niche Yacht-Master model to an integral element of some of the Crown’s most buzz-worthy timepieces of recent years. Here’s what you should know about it. History of Rubber Watch Straps The road to the Rolex Oysterflex bracelet really started with the invention of vulcanized rubber in 1839, attributed to chemist Charles Goodyear (below, whose name is now immortalized in the automotive world as a leading manufacturer of tires). Vulcanized rubber - a compound of natural rubber with other compounds, which offered enhanced resilience and pliability - was originally used in mostly industrial areas, as in the manufacture of o-rings, gaskets, and (of course) tires. The discovery of fluoroelastomers as an alternative to the difficult-to-source natural rubber led to the rise of synthetic rubbers that had even more advantages, such as resistance to water, oils, and temperature extremes. These rubbers found their way into more everyday products such as shoes, belts, and flooring, while also expanding further into applications in the automotive industry, for door seals, hoses, and other parts. Synthetic rubber first emerged as an alternative for wristwatch straps in...

Strap or Bracelet? Ming’s Laser-Formed Titanium Mesh is Both SJX Watches
Rolex or Oct 16, 2025

Strap or Bracelet? Ming’s Laser-Formed Titanium Mesh is Both

Ming has unveiled the Polymesh strap, described by the brand as the world’s first 3D-printed titanium watch bracelet. Blurring the line between bracelet and strap, it’s comprised of 1,693 articulating grade 5 titanium components. Designed to fit any Ming case with 20 mm lugs, the Polymesh strap reflects the brand’s growing ambitions. Initial thoughts The Polymesh strap illustrates the important function that independent brands like Ming play in the watchmaking ecosystem; they can explore concepts that big brands cannot. Large industrial brands are, to some extent, locked in a cage of their own making. On one hand, they have scale and distribution, but on the other, any innovation must be tested exhaustively to ensure it won’t complicate service channels. Ming exists in a sweet spot, with enough market traction to confidently invest in the development of new ideas, and the nimble size to take decisive action. In this context, it’s not surprising to see the first 3D-printed wristwatch bracelet come from a brand like Ming rather than an industrial powerhouse like Rolex or the Swatch Group. The concept itself is inherently interesting. It might be called a bracelet or a strap, but regardless of the nomenclature, it’s intended to offer both the dense, draping feel of a bracelet with the supple flexibility of a strap, made possible through additive manufacturing. As with any truly novel concept, the Polymesh strap likely needs to be experienced firsthand to be fully...

Le Forban Sécurité Mer Introduces the Marseillaise, a New Diver with a (Very Strange) Rubber Bund Strap Worn & Wound
Oct 9, 2025

Le Forban Sécurité Mer Introduces the Marseillaise, a New Diver with a (Very Strange) Rubber Bund Strap

I love a bit of fashion history, especially when it comes to how our modern clothes came to be. Take, for instance, the high heel. Did you know it was originally designed as a riding shoe in 10th century Persia, in which the heel was made to sit in the stirrup? Or that the jockstrap was originally for “bike jockeys” to help keep things comfortable on old (and presumably not so aerodynamic) bicycles? Or that the Hawaiian shirt, now synonymous with dads at Margaritaville, was first designed using Japanese kimono fabric in the early 1900s? All of that is to say that fashion is ever-evolving and with some quite surprising origins, if you ask me. Another accessory with an interesting – if not murkier –  history is the bund strap. Some say the name comes from the word Bundesrepublik, while others say it’s from Bundeswehr (I try not to split hairs too much in German – as you know, it’s such a forgiving language). Some say the leather strap protected against discoloration of brass watch cases from skin perspiration, while others say it was to protect against the extreme temperature change of the metal for pilots. In any case, we know that a) the design originated among pilots during World War II and b) it’s a badass strap design that often doesn’t get enough attention. Which leads me (finally) to the release of Le Forban Sécurité Mer’s Marseillaise dive watch with a bund-style strap. The French brand has taken its 1979 Monnin model as the springboard (or sho...

Hands-On With The Rubber MoonSwatch Strap On My Mission To Saturn Fratello
Aug 9, 2025

Hands-On With The Rubber MoonSwatch Strap On My Mission To Saturn

Whenever I see a MoonSwatch in the wild, and there are many of them, it’s likely no longer on its original strap. Many people have changed it out for something more comfortable, like a rubber or textile strap. I also wear my MoonSwatch on an aftermarket strap, because even though it’s easy to adjust, the […] Visit Hands-On With The Rubber MoonSwatch Strap On My Mission To Saturn to read the full article.

Artem Expands Its Flagship Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap Range With A More Pronounced Taper Fratello
Zenith May 9, 2025

Artem Expands Its Flagship Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap Range With A More Pronounced Taper

Covering watches offers me an excellent opportunity to witness the evolution of products. While turnaround times for major watch upgrades can be years or decades, accessories such as straps evolve before your eyes. It feels like only yesterday that Artem achieved its zenith with the Loop-Less Sailcloth strap. But taking that design and producing it […] Visit Artem Expands Its Flagship Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap Range With A More Pronounced Taper to read the full article.

Introducing the StrapHabit x Worn & Wound Ride to Conquer Cancer Strap Worn & Wound
May 8, 2025

Introducing the StrapHabit x Worn & Wound Ride to Conquer Cancer Strap

We’re excited to share something special today: the StrapHabit x Worn & Wound RTCC Strap, a limited edition release that supports our 2025 Ride to Conquer Cancer team. This project is close to our hearts. In June, a team led by longtime Worn & Wound collaborator Matt Smith-Johnson will be hitting the road for a 200km, two-day ride to raise money for cancer research and care. We wanted to find a way to bring the community in, and what better way than through a great piece of gear? Built on StrapHabit’s super comfortable, premium sailcloth design, the RTCC Strap comes in a bold colorway inspired by the Ride to Conquer Cancer and features a custom-woven label showing your support. It’s durable, lightweight, and ready for anything - whether you’re clocking miles on a bike or just heading out for the day. Sizes? We’ve got you covered - available in 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22mm widths. Best of all, 100% of the profits from every strap sold go directly to support cancer research. Grab yours here while they last. Thank you for helping us make a difference. The post Introducing the StrapHabit x Worn & Wound Ride to Conquer Cancer Strap appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Video: The Best of Both Worlds - Artem’s Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap Fratello
Mar 2, 2025

Video: The Best of Both Worlds - Artem’s Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap

If you’ve been keeping up with Fratello, you might remember Mike’s recent article introducing the Artem Loop-less™️ HydroFlex™️ straps. Well, they’re back in the spotlight, and for good reason. We just dropped a video showing you these awesome straps in more detail. After all, if a picture says a thousand words, how about a video? […] Visit Video: The Best of Both Worlds - Artem’s Loop-Less HydroFlex Strap to read the full article.

Introducing: REM Firenze Legends Straps Fratello
Panerai owner was changing straps Feb 19, 2025

Introducing: REM Firenze Legends Straps

One of the things I loved best about being a Panerai owner was changing straps regularly. By swapping their “shoes,” the look of the Panerai watches drastically changed. Unfortunately, REM Straps did not exist at the time. We got to know the folks at the company very well during our partnership on Speedmaster straps. Quality […] Visit Introducing: REM Firenze Legends Straps to read the full article.

A Bold Pairing: The New Artem HydroFlex Khaki Green & Orange Strap Fratello
Oct 13, 2024

A Bold Pairing: The New Artem HydroFlex Khaki Green & Orange Strap

Adelaide, Australia-based Artem creates some of our favorite high-quality straps. The brand is known for offering sailcloth straps with a rubberized texture. These straps combine leather or rubber with synthetic materials to make a luxury product. Now the Artem HydroFlex presents sportier sailcloth looks and more flexibility. We took a look at the version in […] Visit A Bold Pairing: The New Artem HydroFlex Khaki Green & Orange Strap to read the full article.