A whole 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 modify all the really feel, typically 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 less expensive to broaden one’s assortment of straps over splurging on one other watch.
Constructing a small rotation of straps provides you way 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 shocking quantity of floor.
There are dozens of strap types, every with its personal backstory and use case. Beneath is a breakdown of a very powerful sorts, the place they got here from, and when to put on them.
There may be a fully humungous quantity of watch straps obtainable to you, and I’ll do my finest to doc one of the best watch straps right here. Every strap has an interesting historical past, so if certainly one of them jumps out at you, the accompanying textual content will certainly be an fascinating learn. Lastly, you’ll want to try the lists of accessible retailers; they need to enable you to discover precisely what you’re in search of, no matter your value 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 contains something that secures a watch to your wrist, steel or non-metal.
- Watch strap normally refers to non-metal choices similar to leather-based, nylon, rubber, sailcloth, or cloth.
- Watch bracelet refers particularly to steel constructions similar to stainless-steel, titanium, or treasured 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 fans and collectors who recognize the refined 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 non-public model, consolation, and the event for which the watch is worn. Understanding these phrases provides a layer of perception for these seeking to discover the varied world of watch equipment, permitting for a extra knowledgeable and tailor-made choice.
Easy methods to Measure a Watch Band
Watch bands are offered in sizes measured in millimeters primarily based on the inside width of the watch lugs. In case you’re fortunate, the dimensions 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 an interesting story, interwoven with historical past, style, performance, and innovation. This 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 common-or-garden beginnings of a pattern.
- 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 class and performance was born.
- Wristwatches Change into Modern: The trendy wave reached the shores of the USA, and in 1912, The New York Occasions reported the burgeoning pattern of wristwatches amongst working ladies and leisurely socialites alike.
- World Conflict I Affect: The trenches of WWI additional propelled the pattern, as troopers relied on wristwatches, changing delicate chains with rugged leather-based straps, turning a style assertion into an emblem of utility and resilience.
- Luxurious Wristwatches: From troopers to celebrities, wristwatches advanced 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 capabilities, additionally providing informal and sturdy choices for on a regular basis put on.
- Altering Straps: A pattern emerged, altering straps grew to become greater than a necessity; it grew to become a technique to improve look, performance, and even breathe new life into outdated timepieces.
- Trendy Watch Customization: Right now, altering the strap is a simple technique to replace a watch’s look. Whether or not a DIY dwelling adjustment with spring bar connections or skilled help for built-in steel bands, the probabilities are as various because the straps themselves.
This historic panorama units the stage for understanding the multitude of strap choices obtainable in the present day, from the traditional NATO to the avant-garde Milanese. The watch strap, as soon as a mere sensible accent, has grow to be a canvas for model, id, and a mirrored image of the occasions.
Watch Strap Sorts
Desk of Contents Click on on every to leap to its part
NATO Strap
Initially developed for British Military troopers within the Seventies, the NATO strap initially debuted underneath the title “G10”, a title taken from the shape for requisition. Though related types will be traced again to World Conflict II, this was the primary look of the strap underneath its modern title.
It shortly grew in reputation all through the army, and over time, most people step by step started to understand the strap for its quite a few options and skills. When the Chilly Conflict ended, G10 straps have been offered in army surplus outlets across the nation, they usually have been all branded with a singular NATO Surplus Quantity. Surplus shops offered out shortly, however watch strap retailers sprung as much as benefit from the surge in reputation. The veritable storm of NATO straps by no means fairly ended, and they’re certain to stay fashionable for many years to return.
Essentially the most notable characteristic of a NATO strap is its single-piece building; most different straps are composed of two separate items, and might solely be utilized by eradicating each of the spring bars that connect to the watch. Switching out straps is generally 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 superb alternative for practically any scenario, and their low value is a boon to these on a funds.
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One Piece Slip-Via & Zulu
Trademarked by Maratac, Zulu straps have surprisingly little background for such an fascinating title. Though clearly impressed by NATO straps, there are a number of minor variations that separate the 2. Firstly, they’re composed of thicker supplies, be it nylon or leather-based. This barely will increase their energy and sturdiness, however in addition they won’t 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 optionally available inclusion on Zulu watch bands, so they’re obtainable in each 3- and 5-ring configurations. Both method, there’s virtually no aesthetic affect, so simply go together with no matter you discover to be essentially the most comfy.
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 commonly bigger dimensions Zulu straps make them particularly good for giant watches, because the face is extra similar to the {hardware} by way of measurement. Conversely, NATO straps are glorious for small watches; the thinner materials is extra prone to match by means 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 are going to more than likely last more than a NATO.
In the long run, it comes down to non-public choice – some individuals can’t deal with the additional bulk a Zulu gives, however others discover NATO straps to be too flimsy. I like to recommend selecting up certainly one of every kind and deciding which you favor in-person!
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Smartwatches and Apple Watch Bands
Smartwatches function on a special attachment system than conventional watches. Most mechanical and quartz watches use spring bars and normal lug widths, normally measured in millimeters. Apple Watch fashions and plenty of different smartwatches use easy-to-swap however proprietary slide-in connectors as a substitute.
This implies conventional straps is not going to connect instantly with out an adapter. Fortunately, adapters are extensively obtainable and let you use normal 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 possibility 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 trendy magnetic designs
In case you want the look of conventional straps, third-party adapters make it doable to put on leather-based, NATO, rubber, and even steel bracelets on an Apple Watch. Simply be sure that the adapter matches your case measurement.
Rally
Impressed by old style racing gloves, Rally straps will be simply acknowledged by the three or extra giant perforations punched out under the lugs. Automotive racing is primarily a take a look at of pace, and weight performs instantly into the utmost achievable velocity – as such, many early race automobiles have been constructed of components with holes drilled by means of them. This decreased the general weight, so nearly all the pieces manufactured from steel was perforated to some extent. To stay aesthetically constant, driving gloves (and later, rally straps) have been perforated, too.
Some would possibly argue that the perforations existed primarily for air flow and breathability, nevertheless it’s troublesome to inform the true motive. Race automobiles are notoriously heat, and perforations helped to cut back each warmth and weight, so it might have been both one!
No matter their origin, Rally straps are a fantastic alternative for summer time put on. Even when it wasn’t the unique intention, the perforations do considerably improve air flow, which will be helpful in the summertime warmth. Moreover, there’s no better option of strap to pair with a classic chronograph, since they have been steadily used to time races. If the model or historical past of the Rally strap appeals to you, I extremely advocate selecting one up.
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Oyster
Launched by Rolex within the Thirties, the Oyster bracelet is an absolute traditional in each sense of the phrase. The Oyster is characterised by its lengthy and thick three-piece hyperlink design, and is by far the most well-liked bracelet mannequin obtainable. It has premiered on practically each Rolex mannequin to this point, and has gained a large following because of this.
Whereas its storied historical past is one motive for its success, many individuals swear by it for its sheer performance. The vast middle bar makes every hyperlink sturdy and fewer vulnerable to stretching, so the bracelet is exceedingly sturdy. Moreover, the comparatively small variety of hyperlinks reduces the variety of doable break factors. This does come at a price, nevertheless; the diminished variety of swivel factors makes the strap really feel a bit stiff compared to different bracelets.
Other than this minor downside, the Oyster bracelet is a good alternative for practically any watch. The hefty hyperlinks are sometimes extra proportionate on a big watch, nevertheless it appears nice on a smaller one, too. The Oyster has an unlimited and fascinating historical past, and it’s not going anyplace anytime quickly. In case you’re thinking about experimenting with bracelets, it is 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 much 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 way shorter as compared.
This eliminates the issue of stiffness, nevertheless it does current a possible downside by way of sturdiness. The rise in whole hyperlinks additionally results in a direct improve in possible failure factors, however this shouldn’t be a serious concern. You would possibly discover a small quantity of stretching after in depth put on, however this relies solely on the standard of the strap, not its hyperlink building.
The President bracelet is significantly extra formal than the Oyster as a consequence 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 wonderful alternative when versatility is a major concern. It usually works finest with small- to medium-sized watches, however this comes down to non-public choice.
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Jubilee
The Jubilee bracelet was first launched in 1945 for Rolex’s 40th anniversary – it premiered on the Datejust, certainly one of Rolex’s most famed gown 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 facet hyperlinks. The entire variety of hyperlinks is an identical to that of the President bracelet, however the central portion tends to look narrower as a consequence of its triple-wide building.
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 special colour than the watch case. As such, a Jubilee bracelet (be it of mono- or duo-tone building) is a wonderful alternative for giant and small watches alike, because it brings out one of the best qualities in each.
The one true downside with the Jubilee is its propensity in the direction of stretching over lengthy intervals of time. Identical 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, step by step extending previous the wearer’s true wrist measurement. Fortunately, trendy building capabilities have fastened most of the structural issues, so the marginally decreased sturdiness is simply seen on classic fashions. Until you set it by means of some critical 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 giant wrist presence. Believed to have been created by Seiko, the Engineer is an ideal match for hefty dive watches as a consequence of its proportionally sized hyperlinks. Though these hyperlinks are fairly giant, 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 would possibly expertise a little bit of wrist fatigue while you first begin carrying it. In fact, the Engineer does make up for its unwieldy quantity with its unbelievable sturdiness, so it’s a superb alternative for a beater watch.
Whereas its cumbersome look would possibly at first steer small-wristed folks away, one should contemplate that proportions are extra essential than bodily dimensions. As said beforehand, Engineer bracelets have an plain wrist presence, however this makes them excellent to pair with giant 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 pressure throughout World Conflict II. The primary iterations have been extremely lengthy in order to suit instantly over the pilots’ flight jackets, and a number of rivets have been added instantly under the lugs to forestall the watches from flying off of their wrists. The watches themselves have been additionally outsized (typically upwards of 55mm in diameter) for the sake of readability in intense conditions. Each of these things have been drastically shriveled once 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 giant rivets positioned under the lugs. Whereas these rivets are actually non-functional, they do add an fascinating aesthetic aptitude with an interesting backstory.
As a result of their historical past within the air pressure, 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 refined element harkening again to the watches’ unique 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 fantastic 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 Conflict II, albeit for a barely totally different motive. The one largest hazard within the occasion of a aircraft crash is the following fireplace, and something composed primarily of steel would shortly grow to be superheated. Watches are at all times in direct contact with the pores and skin, so an ordinary 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 capability to soak up perspiration; early watches weren’t very water-resistant, so sweat might simply enter by means 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.
It is very important word that Bund straps are usually not for everybody – they’re usually fairly heat, which makes them troublesome to put on in the summertime, and they’re usually too giant for small-wristed folks to put on regularly. Nonetheless, they’re a superb alternative for these with a steel allergy, since they forestall all contact between the watch and the wearer’s pores and skin. In case your wrist is giant sufficient to assist this strap proportionally, you must give it a strive, particularly for those who personal a pilot watch or a chronograph! Bear in mind, although: the Bund’s padding ought to hint the define of the watch as carefully as doable.
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Shark Mesh
The title of the Shark Mesh bracelet would possibly instantly conjure photographs 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 one 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 an ordinary bracelet because of the lack of pins between hyperlinks. For the reason that whole strap is held collectively by intertwined loops, there are drastically fewer break factors. The free and chunky chainmail design gives 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 via the big gaps between the interwoven hyperlinks.
Essentially the most noticeable characteristic of the Shark Mesh strap is its comparatively giant 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 essentially the most comfy possibility, because the relaxed nature of the hyperlinks permits for a easy drape across the wrist. I like to recommend pairing this strap with a classic Seventies diver, however so long as the proportions are proper, you possibly can 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 will 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 Nineteen Twenties, inflicting a skyrocket in reputation. This demand lasted late into the 60s, so Milanese straps are a standard look on classic gown watches.
The straps themselves are simply distinguished by their extraordinarily dense and tightly woven mesh building, which makes them a few of the smoothest steel straps in the marketplace. This does come at a slight value to sturdiness, however these straps are steadily worn in additional formal environments, so resistance to the weather is much less of a priority. Some individuals additionally could discover that the tightness of the mesh causes a sure diploma of rigidity, which could really feel a bit much less comfy than looser weaves.
No matter these minor issues, Milanese straps are a superb alternative for all-around put on. Though some would possibly view them as considerably vintage, they work simply as nicely with modern watches as they do classic ones. Bear in mind to maintain proportions in thoughts – the extraordinarily skinny hyperlinks would possibly seem disproportionate when worn with a big watch, so I like to recommend maintaining the watch face underneath 40mm.
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Tropic
Tropic straps have been initially developed within the 60s as a less expensive different to the steel bracelets used on sport-based Rolex and Tudor watches. Steel bracelets have been definitely sensible for underwater excursions, however they have been very heavy and costly to switch; 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 facet of the strap, along with the quite a few perforations working lengthwise from tip to lug. This gave the strap a singular texture along with a copious quantity of breathability, which was sudden 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 crucial superb options of the Tropic strap was its unbelievable longevity – despite the fact that it was marketed as simply replicable, many fashions are nonetheless in use in the present day (over 40 years later), they usually really feel and performance similar to once 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 consequence of their shared historical past, however in addition they work exceptionally nicely 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 an alternative of being a stamped sample, nevertheless, it’s an precise weave composed of thick nylon-esque threads. This attribute provides Perlon straps an impressive three-dimensional texture whereas concurrently offering excessive quantities of breathability.
One of the crucial distinctive options of the Perlon strap is its infinite resizability – there aren’t any predetermined holes, so the buckles prong merely slides by means of a gap within the weave.
This makes the strap an ideal alternative for peculiar wrist sizes, since any circumference will be reached precisely. Perlon can also be very abrasion resistant, so it not often fray from continued use. Lastly, Perlon dries shortly and doesn’t stretch when moist, so it is a wonderful alternative 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 supply these straps, so that you might need to look into worldwide sellers to search out particular colours and types. Perlon straps peaked in reputation within the 60s and 70s, so they have an inclination to look finest on classic divers.
No matter their unique 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 value makes them straightforward to put money into – I extremely advocate selecting up a number of 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 extensively thought to be the only most essential diver within the companys historical past, and was a standard alternative for Vietnam servicemen. Whereas the unique army-issued watches failed within the humid jungles, the Seiko 6105s saved ticking lengthy after the top of the warfare. 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 liked by many. Quite a few small vents ran down the edges of the strap, which drastically elevated its breathability. Because it was composed of rubber, it was solely waterproof and simply washable, and likewise fairly versatile as well. Sadly, most classic straps are actually hardened and brittle, so many fans have turned to replicas and homages.
Clearly, the Waffle strap appears finest on a classic Seiko, however thats a fairly tall order. These watches (and their accompanying straps) are 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 for those who’re in search of a historic Seiko expertise, I extremely advocate attempting one out.
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Lastly, there are two extra not often 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 model. Study extra about The Different (Inexpensive) Moon Watch.
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