1 piece straps have many assets... But what are the differences between all the models ?
1 piece straps are very practical and became a success especially because we can change them very quickly and easily. Less than a minute and your watch has a new style. You will always find the right strap to suit your watch, your mood, your clothes or your activities, and you will install it in record time...
But there are several models, each one has its own characteristics, its assets and its drawbacks. And as you often say : hard to choose !
We are trying here to guide your choice by explaining the differences between these models.
For a global view, here are :
Their dimensions are detailed in a page dedicated to our straps features.
We suggest now to go into the details of each strap.
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NATO straps
Elements assembly mode (nylon part, buckle and loops) : original NATO (here in picture) and PHOENIX NATO are heat-welded, in compliance with the British Minister Of Defense requirements, whereas prestige NATO, SELECT-HEURE NATO and XL NATO are stitched.
Original and PHOENIX NATO have polished (shiny) buckles and loops only, while for prestige NATO four collections are available :
- polished buckles NATO (shiny stainless steel buckles and loops)
- brushed buckles NATO (mat stainless steel buckles and loops)
- black PVD buckles NATO (black stainless steel buckles and loops)
- golden PVD buckles NATO (gold stainless steel buckles and loops)
SELECT-HEURE NATO have high-end brushed stainless steel buckles and loops.
For XL NATO, we propose polished stainless steel on NATO models, and brushed on NATO ZULU.
Wearing a NATO strap, you have two nylon thicknesses under the watch. The watch is positionned between the loops and it can slip when you take it off.
With a NATO strap, the buckle is positioned outwards the wrist and can't be centered under it. This is a military requirement to avoid any metal hardware friction on weapons.
Esprit NATO view :
The NATO strap is a must have, very universal and reliable, its assets are well-known for most watch lovers and collectors. The difference between "original" and other NATO collections is an aesthetical and usage matter rather than a reliability or a comfort one :
- "original" NATO straps are more sports style and will be perfectly suitable for extreme activities, as the heat-welded sticking is very strong . They are basic but highly efficient.
- "prestige" and "SELECT-HEURE" NATO are more classy with seams and elegant high-end nylon (slightly shiny). We offer you the choice of several buckles and loops finishes and designs, which will enable you to best suit your watch and style.
- "PHOENIX" NATO, from United Kingdom, are for purists. Their thin nylon, close to canvas, is unique et gives them a 100% military spirit. Only vigilance point : their holes tend to fray. Easy to control with regular checks and few fire burning. But you must accept this constraint, which does not happen with our other collections...
- "XL" NATO were designed to be worn alternately on the wrist and on a suit (diving or other). They also enable big wrist persons to adopt the NATO style, folding the extra nylon part into the strap loops.
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US Military strap
Elements assembly mode (nylon part, buckle and loops) : stitched
Wearing a US Military strap, you have one nylon thickness under the watch.
With a US Military strap, the buckle can be centered under the wrist playing with the watch position along the strap. Indeed, unlikeNATO strap, US Military is made from one unique nylon band. There is no metal loop each side of the watch to keep it in the same position.
Esprit NATO view :
Interesting variant of the NATO strap with 2 cm less in length, the US Military strap is very elegant with prestige nylon and nylon loop. Sober, discreet, refined and comfortable ... a case of love at first sight !
In the same spirit :
SELECT-HEURE Marine Nationale strap
- a unique nylon band,
- high-end brushed stainless steel buckles and loops,
- prestige NATO weaving, chic and sturdy,
- the perfect strap.
SELECT-HEURE Serge nylon strap
- a unique nylon band,
- high-end brushed stainless steel buckles and loops,
- soft touch and optimal comfort,
- style !
Perlon strap
- a unique braided band,
- large choice of buckles (polished, brushed, black, yelow and rose gold stainless steel),
- easy length adjustment for men and women thanks to its buckle,
- a less soft touch but a comfortable strap with charm...
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ZULU strap
Elements assembly mode (nylon part, buckle and loops) : stitched
Wearing a ZULU strap, you have one nylon thickness under the watch.
With a ZULU strap, the buckle can be centered under the wrist playing with the watch position along the strap. Indeed, unlike NATO strap, ZULU is made from one unique nylon band. There is no metal loop each side of the watch to keep it in the same position.
Esprit NATO view :
ZULU stitch is different, thicker with a stronger aspect. Simple and sturdy with a unique band of nylon, ZULU strap is sober but so efficient. Its massive buckles and loops suit sports watches very well, but we have seen beautiful matches of ZULU with classical watches... Dare to do it !
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NATO ZULU strap
Elements assembly mode (nylon part, buckle and loops) : stitched
Wearing a NATO ZULU strap, you have two nylon thicknesses under the watch. The watch is positionned between the loops and it can slip when you take it off.
With a NATO ZULU strap, the buckle is positioned outwards the wrist and can't be centered under it. This is a military requirement to avoid any metal hardware friction on weapons.
Esprit NATO view :
Same stitch than the ZULU. with a NATO configuration. NATO ZULU strap is serious... 100% sports and extreme activities oriented, install it on the right watch and we warranty an electroshock !
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2 pieces straps (NATO et ZULU)
These 2 pieces straps are derived from 1 piece NATO and ZULU, that's why are on this page.
On the photos below, we chose the 2 pieces ZULU.
Elements assembly mode (nylon part, buckle and loops) : stitched
Wearing a 2 pieces NATO or ZULU strap, you have no nylon thickness under the watch. The watch is right on the skin.
Esprit NATO view :
These 2 pieces straps are perfect to adopt NATO or ZULU style while wearing the watch right on the wrist. Double interest : to discreetly slide the watch under the shirt and/or to keep connected watches and activity trackers captors operational (1 piece straps block capters).
In the same spirit :
SELECT-HEURE 2 pieces US Military strap
- the high-end version of 1 piece NATO,
- prestige nylon,
- choice of buckles (brushed, polished, black or golden stainless steel),
- 316L quick release spring bars to assure interchangeability without any tool,
- chic, streamlined and subtle...