Image courtesy MWR forum user : Alex Gedye
The end of WWII saw at least two webbing or cotton straps with a cloth keeper to keep the watch in place, predating the later NATO design with a metal loop keeper.
This may have been a consequence of ATP and W.W.W. watches, with fixed bars, sliding off a webbing one piece strap.
The VB Hygienique canvas watch band had evolved from a straight canvas strap to a NATO style by the end of WWII. The strap is 16 mm wide.
Credit for images above : MWR forum user : Revo
The WWII US Army VB Hygienique band has a buckle with a central bar, which can be moved along the strap to change the position of the keeper for the watch, and also to change the watch strap length at the same time.
A NATO style strap numbered 6032 (8032?) shown below was made in England, and also sold in the PX during WWII as a replacement cotton strap. Again, the buckle could be repositioned along the strap, altering both the keeper length and strap length. The strap was made of a herringbone/tweed material, and was rather short, and 18mm wide.
If anyone has more information on this rare strap below, we would be pleased to hear from you at a.f.0210.strap@gmail.com.
Image courtesy MWR forum user : Joe A.
In 1954 the RAF had a nylon NATO type strap 6B/2617 for issue with the 6B/346 Mk 11 “Navigator’s” watch. The 6B/346 Mk 11 “Navigator’s” watch, was produced by two companies, Jaeger-LeCoultre (JLC) and International Watch Company (IWC), and was issued to RAF and RAAF forces from 1948 to 1953. The JLC watch was not a success when compared with the IWC watch.
These late WWII straps were a source of inspiration for a NATO type strap with a webbing keeper based on the A.F.0210. strap.
An Omega 1953 watch is on the left, on a cotton NATO type strap with a fabric keeper. Right, is an IWC W.W.W. watch, with NATO numbered dial, on an original A.F.0210. strap.
The strap on the left is essentially an A.F.0210. strap (but with a different buckle having a wider leading edge with chamfered corners) with an extra cotton keeper loop attached.
Image courtesy MWR forum user : T.O.W.S. U.K.
We have taken features of the above cotton straps with fabric keepers, and we have re-manufactured an A.F.0210.® homage strap with fabric keeper.
Both 250 and 270mm strap length is available for this pre NATO style in an 17.5mm wide strap.
We are also taking orders for this style of strap in 20mm and 22mm widths. We do not hold these in stock, so these are generally not available for immediate delivery. Please contact us using the button below.
