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The Benefits of Wearing Erika's Originals MN Straps

The Benefits of Wearing Erika's Originals MN Straps

The Marine Nationale (MN) watch strap was invented in the 1960s and 70s by French naval divers. Using flexible woven elastic and hardware from parachuting equipment, they customised a sturdy strap that could stretch to fit a wetsuit sleeve and withstand the rigours of chronic salt water exposure and other challenges of maritime military life. 

Perfected as a result of nearly two years of research and development, Erika's Originals' watch straps from the MN serious of military-style watch straps are rich with history and style, and virtually identical to the vintage. 


Erika’s Original MN straps are widely considered one of the most comfortable all-season watch straps on the market today due to their parachute-style hardware and superior European spandex elastic nylon. Nylon is extremely comfortable to wear and also absorbs and regulates moisture better than any other strap material. 


The elasticated construction also allows the wearer to quickly adjust and reposition the watch to closely fit along the forearm, for peerless versatility and comfort. The custom Spandex elastic core is latex free, strong, super long lasting and will support even the most robust watches. 


How To Fit An Erika's Originals MN Strap To Your Watch

  1. With your watch face facing down, place the initial piece of fabric over the watch
  2. Using your spring bar tool, work the spring bar into place. Repeat on the other side
  3. With the watch face on your MN strap, place the watch on your wrist
  4. Adjust the strap to your perfect fit. To tighten, move the keeper towards the watch face. To loosen, move it in the opposite direction. 

For more information, take a look at this visual guide to wear and adjust your MN strap


Our Top Erika’s Originals MN straps

Erika's Originals ORIGINAL MN™ Strap with ORANGE Centerline

The Original MN™ strap is a new, hugely popular variety of adjustable one-piece strap created by Erika's Originals. Crafted from elasticated nylon webbing closely styled after 1970s French Marine Nationale parachutes, the strap is rich with character and history.  

Its signature centerline stitch is available in a wide variety of colours that can be paired to a dial colour or accent that will compliment your watch.

Erika's Originals TRIDENT MN™ Strap with GREY Centerline

The Trident MN strap features a stunning navy blue base and a signature centerline stitch, available in a variety of colours, including this subtle grey variety.

Erika's Originals NASA MN™ Strap in FULL BLACK 

The NASA MN strap is a tribute to the exploits of the American space agency NASA and a superb complement to the watches made famous by them, such as the OMEGA Speedmaster.

The strap features parachute-style hardware adorned with a prominent black imprint of the stylised NASA 'worm' logo; the clasp allows you to adjust the fit of the strap quickly and easily at any point along your forearm, while the strap's elastic characteristics allow you to tailor its grip to your particular taste.

Erika's Originals CORSA MN™ Strap with YELLOW Centerline

The Corsa is available in 4 bold centerline stitch colours, including red, grey, blue and yellow that can be paired to a dial colour or accent that will compliment your watch.

Erika's Originals DENIM MN™ Strap with ORANGE Centerline

This new variety of MN strap is decked out in an eponymous denim blue, selectively 'speckled' with highlight and lowlight stitches to authentically carry across a distinctive pattern akin to your favourite pair of jeans.

Erika's Originals MIRAGE MN™ Strap with WHITE Centerline

The strap features parachute-style hardware that allows you to adjust the fit of the strap quickly, while the strap's elastic characteristics allow you to tailor its grip to your particular taste. This Mirage model features a white centerline contrast stitch in a signature alternating pattern.

Erika's Originals BLACK OPS MN™ Strap in FULL BLACK


The Black Ops MN strap is a new, hugely popular variety of adjustable one-piece strap created by Erika's Originals, and the talk of the marine watch enthusiasts' community.


Shop our complete collection of Erika's Originals MN Straps here


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Written by Kate, for Watch Obsession.