In this guide, we’ll show you how to fit your Marine Nationale strap.
The elastic nylon Marine Nationale has quickly become one of our best-selling straps at Notostrapstore.com—and it’s easy to see why. They’re lightweight, versatile, and among the most comfortable straps you can wear. Plus, we stock a wide range of sizes and styles to suit any watch.
While fitting one might look tricky at first, once you’ve done it you’ll see just how simple it is—and you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
Follow our step-by-step guide below to install your Marine Nationale strap with ease.
Step 1 – Gather Your Parts
First, get your tools and parts ready. You’ll need:
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2 spring bars
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A spring bar tool (to fit the spring bars)
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Your watch (with the old strap and spring bars removed)
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Your Marine Nationale strap
For this tutorial, we’re demonstrating the process on our Daily Beater Field Watch paired with a Khaki Marine Nationale strap, both available at Notostrapstore.com.
Step 2 – Position the Marine Nationale Strap
Unlike a NATO strap, the Marine Nationale is positioned on the back of the watch before you fit the spring bars.
Tip: Turn your watch face down with the crown pointing toward you. Place the strap across the back of the watch so the underside of the buckle is facing upward. This is the step where most people go wrong, so take a moment to double-check the alignment before moving on.
Step 3 – Fit the Spring Bars
With the Marine Nationale strap positioned across the back of your watch, use your spring bar tool to fit both spring bars back into place.
Tip: You’re only securing the single layer of the strap under the spring bars. When worn, your wrist will pass through the loop created by the strap, as shown above.
Step 4 – Adjust the Keeper and Fasten the Clasp
Your Marine Nationale strap is now fitted to your watch. The last step is adjusting it to the right size for your wrist. Simply slide the keeper up or down the strap until the loop feels comfortable.
Fasten the clasp to the keeper to complete the loop—and your watch is ready to wear.
Tip: You can also fine-tune the adjustment while the watch is on your wrist, which often makes it easier to get the perfect fit.
Step 5 – You’re All Set!
Congratulations—your new strap is ready to wear!
If this guide has inspired you to grow your Marine Nationale collection, explore our full range at Notostrapstore.com.
If you want to swap your two piece watch strap, check out our tutorial:
How to replace your watch strap
If you want to learn how to fit a NATO watch strap, check out this guide:
[product=french-style-military-style-elastic-strap-khaki|variants=Khaki / 18mm,Khaki / 20mm,Khaki / 22mm]
Buy the Khaki MN Strap
[/product]
[product=the-daily-beater-field-watch]
Buy the Daily Beater Watch
[/product]
