Introducing: WatchGecko OctoPod System

Fifty years ago, the British Army came up with a watch strap that would go on to inspire generations of rugged, reliable timepieces. It was simple, secure, and ready for action. But at WatchGecko, we believe there’s always room to refine a classic. That’s how the OctoPod was born—a next-generation buckle system that reimagines the military strap for modern wrists, without losing the heritage that made it iconic in the first place.

We didn’t just tweak a few features or change the name. We went back to the drawing board.

Over a year of development, countless prototypes, and more than a few raised eyebrows later, we arrived at a system we’re genuinely proud of: one that combines the dependability of traditional military design with the comfort, versatility and polish today’s watch lovers expect.

At its heart, the OctoPod system is a clever piece of engineering—one that starts with a bespoke deployment clasp, designed in-house, and ends with an impressive range of straps that slot effortlessly into place. Think of it as a modular setup: a secure stainless steel buckle that works with over 50 different straps in nylon, elastic, or even oiled leather. Once you install the clasp, switching straps is a breeze—no tools, no stress, no pinched fingers.

And in case you’re wondering: yes, it’s still a pass-through system. The strap weaves through both spring bars, so if one fails, your watch doesn’t go diving into the sea or bouncing off the pavement. It’s an old-school safety feature we never wanted to lose. That said, due to customer feedback, we’re also exploring a two-piece version—so stay tuned.

The current version—OctoPod MK3—is the sleekest and most refined yet. The buckle is made from marine-grade 316L stainless steel, finished in your choice of six distinct styles: Brushed and Polished, Full Mirror Polish, Sandblasted, PVD Black, Polished Gold, or an Antique Bronze Effect that’s just begging to be paired with a vintage-inspired diver. Every surface has been smoothed, rounded and honed for comfort, while our updated logo finishing adds a luxurious little flourish that nods to the quality beneath.

Inside, 17 precisely engineered components work together to give you an easy, secure fit—backed by dual push-button security that keeps the strap in place until you decide otherwise.

If you’ve ever worn a military nylon strap and wished it felt just a bit more refined, the OctoPod is your answer. It has the classic military look, but with a level of fit and finish you’d usually expect from far more expensive systems. And thanks to the quick-release design, you can go from sporty elastic to a premium leather strap in seconds.

Whether you’re dressing down a vintage chronograph or giving your dive watch a more distinctive edge, the OctoPod lets you tailor your strap setup to your watch, your outfit, and your lifestyle.

And because it fits a wide range of wrist sizes—from 150mm to 220mm—it’s ready for nearly anyone.

One of the best things about OctoPod? The strap options. From the rugged three-dimensional weave of our HydraRib Nylon, to the soft stretch of our Elasticated Nylon, to our durable Apex Nylon and the beautifully patinated character of our Oxford Leather, each strap brings its own texture, tone and feel to the table. And they all click into the same trusted buckle.

It’s a little like building your own wardrobe—but for your wrist. 

Whether you're exploring strap pairings for a modern diver, looking for a comfortable everyday option, or simply want a system that lets you change your look on the fly, the OctoPod delivers. It’s heritage reinvented, engineered for real life, and undeniably WatchGecko.