Back in 1973, the first Military Nylon watch straps came onto the scene, and they’ve been a staple in watch culture ever since. Originally designed for the British Armed Forces, these straps were never intended as a style statement. They were a solution to a problem: the MOD (Ministry of Defence) needed something that could survive heat, sweat, moisture, and combat. Leather cracked in humid climates, steel reflected light at inopportune moments, and rubber simply didn’t have the longevity. Military Nylon was the answer.
The specifications were strict — a single shade of grey, a set width of 20mm, and chrome-plated brass hardware. They were utilitarian through and through, and they did their job well. Fast forward to today, and those once-rigid straps have evolved into an entire category of watchwear. Nylon straps now come in countless textures, weaves, and patterns, each with its own personality. What hasn’t changed is their practicality: they’re tough, affordable, endlessly comfortable, and able to give any watch a fresh lease of life.
Few watches suit a Military Nylon strap better than the Seiko Willard. Its rugged dive watch credentials and adventurous history (famously worn by Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now) make it the perfect partner for straps that were born in the field. The Willard is a watch that feels most at home when paired with functionality — but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some flair along the way.
Here at WatchGecko, we’ve pulled together our five favourite Military Nylon straps for the Seiko Willard.
WatchGecko Ridge British Military Watch Strap
A modern evolution of the original MOD spec, the Ridge captures everything people love about classic Military Nylon. It’s built tough, simple to wear, and has that no-nonsense edge that works beautifully with the Willard’s tool-watch personality. The clean weave gives it a streamlined feel, meaning it doesn’t overwhelm the watch but instead frames it neatly on the wrist. If you’re after something that sticks closely to the heritage DNA of the style, the Ridge is the natural place to start.
Braemore Woven Canvas Military Watch Strap
For those who prefer a touch of texture, the Braemore is a brilliant choice. It takes the familiar Military Nylon format and gives it a woven canvas finish that feels both rugged and refined. On the Willard, the effect is striking — it enhances the watch’s utilitarian case design but adds just enough sophistication to take it out of the purely tactical realm. This is a strap that blurs the line between weekend casual and adventure-ready, making it one of the most versatile options in the lineup.
OCTOPOD Ridge Nylon Watch Strap
The OCTOPOD Ridge steps things up with a clever twist: the interchangeable OCTOPOD buckle system. Rather than being limited to one look, this modular OCTOPOD system allows you to swap between a range of buckle finishes and straps. It’s a fantastic way to tailor the strap to the rest of your kit — whether you prefer a stealthy look or something that catches the light, the choice is yours. The Willard is already a watch that thrives on individuality, and pairing it with the OCTOPOD Ridge only amplifies that personality. If versatility is high on your list, this strap delivers it in spades.
The Vintage Watch Company Military Watch Strap
Sometimes, the best choice is one with a touch of nostalgia. The Vintage Watch Company Military strap draws directly on the historic roots of this style, but with modern durability built in. On the Willard, it creates an immediate connection to the watch’s 1970s origins. This is where heritage meets practicality — a strap that looks the part in any collection but can still take daily wear without fuss. It’s an ideal option for anyone who appreciates the story behind the watch as much as the watch itself.
WatchGecko Signature Military Nylon Watch Strap
The Signature is exactly what its name suggests: a go-to piece that distils everything good about Military Nylon into one refined package. It’s slim yet strong, understated yet stylish, and designed to be worn day in and day out. The Willard’s broad shoulders and purposeful case shape pair effortlessly with the Signature’s clean lines, creating a balanced look that feels both timeless and contemporary. This is the strap you’ll reach for when you don’t want to overthink it — it just works.
Final Thoughts
The Seiko Willard is a watch that thrives on adaptability, and Military Nylon straps are a natural partner for it. From the hard-wearing Ridge to the versatile OCTOPOD system, each of these straps brings something different to the table while enhancing the Willard’s tool-watch DNA. Whether you’re drawn to heritage, texture, versatility, or simply the clean functionality that made these straps famous in the first place, there’s an option here to match your style.
Military Nylon has come a long way since those early MOD-issued versions, but the core appeal hasn’t changed. They’re practical, reliable, and able to transform the look of your watch in seconds. With the Seiko Willard, that’s a pairing worth exploring.
