Erika's Originals: Handmade MN Watch Straps from Spain
Erika’s Originals Marine Nationale (MN) straps combine elastic construction, secure adjustment and a design rooted in military dive-watch history. Handmade in Spain, they work well with sports, dive and everyday watches and are available in a wide range of colors and configurations.
Origins and Inspiration
Based in Valencia, Spain, Erika’s Originals began as a personal project. Erika crafted her first MN strap for her husband, a vintage DOXA collector. She used repurposed parachute elastic to recreate the classic Marine Nationale watch straps originally invented by French naval divers to pair with their military-issued Tudor watches in the 1960s and 1970s. That first strap eventually led to Erika’s Originals and its current range of handmade elastic watch straps.
MN Strap Models
The MN strap lineup caters to collectors with distinct preferences:
Original MN Strap: Available in over 85 color combinations, this versatile design suits a huge variety of watch styles.
Vintage MN Strap: Crafted from rare, 40–60-year-old elastic webbing sourced from decommissioned parachutes, featuring a subtle yellow or red centerline.
SWICK MN Strap: Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) to meet precise military specifications.
NASA MN Strap: Complete with an engraved NASA logo on the buckle, this model honors the MN strap that traveled aboard the International Space Station.
Issue Number MN Strap: Hand-printed with the original French parachute issue number “300638-0” in black, referencing the heritage of the Marine Nationale straps.
FXD MN Strap: A special configuration to fit the Tudor Pelagos FXD and other watches with fixed lugs.
Comfort and Durability
Made from non-fraying endless weave elastic (two perfect sides!), MN straps feel soft yet secure against the wrist. The woven texture allows breathability, while reinforced stitching ensures long-term durability. Made from non-fraying endless-weave elastic, MN straps are soft, flexible and breathable. The elastic construction allows the strap to move with the wrist while keeping the watch secure, and reinforced stitching adds durability for everyday and active wear.
Historical Highlights
Durability and reliability are part of the brand’s legacy. In 2018, a vintage parachute elastic MN strap from Erika’s Originals accompanied a custom pilot’s watch to the International Space Station, returning safely aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. Read more about the adventure in this article by Brice Goulard in MONOCHROME magazine.
Style and Versatility
MN straps adapt seamlessly to a wide range of timepieces. Their combination of tactile quality, color variety, and subtle aesthetics allows collectors to personalize watches for different occasions. For other options, see our textile watch straps collection or our selection of vegan straps. Guidance on sizing is available in our watch strap sizing guide.
Attention to Detail
Each MN strap is hand-finished with reinforced edges and hand-stitched lines. The woven elastic construction combines flexibility with the strength needed to keep the watch secure during everyday and active wear.
Learn more about what goes into the manufacture of Erika's Originals handmade MN watch straps in this video hosted by Erika and the Swiss watch company Oris (along with Ted, the Oris Bear).
Watch Erika discuss her production process, filmed in Valencia, Spain, in partnership with Oris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Erika’s Originals MN straps waterproof? The woven elastic resists moisture and dries quickly, making them ideal for diving and everyday use.
Do MN straps fit any watch? Yes, they’re compatible with most lug widths. Special configurations are available for fixed-lug models.
