Compared to its leather and metal bracelet siblings, fabric watch straps have generally been regarded as the underdog of the family. In fact, nylon straps (commonly known as Nato straps today) were developed and used by the British military thanks to their inexpensive availability. Over the years, however, just as how rubber straps gained popularity, nylon and fabric bracelets have become a statement of comfort and style, thanks to their proliferation by luxury Swiss watchmakers, in particular Tudor. 

In 2010, the Swiss brand elevated the status of the fabric strap by presenting its Heritage Chrono model with one at the Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show. The reception was overwhelming. 

Tudor has since included a fabric strap option with every timepiece from its Heritage collection for that extra dash of style—the most recent being the Heritage Ranger, with its distinctive camouflage motif. The Heritage Chrono collection is a direct descendant of the Tudor Monte Carlo collection from the 1970s, and is often associated with adventure and sports. 

The Heritage now comes in different iterations, appealing to the adventurer across several disciplines: the Ranger for the mountain climber and North Pole explorer; the Black Bay for the diver; the Chrono Blue for the sailor; and the Advisor for the jetsetter.

Each fabric strap is manufactured using the Jacquard weaving technique, executed by one of the few traditional passementerie companies in the east of France, sought out by Tudor. The design is weaved, and not printed on the strap. Advantages include a comfortable fit that is sturdy and flexible, and a long lifespan. 

Among the materials used are polyethylene fibres, silk and cotton to create straps that feature either solid colours in navy and grey, or ones with a mix of up to three stripes in varied hues—a nod to Tudor’s racing affiliations with the FIA World Endurance Championship. 

Since 2000, fabric straps have seen a revival in their interest particularly among collectors of sporting watches. However, their history dates further back to the 1970s when they were first made from nylon for soldiers and divers in the British military. 

Tudor, always on the lookout for the next innovation, identified its stylistic potential in 2009 and decided to create its own version. Today, the fabric strap is a mainstay and adds a young, hip factor to the 89-year-old brand.