18mm Black 1950s Pattern Leather Military Watch Strap with Protective Face Cover

Product Details

SKU Code: 50COVL18B

These leather-covered watch straps are available in both 18mm and 20mm widths, measuring 240mm in length. Straps with a face protector have been widely used since the 1950s and remain popular today. Many serving military personnel choose them because they offer a high degree of protection to the watch and prevent image intensifiers from picking up the glow of the watch dial during nighttime operations.

Key Features:

• Durable Design: Leather-covered for enhanced protection and durability.
• Length: 240mm, suitable for most wrist sizes.
• Widths: Available in both 18mm and 20mm to fit a variety of watch models.
• Face Protector: Conceals the watch dial's glow, crucial for nighttime operations.

Historical Use:

One notable user of these straps was the Rhodesian Army Selous Scouts, a special forces unit active during the Rhodesian Bush War from 1973 until the country's reconstitution as Zimbabwe in 1980. The Selous Scouts, formed from the Rhodesian Special Air Service (SAS) and the Rhodesian African Rifles, operated covertly in small groups as an elite counter-insurgency unit. One of our clients, a former member of this unit, shared an image of the strap on a W10 watch used by the Selous Scouts. This image can be found as the last image after the cap badge.

Modern Relevance:

With the increasing use of self-luminous watches that utilize GTLS tritium light sources, these straps, along with their modern nylon-covered equivalents, have become extremely popular among currently serving military personnel. The straps' ability to conceal the watch's glow is crucial for maintaining stealth during active deployment.

These leather-covered watch straps combine historical significance with modern functionality, making them an excellent choice for both military personnel and watch enthusiasts looking for reliable and protective watch straps.

• Delivery

  • Shipping Information

    Europe, UK, and Rest of World

    Tracked Mail:

    • Europe: €11.50 / £9.99 / US$12.75
    • UK: £9.99 (Small items, e.g., 1 or 2 straps: £5.99)
    • Rest of World: US$22.25 / €20.00 / £17.50

    Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

    • Europe: €23.00 / £19.99 / US$25.50
    • UK (UPS/DPD): £12.95
    • Rest of World: US$44.50 / €40.00 / £34.95

    Note: The exact shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the weight and dimensions, but it will only differ by a small amount and will be shown at checkout. The above rates cover approximately 85% of parcels.

    Order and Shipment Confirmation

    You will generally receive two emails after placing an order:

    1. Confirmation of receipt of the order and payment.
    2. Notification of shipment once the goods are dispatched.

    Processing Time: Orders are shipped by the Post Office or Courier within 48 hours of payment processing. Note that our shipping centers are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; therefore, orders placed during this time may take up to 72 hours to be dispatched. This includes orders placed after 14:00 (CET) on Fridays.

    Estimated Delivery Times (in working days):

    • Europe:
      • UPS: 2 to 5 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 14 days
    • UK:
      • DPD or UPS: 24 hours
      • Tracked Mail: 1 to 2 days
    • Rest of World:
      • UPS: 3 to 10 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 21 days*

    *Some countries are notoriously slow to process goods on arrival, including Israel, Hong Kong, Macau, Mexico, South Africa, and some South American countries. Significant delays can also occur in other countries in Africa. For time-sensitive deliveries, we recommend using UPS, DHL, or FedEx.

    All shipping estimates exclude Saturdays and Sundays.

    While we strive to deliver within the above timeframes, they are guides, and delivery cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for delays caused by couriers or any national postal service. If your goods are not delivered within the estimated time, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch, and we will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. We are not liable for any loss caused by late delivery.

    Our delivery charges cover the cost of shipping to you but do not include import charges and administration fees to clear the goods when entering your country if applicable.

    It is the purchaser's responsibility to understand that charges may be levied and to pay all subsequent import taxes and duties on goods shipped to their country. If items are returned to MWC due to rejected payment, subsequent charges incurred (such as import duty and processing costs) will be deducted from any refund issued. For more information, please contact accounts@mwc-distribution.com.

    We do not accept liability for goods lost after delivery to a PO Box. We reserve the right to cancel orders where the delivery address is a PO Box. Similarly, we do not accept liability for goods lost after confirmed delivery to APO or BFPO locations.

    Customer Notification: It is the customer's responsibility to notify us if goods are not received within 21 days of the estimated delivery date. If no notification is made within this period, the buyer is deemed to have received the goods.

    Safe Place Deliveries

    Some delivery companies allow for delivery without a signature, leaving the item in a "safe place" (e.g., shed, garage, porch). If you choose this option, it is at your own risk. We initially send items by a secure service requiring a signature or proof of delivery. Using a "safe place" increases the risk of theft. We advise ensuring deliveries require a signature to ensure safe receipt.

    Failed Deliveries

    If an item is refused and returned to us, we will refund the order less the outbound and inbound shipping charges once the item is received back at our packing and shipping center. For business locations, please notify the receiving personnel of the expected delivery to avoid refusals. Usually, we will be notified of delivery issues and will email you for instructions. It is important to act quickly to avoid return and associated costs.

    For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch.