One of the prevailing philosophies in the watch design space, whether that be for a watch itself or associated accessory, is that if you can’t find what you are looking for on the market you can always make it yourself. That’s what led Max Ma, to create his own strap brand called Anachronist. He was unsatisfied with the way that traditional NATO straps fit on the wrist, so set out to make an alternative., the Zero-Pass
The aim was to create a strap that has the same aesthetic qualities and materials as the military icon without the double layer of material sitting between the watch’s caseback and the wrist. The extra padding of material adds substantial bulk to a wristwatch and unless you’re actually using it out in the field, the chance of a spring bar snapping off is pretty low, so the extra protection a double or single pass strap adds is largely redundant.
At the same time, nylon or slim leather straps are, well, thin. Making them feel flimsy and ill-suited to larger, bulkier tool watches that wobble on the wrist instead of sitting firmly. So, if the strap could solve that issue at the same time, all the better. Enter the Anachronist Zero-Pass strap.
Describing it as simply as possible, it’s an extra long strap that you attach the watch head to in the same manner as a single pass strap but instead of looping it over your wrist so that the strap material is between your wrist and the watch, you pass your wrist through the inner loop of strap so that the watch sits flush to your skin. You then fasten the strap in a second loop in the manner of a normal pin buckle, tucking the tail away into its designated keeper.
With the watch flush to your wrist, it’s no longer bulky, giving it a sleeker and more comfortable profile to wear. At the same time, the double loop of material around your wrist helps hold the watch fast providing stronger security, allowing you to wear heavier watches with the same retro military style – perfect for divers or larger chronographs such as the Speedmaster.
The Anachronist Zero-Pass is available in multiple colours, styles and materials. You have ribbed nylon or top grain leather in a choice of monocolours, pinstripe or the endlessly popular James Bond double stripe. They’re also nice and accessible at £43 in leather or £27 for standard ribbed nylon. Ideal for those who like the appearance of retro military straps but want an alternative fit.
More details at Anachonist.
