The water-resistant rubber NATO strap is available in five colours and two configurations. Collectors can choose the combination that best suits their watch and personal preferences. 

The project took shape over several months of discussions, development and prototyping, with the aim of creating a strap that meets the expectations of Blancpain owners. To learn more about how the collaboration began, the choices made during development and the process behind the project, we spoke with Henrik, founder of Blancpain Blog. 

Before discussing the collaboration itself, could you tell us how your passion for Blancpain began and what inspired you to create Blancpain Blog?

I purchased my first Blancpain watch in 1999, and the second one followed swiftly in the same year. What captured my interest from the very beginning and then evolved into a deep passion was the attention to every little detail Blancpain put into their timepieces, an aesthetic code I connected with strongly.  The idea for the blog came when I left my previous profession and had the time to share my passion for Blancpain timepieces with the goal of building a comprehensive overview and a helpful information source for watch enthusiasts interested in the brand. 

How did the idea for this collaboration with Jean Rousseau first come about?

Actually the idea for a collaboration was primarily born by Jean Rousseau, who have been working with various collector communities before. Since we knew each other for a while and I had covered Jean Rousseau straps in the blog previously, I was of course immediately excited about the project to create a high quality strap for the growing Blancpain enthusiast community. 

When developing a strap for Blancpain enthusiasts, what were the most important expectations to meet?

Blancpain collectors may have different tastes and preferences, but they all share an appreciation for the exceptional execution of Blancpain timepieces. Any strap designed for this community therefore had to live up to the quality and character of the watch itself, both visually and in terms of feel on the wrist. 

Why did the NATO format feel like the natural starting point for this project?

That was a rather selfish bias from my end, to be frank. I have enjoyed Jean Rousseau Nato straps since I encountered them years ago and consider them in a league of their own. A second aspect in choosing a Nato was that Blancpain introduced this type of strap to the world of high end timepieces in 2013 for the Bathyscaphe and shortly after the classic Fifty Fathoms. So a Nato strap is kind of a natural option for Blancpain dive watches.

From the very beginning, what objectives did you set for the strap’s design and overall execution?

As I mentioned, the look and feel had to live up to the outstanding quality of the watch. We decided to focus on the Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphe, and since those are dive watches the strap had not only to be water resistant but also support wearing the watch over a dive suit. And finally, the strap had to be something new, something that wasn’t available before. That’s how the idea of the rubber Nato strap was born.

The straps are offered in several colours and dimensions dedicated to watches of the Fifty Fathoms collection. How were these choices made?

In the early stages of the project we concentrated on the Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphe models with odd lug width since there are very few if any strap alternatives in 21.5 and 23mm. These two sizes already serve a lot of references, but with adding the 20mm width as an alternative the new Nato addresses almost every single Fifty Fathoms or Bathyscaphe model. And having a choice of five really beautiful colors, all matching various Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphe models, is the icing on the cake. 

Is there a particular detail on the strap that you believe Blancpain enthusiasts will especially appreciate?

Offering the strap in two alternative configurations, either meeting the original Blancpain tang buckle specifications or in the standard Jean Rousseau style, is an important aspect, I think. When we talk about the strap itself I think the texture of the rubber reminds us of the Blancpain sailcloth strap, another style the brand brought new to the market in 2007. So this collaboration strap in some way blends two traditional Blancpain dive watch strap styles and still offers something totally unique.

Having seen the project evolve from the first discussions to the final product, what are you most proud of today?

When I raised the idea of a rubber Nato strap it was totally unclear whether this would actually work, technically and aesthetically. I vividly remember how well the first prototype turned out, which was exciting (and actually surprising) not only to me but also the representatives of Jean Rousseau.  Witnessing an unusual idea being transformed into a great product is something all involved parties can be proud of, I think.

What do you hope Blancpain enthusiasts will take away from this collaboration?

I know Blancpain owners appreciate the excellent craftsmanship that went into their watch, I hope they also appreciate this strap made exclusively for the community and specifically for the Fifty Fathoms and Bathyscaphe.

Discover the project on Blancpain Blog

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