Love it or hate it. But as a collector these straps are also special to me.
During the Vietnam War, soldiers and sailors would often take R&R in the city of Olongapo located near the Subic Bay Naval Station. It was in Olongapo many Navy Divers, Seals, UDT members and Army / Marine Special forces would have watch bracelets crafted carrying custom insignias. These bracelets, now named for the city in which they were made, were a cottage industry of the natives of the city who handmade each. Bracelets were crafted for a specific Seviceman and therefore each is found w/ a unique set of insignias. Most often these bracelets are found attatched to a Benrus Type I dive watch (as above), though they are found on many others as well - from original pairings to unlikely current partners.
Courtesy to Billy from Watch Addicts INC
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