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Everything you need to know about the NATO strap
You've probably seen it on the wrists of friends and family without even realizing it: the NATO strap. Also known as NATO, this is the nylon strap that gives your watch a more casual look. It's one of the most original and widely recognized types of strap. Re-launched a few years ago by the Daniel Wellington brand, it can be recognized by its tricolour look (usually red, black and white.) Now a must-have in the strap landscape, the NATO is in fact a historic concept that has taken root in watchmaking history and fashion.
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History of the NATO Strap
The NATO strap was created in 1973 for British Army soldiers at the request of the British Ministry of Defence. Soldiers needed a strap that was sufficiently hard-wearing to cope with the extreme conditions in which its wearer operated.
Resistant to humidity, water, perspiration, friction and a variety of climates, leather straps were far too fragile to withstand the risk of losing their watch, which would have compromised the coordination of military operations. As for metal straps, they were to be avoided, as they lacked discretion and could be seen by the enemy through reflections. A material had to be found that was both discreet and resistant. So the British army chose a fabric strap.
NATO is often known by several names. The first is the one under which it has been presented to you since the beginning of this article. The second is NATO. This name fully illustrates the product's military origins, despite the nuance of the British army.
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That's why the strap has a third, less common name: G10. This is nothing more than the name of the acquisition form distributed to soldiers in the various regiments to apply for the straps. The original G10 was available in just one color: Admiralty gray, with a 20 mm fastening width. Gradually, colors matching those of the regiments were distributed at the request of army teams.
Over time, NATO moved away from military use to more everyday civilian use. Originally designed to meet the stringent requirements of the British Army, the NATO strap quickly won over the general public with its durability and practicality. Its style, combined with hard-wearing materials such as nylon, made it both durable and versatile, with even more color combinations to suit every taste.
One of the main reasons for the popularization of NATO is the enduring influence of vintage in the fashion industry, offering a distinctive look to its wearer. NATO offers an assertive, trendy style that is much appreciated by celebrities. But it really exploded on the James Bond film Goldfinger, where the actor was seen wearing it on screen, sporting black colors with two green stripes, but which, due to the cinematic qualities of the time, looked rather gray.
This version has stuck under Bond's NATO name, making this humble accessory a style icon. Many years later, the NATO strap can be found on the wrist of Daniel Craig. Best known for his role as James Bond. Who better than the British government spy to wear a strap that draws on his history in the British army. In fact, he has appeared in NATO on several occasions.
This strap has become an essential part of watchmaking fashion, synonymous with style and practicality in everyday life. So much so, in fact, that the watch industry's leading brands have bowed to the NATO trend, offering their own version of the product that has become a worldwide favorite among watch enthusiasts. It's a testament to their affection for this strap.
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What Makes a NATO Strap Unique?
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The NATO strap is distinguished from other straps by the quality of its materials and its functionality. Made from thick, tough nylon, it's known for its durability and ability to resist tearing. It's the ideal strap for outdoor activities. In addition to its robustness, nylon dries quickly, making it the perfect strap for use in water or damp environments, such as water sports or hiking. Moreover, because of its heavy use in environments involving water, the NATO strap is often fitted with a stainless steel buckle to optimize its resistance.
The concept of the NATO strap is also a guarantee of safety. Composed of a single long piece of nylon and two additional loops, this two-layer strap is a real added security for a watch. Even if one of the pumps were to break, the watch would remain attached to the wrist. The stainless-steel buckles, available in a variety of finishes, reinforce the solidity while adding extra personalization and style. This concept of a one-piece, seamless and easily adjustable strap is both simple and effective, conforming to the shape of the wrist for optimum comfort. No need for special tools or technical skills, NATO is the easiest strap to change.
Beyond the sturdiness of nylon NATO bracelets, the NATO strap offers many other advantages, which is surely one of the reasons for its growing popularity. One of its main assets is its water resistance. Whether you're scuba diving, surfing, rowing, swimming, or even doing everyday activities like washing up or an afternoon in the pool with friends, the NATO strap is resistant to moisture, sand and dirt. The reason it's so resistant to dirt is that it's so easy to clean: simply remove and rinse with soapy water, and it's ready to shine again.
Its ability to adapt to a wide range of watches is another aspect that makes NATO a product of choice for many watch enthusiasts. NATO straps are available in a range of standard widths (generally from 18mm to 24mm, and available in our shop from 20mm to 22mm), enabling them to be adapted to a wide variety of models, from sporty to dressy. NATO straps are quick to install, so you can change style in the blink of an eye, and make your choice according to the outfit or occasion.
Types of NATO Straps
Popular NATO Strap Variants
Did you know that there are several NATO strap variations? While the classic NATO strap is the best-known, there are many different versions. The four most popular types are the classic NATO strap, the Zulu strap, the RAF strap and the Bund strap.
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The classic NATO strap is what most people think of when they think of NATO. It consists of a long nylon band, equipped with two loops and a double fastening system to secure the watch. The classic NATO is famous for its simple, practical design, while its two-layer structure ensures a high level of security.
The Zulu strap is a more robust variant of NATO. It is made from a thicker nylon, and its buckles are larger and more rounded than those of classic NATOs. The zulu strap style is generally favored by those seeking a less sober aesthetic and greater solidity, often for larger watches or in very rugged environments or activities.
The RAF (Royal Air Force) strap is a simplified version of the classic NATO strap. It consists of a single nylon band, without the extra loops or double layers of the standard NATO. Used by the British Royal Air Force, this strap has a more streamlined look, while retaining its military solidity. It is often chosen by wearers of more classic watches, or by those looking for a strap with a more discreet look while retaining the spirit of a military strap.
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Finally, the Bund strap. This is a historical military model quite distinct from the NATO, designed for the German army but with a rather similar concept. It is characterized by a large piece of leather placed under the watch, designed to protect the skin from the temperatures of the case. This design is just as robust, but more imposing. It became popular in the 1970s and remains a favorite among vintage watch enthusiasts. As for material, the bund strap is generally made of genuine leather. The bund strap offers enhanced comfort and protects the watch from both moisture and sweat, all in a mix of military and retro style.
But while these straps are derived from the same concept, each has its own advantages in terms of aesthetics and functionality, allowing watch enthusiasts to choose the one that suits them best according to their preferences and lifestyle.
Classic vs. Single Pass NATO Straps
The classic NATO strap is made up of two layers of nylon that pass under the watch, offering added security: if one bar comes loose, the watch remains attached. This design adds a certain thickness, ideal for more massive cases, but sometimes too bulky for thinner models.
The NATO single-pass strap, on the other hand, uses a single band that passes under the case, without any additional layer. Thinner and lighter, it offers a more discreet look while retaining the basic NATO characteristic.
This style is appreciated for its comfort and tighter fit on the wrist, especially with smaller watches. The choice between the two depends on the style and comfort required.
Materials and Variations of NATO straps
In addition to its various shapes, NATO straps come in a wide range of different materials and finishes. Nylon is both the original and most common material. It is appreciated for its strength, lightness and ability to dry quickly. Leather NATO straps are another popular option for those who want a more elegant, formal look. Although leather doesn't offer the same water resistance as nylon or as good a resistance to wear over time, it adds a more sophisticated touch to transform a casual watch into something more refined. However, although more fragile, leather gains in charm with age, adding a patina over time to bring out its full potential.
NATO rubber straps are a modern yet practical option. They're ideal for sporting or aquatic activities. In addition to being ultra-resistant to water, perspiration and temperature variations, rubber offers greater flexibility and maximum wrist comfort. For maintenance, simply rinse. In terms of style, rubber straps add a more modern touch, while retaining the practicality of NATO. This choice of material, both durable and elegant, is winning over more and more watch enthusiasts looking for a versatile, low-maintenance strap.
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Other materials, such as polyester and elastic, are also available. Polyester is sometimes preferred for its smoother texture and softer feel against the skin. Elastic, on the other hand, provides maximum comfort with a flexibility that allows a perfect fit on the wrist, especially for those who play sports or are looking for an ultra-comfortable strap.
NATO straps also come in a multitude of colors and designs. They can be solid colors (black, red, white, beige, brown, orange, pink, khaki, etc.), two- and three-color stripes, or military patterns (camouflage).
This gives you a wide choice of personalization options, whether you're looking for a discreet strap or a bold, eye-catching one. These endless possibilities guarantee that everyone will find the NATO strap that matches their personal style and that of their watch.
You can also differentiate yourself with your NATO through your choice of buckle. Buckles can be stainless steel, polished, brushed or PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coated. The choice of buckle often depends on personal preference and the style of watch with which the strap will be worn.
Finally, the diversity of materials, buckles and colors available for NATO straps makes them both functional and stylish, perfectly suited to all types of watches and all occasions.
How to Choose the Right NATO Strap for Your Watch
It's essential to choose the right NATO strap for your watch. Standard NATO strap sizes are 18 mm, 20 mm and 22 mm, corresponding to the width between the watch lugs. To determine the exact size, simply measure the distance between the lugs of your watch with a ruler or other measuring instrument.
In addition to the width, the length of the strap is also important to ensure a good fit. If you have a wider wrist, opt for a long strap. Conversely, if your wrist is thinner, a standard-length strap will prevent it from being too loose or bulky.
The choice of colors for your NATO strap can also transform the look of your watch. Your choice will be confronted with several options, ranging from classic stripes to solid colors and two-tone combinations. If you want an all-purpose option that's easy to match, opt for sober shades such as black, grey, khaki or navy blue; if you're looking for something bolder, multicolored stripes or patterns can add character.
The choice of colors can also vary according to the season: for example, beige or brown shades are ideal for autumn, while brighter or pastel colors are more appropriate for summer, such as white, red or orange.By taking these elements into account, you'll find the NATO strap that will perfectly enhance your watch and your style.
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How to Install and Wear a NATO
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Installing a NATO strap is child's play, even for the less experienced. To begin, slide the strap under the lugs of your watch, making sure to position it well under the case.
Once you've completed this first step, wrap the remaining part of the strap around your watch, then pass it through the safety loops. This multi-step process secures the strap and ensures that it stays in place throughout the day.
This type of strap is particularly popular for its sturdiness and simple yet effective aesthetic. In addition to being easy to change, the NATO strap adapts to all wrist sizes and adds a touch of sportiness without sacrificing elegance. Ideal for watch lovers looking for a durable, stylish accessory.
Pros and Cons of NATO Straps
The undeniable advantage of this strap is the security offered by the NATO concept - an often overlooked but essential benefit. This blend of strength, comfort and security makes the NATO strap suitable for both everyday wear and more extreme conditions.
It's a strap that blends in perfectly with everyday wear, and adds that extra touch of style. One of the model's real plus points is the ease with which it can be fitted to different types of watch, making them easily interchangeable and allowing you to match them regularly according to your style, desires or moods.
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On the other hand, it's true that NATO can have its drawbacks. Matched to certain models, NATO can quickly appear bulky, particularly on models with a small case or on small wrists. You need to pay close attention to the diameter of your watch to avoid this effect if you don't want it.
Where to Buy NATO Straps
When looking for where to buy NATO straps, you have several options, both online and in specialist shops. NATOs have come a long way as their popularity has grown. The emergence of new manufacturing processes and materials has also influenced prices. While online prices may seem attractive, it's important to remain vigilant. Not all NATOs are created equal, and you may very well be disappointed by the quality offered by certain platforms. We've all been on certain sites to pay less, but the quality wasn't up to scratch, often resulting in disappointment.
Very low prices, often around 10 USD, can hide mediocre quality, resulting in discomfort or poor strap durability. For a successful purchase, it is advisable to consult user reviews on quality, overall satisfaction and product durability. You can also turn to specialized websites like ours. We offer single pass rubber straps tested and approved by our customers, offering excellent value for money. Above all, pay attention to quality and make sure the strap you buy is really worth the price.
The NATO strap is much more than just a watch accessory. Its military history, sturdiness and versatile design make it a must-have in the watchmaking world. Its ability to combine style and functionality, while being easy to install and maintain, makes it an irresistible choice. Whether you're an extreme sports enthusiast or simply want to personalize your watch with a vintage or casual touch, NATO is suitable for all situations.
However, it's important to carefully choose the right size, material and style for your watch and your personal preferences. Selecting a quality strap will ensure optimum comfort and long-term durability. For those looking for an elegant yet practical accessory, NATO remains an option to consider.