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Which watch to wear with a NATO strap?
Since the 1970s, NATO straps have captured the hearts of enthusiasts and style lovers alike. Inspired by a British military model designed to be as functional as possible, these straps ensured that the regular watch case stayed securely in place whatever happened. They were actually not supposed to be on sale publicly but only for Navy men. Known as NATO, OTAN, G10 or G1098, these nylon bracelets are not only practical, but also durable, pretty low-price and casual. NATO bracelets go by many names, find out more about the history of the Nato.
Initially offered in a single color, Admiralty Grey, their popularity has exploded, causing stock shortages and today they come in a multitude of colors and patterns. Did you know that ballistic nylon, the same material used for standard bulletproof vests, is used in their manufacture ?
What makes these straps so attractive is their affordable price and the ease with which they can be changed, allowing everyone to adapt their look in a very quick way. So, which watch to wear with these iconic straps ? With so many options to choose from, selecting your NATO strap is a real challenge, but finding the right watch for it even more so. In this article, we'll compare them all and shed some light on the unit, giving you a few keys to choose the perfect watch.
Why choose a NATO ?
NATO bands were designed with versatility in mind. After all, Navy soldiers didn't always cross the sea. Sometimes they needed to look stylish for an occasion, and so did their watch bands. Of course, NATO straps are now available in a wide range of colors, but the classic admiralty grey piece remains the most sophisticated one, adding a touch of raw class to any formal outfit.
Whether you're having a business meeting, a sporting event or a night out with friends, you can always adapt your watch strap and create the look you want.
One of the main attractions of the NATO bracelet is its excellent value. At a very affordable price, it adds a touch of personalized style to any watch. Whether you opt for a nylon, leather or rubber strap, NATO remains one of the most economical choices for transforming your watch without compromising its durability or style. Its quick changeability makes it an essential accessory for those who like to vary their look without having to invest in expensive options.
Source : Le nouveau réveil
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But there are many other advantages to these popular straps: they're versatile, comfortable, lightweight, quick to change, and available in a range of materials and colors (and not at such a high price). Although they combine durability with elegant military style, if your schedule calls for a slightly different look, you can change your NATO strap in seconds. Or, if you have several watches that you feel would benefit from the look of a NATO, simply change them and wear them at any time of day.
Today's trends are mixing streetwear with workwear, and sportswear with more elegant clothing. But if we accept that a sports watch can accompany a tuxedo, doesn't the opposite also apply? Logic dictates that a dress watch can also be worn in a setting that doesn't require cufflinks or a tie. So why limit a NATO strap to a diver's or pilot's watch?
Of course, they don't go well with extremely formal dress watches - you wouldn't put them on a Cartier Tank, for example. On the other hand, they are perfect for vintage watches. The utilitarian simplicity of NATO blends perfectly with the aesthetics of a mid-century Omega Seamaster, for example.
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Types and criteria for the perfect NATO watch
Regular NATO straps are designed to adapt easily to most watch sizes and give optimum comfort. A regular strap, with a simple pass under the watch case, is often the best option for a discreet look thatdoesn't overload the wrist. This regular type is ideal for those seeking a classic aesthetic and a perfect fit. What's more, this type of bracelet offers itself particularly well to sports and vintage watches, where simplicity is often a gage of elegance.
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Whether you want to match a NATO strap to your favorite watch face or wear a vintage, military-inspired look, there's a watch to suit your NATO. However, if you want your watch to render perfectly on its strap, you need to pay attention to a few details: first of all, the size of the case. A case that's too wide (40+ mm) will hide the strap, just as a case that's too thick won't work with the single pass, which already add thickness. In terms of shape, we recommend a round case, which is still the most popular today.
Similarly, the material of the case is important : a gold or platinum watch would contrast too much with the robust, vintage look of NATO, whereas a stainless steel or titanium strap would be more appropriate. From a point of view of style and durability, many men prefer a watch with a stainless steel case when pairing it with a NATO strap.
One of the main advantages of NATO is its ability to add personality to any watch. With a wide range of colors and materials available, it's easy to transform a simple piece into a unique, personalized piece. For example, a black leather NATO strap can add an elegant touch to a classic watch, while a colorful nylon model gives off a bold, dynamic style. Finally, any watch you consider too simple can be customized with NATO to add a new touch.
Best watches for every type of strap
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When you want to wear a durable, timeless nylon NATO, match it with a diver's watch. The Rolex Submariner and the Omega Seamaster (especially the James Bond edition) spring to mind, but the Pequignet Royale 300 de Morteau or the TAG Heuer Aquaracer also go well with a regular nylon strap that add an authentic touch to these iconic watches.
For those looking for a sophisticated look, choosing a classic NATO bracelet is a safe bet. Inspired by British army models, the classic NATO keeps its utilitarian charm while remaining elegant. If you opt for a dress watch, there's nothing better than a leather NATO : surprisingly versatile, the NATO strap can even accompany a dressy outfit. Choose a plain black, anthracite or dark brown leather strap to add a modern touch to your dress watch. You can even match it with your leather belt or wallet !
This unexpected combination bridges the gap between the classic elegance of the watch and the contemporary style of NATO. Example pieces include the IWC Ingenieur Classic, the Ulysse Nardin Classical Automatic Date or the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 Automatic (in white for the ultimate classy style).
Vintage watches are of course best matched with a striped or colored NATO. For a vintage look with a matching watch, the best models in our opinion are the Rolex Datejust 36, the Omega Classic Chronograph Vintage and the Breitling Navitimer Vintage.
From our point of view, the best choice is an orange, brick-red or bottle-green strap so there’s nothing standard about your look. And to take the style to the extreme, NATO fabric straps can be aged in several ways : rubbed gently with sandpaper, machine-washed regularly or rubbed with a grey pumice stone.
You're not satisfied with those fabrics ? There are other materials available for your NATO, such as rubber or polyester. And if you still haven't found what you're looking for, take a look at our single pass rubber strap.
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Top 5 watches that go perfectly with a NATO strap
Source : Joseph Bonnie
The Rolex Submariner is one of the world's first diving watches. A top-of-the-range piece with a distinctive design and a true benchmark in its field, you're sure to wear it with your NATO. Why not a Batman (black and blue) worn with a navy blue band ?
The Omega Speedmaster is one of the brand's most emblematic models. The first watch to be worn on the Moon, it is one of the brand's most renowned chronographs, and goes perfectly with a NATO. You’d want to try a green band bond with a silver and white Speedmaster, it’ll give you a style nobody can compare with.
Of course, we must also mention the Tudor Black Bay, sixty years of TUDOR diving history in an iconic watch. Whether in Pepsi, Coke or Hulk, it's a perfect match for NATO. However, our favorite piece is the gold and black band in association with a regular red band.
On sale since 1996, the first version of the Seiko SKX007 was already causing a sensation at the time: a diving watch with character, much appreciated by Seiko enthusiasts (and not only). Its distinctive design and particular features are going hand in hand with the NATO strap.
The first G-SHOCK was born in 1983 in Tokyo, from the determination of a Casio engineer to create an indestructible, durable and useful product. Ecological, practical but always sporty, Casio's G Shock is available in both men's and women's versions for a casual style. Combine it with a standard black NATO and you’ll have a 100% relaxed set for a casual outfit or a sport day.
Mistakes to avoid when combining watch and NATO strap
To avoid any fashion faux-pas, here are our final tips: don't choose a watch that's too heavy or imposing, which would overload the band and mask its originality. Conclusion: the NATO strap, a versatile choice for all watches
Ultimately, the NATO strap offers incredible flexibility for personalizing your watch, and brings a touch of originality to any outfit. By playing with colors and materials, everyone can find a way to make their watch shine. When choosing a watch to pair with a NATO band, don’t forget to compare the price of regular styles and add your personal touch to stand out. Fashion is a playground, so have fun !
Try mixing and matching different NATO straps with different watch faces and compare them until you find your favorite. Play with textures, colors and patterns to create unique combinations that reflect your mood.Whether you're a fan of vintage, sporty or elegant looks, there's a NATO to suit you.
Source : Watch Straps
Conclusion: the NATO strap, a versatile choice for all watches
Ultimately, the NATO strap offers incredible flexibility for personalizing your watch, and brings a touch of originality to any outfit. By playing with colors and materials, everyone can find a way to make their watch shine. When choosing a watch to pair with a NATO band, don’t forget to compare the price of regular styles and add your personal touch to stand out. Fashion is a playground, so have fun ! Try mixing and matching different NATO straps with different watch faces and compare them until you find your favorite. Play with textures, colors and patterns to create unique combinations that reflect your mood.Whether you're a fan of vintage, sporty or elegant looks, there's a NATO to suit you.