Overview of NATO Straps and the Interesting History Behind Them

Watch straps come in many different brands, sizes, colours, and materials. For this reason, beginners may struggle to decide which type of watch strap is right for them. Let’s see if we can help out with this decision.

Few watch straps have the same level of innovation and history as the NATO strap. It is a robust, military-inspired watch band that can withstand the conditions of almost any environment without compromising comfort for the user. Most importantly, it features a fail-safe design that utilizes both spring bars to prevent the strap from accidentally detaching if one spring bar breaks off.

If you want a firm, reliable strap to hold your watch securely to your wrist, there is no better option than the NATO strap. Learn more about it below.

What is the NATO Strap?

The NATO strap is a watch strap woven from nylon material. Nylon is an elastic, durable, waterproof, and lightweight synthetic polymer, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants a watch strap that can withstand various outdoor environmental conditions. The woven nylon is breathable against the skin, helping you maintain comfort when wearing for extended periods.

There are two variations of the NATO strap: the single-pass and the double-pass. Let’s examine each one below:

Single Pass

The single-pass model was the original NATO strap design. It is a long, thin, one-piece nylon strap that loops underneath the watch by passing through the spring bars (spring-loaded metal fittings) that hold it in place. This strap design enables the watch to stay firmly on the wrist, even in situations where one of the spring bars malfunctions. The second spring bar is still there to secure the strap when the other fails.

Double Pass

The NATO strap double-pass is a slightly different version that utilizes two nylon strap layers underneath the watch, as opposed to one. The double-pass was invented after the single-pass to make the strap extra secure against the wrist. While some people might appreciate the extra durability and firmness, some users find the double-pass to be much less comfortable than the single-pass.

The History of the NATO Strap

The original NATO strap model (single-pass) was developed and issued by the British Ministry of Defense (MOD) in 1973. Members of the British military referred to it as the “G10” strap, in reference to British Army form G1098, which was a table of record for all the available equipment stored in the supply unit. Whenever a British soldier requisitioned the strap, they would need to use the G1098 form. That inspired the soldiers to give it the informal nickname of the G10 strap by omitting the “98” part of the name.

The “NATO” part of the strap’s name refers to the “NATO Stock Number,” an alphanumeric code that NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) forces used to classify standardized supply items. Since Great Britain is a member of NATO, the NATO alliance assigned a 13-digit NATO Stock Number to the nylon watch strap whenever soldiers ordered and procured it. This process typically occurs when military members order and obtain any standardized military supplies.

When the British Special Forces were issued nylon watch straps in the early 1970s, they were assigned a NATO Stock Number so that they could be properly catalogued and identified in the supply unit. As time went on, the name of the nylon watch strap was shortened to NATO, omitting the number part. The “NATO Watch Strap” name would become a widely recognized term for this watch strap, both in the military and consumer worlds.

Modern Day

Today, a variety of different NATO watch strap options are available in the consumer marketplace. These options include width sizes ranging from 16mm to 26mm, nylon & leather strap material, and a whole selection of different colors and patterns. However, British military members don’t have all the same options for their nylon watch straps as consumers do.

For instance, the actual military-issued NATO strap comes in only a single color option, Admiralty Grey. The initial official strap width was 20mm, but the British Ministry of Defense changed the initial specification a few years ago to the new official width of 18mm. Depending on the manufacturing year of the strap, the ministry officially issues NATO straps with either 18mm or 20mm widths.

Chrome-plated brass was the original material used to construct the metal brackets of the NATO watch straps, but it has since been replaced with stainless steel. Stainless steel is far more durable than chrome-plated brass, making it more resistant to scratches, degradation, and corrosion in high-moisture environments.

Two NATO Stock Numbers have been issued, one to the Army & Navy and the second to the Royal Air Force. Those numbers are as follows:

Army & Navy - (6645-99-124-2986) Royal Air Force - (6645-99-527-7059)

If you are a consumer seeking an original military-grade NATO strap, you may want to take note of these specifications. They are the key to finding the same original, high-quality NATO strap issued to military members.

Easily Swappable

Ordinary watch straps are often difficult to replace with those of other watches. You usually need to use a spring-bar tool to remove or mount a watch strap. That is not the case with the NATO strap, as it can be easily installed and removed without needing a spring-bar tool. You don’t even need any experience with watch straps whatsoever. Simply slip the NATO strap through the spring bars of the watch case, wind it back around, and then mount it to your wrist.

Conclusion

The NATO watch strap (single-pass or double-pass) stands out as the best option for a watch strap. Its woven nylon material is thin, durable, weather-resistant, lightweight, and breathable against the skin of your wrist. Everyone, from ordinary citizens to athletes and military personnel, wears NATO watch straps for their simplicity and resilience. The best part is that the NATO strap’s fail-safe design ensures the strap stays securely in place on your wrist, even if a spring bar breaks.

There are literally thousands of NATO watch strap products on the market. Although they vary slightly in terms of color, pattern, and width, they still offer the durability and comfort you would expect in your ideal watch strap. The prices are even affordable, ranging from £5 to over £60. Therefore, you won’t have a problem finding a NATO watch strap product that meets your budget and personal requirements.