What Are the Advantages of a NATO Watch Strap?

NATO straps have long been a favourite of watch wearers across the globe, boasting a combination of sturdiness and style.

Perhaps this is the reason everyday gents were clamouring to get their hands on NATOs throughout the 1970s. Even 50 years later, these military-style watch straps are some of The Thrifty Gentleman’s most popular offerings.

Berny Titanium Chronograph Watch with 5 NATO Watch Strap Options from The Thrifty Gentleman

But, despite their shining stainless steel buckles and expertly woven nylon loops, there’s far more to NATO bands than first meets the eye. That’s why, in this post, we’ll be taking a closer look at NATO straps, and exploring how their countless advantages have contributed to their widespread and longstanding popularity.

First, here is our concise list summarising the main advantages of NATO Watch Straps:

  • Versatility
  • Easy Installation
  • Secure Fit
  • Durability
  • Comfort
  • Customisation
  • Affordability

Now that we've outlined the key advantages, let’s dive in and look into each of these key advantages/features in a little more detail.

What Are NATO Straps?

NATO watch straps, sometimes referred to as G10 straps, were dreamt up by the British Ministry of Defence. They were first offered in 1973 to any serviceman who filled in a G-1098 form.

Fashioned from reinforced nylon in ‘admiralty grey’, with a lug width of 20mm, two spring bars and brass buckles, NATO straps were designed to withstand everything from harsh weather to formal dinners.

Herringbone NATO Watch Straps in various colours - Best Straps For All Seasons

It wasn’t long before watchmakers cottoned on to the fashionable functionality of NATO straps, and soon enough, these unbreakable watch bands were gaining popularity among watch-wearers across the world.

What Are The Advantages of NATO Watch Straps?

While the legacy of NATO watch straps is a big draw, historical significance alone hasn’t kept these bands on wrists for over five decades. Let’s take a look at some of the other advantages you’ll get when you choose a NATO strap for your watch:

1. Versatility

NATO straps were designed with versatility in mind. Soldiers weren’t always traversing through rainforests, after all. Sometimes they needed to look sharp for occasions, and so too did their watch strap. Of course, NATO straps are available in a range of colours nowadays, but their standard admiralty grey remains superlatively sophisticated, adding a touch of rugged class to any formal outfit.

2. Easy Installation

Though they balance longevity with sleek military styling, if your schedule calls for a slightly different look, you can switch your NATO strap in a matter of seconds. Or, if you have more than one watch that you think would benefit from the NATO’s look, simply swap it over and wear it all day long.

You only need to thread your NATO strap through your watch's spring bars and fold any excess length back through the keepers. No professional assistance needed.

3. Secure Fit

Knowing how important it was to keep time on the battlefield, the Ministry of Defence made sure that the original NATO straps would never slip off soldiers’ wrists. With enough length to ensure the strap could be worn over thick military uniforms, the added buckles ensure a tight and secure fit.

Not to mention, this double loop design means that, even if one spring bar fails the other will remain intact, preventing you from losing your watch during activities.

Ribbed NATO Watch Strap in Khaki from The Thrifty Gentleman on Steeldive Captain Willard Homage

4. Durability

Fashioned from heavy-duty, reinforced nylon, NATO straps are resistant to a lot more than everyday wear and tear. Nylon, as well as being waterproof, can withstand snags without snapping, won’t lose its colour in the sun, and as we mentioned, NATO straps will stay on your wrist even through spring bar ruptures.

If you lead an active lifestyle and need your watch to keep up with you, a NATO strap is the perfect choice.

5. Comfort

Another advantage of nylon is its breathability, with air flow that contributes to unbeatable comfort even in the hottest of weather. Though they have a double-loop design, NATO watch straps are lightweight enough to wear all day long.

If your strap does start to feel restrictive, you need only take advantage of the various strap hole settings to adjust the fit of your NATO strap to your liking.

6. Customisation

Perhaps the most important advantage of NATO straps is the variety of options they offer for styling and customisation. These watch bands have come a long way since the 1970s, and are now available in a wide range of colours and patterns.

Whether you’re pairing a NATO with your favourite watch dial, or rocking a vintage, military-inspired look, there’s a NATO strap out there to suit you. It’s also worth noting that, thanks to the style you can create with a single NATO strap, your watch face is slightly raised from the wrist, showing off your timepiece for the world to see.

7. Affordability

Though they have quite a few advantages, NATO watch straps remain one of the most affordable options. They’re the strap of choice for anyone looking to enhance the appearance of their watch without making a significant financial investment.

In keeping with tradition, The Thrifty Gentleman offers several cost-effective NATO straps that will elevate your look without breaking the bank.

The Thrifty Gentleman’s NATO Strap Picks

With so many options to choose from, selecting your first NATO strap is quite the challenge. To give you a head start, let’s take a look at some of The Thrifty Gentleman’s most popular NATO straps.

6 Green NATO Watch Strap Options from The Thrifty Gentleman for Chronograph Watch

Ribbed Nylon NATO Watch Strap

Standard and simple but with an alternative material texture, options from the Ribbed Nylon NATO collection have all the advantages that made these watch straps famous. However, unlike the servicemen of the 70s, you won’t have to make do with just grey.

Why not opt for our searing orange to ensure you stand out, or a polished black that perfectly complements your new strap’s shining buckles?

As for styling, a base layer, khaki cut-offs, and hiking boots complement this strap’s sturdy nature. Or, a lightly patterned shirt or check trousers create an eye-catching combination with the NATO’s block colour.

Whether you prefer a bold statement or something more subtle, the Ribbed Nylon NATO straps can do it all.

Bond Style NATO Straps

It’s not just military heroes that have donned NATO watch straps. G10 military nylon options are also the band of choice for this country’s most famous super spy. With The Thrifty Gentleman’s Bond Collection, you can steal the style of James Bond for much less than an MI6 agent’s salary.

Of course, the black and grey NATO strap inspired by ‘Spectre’ evokes a modern sleekness without sacrificing military stylings. However, if you’re a longtime fan, it simply has to be the Herringbone NATO Bond Strap in black, green and red, a replica of Connery’s own choice for Goldfinger.

Even if you don’t have the Rolex Submariner watch face to match, you’ll still look fit for a flight with Pussy Galore.

Elasticated Nylon NATO Straps

Woven nylon is the material of choice for NATO straps, but after so long on the market, it’s no surprise that designers have tried other options. One such example is a pairing of the NATO loop style with elasticated nylon.

Another watch strap material that got its beginnings in the military, elasticated nylon, also known as parachute nylon after the parachute straps French servicemen used to craft the first elastic watch bands, preserves the NATOs durability while adding an extra level of comfort.

Styling an elastic NATO strap is as easy as styling any other NATO strap. The beige NATO strap, for example, makes use of warm and earthy hues for a great seasonal strap each autumn.

On the other hand, the elastic NATO strap in green and yellow is the perfect choice for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement with their accessories.

Zulu Straps

Remember when we mentioned how sought-after NATO straps were by the everyday gent? Since they were originally available only to servicemen, people had to get creative to take advantage of the NATO’s benefits.

That, legend has it, is how the Zulu strap came into existence. With thicker, curved hardware, the Zulu has a slightly sturdier look. However, with an additionally heavy-duty nylon material and looping design, they’re just as good as (if not better than) their older brother.

The Zulu strap doesn’t slack off when it comes to style, either. Blend the durability of the Zulu strap with a smart-casual ensemble by pairing it with a tailored blazer, a well-fitting but comfortable cotton shirt, and dark jeans or trousers.

We’d recommend the dark blue Zulu Heavy Duty Nylon NATO Watch Strap for this particular ensemble. The juxtaposition of the sturdy nylon with more refined clothing creates a stylish and versatile look.

In Conclusion

Let’s recap. The Thrifty Gentleman’s NATO watch straps are:

  • Versatile
  • Easy to install
  • Comfortable
  • Secure
  • Adjustable
  • Durable
  • Affordable
  • Stylish

NATO watch straps embody a perfect blend of functionality and fashion, being effortlessly interchangeable, and exceptionally lightweight on the wrist.

The durability of NATO straps ensures they can withstand the rigours of daily wear, making them a reliable choice for active and entertaining days out. Plus, their affordability allows for easy accessorising without breaking the bank.

NATO Watch Straps in Black, Grey, Green, Beige - Best UK Watch Straps

Not only do NATO straps excel in practicality, but they also make a reliable style statement. With an array of colours, patterns, and materials available, The Thrifty Gentleman's NATO straps cater to individual tastes, adding a touch of personal flair to your timepiece.

Whether you seek a classic, formal look or desire bolder fashions, these straps have the necessary versatility to complement any outfit.

If you have any questions about our NATO strap collection, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here. Or, if you want to browse other watch straps, The Thrifty Gentleman’s varied collections are filled with affordable options.

Do you have a NATO strap? Let us know your favourite thing about it in the comments below!

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