NATO watch straps are the essential "go-to" watch accessory - stylish, strong and comfy. Originally developed by the British Ministry of Defence in 1973, The NATO (or G10) strap was designed to provide soldiers with a sturdy watch strap to house their watch during battle. With its origins still in mind, nowadays these classic watch straps act as a comfortable and secure watch accessory – a real favourite amongst watch wearers.
Browse our store now to find the perfect fit for your wrist. We currently stock 18mm NATO straps, 20mm NATO straps, and 22mm NATO straps, all in different colours. Don’t forget that we offer a 10% discount to all new customers when you buy any of our watch straps for sale.
Why buy a NATO watch strap?
There are many reasons to choose this style, including:
- Durability: NATO straps are made of tough materials that can withstand wear and tear, water, and dirt. They are also easy to clean and maintain, unlike some leather or metal straps.
- Versatility: NATO bands come in a variety of colours, patterns, and sizes, so you can easily find one that suits your style and personality. You can also swap them in seconds, without any tools, and change the look of your watch whenever you want.
- Comfort: The best NATO straps are lightweight, breathable, and adjustable, so they fit snugly and comfortably on your wrist. They also prevent the metal case of your watch from touching your skin, which can cause irritation or allergies for some people.
- Affordability: NATO straps are one of the most affordable watch straps on the market, so you can get more than one and have fun mixing and matching them with your watch collection.
FAQs on the range
What does NATO mean in watch strap?
NATO refers to a style of watch strap that was originally developed for the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the 1970s. The name comes from the NATO Stock Number (NSN) used to identify all standardised material items of supply for ordering purposes.
What is the difference between NATO and Zulu watch straps?
NATO watch bands use thinner and lighter nylon material compared to Zulu watch straps, and will tend to comprise of a single piece of fabric. Zulu straps will look chunkier and use thicker buckles with rounded corners, versus NATO buckles which tend to be squared and thin.
What NATO strap did James Bond wear?
James Bond famously wore a Rolex Submariner in Goldfinger (1964), accompanied with a navy blue, olive green, and red-striped NATO watch strap replacement. But… it wasn’t technically a NATO watch band, as they were not officially introduced until 1973. However, it was almost identical to some of the best NATO watch straps we have for sale in our UK webstore. Here are more Bond-inspired straps.
Can I use a NATO strap on any watch?
When you buy NATO watch straps, you do so for many reasons including their versatility. They can fit almost all watches as a replacement, providing the watch uses spring bars and has enough space between the lugs.
Are NATO straps classy?
If our premium NATO watch straps were good enough for James Bond while he wore a tuxedo and ordered a Vesper Martini, then they should be classy enough to suit any occasion. While NATO bands do have a rugged and utilitarian look, they are stylish enough for formal wear and not just for casual occasions.
Do Rolex make NATO straps?
Rolex do not make NATO straps. However, our NATO style watch straps will often pair with some vintage Rolexes, but please do check first before ordering.
How long does a NATO strap last?
Our replacement NATO watch straps are built to last. Their durability will depend on how frequently it’s exposed to water, sun, and physical stress. But there’s no reason why your band won’t last for several years to come.
You might also like
The Thrifty Gentleman is your one-stop shop for any style or type of replacement strap. If you like this style, you may also want to check out the following ranges:
Military style watch straps
Zulu watch straps
Perlon watch straps
Marine Nationale watch straps
