When it comes to watch straps, few have the versatility, heritage, and practical appeal of the NATO strap. Originally built for function, this strap has become a favorite among watch enthusiasts for its comfort, durability, and aesthetics. But what makes the NATO strap so iconic? Let’s explore its fascinating history, involving designs, and why it remains a must-have accessory for any modern watch lover.
A Brief History of NATO Straps.
The NATO strap’s story begins not in fashion, but in the military. In 1973, the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) introduced the strap under the name G10, referencing the G1098 that soldiers had to fill out to receive one. Designed for soldiers’ standard-issue watches, the strap had one main purpose: reliability.
Crafted from durable nylon with a stainless steel buckle and keepers, and having a lug width of 20mm, the strap’s single-piece design ensured that even if one spring bar failed, the watch would remain securely fastened to the wrist. Its extra loop system kept the watch in place during action—perfect for combat scenarios.
The term “NATO” didn’t come from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as some believe, but rather from its NATO stock number. Soon after the initial rollout to the British Special Forces, the strap was modified to uniquely represent different British military regiments. The origin of the term “NATO” is due to the alphanumeric code used in the British MoD to identify all standardized material items of supply. The code was called the NATO Stock Number (NSN).
Types of NATO straps:
*Traditional NATO Strap: The classic one-piece strap with a secondary strap that slides through two lugs, securing the watch. Known for its durability and military roots.
*Single-Pass NATO: A minimalist version without the extra strap under the case, making the watch sit lower on the wrist-ideal for slimmer profiles.
*Seatbelt NATO: Made from softer, silky nylon, these straps offer a more luxurious feel while retaining the classic look.
*Leather NATO: A sophisticated take on the original design, leather NATO´s bring a touch of elegance while maintaining the iconic military aesthetic.
*Custom Patterns and Colors: From James Bond-inspired stripes to bold color combinations, these straps now serve as a canvas for self-expression.
Why NATO Straps are essential today?
*Versatility for Every Occasion: NATO straps complement a wide range of watches, from field watches like the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical to dive watches like the Tudor Black Bay 54. Whether you’re hiking the Alps or walking in Geneva, you can swap NATO straps in seconds to match your style.
*Practical and Durable Designed for harsh conditions: NATO straps are still favored for their robustness. They’re water-resistant, quick-drying, and easy to clean-perfect for summer adventures or casual everyday wear.
*Affordable Customization Without Breaking the Bank: NATO straps offer an easy way to refresh the look of your timepiece. A single watch can take on multiple personalities with different strap colors and materials.
*Secure and Comfortable: Thanks to the strap’s secure fit, even luxury watches like the IWC Mark XX or the Seagull 1963 (perfect for showcasing its beautiful skeleton-back movement) stay safely on the wrist. For collectors who like switching watches regularly, NATOs provide peace of mind and ease of use.
*Heritage Appeal: Wearing a NATO strap connects you to its military heritage. It’s a subtle nod to functional design and timeless style, making your watch feel part of a larger story.
Why NOT to sell a strap under the name “NATO Strap”
It can be problematic for a few reasons:
*Trademark Ownership in Specific Regions: it appears that a company or entity may have registered the term “NATO Strap” as a trademark in certain jurisdictions (e.g., the UK or EU). Even though “NATO strap” is a generic term in the watch world, trademarks can still be granted if the term isn’t considered generic for the specific class of goods when registered.
If someone holds the rights to “NATO strap” as a brand name for watch accessories in a particular country, they can legally challenge others who use it commercially in a branding context, even if descriptible.
The best thing is to check the trademark registrations to see if it’s protected.
While major brands like Omega can use “NATO straps” in a descriptive manner, referring to the design’s military origins rather than claiming ownership of the term. Also, due to their global legal teams and strategic branding, smaller businesses may be more vulnerable to trademark claims (I might be wrong about it or not).
Even though, you can use alternative terms like: “Nato-style straps”; “Single-Pass Nylon Straps”; “Military-inspired straps”; etc.
My advice is, before selling your product, get informed and make a research to avoid legal issues.
Final thoughts
NATO straps have evolved from military necessities to fashion-forward statements without compromising their core values: functionality, durability, and comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of watches, a NATO strap adds history and personality to your collection. From field watches perfect for extreme adventures to sophisticated timepieces worn at horological events or just in your daily life. NATO straps prove that practical design never goes out of style.
Which NATO strap design is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!