Inspiration

NATO straps: Standard-issue style

By the Watches of Switzerland Group | 2 minute read

The NATO strap has transcended to the status of must-own item for any self-respecting watch collector. We delve into its history, and discover what makes these fabric straps so vital

Once reserved as standard issue for fighting men of the armed forces, fabric watch straps were designed with fail-safe functionality and ruggedness in mind for Cold War-era battlefields or underwater covert dive missions. Soldiers, sailors and airmen who desired one were required to fill in a Ministry of Defence form known as the 'G1098' or 'GlO' - the origin of the alternative name of the NATO strap. The term NATO actually relates to the 'NATO Stock Number' that was often stamped across the straps for item identification.

Characteristically, NATOs deploy an additional length of nylon that passes behind the watch case. This means that, in the event of a spring bar breaking or popping out of place, the watch will remain secured by the other spring bar, creating a vital, perhaps life-saving insurance policy for those in the field of operations.

Now more often seen in swanky coffee bars or presented in luxurious watch boxes than in war zones, NATOs breathe new life into modern or vintage watches alike with their vast range of colours, from traditional khaki green and battleship grey to geometric patterns and bright eye-catching hues. Quite simply, they are a fantastically functional and fashionable watch accessory, with proper military heritage to boot.

MATERIAL WORLD

They're less formal than a mesh or metal bracelet, and many think they possess more personality than leather, so it's no wonder leading luxury brands are embracing NATO straps.

OMEGA SEAMASTER DIVER 300M JAMES BOND 007 EDITION

Titanium 42mm case, automatic movement, approximate 55-hour power reserve, unidirectional rotating bezel, NATO fabric strap, water-resistant to 300m

TUDOR BLACK BAY FIFTY-EIGHT

Stainless-steel 39mm case, automatic movement, approximate 70-hour power reserve, unidirectional rotating bezel, fabric strap, water-resistant to 200m

IWC PILOT'S SPITFIRE

39mm Stainless-steel 39mm case, automatic movement, approximate 72-hour power reserve, date window, fabric strap, water-resistant to 60m

Omega

Seamaster Diver 300m James Bond 007 2020 Edition

£8,400.00

Tudor

Black Bay Fifty-Eight 39mm Stainless Steel

£3,170.00

IWC

Pilot's Spitfire 39mm Mens Watch

£4,600.00

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NATO straps: Standard-issue style

MATERIAL WORLD

OMEGA SEAMASTER DIVER 300M JAMES BOND 007 EDITION

TUDOR BLACK BAY FIFTY-EIGHT

IWC PILOT'S SPITFIRE

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