How to Rock the NATO Watch Strap

The NATO watch strap is a fabric adornment you won’t regret adding to your collection. Rock a rugged utilitarian vibe with any one of these recommendations.

Although once a practical military accessory, NATO watch straps are now much more of a versatile watch accessory for enthusiasts. Today, you can customize your watch with one of these material straps and give your watch instant military or sporty vibes. They can look subdued and disciplined or quirky and fun, depending on the look you want to achieve. 

NATO bands have become so accessible due to the sheer number of colors and materials available. These days, you can shop for leather, rubber, canvas, or nylon versions and explore a wide price range. Like all things horological, however, the quality among different brands varies hugely. It all comes down to where you shop online for your watch straps. 

If you’re unsure which brands to consider and how to choose the right strap for your watch, stick with me. I’m going to list my favorite NATO strap designs and explain which style of watch they pair well with. Before we start, let’s look at this strap’s background and how it became so fashionable. 

What Is a NATO Watch Strap?

The NATO is usually made of soft material and features two connected straps- a long and short one. The fixed end attaches to the buckle, while the other end features the keeper. This flat metal loop is what the tail threads through. The longer strap threads through the lug end, securing the watch in place. The need for such a complex fastening ensured the watch would remain safe against the wrist under extreme circumstances. The hardiness of the nylon material is what makes the strap so climate-appropriate. Its moisture-wicking properties are ideal for endurance sports and rainy climates, too. 

Ever heard of a G10?  It’s another name for a NATO strap. G10 straps were standard pieces of kit issued to the military at one time. A close example of one featured on Sean Connery’s Submariner in the filming of “Dr. No.” NATO-style straps are featured in other James Bond films, too. Take, for example, Goldfinger, where Bond’s Submariner sits on a green, black, and burgundy striped band. But here’s the thing: the NATO-inspired band in the 1964 film predates the NATO. With that in mind, you can’t technically class it as one. Plus, if you look closely, you’ll see it features one continuous piece of material. Technically, what he’s wearing is, in fact, a Zulu. 

And just how did the G10 get its name, you ask? Well, soldiers didn’t always like the standard leather bands issued on their chronographs. Most preferred the sportier material strap. To acquire a material alternative, however, one would have to request one via a form called the G10.

How To Put on a NATO Watch Strap

This next section will explain how to put a NATO watch strap on and how to attach the strap to a watch. 

Before adding a NATO strap to your watch:

1. Ensure you install the spring bars and pins onto the watch case.
2. Ensure the buckle side of the strap is at the 12 o’clock side of the case, too.
3. Slide the NATO strap into the lugs so that it sits in between the spring bar and case.
4. Take the tongue end and slide it through the 6 o’clock end. Again, this end should sit in between the spring bar and case.
5. Push the case up along the strap in the direction of the 12 o’clock marker. 
6. Now, you need to thread the tongue of the strap through the keeper hanging on the rear end of the case. This ensures the watch stays in position. You should have the buckle end at the 12 o’clock side of the case and the keeper on the other side. 
7. When mounting the watch to your wrist, run the tongue side through the buckle and adjust it to the correct position. Then, insert the tongue into the keeper. 

NATO vs Zulu Watch Straps

The difference between NATO and Zulu watch straps is easy to spot. It all comes down to the number of pieces and the thickness of the material. Zulu straps are thicker than NATO straps and often have bulkier buckles. NATO straps are thinner and have two straps rather than the Zulu’s one-piece design. 

That said, both can come in different materials, like leather and rubber. Generally speaking, however, they feature nylon, which is excellent for vigorous activities. That complex strap I outlined earlier makes the NATO band slightly better for outdoor pursuits. 

The Best NATO Watch Strap: 12 Options To Choose From

If you love the look of the NATO strap, you’ll enjoy perusing this list of recommendations. I’ve rounded up some NATO-style and Zulu-style bands for you to explore. These cool options allow you to customize your watch without irreversibly changing your favorite timepiece. Having a secondary strap like any of these nylon options is versatile and easy!

1. Lorier Black & Olive Regimental Strap

Lorier creates great, thin, but strong straps that look simple and pared back. If you’re going for the military look, you can’t go wrong with this Black and Olive strap from Lorier. Its striped pattern looks mission-focused and spy-like, something you could easily sport with an Omega Speedmaster. 

Overall, the Lorier is soft, smooth, and luxurious to the touch. Its tight weave gives it a sleeker look, making it an excellent option for many different watch styles. You could even combine this strap with a dress watch since it will naturally pair well with a black gilt dial. This should be your choice if you’re looking for absolute cohesion between a watch and a strap. 

2. BluShark Apple Band Alpha 2 – GULF Racing

Looking for a NATO-style for your Apple watch? Check out this vibrant strap from BluShark. Sporty nylon straps like this aren’t always the first choice when you think about jazzing up the best smartwatches. But this vibrant orange and blue design brings a cool moto-sport edge to the wrist. 

Inspired by the livery of the GULF racing team, this NATO-style strap is perfect for quick and easy adaptation while on the go. It features quick-release pins, promising a swift and effortless strap change. Its clean stitching and ballistic nylon make it smooth, refined, and sleek. This isn’t a classic NATO since it secures with a stainless steel pin buckle, and you can’t cover the watch’s sensors. Still, it certainly captures that all-important sporty, striped pattern that collectors love. 

3. Zuludiver Lunar Watch Strap

Throw out your velcro band replacements from eBay and try a strap like the Zuludiver Lunar. It’s one of the best NATO watch straps out there! The Eagle variant features a white background and a sporty blue and red stripe. These color combinations will give any watch an unmissable sporty look. Something like an Omega Seamaster would look cool on a band like this. You could even pair this strap with an Original Glashutte watch to create a sportier take on the vintage pilot watch. 

4. Zuludiver 1973 British Military Watch Strap CADET Bond

Yes, Zuludiver does a Bond strap! It captures the essence of those early 1970s military-inspired straps created by MoD. This strap often goes by the name of the G10, just like the originals. It’s durable, easy to swap over, and strong enough for many sporty activities. This time-tested design promises extra security thanks to a robust stainless steel buckle. Meanwhile, the grey and black striped pattern will look great on a Rolex Daytona or an Oris Aquis. 

5. CWC Zulu 5 Ring Watch Strap

As I mentioned earlier, Zulu straps tend to be beefier and made from thicker nylon. That is certainly the case for this Zulu 5-ring watch strap from CWC. Because of its thickness, it leans more toward a sports watch design. I can certainly see a strap like this on a Breitling Endurance Pro. The combination will look bright, vivid, and bold. 

This bright blue Zulu design is the kind of strap you can throw on and forget about. Take it for a dip in the water or go on a muddy trek – it will clean up easily. At first, the nylon may feel a little tough to break in. Once that settling-in period is over, however, this affordable option won’t fray and will comfortably mold to your wrists’ contours. 

6. Crown & Buckle Matte Supreme

Crown & Buckle’s specialty, aside from aftermarket NATOs, is the seatbelt-style NATO strap, like this Matte Supreme. The Matte Supreme strap feels high-end thanks to its thick weave and delivers on the seatbelt-like feel. At the same time, it’s incredibly comfortable. It has a smooth, durable feel against the skin and wins by a country mile compared to other alternatives.

This strap is the answer to more affordable luxury nylon bands, especially if you’re shopping on a budget. The brand works with its nylon factory to produce this tough, durable weave. The result is a strap with notable characteristics and a distinctive look. Pair this strap with any field watch, and you’ll get attention everywhere you go! 

7. Hodinkee Sambolo Strap

Hodinkee knows a thing or two about the classic NATO band. This material adornment features all the details that many connoisseurs insist upon. The Sambolo strap promises robust hardware, thickness, and comfort and looks fantastic. Its assertive, no-nonsense vibe makes it a perfect option for disciplined military tools or panda dials.

The UTE Watch Co. actually made this olive-colored two-piece nylon strap. It’s also dyed in-house, guaranteeing fade resistance. You can also get this strap in several different colors, but I especially like the olive.  

8. Navy/Red/Navy Nylon Military Watch Band

From B&R’s range of nylon watch straps, you can choose from “Classic,” “Woven Fabric,” and “Seat Belt” styles. This one resembles historic straps from the 1970s and features a two-layer construction. The edges and holes are heat-sealed to make them durable.

This nylon strap’s striking deep blue and red striped pattern is a real conversation starter. It will look great on watches like the Hamilton Khaki Field or the TUDOR Black Bay. It’s perfect for injecting a flash of color to the wrist, especially if you’re jazzing up a monochrome watch. Or, give it a try on a Pepsi bezel watch. The brand also stitches the stainless steel hardware into place for a more secure and comfortable fit. 

9. Haveston Invasion A2 Strap

You could combine a strap like this Haveston Invasion A2 Strap with a Zenith dive watch. The colors are diver-friendly, eye-catching, and slightly military-inspired. Haveston based this design on the distinctively striped paint scheme featured on Allied aircraft on the eve of the D-Day invasion.

The one-piece strap has a floating keeper. This allows for the tail end to sit in place without the need to fold it back. The 7 o’clock buckle also delivers on comfort but enhances the overall aesthetics of this striking NATO-style strap. 

10. NOTOSTRAPSTORE Classic Military Style Strap

Add this classic military strap to your daily beater, and you’ll look incredible every day of the week. This strap from NOTOSTRAPSTORE is perfect for weekend hikes, work, or sports. Whether you’re pairing it with a Seiko, a Hamilton, or an Omega, it will always look rugged and versatile. 

This strap is made of 12mm-thick nylon fabric, which is easy-wearing and quick-drying. High-quality stitching runs down the sides, and the steel buckle will resist corrosion caused by sweat and seawater. You can dive, climb, and run with this strap, and the fact that it comes in so many different colors is even more appealing.

11. Artem Bond Nylon Watch Strap

Another seatbelt-style strap—this time in silver and anthracite. Artem makes this Bond strap from polyamide nylon for a durable yet soft feel. The material’s surface has a lovely sheen, making it a great option to pair with something a little dressier. This watch strap manufacturer carefully treats the edges of the strap to prevent fraying and wear. 

This thoughtful design does not have hardware on the underside of the strap. I like the Artem name and brand logo engraving on the buckle and holder. Despite the strap’s affordable price tag, they create a premium feel and a refined finish that looks high-end. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about NATO strap watch bands? You’re not alone. We’ll tackle your most common queries regarding NATO straps here. 

Are NATO Straps More Secure?

Because true NATO straps fasten differently, they’re also more secure. They offer a more sturdy fit compared to, say, leather straps or Zulu bands. Even if the spring bar fails on this type of band, the watch will stay in place. 

How Do I Choose a NATO Strap?

When choosing the right band for your watch, consider factors like lug width, material, color, stitching, and thickness. The market is bursting with different NATO strap options, so it’s truly up to what you’re looking for. You can find these straps in various colors and styles.

What Is the Difference Between NATO Straps and Normal Straps?

NATO straps have a buckle positioned on the outer edge of the wrist rather than directly under the watch. This was once standard military practice, and it is one way to easily identify NATO straps against other nylon bands. 

Wrapping Up

Watch lovers have a fixation with NATO strap watches, and it’s not difficult to see why. A quick scroll on Insta, and you’ll soon start to understand their vast appeal. 

Whether you’re wearing a TUDOR Black Bay, a Hamilton Khaki, or a Rolex Sub, a NATO strap watch looks good. Moreover, you can thrash them around daily, and they’ll still be good! Pair them with a diver, and they’ll dry pretty swiftly, or think outside the box and wear one on a Daytona. 

The options are endless with a NATO; that’s why they’re so universally appealing to collectors. Of course, they may not be for everyone. But if you like history and design and want to inject some personality into your watch, try a NATO. You won’t regret it. 

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