Some people like a thick NATO (if you like really thick, try leather) while others prefer less bulk (I'm in the latter camp), and the quality of hardware like the buckle and keepers can vary significantly.ĭon't get too hung up on every one of these details, though: NATO straps are usually cheap enough that you don't need to overthink every purchase. Different weaves can affect the look and texture, as well as adding a sense of detail. The originals can be relatively stiff, while some premium modern NATOs are built more or less like soft but strong seatbelts - and there's a range in between. NATO straps are generally made of nylon, but you might be surprised at the different possible qualities, textures and looks that are possible with this material. With the strap style's rise in popularity, there's more variety than ever. As simple as a NATO strap is, there are multiple factors to consider when buying one from its material and design to its thickness, weave and hardware. There’s a bevy of aftermarket options from small brands you can find online.Īdmittedly the formula remains pretty much the same, and many feel very similar, but look closely and you can see that each is unique when it comes to the small details, while two seemingly identical-looking straps can actually feel very different. But if you spring for premium, you get an expertly-crafted, comfortable way to keep your fancy (or not-so-fancy) timepiece safely affixed to your wrist. You can spend a few bucks on a cheapo NATO. Zen Love What to Look for in a NATO Watch Strap
#Nasa strap skin
NATOs also tend to be long enough to fit outside of clothing, meaning that when worn against the skin the end will need to folded back into the keeper in order that it doesn't flap about inelegantly. Some might call straps without this feature by another name like Zulu, "one-piece" or just "single-pass," but they all at least offer the basic look and feel of a NATO.
One key trait of a NATO (proper) is an additional shorter length of fabric which helps to keep the watch from moving around on the longer length. Thankfully, there are many, many options available today that range from historically accurate to colorful and creative. In fact, other forms of fabric straps aren't necessarily less "authtentic": they've been around in some form or another since well before the NATO was officially born in 1973 - as evidenced by James Bond's on-screen strap back in 1964 (see below) and Rolex's military Submariner of the 1950s, for example, was designed to only be wearable on such straps. Of course, NATOs wouldn't be nearly as fun or popular if we all had to stick to those exact specs. To be legit, must it fit the exact characteristics as specified by the 1973 British Ministry of Defense Standard 66-15? Those were 20mm wide and were only made in the color “Admiralty Grey." They were sometimes also called "G10" and gave rise to the NATO name as a shortened version of "NSN" (NATO Stock Number) strap. What kind of straps are we talking about, exactly? Watch nerds can debate the definition of a NATO strap and cite its military history. In terms of comfort, it's average, but it does feel built to a high standard and a bit special. Triple Aught lends its expertise in nylon while Rexford mills the faceted titanium hardware in Colorado. A collaboration between the maker of gear and apparel Triple Aught Design and knifemaker Todd Rexford offers a completely American-made product (from American-sourced materials) that's perfect for the likes of luxury sport watches. Much of a NATO strap's appeal is in its affordability, but you can also go high-end if you want.
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