What’s a NATO Strap?
WuS has a great discussion of the NATO strap and it’s origins. NATO straps are traditionally nylon straps with a basic buckle and some have a “skunk stripe” down them for effect. These guys sell a few great ones.
The strap that collectors call “NATO” (not to be confused with the Rhino, Waterborne, or Maratec Zulu straps) is based upon the standard watch strap issued by the British Ministry of Defense (MOD). Called the “G10″ by members of the British military because of the form used to requisition the strap (and other items) from inventory, the reason it got its “NATO” name is because the strap has a NSN or NATO Stock Number which identifies this type of strap. Incidentally, the actual military spec strap comes in only one color (Admiralty Grey) and one width (20mm). The hardware specs have not changed (chrome plated brass), though at least some of the straps currently issued have stainless steel fittings. And there are actually TWO NATO stock numbers for the straps: Army/Navy (6645-99-124-2986) and RAF (6645-99-527-7059). …
History of the “NATO” Strap [Watchuseek Watch Forums]
February 1st, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Dude these straps and those pop up ads are lame.
February 23rd, 2007 at 11:07 am
I’ve wondered about the NATO name. Now I know… If you’re going to buy one, I recommend getting the one with steel fittings, as they last longer and are more comfortable.
June 19th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
NATO straps. What is the fascination with them? Why do people like them?
I tried one, and it was so flimsy and weak, compared to rubber, leather, stainless steel, or titanium.
Why do they have that extra piece of nylon that goes along the underside of the watch, and what are ALL THOSE metal hoops for? Don’t you just need one, to retain the tail of the strap?
It’s such a weird design and so many people love them; I just don’t get it.
Someone, tell me these things.
June 25th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
The reason for the extra section of strap is that the bars of the watches for which they are designed are fixed (for strength), so the only way to fit the strap is down through the gap on one side, and back up through the gap past the other bar. This unfortunately means that the watch is then free to slide around on the strap, so, to hold it in place, the additional ‘piece of nylon’ retains a metal loop which, when fitted correctly, holds the watch in place.
Have a look at the instructions at http://www.watchworx.co.uk/pages/lwb/NatoG10.htm to see what I mean.
The overall effect is that, with a conventional watch, if a bar breaks or comes detached, the watch is gone. With the NATO fitting, the strap remains on the wrist, and so does the watch, albeit hanging on by only one bar.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:15 am
guess HE TOLD YOU!