Straps
What is a NATO/nylon strap and why do field watches use them?
A NATO (or "nylon") strap is a single continuous length of woven nylon webbing that passes underneath the watch case and through both spring bars, rather than attaching as two separate straps. Field and military watches favor it because if one spring bar breaks, the watch stays looped to your wrist instead of falling off — a real safety feature born out of military use.
Why the construction matters
A conventional two-piece leather or rubber strap attaches independently at each lug, so if a single spring bar fails, that half of the strap — and the watch — comes free. A NATO's one-piece design threads continuously under the caseback, so even a snapped spring bar leaves the watch still captured by the loop around your wrist.
The design traces to a British Ministry of Defence strap specification (G10) issued for military-issue watches, prized for being cheap, quick-drying, and failure-tolerant in the field.
Trade-offs versus leather or metal
NATO straps add a small amount of thickness under the case (since webbing passes beneath it), swim and dry quickly, cost little, and are trivial to swap for a different color or pattern in seconds. They typically feel less refined than leather or a bracelet and are not the choice for a dress watch, but they suit field, dive, and tool watches perfectly — which is exactly the category that adopted them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NATO straps waterproof?
Nylon NATO straps handle water and swimming well and dry quickly, though the material itself is not what makes a watch water resistant — that comes from the case and crown seals.
Do NATO straps make a watch sit higher on the wrist?
Slightly. Because the webbing runs underneath the case, a NATO adds a small amount of extra thickness compared to a two-piece strap attached only at the lugs.
Why is it called a NATO strap?
The name comes from its association with British and NATO military watch issue, originating from the "G10" strap specification, even though the strap itself is not an official NATO stock item.