Frequently Asked Questions About – Nato Straps

Nato straps are really popular straps and they can make a watch look really cool. I am a huge fan of them and would always recommend you get some. You can really change up how your watch looks in a matter of seconds.

I get asked a lot of great questions around nato straps, and while I have written other articles about them on this site, I have just compiled all these questions here. They are in no real order, but hopefully you find them useful.

If there is anything I haven’t covered, and you want to ask, just let me know and I can try and answer it.

(If you haven’t already, you can read – What Is A NATO Strap?)

What Materials Are NATO Straps Commonly Made From?

Nato straps are usually made from a nylon material, but you will find different levels of quality. Some straps can be quite stiff and plasticy feeling, while other can be a lot softer and just feel like better quality. Usually this is linked to how much you pay, but not always.

You can also get nato straps made from various other materials too, including leather, but these are less common.

Are There Different Lengths and Widths Available for NATO Straps?

Just like any other type of strap, natos comes in different widths so that you can get a strap that will fit your watch.

The width should be clearly stated when you buy the strap, but unfortunately the length is often not.

You will find that most straps are a similar length, but there can be some difference between them. Some companies will advertise this and let you know how long the strap is, but this is not as common as it should be. 

How Do I Determine The Correct Size Of A NATO Strap For My Watch?

This is very straight forward. You just need to find the width of your watches lugs.

If you look at your watch, where the watch and strap meet, you will see there is a usually a gap for the strap to sit. This gap is where your spring bars should be and it is this length you need to know.

You can look this up online, just search the model you have and it should come up …or you can get out a ruler out and measure it.

Then all you need to do is use a strap that matches this. When you buy a strap it will say what width it is, just like when you buy clothes so it’s easy to get the right size.

Are There Different Buckle Styles For NATO Straps?

The short answer is yes, there are various shapes, materials and colours of buckles, but the majority of them all operate in the same way.

The differences really are just aesthetic and this is a good thing as it means you can really easily find a strap that suits your stylistic needs.

Can NATO Straps Be Easily Adjusted For A Perfect Fit?

Nato straps are pretty similar to a lot of other straps, as in they have a buckle and holes, which means it is very easy to put a nato strap on your wrist and easy to adjust what hole the buckle is in to get the fit you need.

However, just like any other sort of strap, it is possible that your perfect fit may lie in between two holes. This is annoying, but at the same time, the holes are not too far apart, so really it shouldn’t be too bad. You can either go for slightly too loose or slightly too tight. I prefer it slightly loose, but that is for you try and decide.  

Are NATO Straps More Comfortable Compared To Other Types of Watch Straps?

I guess this is really personal preference, but Natos are pretty light, flexible and breathable so they are comfortable.

You will quickly forget it is there and personally I find them very comfortable and there is no reason you wouldn’t think the same.

I also find Nato straps are pretty comfortable right from the start. Some may need to be a little bit broken in, but even these are still comfortable. With some stiff leather straps for example, they can be quite uncomfortable until they are properly broken in.

(You can read more about – How Does A NATO Strap Differ From Other Types Of Watch Straps?)

Can NATO Straps Handle Rough Outdoor Activities or Water Exposure?

If there is one strap that is designed for rough activities or water …it’s a nato strap.

They were made for the military, so if it is good enough for them, I am sure it can handle whatever you are doing.

The strap is actually perfect for these kind of activities as it is made from material that is very durable and can cope with such conditions.

However, the way it is designed is also perfect for this type of activity. The way the strap goes through the spring bars, means that even if you manage to break one, the watch will still stay attached to your wrist, which is exactly what you want if you are doing something rough or are in the water. With any other type of strap the watch would fall off and be lost. 

Is It Necessary to Remove the Spring Bars to Install a NATO Strap?

This is a strange question. It’s a sort of yes, but no type answer.

You do need the spring bars on the watch. If you want to have the nato on the watch …you need the spring bars on the watch.

However, if you are removing a strap, to install a nato …then technically you need to remove the spring bars. You need to remove the spring bars so that you can remove the strap. You would then move that strap to the side and reinstall the spring bars, just on their own …then you would thread the nato through these.

So I guess the answer is. no, you must keep the springbars on ….but you must fierst remove them to remove any other straps. I hope that makes sense. 

Are NATO Straps Suitable for Formal Occasions?

Technically no, you shouldn’t wear a nato strap to a formal occasion …but let’s be honest, does anyone even know the rules for this type of thing anymore.  I imagine half the people there will be wearing smart watches, so is a nato strap really going to be a problem.

I personally wouldn’t do it, but I know some would, especially if it’s a nice watch …even if the general style isn’t quite fitting for a formal occasion. However, I would suggest you go with a subtle coloured strap, maybe a plain black or something similar, just to help not really draw attention to things.  

How Should I Clean and Maintain a NATO Strap?

As most natos are made from nylon they are easy to clean. You can simply add some washing powder into some hot water and just wash the strap by hand.

You could also put it into the washing machine. I would probably put it in the pocket of a pair of trousers, just to stop the buckle from bashing off the sides …although I would also just wash it by hand so I have more control over things.

Can NATO Straps Be Customized or Personalized?

This is a good question. I’ve not seen any services like this, but it could be possible. I am sure there will be a company that would at least allow you to pick a certain colour scheme …I’m not sure if that counts as customisation, or even if such a company exists.

The reality is that they are cheap straps and there is a million different colour options/designs already, and I am not sure if the market for customisation exists. All I can say is I am not aware of anywhere you can get this done, but if you know of a place, let me know.

What Are Some Popular Colour Options for NATO Straps?

Nato straps generally come in two main colour patterns, the first is just one solid colour, and the second is usually some form of striped band going along the length of the strap.

When it comes to colour, it’s hard to know exactly what is the most popular. I would say plenty of solid colour straps are sold. Things like black, green, navy and grey are always going to be favourites as they are so versatile. Then when it comes to the striped bands I really am not sure. There are so many options it hard to know what colour combination is most popular

However, there is one colour that is probably sold more than the rest combined l …I am sure you already know that James bond has wore a few watches on a nato …so it should be no surprise this colour option is extremely popular.

The Daniel Craig Omega Bond has two straps, the black and grey, which is probably the most popular version. I have two watches with this style of nato, so I guess that says it all. This colour combo is everywhere and if you already own a nato, it’s probably one of these.

You then have a 3 colour striped nato, with black, grey and a sort of yellow gold colour that goes with the Omega watch. These look cool but are not seen as often, so maybe they are not as popular. I had to dig around to find one on aliexpress, but they are out there is you look hard enough.

Then lastly you have the nato that was worn by Sean Connery on his Rolex. Anyone with a submariner style watch usually tries to get one of these to get that old school bond feel. These straps are red, olive green and black.    

Are There Any Specific Brands That Specialize in NATO Straps?

This is a tough question to answer as there is no immediate brand that jumps out. You can pretty much find nato straps anywhere you can buy watches, or watch straps and the majority of these are going to be unbranded, and a lot of these are going to be fine.

You can look on places like ebay, aliexpress and amazon and find some great deals. I would generally say that the super cheap ones are not great, and the overly expensive ones are no better than the mid range ones …so I would aim for anything in that middle area and you should end up with an okay strap.

If there is a company you already buy watch straps from and you like, I would imagine they also sell nato straps too, so I would check them out.

This may sound like I’m giving a very vague answer but when you look around you will see that there are literally thousands of different straps, and as I said, most are unbranded.  

Are NATO Straps Affordable Compared to Other Types of Watch Straps?

I would say yes. You can certainly find some extremely cheap nato straps. I think I have paid £3 before. I would say these are not the best quality, but even if you just go up in price a little bit, the quality is actually really good and I would say on average they are cheaper than other straps.

I think to get a decent leather strap for example, you would to pay a lot more than you would for a decent nato.

You can of course get some very expensive nato straps, if you want the bond nato from Omega its currently £330, which is insane …although their normal, plain natos are £170 which isn’t exactly cheap.

I haven’t seen any of these in person so I can’t comment on them, but I can’t imagine the quality is that superior to a strap that is10 times cheaper. I have a feeling a lot of that price is just for the Omega logo on the buckle and  then you are paying even more for the 007 branding on top.

Can NATO Straps Match Different Fashion Styles?

Absolutely, nato straps are perfect for matching with your fashion. You can get so many different colours that you should always be able to find an option that is going to suit what you are wearing.

Nato straps are going to work with most types of fashion, unless you are very formal, but even with this, you may get it to work. It depends on the watch as much as the strap, but you may be able to find a combination that you can pull off and tie in with your overall look. 

Do NATO Straps Have Any Historical Significance?

The history of nato straps is basically that they were produced for the British army and initially used by special forces, who where issued a dark grey colour strap that they found very practical for their activities.

Soon after this the strap was rolled out across the rest of the military and was available in different regimental colours. If you have ever seen British soldiers, they often wear belts with different stripes of colours. Each regiment has a different colour so they can tell each other apart and instantly know what unit someone belongs to.

The nato straps would be the same colour as these belts, so you could basically tell what unit someone belonged to even if they were not in uniform and of course these style of straps where rolled out across other NATO forces.  

This does mean if you have a colourful strap, you may be unknowing associating yourself with a regiment of the British military.

The name “nato strap” comes from the fact that every bit of uniform in the military has a stock number, which was also called a “NATO Stock Number” since the straps where, issued across all NATO forces, and the straps just became unofficially known as “nato straps” from this.

Can I Wear a NATO Strap with a Smart watch?

This will depend. If you have a smart watch that has the sensor stuff on the case back, to read your heart rate and all that good stuff …then you can’t use a nato.

A nato strap is going to go across the case back, so that sensor is going to be blocked by the fabric and then it will not be able to take your readings.

If your smart watch hasn’t got this function, and as long as it has normal lugs and spring bars …then you can wear a nato strap with it.

Can NATO Straps Add Character To A Watch?

I would say that a nato adds character to your watch and it will change the overall appearance of the watch. 

I personally find that a watch has a totally different look and feel when it is on different straps, and this is especially true when you use a nato strap.

The watch will seem a little more sporty and ready for anything, it will also appear more causal, but a sort of smart casual.  

I think this is because of the material, and the colour of the strap. Something about this combination will just add a lot of character and make it seem like a totally different watch.

This is why it is so important to own some nato straps, as you can quickly and easily change the feel of your existing watch without having to go and spend the money on buying a new watch.

(You can read more about – Smart Watches vs Mechanical Watches, What One Should You Get?)

Are NATO Straps More Suitable for Men or Women?

Nato straps are suitable for any one.

The only thing I would mention is that if you have a particularly thin wrist, natos can end up looking bulky. Once you buckle it up there can be a lot of the strap left and while you can fold this back on its self with the help of the loops, it can be a bit bulky looking.

This is often why people cut that extra flap of material out, as it can help reduce this. You can also try and find shorter natos, which should really help you reduce this problem.

Can a NATO Strap Make a Watch Feel Lighter on the Wrist?

Yes a nato strap will make a watch feel lighter.

Of course it depends on what you are swapping it with, as some straps may be as equally light, so you may not feel any difference. However, if you are swapping out a heavy, metal bracelet, you will notice that the watch feels much lighter.

Are There Any Specific Care Instructions for Leather NATO Straps?

Really you just need to treat a leather strap like any other leather strap …or product.

It may be a little stiff when you first get it but should break in and become very comfortable after a short while.

The only thing to careful with is getting it too wet. The occasional splash, or a bit of rain isn’t going to cause it too much trouble, but I would not go swimming with it on.

I would also be careful in the summer as you may get very sweaty under your wrist wearing it and this could cause damage, so maybe save it for the cooler months of the year.

You can wipe off any dirt with a damp cloth, but that is as much cleaning as you should do. Apart from that you don’t really need to do much more. Just wear the strap and enjoy it.

Are There Any Special Considerations for Wearing NATO Straps in Hot or Cold Climates?

Nato straps are going to be fine to wear in any conditions as they are very durable and robust.

They might actually be the best strap to wear as they are light weight and breathable, so they are not really going to cause you to sweat if it is too hot, or cause your wrist to get too cold if it is cold.

You can also easily adjust a nato, so if your wrist swells you can quickly accommodate for that.

Are Braided or Woven NATO Straps Available in the Market?

Good question. These are not common but you can find them.

A quick search for “perlon nato strap” should bring up what you are looking for. They are actually pretty nice straps and roughly the same price as any other nato straps.

Their woven material can add an extra layer of class to your watch and I would certainly recommend this style of nato. I think I need to get myself a few if I am honest.

Can I Wear a NATO Strap if I Have Sensitive Skin or Allergies?

Unfortunately I am not an expert on skin, so I don’t want to say for sure. Some cheaper natos can be a little stiff and plasticy, so these may irritate you, but I really don’t know. The softer ones are very comfortable, so I don’t think they would cause any irritation. 

They are just made from nylon, so I don’t see why they would cause you any trouble, but this is something you should really test out, or ask your doctor about.

The only rash I have heard in regards to a nato strap is “case back rash” which is basically when the nato sort of damages your case back …not your skin. If you keep a watch on a nato for a while it can kind of scuff the case back and you may often see the outline of where the strap had been, but this shouldn’t affect your arm at all.       

Are There Any Popular NATO Strap Combinations with Specific Watch Models?

This is not an easy question at all. The list is so long that you have to start wondering if it is not really a list and more of …natos work well with a lot of watches.

You of course have some watches that are sold with natos, so those combinations are both popular and work well. Just think of the Bond Omega, the Tudor Pelagos FXD or any number of field watches that are sold with natos.

Then really the list of what is popular on a nato is endless. Really all sorts of dive watches and field watches are most popular with natos, but you will see other classic combinations like the Rolex Explorer commonly seen on a nato.

Really if you like how your watch looks on a nato, that is all that matters.

(You can read more about – Are NATO Straps Suitable For All Types Of Watches?)

Are NATO Straps Suitable for Watches with Unique Lug Shapes?

This is a tough one to answer as it depends on the watch. Really you just need to try and put a nato on see how it looks.

So long as there is a spring bar, the strap should be able to go onto the watch, then it is just a matter of deciding if it looks good or not. 

A classic example of this is a G-shock. The actual lugs are quite small, but the straps they use kind of flare out and also almost integrate into the watch, so it looks pretty good and well tapered.

However, when you take this off and add a nato …it looks kind of weird. The watch is quite big, but you need to use a narrow strap to fit in the lugs and basically the proportions are off. You also no longer have that tapered effect that the issued strap has, so this doesn’t help.

A watch like this might been seen as “not suitable” but really this is for you to decide. If you like it, then it’s fine, go for it.

Can I Find Vintage or Retro-Style NATO Straps?

I am not sure if you can actually find these are not. The issue would be that they look exactly the same as the ones you can buy today.

So, in that sense, you can certainly find “retro style” with no problem …just buy any nato. If you are looking for actual vintage straps, this might be a bit harder.

The nato strap was first introduced back in the early 1970s, so really these original straps would have been made exactly how they are today. There is going to be very little difference, if anything.

The style hasn’t really changed. Maybe there are a few extra colours available today and you can get the buckles in a few more different shapes and colours …put apart from that they havnt changed.

Buying any nato strap is instantly going to give you that classic look, you don’t actually need a strap from the 1970s to achieve that.

Are NATO Straps Suitable for Everyday Wear or Just Casual Occasions?

I guess this question really comes down to what are you doing every day?

There is no reason why you cannot wear a nato strap every day, I certainly do …but I am always dressed casually and my watch and strap reflect that.

If you are maybe a little more formally dressed every day, then a nato may not work as well, but really it comes down to personal tastes. If you want to, and you like how it looks, then you can wear a nato strap all day, every day.  There is no reason why you cannot.

Can NATO Straps Enhance the Water Resistance of a Watch?

This is a bit of a yes and no answer.  No, a nato strap will not do anything for the water resistance of your watch. If you watch can’t handle water, nothing will change that.

However, if you have water resistant watch head …on a strap that can’t handle the water…then a nato can fix this.

Let’s say you have placed your dive watch on a leather strap. It may look nice, but you can’t go swimming with it now as the strap will get damaged, even though the head of the watch will be fine.

Swapping the leather strap for a nato is now going to mean that both the head of the watch and strap can both handle water …so now you can swim.

Can NATO Straps Prevent the Accidental Loss of a Watch?

Yes, this is one of the best reasons to wear a nato strap, as its design allows your watch to be more protected.

The strap loops through the spring bars, rather than being attached to them. This means that if one of the spring bars fails, the watch is still attached by the other spring bar.

If this happened on a regular strap, the whole strap would no longer be attached to the watch and it would fall, and if you don’t notice it falling …it’s lost forever.

(You can read more about – What Are The Advantages Of Using A NATO Strap?)

Are There Any Regulations or Guidelines for NATO Strap Manufacturing?

Interesting question, but honestly I have no idea.

Personally I have seen some pretty low quality nato straps. I remember opening one from its packet  and it had this awful plastic smell for a good few days, it was almost chemical/ petrol like and this strap was also very stiff and just not a great quality.

This makes me think that there are not many guidelines. Basically so long as it looks like a nato strap, it’s good to go.  This is why you see some really cheap ones, these usually don’t last that long and you can just tell they are not manufactured to the same level as some other ones.

The materials and the build are not quite the same.

Can I Use a NATO Strap on My Mechanical or Automatic Watch?

Yes. This is totally fine. I would probably say that most people who use nato straps are watch enthusiasts, who own mechanical watches which means there is nothing wrong with using them with an automatic watch, a quartz watch or even a digital watch.

Generally non-watch fans will just buy a watch that they like and keep it on the supplied strap until its breaks, they don’t really swap their straps around and have a collection of 10 different natos. They are only going to have a nato strap if that is what the watch came with.

I would strongly believe the majority of the watches you see out and about on a nato strap will be people who are watch enthusiasts and who own mechanical watches.

Are There Specific NATO Strap Options for Military-Themed Watches?

I feel like this is a confusing question … nato straps are military straps. So if you have a military style watch … any nato will be a good option.

I guess you can focus more on the colour of the strap, that is probably more sensible. Something like an orange strap isn’t very “military” so I guess you could go for a more subdue colour, like green or black. That would work well. I am also pretty sure they have camo natos, so maybe that would be something you are interested in.

Can I Find Extra-Long or Extra-Wide NATO Straps?

Yes you can. When you are buying the strap they should advertise how wide it is, this is so that it can fit on your watch. This does mean you need to go for the size that will fit your watch …not the size you would like.

If you are looking for an extra wide one, it probably isn’t going to fit on your watch, so if your watch has skinny lugs, you need a skinny strap.

As for length, this isn’t always advertised, but some sellers will mention it and some will give you different lengths. You will have to look around for the slightly longer ones, but you can find them easy enough.

Conclusion   

As you can see, there were some great questions here about nato straps.

Hopefully this helps you out, but if you still have a question, just ask and I will see if I can answer it and add it to this pile.