The Best NATO Watch Straps For Military-Inspired Style

You might be surprised to learn that something as seemingly innocuous and simple as a watch strap could actually have a long and somewhat complicated history. But that’s exactly the case with NATO watch straps. The common belief is that these straps were first issued to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) troops so that they could wear wristwatches on the battlefield. The truth, however, is that NATO – in regards to watch straps – is short for NSN, or NATO Stocking Number, which is really just a reference to the system used to document goods by the NATO alliance. This type of strap happened to be a common enough item amongst the NATO alliance to acquire the association, but singular enough that it stands out as unique. In any case, the following are our picks for the best NATO watch straps out there today.

Today, what makes a NATO strap a NATO strap is its format. Yes, format, not materials. Most commonly and historically, NATO straps were/are made from nylon, but this is not a requirement to fit into the category. In fact, what makes it a NATO is this: it must be a single piece (rather than two, as with common leather buckled straps or metal bands) and it must have thin metal hardware (namely a buckle and loops/keepers through which the strap is slipped). The thinness is actually important in this case because thicker hardware would actually designate the strap as a Zulu rather than a NATO, but that’s a tale for another time. 

What we today know as the NATO strap first appeared in 1973, courtesy of the British Ministry of Defence (or “MoD”). Initially, these straps were only available to active-duty military personnel serving in the ranks of the MoD. In order for soldiers to acquire one, they were required to fill out what was called a G1098 form — or “the G10” for short. So, despite officially being dubbed the “Strap, Wrist Watch,” this style of band was often referred to as the “G-10.”  Though it was originally only offered in  “Admiralty Grey,” it wasn’t long before the MoD started offering the G10 strap in a variety of different regimental colors from different units. Regardless of the color, these 20mm straps were constructed from woven nylon and features chrome-plated brass buckles and keepers. 

As the years marched on, NATO bands were adopted by an enormous number of different military forces from all over the globe. This unsurprisingly lead to updated and evolved takes on these straps, though at their core they all remain lightweight, rugged, and largely utilitarian in nature. These straps were also loved by soldiers for their ability to be worn on top of their uniform, plus the strap setup featured a clever built-in fail-safe to ensure users wouldn’t lose their watch if a spring bar broke. And while they were once lately utilized by military personnel, NATO straps have more recently become an incredibly popular fashion accessory that’s now paired with everything from budget Timex models to top-shelf Swiss-made timepieces. 

Nowthat you’re up to speed on just what exactly a NATO strap is and its history, let’s delve into the benefits and advantages that these military-style straps offer. 

Durability: One of the most obvious benefits of NATO straps is their immense durability. Designed to stand up to the intense rigors of combat and other military use, NATO straps are heavily resistant to tearing and abrasions and are practically impervious to dirt, sand, mud, or the elements. 

Comfort: As just a simple piece or woven nylon or other fabric, NATO straps are unsurprisingly very comfortable to wear. There are also more high-end takes on NATO bands such as leather-lined straps that further bolster comfort while on-wrist. NATO straps are also incredibly lightweight — another contributing factor to both their overall appeal, and immense levels of comfort. 

Ease Of Swapping: The ease of swapping out NATO straps is another blatant benefit to these items. Unlike alloy bracelets that require a spring-bar tool to mount or remove, NATO straps can be installed without needing any tools — or any experience for that matter. These items simply slip through a case’s spring bars, wind back around, and then mount to the wearer’s wrist. 

Color Options: Unlike the original G10 strap, modern NATO bands are produced in an enormous range of colors and patterns. From classic military colors to striped models to speckled straps to pattern-printed bands, there are literally thousands of different models on the market to pick from — making it particularly easy to personalize any watch. 

Built-In Failsafe: NATO bands also have the added benefit of featuring a design that sees the band loop back around a second time. With a normal strap, bracelet, or band, if the watch loses one of its spring bars, the entire watch will fall off the wearer’s wrist. With NATO straps, however, this system ensures the timepiece remains on its wearer’s wrist even if a spring bar breaks or fails. 

Ability To Remain In Place: Unlike alloy bracelets which can often cause the watch to move around on the wrist due to their weight, NATO bands do a phenomenal job of remaining in place. 

Price: As if all of the above reasons weren’t enough, NATO straps are made all the more appealing by the fact that they are extremely affordable. This makes it relatively inexpensive to acquire NATO straps in a host of different colors, allowing you to easily change up the look and feel of your watch (or watches) without even coming close to breaking the bank. 

Crown and Buckle Standard NATO

Best Budget Strap: Though we only have one pictured above (their “Time For A Cure” option), Crown & Buckle actually has one of the more vast collection of NATO watch straps (and just watch straps in general), both in relation to size, color-way, and material thickness. The sizes range from 16-24 millimeters; the offer standard, premium, or heavy duty; and, as far as colors go, you’ll just have to see for yourself. This is probably the best place to start for anyone looking for consistent quality, but a wide range of style options for their favorite chronograph.

BluShark Original Premium Nylon Strap

Best Ballistic Nylon Strap: Similarly to Crown & Buckle, BluShark offers many color options when it comes to their NATO watch strap – though their sizes are limited to 18-24 millimeter. Still, that tends to be a wider range than most people need for their wristwatch collection. Regardless, their nylon straps are reliable, handsome, and are easily paired to the rest of your everyday carry loadout. So whether you’re going for a hard tactical vibe or something more fun and casual, BluShark has you covered.

Maratac Mil-Nato Bands

Best Mil-Spec Strap: What’s special about these NATO straps is that they were actually modeled after the U.K. Ministry Of Defense (the first organization to make them) specifications and then made even better. Which means that these aren’t just up to military-spec, they’re superior to the standards by a long shot. And that’s a huge benefit to anyone who wants a NATO strap but has been worried about whether or not they are tough enough to take a bit of punishment. Let us assure you, these ones are.

ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military Watch Strap

Best Vintage Reissue: Offered in nine color options across two sizes (20mm and 22mm), the ZULUDIVER 1973 British Military Watch Strap is a modern homage to the original G10 strap. Machine-washable, this woven close-grain construction offers a three-dimensional look, plus boasts anti-lint properties. Completely waterproof, this strap features a core-spun HydraRib nylon construction paired with a buckle and hardware crafted from 304 stainless steel. The strap also benefits from the use of high-temperature color dying, ensuring the straps hue won’t fade over time. 

Phenome Straps Nylon Strap

Best Striped NATO Strap: The Phenome Straps Nylon Strap is a minimalistic, no-fuss NATO strap that encapsulates everything that’s made these military-style bands so popular. This retro-inspired design is offered in a myriad of different solid and striped color options. The use of a premium nylon construction also ensures ample longevity. What’s more, in addition to sporting a custom-branded stainless steel buckle, this strap’s hardware is also offered in a brushed or polished finish. 

ADPT Strap US-Made Mil-Strap

Best American-Made Strap: Currently the only American-made nylon strap of its kind, the ADPT Strap US-Made Mil-Strap is a high-end take on a NATO strap that’s carefully crafted from a premium material selection. Produced in a dozen colors, the US-Made Mil-Strap sports a rugged 420-denier nylon construction that’s been complemented via a buckle and hardware composed of 316L stainless steel — a popular case construction on luxury watches. The attention to detail on this strap is also second to none, with an overall fit and finish that’s on par with a great many of the luxury watches it can be paired with.

David Lane Design Mil Spec Strap

Best Leather Strap: Chicago-based Horween makes some of the finest USA-made leather products available just about anywhere. So, you shouldn’t be shocked to find that this David Lane NATO strap, which is made from their leather, is one of the best in the world. It comes in three different colors, all of which are mated to polished stainless steel hardware, and it’s sure to step up the style of any chronograph, aviator, or minimalist watch you own.

Omega NATO Strap

Best Luxury Strap: If you’re not familiar, Omega is legendary in the watch world. After all, they are one of the brands that James Bond likes to wear. As such, you can bet that their NATO offering is one of the best on the market. And it’s not just the greater item, but there are subtleties you won’t see elsewhere – like in the boxy shape of the polished loops/keepers or the tiny Omega icon set into the buckle. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll pay a premium price if you want the best out there.

The Best Summer Watch Straps

Want to check out another selection of great aftermarket bands? Then be sure to head over to our guide to the best summer watch straps for our favorite warm-weather picks.