Standard Issue: History Of The Nato Watch Strap
Military standards have set the benchmark for purely functional design and we often refer to them when strategizing our own gear. We want our clothing, and now watches, to last and get you where you need to go! From military frontlines to fashion headlines, the NATO watch strap is one of those time-tested pieces that has remained largely unchanged over the years and is always built to perform.
The NATO strap, originally outlined in the British Ministry of Defence Standard 66-15 in 1973, was designed to be a fail-safe option for the best of the best in survival scenarios. To get their hands on one, soldiers had to fill out a G1098 form — the watches were nicknamed "G10" and later "NATO," referring to their NATO Stocking Number. The first run was in the utilitarian Admiralty Grey and, over time, more colors and stripes became available, allowing soldiers to show their allegiance to their respective units.
Military specs ensure all equipment is manufactured to the highest standard of performance, durability, and repairability. The woven nylon construction was considered a more rugged alternative — more breathable, easier to clean, and quicker to dry — than the traditional leather or metal straps, and could withstand the elements. Whipping wind? Downpour? Salt spray? Dry desert heat? No sweat. The solid wrap-around strap would wear comfortably in all-weather conditions, without restricting movement. When they wear through, NATOs can be easily swapped out, keeping the mechanics going indefinitely.
We recently partnered with the legendary watchmakers at Breitling on a heritage timepiece, with an interchangeable NATO strap. Ours are woven with ECONYL® regenerated nylon, made from ghost fishing nets and other textile waste — the first regenerated nylon option on the market! The vibrant blue we launched with represents our allegiance to the ocean, and we’ll soon offer a range of other colors.
Over time, the NATO design has found its way into everyday civilian style and is increasingly popular today. No matter the application, the NATO strap continues to serve its original purpose as a reliable piece of equipment that gets us where we need to go, on time.
