Leather or steel? The choice of your watch strap isn’t limited to these two options. More and more brands are also turning to the Nato strap, and not just for entry-level models.
Comfortable, durable, often colorful, this one does not lack advantages throughout the year. So, to bring a touch of lightness to your wrist, here are some of the most beautiful watches of the moment with a Nato strap.
What is the Nato bracelet?
For those who have a basic understanding of history (and English), the term NATO inevitably brings to mind the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO in English, OTAN in French). And even though it doesn’t directly refer to the famous organization, the wristband of the same name certainly draws its origin from the military world.
The story tells that it was initially developed for the British armed forces in 1973. Designed to maximize safety and comfort, this type of bracelet is made from a single piece of woven nylon. Easy to “install” (and to change), the Nato strap slides under the watch case, passing through the two bars, ensuring a sturdy and stable fastening.
This type of bracelet is also appreciated for its water and sweat resistance, making it the ideal companion for outdoor activities and humid environments. It’s no coincidence that it is found on many sports watches and toolwatches.
To be complete, let’s add that the name “NATO” would come from the NATO stock number, which was used to standardize equipment within the armies of member countries. The format of the stock number, which includes specific codes for each type of item, led to the designation “NATO” for these straps. They were first introduced in the British army in the form of “G10 straps”, named after the G1098 form that soldiers had to fill out to obtain them.
While it may have sometimes been poorly regarded by purists, who preferred leather, steel, or even rubber, the nylon strap is now enjoying widespread popularity. This is due to its comfort and relaxed style, of course, but not only that. Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, it offers great customization options, making it easy to match one’s watch to their outfit for the day.
💡Essential reading : Here are the different types of watch straps you need to know
Our selection of 5 watches with a Nato strap
From the most affordable to the most luxurious, you will see that the Nato strap is found in very different watch brands. Discover our selection of 5 beautiful watches with a nylon strap to prepare for the arrival of good weather!
Briston Clubmaster Sport Acetate Chrono
The Clubmaster from Briston has been a solid choice in its category for many years now. Priced around 350€, this watch displays a recognisable vintage look with its 42 mm acetate cushion case.
Frequently reinterpreted by Briston, this model is also capable of displaying a more contemporary, sporty face. With its white dial and black counters, the Clubmaster reveals a very chic panda side, while its green nylon strap allows it to express its adventurous side.
Powered by an automatic Miyota OS21 movement and waterproof to 100 meters, this watch therefore shines with its versatility.
Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition Auto
Hamilton didn’t wait for nylon to become trendy before using it to dress its watches. His iconic Khaki Field, one of the most popular military-inspired watches, frequently showcases it.
Comfortable on any terrain, this field watch plays the explorer with the Expedition line, launched in 2023. With its design inspired by a compass, Hamilton’s tool watch had managed to surprise us once again. Still as rugged and stylish, it now comes with new Nato straps, available on both 37 and 41 mm versions.
Our favorite variant? The navy blue watch that breaks (slightly) the rules by moving away from the usual shades of beige, green or khaki.
Elka X09
It certainly doesn’t have the popularity of the Khaki Field, but the Elka X series has little to envy about its rival. Lacking the firepower of the Swatch Group (to which Hamilton belongs), Elka is one of those brands to follow that we like to talk about on Masculin.com.
Relaunched in 2022 after disappearing in the 1960s, Elka draws its inspiration precisely from the sixties in its various collections. The Elka X series is the one that is currently most successful, probably due to the simplicity of its design… but with a little something extra. The proof with this X09-0901 model whose gradient dial features Superliminova numbers with a “burnt by time” effect.
Benefiting from 68h of power reserve thanks to the La Joux Perret G100 movement, this Elka watch features a beige nylon Nato strap.
Bremont Terra Nova
Historically, the “real” Nato bracelet was supposed to be tricolor. As a British brand, Bremont therefore had to respect this tradition! This Terra Nova presented at Watches & Wonders subtly revisits the classic field watch with its 40.5 mm cushion case.
With its shortened horns, this watch displays very dynamic and contemporary lines, an impression reinforced by the dial where oversized indices and a “broken” railway minute track coexist.
Powered by a modified in-house Calibre (11 1/2” BE-36AE), this Terra Nova earns its name from the world map engraved on the back of the case. Lastly, it should be noted that Bremont watches are made to order, by hand: so, 4 to 6 weeks are therefore necessary before hoping to wear it on your wrist!
Breguet Type XX
Who said that the Nato strap was reserved for “cheap” watches? Nylon also has a say in luxury watchmaking and Breguet perfectly proves this by now dressing its Type XX with this famous fabric.
Available in sand, green, and gray shades, these new straps bring a breath of fresh air to the Breguet collection, without “sacrificing its historical essence”. The iconic aviator’s watch also draws its inspiration from the military world, having been used by Air Force pilots in the late 1950s.
Relaunched in 2023, it retains its easily recognizable style, with its three counters on the dial, its case topped with a graduated bezel and its date window at 4:30. All powered by a 728-1 movement providing 60h of power reserve.
Even without mentioning the case of Daniel Wellington watches, many affordable brands offer sometimes very colorful Nato straps, transforming the simple watch into a fashion watch. Among the most recommendable, we particularly think of LIP and Kelton. If you have a slightly more comfortable budget, do not hesitate to discover the collections Auricoste, March LA.B, Oris, ZRC…
Finally, how can one not mention the magnificent Seamaster by Omega, particularly captivating when it dons its black and gray Nato suit worthy of James Bond?
[bzkshopping keyword=”men’s nato watch”]