Why nato watch strap

Welcome to Further Details , a recurring column where we investigate what purpose an oft-overlooked product element actually serves. This week: the extra keeper and length of material on the underside of NATO watch straps. NATO straps are a fun, inexpensive and easy way to add some color and uniqueness to a watch. NATOs are such a hit, however, that many people probably never question one key element of their design: why is there an extra length of strap that folds under the watch?

A one-piece strap that simply passes under the spring bars and over the body of the watch would seem to work just fine, but NATOs have yet another layer of material that sits between watch and wrist. The dedication to quality shows through mostly in the nylon portion of the strap, which is thick, dense, hard-wearing and cleanly cut.

Not only does this part of the NATO strap design seem unnecessary, but it creates further bulk by causing the strap to sit higher on the wrist — so much so that if you want to make a small watch wear more prominently , a NATO strap serves as a good solution. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. A favorite among the British Special Forces, the strap became an icon of spartan ruggedness and simple reliability. Even if one of the lugs were to fail, the watch would remain on the band.

To see how to install a NATO strap, check out our step-by-step guide. Because there are so many NATO straps on the market, customers need to be careful when choosing one. Putting a valuable watch on a budget NATO band runs the risk of a lost timepiece.

Our buckles are of the highest quality and will stand up to daily life bumps and dings with ease. It can feel at home in just about any setting. Beyond aesthetic, the NATO straps worn by civilians today retain the same appeal to durability and practicality as in its design at the outset.

Get the latest updates. The NATO strap: more than a fashion statement In recent years, popularity over the simple, yet iconic, stainless steel watch bracelet with customisable stripes has been all the buzz in the watch industry. Photo by Francis Flinch. Photo by Harland Quarrington — MoD.