Workshops

Fitting a NATO Strap

NATO straps are a cheap alternative to steel and leather. Here's how to get one onto your watch.

You can find NATO straps at any watch fair for about 10 to 20 euros. They're another alternative to a steel or leather strap and give the watch a different look.

NATO straps

The NATO strap gets its name from the standard-issue watch strap of the British Ministry of Defence (MOD). The original comes in just one version: Admiralty Gray, 20 mm wide, chrome-plated brass. It's called the G10 and has a NATO stock number that service members can order it under (Army/Navy 6645-99-124-2986 and RAF 6645-99-527-7059).

Rolex Submariner on an olive green NATO strap, lying on a diamond plate — Rolex Submariner on an olive green NATO strap.

Olive green NATO strap with buckle and metal keepers on a diamond plate — A typical NATO strap.

Here's a short guide to putting a NATO or Zulu strap on a watch. Just work through the pictures step by step.

Step 1

Thread the strap through the upper lugs

Step 2

Thread the strap through the lower lugs

Step 3

Through the metal keeper

Step 4

Through the buckle

Step 5

Through both keepers

Step 6

Tuck in the loose end

Zulu straps

A Zulu strap is a very sturdy NATO strap and much thicker. It has thick, round rings and solid welding. A Zulu looks great on a bigger watch, while a NATO suits a slim, smaller one better (though that's a matter of taste). Because of the thickness, a Zulu doesn't fit every watch, since sometimes there's too little room between the spring bar and the case.

Where to buy NATO and Zulu straps

The easiest place to find NATO straps in bulk is any watch fair. Quality varies a lot, though. And if you have a big wrist, most NATO straps are borderline too short.

The retailer Miros Time also carries straps in large sizes and different types, like NATO and Zulu straps or two-piece straps. At 10 to 20 euros, they're pretty affordable.

Another good retailer is GasGasBones from England. They offer unusual NATO straps, like ones with lettering for the Omega Speedmaster (see the "SPV3" strap).