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In the world of watch accessories, the NATO strap occupies a special place. Born in a military context, it has survived the ages to become a staple of clothing style. A look back at the history of this famous bracelet and its different variations.
The origins of the NATO stra
At the beginning of the 1970s, faced with the growing demand for resistant and comfortable watch straps for soldiers, the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) decides to create his own model. Thus in 1973, the first NATO bracelet was born under the official name of “G10”.
It owes its current name to the form number used by British soldiers to apply for it (NATO Stock Number).
NATO, equipment designed for the military world
The main objective of designing the NATO strap was to meet the specific requirements of armies in terms of robustness, practicality and comfort. For this, several key elements have been integrated:
- Matter : Nylon is chosen for its strength and lightness.
- Buckles: Stainless steel buckles are preferred for their strength and corrosion resistance.
- Sewing: The seams are reinforced to avoid any risk of tearing.
- Passing: An additional loop, called “keeper”, is added to ensure optimal support of the watch on the wrist.
With these characteristics, the NATO strap quickly became a standard in the military world and notably fitted the watches of British and American soldiers.
The success of the NATO strap with the general public
Over the years, the NATO strap has attracted a clientele well beyond the restricted circle of armies. Its sleek design and great versatility have indeed contributed to its success with the general public.
A vintage and timeless style
The NATO strap is often associated with an aesthetic vintage, reminiscent of the military watches of the 1960s-1970s. This retro aspect gives it an undeniable charm and makes it an ideal accessory to personalize a classic watch or bring a touch of originality to a modern outfit.
A wide range of materials and colors
Manufacturers of NATO straps now offer a multitude of variants, both in terms of materials and colors:
- Nylon: The historic material of the NATO strap comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing everyone to find the model that best suits their style.
- Leather : For lovers of noble materials, leather versions are also available. They offer a more chic and elegant appearance than nylon, while retaining the functional advantages of the NATO strap.
- Metal : More recently, NATO straps in stainless steel or Milanese mesh have appeared on the market. They seduce by their modernity and their luxurious side.
Choosing and buying a NATO strap: tips and tricks
The choice of a NATO strap must be made according to several criteria:
- The size : It is essential to check the width of the lug of your watch to choose a suitable strap. The total length of the bracelet can also be an important criterion, especially if you want to wear your watch in an adjusted or, on the contrary, loose way.
- The material : Nylon, leather or metal, it is necessary to take into account his preferences in terms of style and comfort.
- Finishes : The buckles and loops can be offered in different finishes (polished, brushed steel, black PVD, etc.), allowing you to further personalize your strap and match it with your watch.
Finally, to guarantee the durability of its purchase it is recommended to favour quality NATO straps, made with resistant materials and meticulous finishes.
Whether worn on a vintage or contemporary watch, the NATO strap bears witness to a timeless style that transcends eras and fashions. Heritage of a military history, it stands out today as an essential accessory for lovers of watches and fashion.
