How to care for a NATO strap?

Easy to wear daily, the nylon NATO strap requires little maintenance. However, regular cleaning preserves the flexibility of the weave, the clarity of the colors, and the comfort of the strap. Discover all our fabric watch straps for men.

After a swim in the pool or a dip in the sea:

• Remove the strap from the watch when possible.
• Rinse it quickly and thoroughly with fresh water.
• Gently massage the weave to dislodge residue.
• Pat it with a clean towel without twisting it.
• Let it air dry naturally in a ventilated area.
• Wait until it is perfectly dry before putting it back on.

Avoid using a hairdryer, radiator, or tumble dryer. Excessive heat can alter the synthetic fibers, stitching, or finishes of the strap.

Can you swim with a NATO strap?

A nylon NATO strap can be worn for swimming, provided the watch itself is suitable for swimming or diving. Nylon can withstand moisture and dries faster than leather, making it a practical material for water activities.

Its construction is also an advantage. The strap passes under the watch case and around both spring bars. If one of them were to detach, the watch could remain secured by the second one.

• Always check the watch's water resistance before swimming.
• Regularly check the condition of the spring bars and buckle.
• Rinse the strap after each exposure to salt or chlorine.
• Remove any sand grains that may remain in the weave.
• Let the NATO dry before wearing it for several hours.

Seawater and chlorinated water can gradually dull certain colors if they remain in the fibers for too long. Immediate rinsing with fresh water limits this phenomenon.

Leather NATO straps should not be submerged unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. For a Vegan NATO, it is also necessary to verify that the material used is compatible with swimming. Discover all our men's watch straps.

How long does a NATO dry?

A nylon NATO generally dries in a few hours when properly wrung out and placed in a dry, well-ventilated area. However, the time required depends on the thickness of the weave, the ambient humidity level, and the amount of water retained around the seams.

To speed up drying without damaging the strap:

• Blot excess water with an absorbent towel.
• Lay the NATO flat or hang it by the buckle.
• Separate the different parts of the strap to allow air to circulate.
• Turn it over after a few hours if the underside remains damp.
• Avoid direct exposure to strong heat sources.

A strap may appear dry on the surface while the seams or folds remain damp. Before putting it back on, check the areas near the buckle, loops, and tip, where residue tends to accumulate.

For people who swim regularly, alternating between two NATO straps allows the first one to dry completely before a new use.

Can this strap be cleaned with soap and water?

The nylon NATO strap can be cleaned with water and a small amount of mild soap. This washing removes perspiration, dust, sunscreen residue, and dirt accumulated between the fibers.

For a thorough cleaning, first remove the strap from the watch. Use lukewarm or cold water, never hot, then apply a mild soap without bleaching agents. Gently rub the nylon with your fingers or a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly until all traces of soap are gone. Then let it air dry completely.

When the dirt is more stubborn, the strap can be left in soapy water for a few minutes before being gently brushed. Pay particular attention to the adjustment holes, the tip, and the areas near the loops, where residue tends to accumulate.

Avoid bleach, solvents, aggressive stain removers, and stiff brushes. These products can weaken the weave, alter colors, or damage metallic finishes.

The cleaning frequency depends on how often the strap is used. After swimming, a simple rinse with fresh water is usually sufficient. A soap wash can be done as soon as the strap shows visible marks or retains perspiration odors.

Which NATO to choose for a diving watch?

For a diving watch, choose a NATO nylon strap with a dense weave, equipped with a solidly assembled buckle and strong stitching. Its width must exactly match the lug width of the watch, generally 18, 20, or 22 mm depending on the case dimensions.

Choose nylon suitable for regular contact with water and a length compatible with your wrist size. Also, check that the space between the case and the spring bars allows the strap to pass easily, without excessive friction. Before each dive, inspect the condition of the spring bars, stitching, and buckle to ensure the watch is securely held.

Visible and contrasting colors enhance the sporty look of technical watches, especially when combined with a dark dial. The striped yellow and black nylon NATO watch strap adopts the visual codes of the diving world: black emphasizes the character of the case, while yellow adds a dynamic and easily identifiable touch.

Well-maintained, a nylon NATO remains a practical solution to accompany a diving watch, a sports watch, or a timepiece worn during the summer. Discover the watch strap trend.