Which NATO strap to choose for a first watch?

Choosing a NATO strap for a first watch allows you to easily customize your timepiece according to your taste, outfit, or the season. Whether in leather, fabric, or vegan material, it stands out with its flexible construction and its pass-through design under the watch case.

Before purchasing, start by measuring the lug width of the watch. Also, observe the color of the dial, hands, and indices to create a harmonious combination. The material should be suitable for your daily use, while the buckle can be chosen to match the finish of the watch case. The thickness of the watch and the strap should also be considered to maintain good comfort on the wrist.

Regarding color, a solid navy blue, grey, black, or khaki NATO strap often represents a versatile choice. Striped models, on the other hand, allow for a stronger assertion of the watch's character.

Leather NATO, fabric NATO, or Vegan NATO?

There isn't one material that is superior to the others. The choice mainly depends on your sensibility, your clothing style, and the conditions in which you wear your watch. Each version of the NATO strap has its own qualities. Discover all our men's watch straps.

The leather NATO for an elegant look

Leather brings depth and a more dressy dimension to the NATO strap. It particularly complements classic dials, mechanical watches, and vintage-inspired cases. Over time, its surface can develop a patina and a personal appearance.

• Provides a warm and refined look.
• Matches both dressy and casual outfits.
• Enhances classic and vintage watches.
• Develops a unique patina for its user.
• Offers a supple and enveloping feel.

The leather NATO is particularly suitable for a watch worn at the office, during an event, or with an outfit made of natural materials.

The Vegan NATO for an animal-free alternative

The Vegan NATO is for people who want to avoid animal-derived materials. Depending on its composition, it can have a smooth, grained, or textile surface and adopt an appearance similar to leather while maintaining a contemporary identity.

• Offers an alternative to traditional leather.
• Suits consumption preferences without animal materials.
• Offers different textures and finishes.
• Easily integrates with a modern watch.
• Allows for variations in colors and material effects.

The flexibility, maintenance, and evolution of the strap depend on the material used. It is therefore advisable to carefully consult its composition before making your choice.

The fabric NATO for its versatility

The fabric or nylon NATO is appreciated for its lightness, easy maintenance, and variety of colors. Its casual character suits sports, military, or contemporary watches, but also classic models that one wishes to modernize.

• Remains light on the wrist.
• Dries quickly after being moistened.
• Cleans easily with warm water.
• Offers many color combinations.
• Suitable for daily and summer use.

A solid color remains easy to wear for a first watch. A striped model is a good option to pick up the color of a hand, an index, or a detail on the dial. Discover all our men's fabric watch straps.

Leather NATO, fabric NATO, or Vegan NATO: each has its advantages. The best option is the one that matches your watch, your daily life, and your personal taste.

Why do watch enthusiasts appreciate NATO straps?

The NATO strap is closely associated with British military history. The regulated model created in 1973 by the British Ministry of Defense was made of grey nylon and measured 20 mm wide. Its system allowed the watch to remain on the wrist even if one of the spring bars failed.

Beyond its functional aspect, it now evokes a form of British elegance, both sporty and casual. Its stripes, inspired by regimental colors, have contributed to building an immediately recognizable aesthetic.

James Bond also helped make the striped textile strap iconic. In Goldfinger, released in 1964, Sean Connery wears a watch on a striped strap. This was not yet a true NATO, as the British regulated model was only created in 1973, but this appearance permanently associated textile stripes with the world of the secret agent.

Watch enthusiasts particularly appreciate the NATO for several reasons:

• Allows for quick transformation of a watch's appearance.
• Recalls the world of military watches and tool watches.
• Holds the case thanks to its pass-through design under the spring bars.
• Offers numerous combinations of materials and colors.
  

A classic watch can thus become sportier with a striped NATO, while a technical watch gains elegance with a leather model.

Which NATO for a dress watch?

A dress watch is generally characterized by a thin case, a clean dial, and discreet proportions. To preserve this elegance, favor a simple, thin, and well-proportioned NATO strap so as not to excessively elevate the watch case.

Leather is a natural option. A smooth or slightly grained strap, in a black, brown, navy blue, or cognac shade, harmoniously accompanies a classic dial. A Vegan NATO with a leather appearance can also suit this type of watch.

To maintain a balanced look, choose a solid color or subtle stripes, match the buckle to the color of the case, and avoid overly strong contrasts with a very clean dial. You can also pick up a shade present on the hands or indices to create a subtle reminder.

A red and navy striped nylon NATO watch strap can bring a more assertive touch to a dress watch. The red should then remain delicate, especially on a black, white, silver, or navy blue dial.

Which NATO for a sports watch?

A sports watch easily accepts contrasting colors, stripes, and technical weaves. Lightweight and easy to maintain, the nylon NATO strap is particularly suitable for regular use. It accompanies a dive watch as well as a chronograph or a model inspired by the automotive world.

To create a harmonious association, you can pick up the color of a hand or a marker on the dial. Combinations of black and orange, blue and red, or khaki and beige reinforce the dynamic character of the case, while a contrasting shade highlights its sporty lines.

Also, make sure to choose a sturdy buckle, matching the finish of the watch, and verify that the strap easily passes between the case and the spring bars.

The orange and black striped nylon NATO watch strap is particularly suitable for chronographs, black dials, and watches inspired by the automotive world. Orange energizes the whole, while black maintains a more subdued look.

Which NATO for a vintage watch?

For a vintage watch, choose a NATO strap that respects the style and proportions of the case. For an old watch with a small diameter, opt for a thin model, in soft nylon or patinated leather, so as not to make the whole look too heavy.

A brown, cognac, or black leather NATO reinforces the authentic and elegant character of the watch. A khaki, beige, grey, or navy blue fabric strap is more suitable for military-inspired models, field watches, or old chronographs.

The color can also echo a detail on the dial, hands, or indices. Striped models go particularly well with vintage watches inspired by aviation, the army, or car racing.

Discover the watch strap trends.