The NATO Strap: From Military Utility to Secret Agent Style
by: Scott Fahrney
Whether or not you know exactly what a NATO strap is, you’ve almost certainly seen one. Over the past decade, this simple nylon watch strap has become one of the most popular accessories in the watch world. From affordable Timex watches to luxury Rolex Submariners and even high-end Patek Philippes, NATO straps can be found on nearly every type of timepiece.
Some enthusiasts may scoff at the idea of attaching a $15 strap to a watch worth thousands of dollars, but the NATO strap offers something few alternatives can match: comfort, durability, versatility, and effortless interchangeability. While these straps are now ubiquitous, their origins can be traced back to a very specific moment in military history.
Where Did the NATO Name Come From?
Contrary to popular belief, NATO straps were not originally created specifically for NATO troops. The term “NATO strap” is believed to have evolved from the NATO Stock Number (NSN) assigned to the strap by military supply systems. The name stuck, despite having little direct connection to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization itself.
A more historically accurate name would actually be the “G10” strap.
In 1973, the British Ministry of Defence introduced the officially designated “Strap, Wrist Watch” under Defence Standard 66-15. Soldiers who wanted one had to complete a requisition form known as the G1098, commonly shortened to “G10.” Afterward, they could collect the strap from their unit’s supply stores. The nickname quickly became associated with the strap itself.
Built for Military Specifications
Although the Ministry of Defence gave the strap a rather generic name, its specifications were anything but generic.
The original G10 strap was made from durable nylon and produced exclusively in Admiralty Grey. It measured 20mm wide and featured chrome-plated brass hardware. Most importantly, it incorporated a secondary nylon section attached near the buckle.
This additional piece of nylon created a retention system designed to keep the watch securely in place. After threading the strap through the watch, the case sat within a secure pocket, preventing excessive movement on the wrist.
The design also provided an important safety feature. Because the strap passes behind the watch case, if one spring bar were to fail, the watch would remain attached to the wrist through the remaining spring bar. For military personnel operating in demanding environments, this redundancy was invaluable.
The Evolution of the NATO Strap
Since its introduction, the G10 strap has undergone only minor changes. Modern Ministry of Defence-issued versions have been reduced to 18mm to accommodate military-issued watches from the Cabot Watch Company and now feature stainless steel hardware rather than chrome-plated brass.
In 1978, Phoenix became the official manufacturer of Ministry of Defence-specification G10 straps. Today, collectors often regard Phoenix-made straps as the closest thing to the genuine article.
As the strap gained popularity within the British military, regiments began adopting variations featuring their own distinctive colors and stripe patterns. These striped versions would eventually inspire one of the most famous watch straps in popular culture.
Enter Style Influencer James Bond
As many of you know, I am a lifelong James Bond fan. The style of Ian Fleming’s literary spy and his cinematic counterparts has influenced many of my own fashion choices, including the addition of NATO-style straps to numerous watches in my collection.
In Goldfinger (1964), Sean Connery’s Bond famously checks the time on his Rolex “Big Crown” Reference 6538 Submariner. Attached to the watch is a striped nylon strap featuring navy blue, red, and green stripes.
Today, many enthusiasts refer to this as the “Bond NATO.” However, that’s not entirely accurate.
The strap worn by Connery actually predates the official NATO strap by nearly a decade. The military-issued G10 would not appear until 1973, nine years after Goldfinger premiered. Furthermore, Connery’s strap was a simple one-piece nylon design rather than the two-piece military specification NATO we recognize today.
The original Bond strap passed over one spring bar, underneath the caseback, and over the second spring bar. It lacked the secondary keeper section found on a true NATO strap. The excess strap length was secured through a simple nylon loop rather than the familiar NATO retention system.
Nevertheless, Bond’s choice helped introduce nylon straps to generations of watch enthusiasts.
Bond Brings the NATO Back
While Connery may have popularized nylon straps, it would take decades before they became mainstream.
In 2015’s SPECTRE, Bond returned to a true military-style NATO strap. This time, his Omega Seamaster 300 was outfitted by Q Branch with a black-and-gray striped NATO strap inspired by military heritage. Once again, the strap found itself in the spotlight, and manufacturers across the industry rushed to create their own versions.
The trend continued in 2021’s No Time To Die. Although Bond wore Omega’s titanium Seamaster Diver 300M on its now-famous mesh bracelet, fellow 00 agent Nomi was equipped with her own NATO-equipped Seamaster. Her strap featured black, tan, and gray tones that blended elements of the classic Goldfinger colors with the military-inspired palette seen in SPECTRE.
Most recently, the upcoming video game 007 First Light features a young James Bond selecting from several watches during his early career. His choice? An Omega Seamaster 300M Chronograph paired with a black, gray, and tan NATO strap—a fitting tribute to the strap’s enduring association with the world’s most famous secret agent.
Why I Wear NATO Straps
Many watch collectors dismiss NATO straps as inexpensive alternatives unworthy of luxury watches. I see them differently.
A NATO strap offers comfort, security, breathability, and practicality that many other strap options simply cannot match. During my own “secret missions” to Orlando, Florida, the combination of heat and humidity often leads me to reach for a NATO-equipped watch. Lightweight nylon remains comfortable throughout the day and dries quickly after exposure to water.
And despite their casual origins, James Bond has repeatedly demonstrated that a NATO strap can look perfectly at home with a tailored suit.
For this particular watch, I chose Omega’s No Time To Die-inspired NATO strap for my River Pilot. The warm tropical brown tones of the strap complement the aged lume and tropical accents found on both the bezel and dial, creating a cohesive look that feels intentional rather than an afterthought.
Final Thoughts
The NATO strap began as a simple military tool designed for reliability and function. More than fifty years later, it has evolved into one of the most versatile and beloved watch accessories available.
Whether you’re wearing a budget-friendly field watch, a treasured vintage piece, or a luxury timepiece, a NATO strap can completely transform the personality of your watch while adding a touch of military heritage and secret-agent cool.
So whatever watch is on your wrist today, consider giving it a NATO strap. You might just discover a new favorite combination—and perhaps channel a little bit of 007 along the way.
-Scott