All you need to know about nato straps history bond nato strap pros and cons exclusive watch straps trusted shops certified. Called the g10 by members of the british military because of the form used to requisition the strap and other items from inventory, the reason it got its nato name is because the strap has a nsn or nato stock number which identifies this type of strap. Look online, however, and youll find fewer references to the usm strap compared to the nato and another closely related band, the zulu passthrough strap. Nato watch strap band g10 nylon military diver utc raf stitched bonded iw suisse. The most notable feature of a nato strap is its singlepiece. Heat sealed heavy nylon g10 nato watch band, james bond heavy nylon strap, ladder lock slider buckle perlon watch strap, sandwich nylon armband, water repellent 3d nylon band, etc. Nov 25, 20 first timer will ever wonder how nato g10 strap works. Which do you prefer the standard g10 or the raf nato and why. Gear patrol studios is the creative partnership arm of gear patrol. Also we cover the bund strap, from luftwaffe equipment to modern fashion. The only proper name for the genuine article is g10, which means that anything other than the true military issue can be called whatever you like. It came about because the official g10 also has a nato stocking number nsn. The more appropriate name for the nato strap is actually the g10.
Nato watch straps, or as known as nato straps were developed by the british ministry of. Nato bands these bands are imported directly from the uk no one else sells them in the us others are copies these are made to the specifications of the british ministry of defence one size fits all colors are shown ask for other colors and sizes besides the standard 18, 20 and 22mm. No is not a g10 because it predates the classification by more than a. Moving on to other members of the nato strap family, theres the us military usm strap. The history of the nato watch strap nato straps in the. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns. What are the differences between the raf, nato, nato xii, z3 nato, z5 nato, and z5 xii nato straps. General questions where is the nato strap company located. We offer delivery worldwide by fully trackable and insured registered mail at a single flat rate which is 11. When they inquired, their brothers in arms instructed them to fill out a g10 to complete a requisition form to acquire one of the nylon webbing. G10 straps were sold in military surplus shops around the. Gnomon watches has over 100,000s satisfied customers and dealers worldwide.
However, these trusty and dynamic straps have absolutely nothing to do with the north atlantic treaty organization formed in 1949. Nato straps have an additional strap that slides through the 2 lugs, so you have 2 straps of nylon under the watch, instead of one. One straps stripe pattern has become more famous than all the rest, but to call it a g10 or a nato strap is actually a misnomer as it was filmed 9 years before the g10 was produced, but when sean connerys bond famous big crown submariner appeared in in goldfinger, he revealed an interestingly striped nylon strap. A visual glossary to the other half of a watchs appearance. According to ned fredericks excellent page on seiko raf chronos, the raf didnt adopt the nato until 1992, and the british army and navy used a predecessor nato. The first nato straps were made of grey woven nylon, and their buckles and keepers were made of chromiumplated brass. In 1973, the nato strap was firstly known as g10 band. It comes with a nylon keeper and a steel pin buckle. After searching the archive and current threads, i was surprised not to find any history on the intro of the nato strap. To retell an oft told story, the nato strap originated as a standard issue strap for the watches of british servicemen.
Heres why everyone needs to own a nato strap nylon, g10, phoenix, zulu, perlon. The nato watch strap was originally called a g10 and was a product of the british ministry of defense. These characteristics give our nato watch strap history of high significance. Buy zulu g10 nato military watch strap 3 ring pvd watch band black 22mm watch band and other watch bands at. The legendary nato strap was based on the british ministry of defence standard 6647. The birth of the nato watch strap a history of the nato. As economical as it is to acquire, these amazing nylon military style watch straps can be seen on anything from a sensible timex to expensive rolexes. A comprehensive guide to the best watch straps primer magazine. Sometimes these straps are known as g10 straps, as they were used on w10 watches. Originally developed for british army soldiers in the 1970s, the nato strap originally debuted under the name g10, a title taken from the form for requisition. Nato watch strap history articles clockwork synergy. A few years ago, gq magazine ran an article on bonds gizmos and gadgets, including his watches and gq approached the mod strap manufacturer to commission the bond strap for a competition. Infantry 22mm 20mm nato watch strap nylon fabric military g10 4 rings divers heavy duty strong watch band. The nato designation came about in reference to the digit inventory nato stock number nsn assigned to the strap.
Thus, a member of the military who wore it did not call it a nato strap but a g10. In the first of this threepart series, were focusing on everything you need to know about nato and zulu straps, the differences between the two and why the trend is still as popular as ever. Clockwork synergy nato watch straps are made of a durable, yet flexible, highquality nylon blend, but not at the expense of comfort. Buy ohflash 22mm dark brown vintage leather zulu g10 nato militaty watch strap with stainless steel rings and other watch bands at. High quality nato strap in black and grey stripes, made of seat belt style woven nylon fitted with high grade black pvd. The original nato watch straps were created by great britains ministry of defence in the early 1970s and in 1973. Explanation of differences between nato and zulu straps plus history and howto install and use nato, 1 piece zulu and 5ring zulu. Born in the british military, known from james bonds movie goldfinger featuring sean connery, the g10 nato strap became famous and is seeing an upward trend. Ohflash 22mm dark brown vintage leather zulu g10 nato. In actuality, the name is just short for nato stocking number, a term that simply refers to the fact that the strap could be purchased from the nato supply store. The highquality piece of nylon keeps your rolex submariner or any other luxury watch safely on your wrist.
Wonderful leather nato straps in soft calf leather. In 1973, strap, wrist watch was launched in the british ministry of defence standard defstan 6615. This organization was created in 1949 by the united states, can. Each g10 nato strap is made of ballistic nylon which is durable and comfortable to wear. Jul 10, 20 it would be a fair assumption that a nato watch strap might be the standard issue watch strap for the military forces of the nato nations, and that the label would have been derived from that. All you need to know about nato straps watchbandit. Without a doubt, the bestselling types of replacement watch straps within the clockwork synergy inventory are commonly referred as nato straps. Some would argue that the nato watch strap history did not exist in wwi, but in fact, their grandfather straps were in existence prior to, and after, wwi. The g10 nato strap in 1973, the british ministry of defense mod added to their catalog of standard issue gear a new item named, strap, wrist watch.
Widest range of regiments brigade of guards g10 watch strap, royal artillery nato g10 watch strap, raf watch strap, rifles g10 watch strap, royal anglian g10 watch strap, rlc watch strap, reme watch strap. The british ministry of defence standard intended soldiers. Labelled simply as the strap, wrist watch it quickly became known as the g10, which was the name of the order form soldiers needed to fill out to get it. Since then, the g10 nato strap has become a favorite among watch fans everywhere. The size given on our site refers to the width of the band in millimeters mm at the case between the lugs or at the opening.
Were ready to dispense the myths and discover the truth. The nato strap was first created by the british ministry of defence in the early 1970s. However, these trusty and dynamic straps have absolutely nothing to do with the north atlantic treaty organization formed in. What happens if i dont know what lug size my watch is. These first nato straps were made of grey woven nylon, and. For soldiers to obtain a nato strap, they had to fill out a form known as the g1098, or g10 for short. All straps feature ballistic grade nylon and stainless steel hardware. Modissued g10 straps were nylon, only made in admiralty grey with a width of 20mm, and had chromeplated brass buckle and keepers. Nato strap is fun and inexpensive to give your watch a new personal style. Nato strap light gray nato g10 military nylon strap.
Many of you who have began to explore the world of watches will be wondering what exactly a nato strap is. If you have any queries regarding the ordering process, please refer to faq page for more details. The dna for nato wrist straps was well developed by the end of wwi. Each strap has a fascinating history, so if one of them jumps out at you, the. For soldiers to obtain the strap they had to fill out a g1098 form, or a g10 for short or they could get the strap. Shop our collection of quality nato watch straps in 1624mm sizes. Nato g10 utc 1pc military diver watch band nylon strap nato. Premium ballistic nylon pvd military watchband strap bond iw suisse. Our straps with leather lining do not disintergrate easily with sweat, and its much more comfortable. Nato stock number for its military equipment, including watches and straps. I can supply leather alternatives to the perlon and nylon nato g10 and raf straps for military watches.
Heavy duty heavy weight woven nylon strap with a solid polished stainless steel buckle and keepers. Leather straps are more stylish and comfortable to wear than a nylon strap, and they look much more authentic on an older military watch. The design of these early military straps is nearly identical to our version. All nato, zuluz and us military straps are manufactured under stringent quality control, using the best of of nylon and 316l stainless steel hardware.
Esprit nato, a french website and a team based in france with esprit nato, you change your watch straps quickly, without. Wide variety of easy to change and versatile nylon and leather watch straps ranging in 16mm 28mm widths. The nato strap is intended to be made of straight cross weave nylon ribbon, free from additives which may act as an irritant to the wrist under humid or extreme conditions. The cwc strap wrist watch nylon the original mod title for the nato strap is the most durable genuine militaryissued strap, which is why thousands are purchased by the mod every year in nato grey. Zulu 3ring straps have only 1 long strap, made of thicker nylon cloth, and has thicker beefier rounded buckles. The more correct name for the nato strap is actually the g10. The hodinkee shop is an authorized retailer of new watches from a growing but carefully curated set of brands. This is why the nato strap is also referred to as a g10. Read more about the history of the nato watch strap. Are you ready to dive into the history of a nato strap with us. The strap they commissioned was a simple flat strap, not the nato style which you now see here. Originally, the straps were designed for british troops.
What is the difference between a z3 nato and a z5nato. The history of the so called nato strap goes back to a specification from the uk. A comprehensive guide to the best watch straps primer. Available in various widths and colours to enhance your cwc watch. Gnomon watches has the widest range of colors and sizes. Miltat 20mm or 22mm g10 nato watch strap, ballistic nylon armband, martial arts monogram, pvd hardware.
History of the nato watch strap article clockwork synergy. Find the top nato straps with the msn buying guides compare products and brands by quality. In actuality, however, the history of the nato designation has very little to do with the north atlantic treaty organization. All aviator ballistic nylon ballistic nylon xii performance raf twopiece z3 ballistic nylon z5 ballistic nylon z5. Interestingly enough, the term nato strap came into use as a shortened version of nato stocking number nsn, and otherwise has very little to do with the strap carrying its namesake. All black blue brown cream gray green olive orange pink purple red tan white yellow. Miltat 20mm g10 nato watch band, ballistic nylon strap.
It is known as a nato or g10 because of the way they were cataloged and requisitioned. These wristwatch straps were classified as being admiralty grey in color, 20mm in width, and they were equipped with chromeplated brass buckles. The original defstan 6615 parametric nato watch strap was plain in comparison to the variety of nato straps offered today. Nato g10 premium ballistic nylon pvd military watchband. This is like the g10 strap but doesnt have the extra layer underneath the watch, and has a leather keeper. Historical nato watch straps produced by phoenix in uk. Fully stitched with heat sealed holes for comfort and smoothness. The nato watch straps history is linked with military history, though. They originally had to fill up a ministry of defence form known as the g1098, which is the origin of the other name of the nato strap, the g10. The main difference between nato straps and zulu straps. The nato watch band continues to be one of our most popular styles of watch straps.
The fascinating and humble history of the nato watch strap. Most people believe nato straps are associated with the north atlantic treaty organization. Browsing the internet you will find one of these essential addons adorning the collection of many great watch manufacturers, both large and small. Originally developed in 1973 by the british ministry of defense, the g10 nato strap was developed as a hardwearing and functional. There have been several excellent articles about the history of the military watch strap in general and the nato strap in particular. Its similar to the g10 strap, but with nylon keepers instead of metal hardware. I keep some standard sizes in stock, other sizes can be made to order in the leather colour of your choice.
When the cold war ended, g10 straps were sold in military surplus shops. Enter your email address below to be notified when light gray nato g10 military nylon strap is available for order. Your email will only be used for the notification of this item and removed afterwards. If you want to go straight to that section, click this link leather raf. These mod watch straps were eventually nicknamed g10 straps in reference to the g10 form that had to be filled out to order one. Nato straps sold elsewhere have raw leather on the back of the strap. It is very commonly referred to as a nato strap, as a shortened version of nato stocking number. Although similar styles can be traced back to world war ii, this was the first appearance of the strap under its contemporary title.
Despite an influx of new styles, the same basic makeup and methodology tethers the nato straps of yesterday to those of today. To find the correct band, measure the width between the lugs on the case of your watch. Pulsar on phoenix g10 watch strap 20mm, admiralty grey despite being known, the world over, as a nato, the ubiquitous nylon watch strap we all love and admire is in reality a product of the british ministry of defence mod and its proper name is the g10 named after the form used to requisite the strap. Each was 22mm thick, and sported a color called admiralty grey. First check the back of the watchband that may already be attached to the watch.
Back of the strap wrist facing side is lined with smooth leather. One might see the word or abbreviation nato and assume that nato watch straps are somehow related to intergovernmental alliances. Dont like the part that fixes the watch at a certain point on the strap thereby forcing you to have the buckle in a specific location which may of may not be where you want it. All watch straps nylon watch straps original nato watch straps single color nato watch straps grey g10 nato strap nylon. Our nato watch straps are heatwelded, as per the mod spec. Nato watch strap band g10 nylon military diver utc raf stitched bonded iw 9.
Purists, usually with the authority and credibility of military backgrounds, argue robustly that nato straps should correctly be called g10 straps, after the military g1098 quartermasters store g10 for short, or g10 for men according to one exarmy contact that issues them. The strap which many serving and ex military personnel refer to as the nato or g10 strap got its name because of the form which uk military use to requisition the strap and other items from the stores, most likely the term nato strap is because it has a nato stock or nsn number, there are actually two nato stock numbers allocated to the item. Incidentally the strap is not officially known as a nato strap, instead the name comes from the fact that the strap has a nato stock number. Original phoenix nato straps the real ones of british mod. The cwc strap will keep its shape and will not fray at the holes like lesser straps. Select advertising has been crafted on behalf of brands to help tailor their message for readers. By partnering directly with the brands we carry, we guarantee 100% authenticity of everything we sell.