The NATO Nylon Strap

What it is

The NATO Nylon Strap is a single-piece woven nylon band that threads under your watch case and back over the spring bars. That design keeps the watch on your wrist even if one spring bar lets go, which is why it has been a field standard for decades. The material is woven nylon, soft enough to break in within a few wears and firm enough to hold its shape. The buckle is brushed steel with a plain pin, so it stays low key against the strap. At 0.05 in (1.2 mm) thick, it sits flat under a cuff and does not bulk up the case.

Sizes

Four lug widths cover most traditional watches. Match the width to your lug measurement, not to the case diameter. If you are between sizes, go with the smaller width, since nylon compresses slightly.

Strap length is about 11 in (280 mm), and it fits wrists 6 to 7.9 in (150 to 200 mm). That range covers most adults. The tail tucks into the keepers once you set the buckle.

Colors

Ten options, so you can match a dial or go the other way and let the strap stand out.

• Olive green
• Navy blue
• Light blue
• Orange
• Brown
• Khaki
• Gray
• Black
• Black and gray stripes
• Black with khaki stripes

Solid colors read clean and quiet. The striped versions add a bit of pattern without shouting. Orange and light blue are the bright picks if you want the strap to carry the look.

How to fit it

Measure your lug width first. Use a ruler or calipers between the inside edges of the lugs, or check your watch specs. Order that number. To install, remove the existing band, then thread the nylon strap down behind the spring bars, under the case, and back up. Slide the buckle to a comfortable spot, run the tail through the keepers, and trim the excess if you want a cleaner end. A sharp pair of scissors and a quick pass with a lighter along the cut edge will seal the nylon. Keep the trimmed piece in case you change your mind.

NATO straps sit a little differently than two-piece bands. The watch rides slightly higher on the wrist, and the extra layer under the case adds a touch of cushion. Give it a day or two to settle. If the strap feels loose, move the buckle one hole tighter before you trim anything.

Care

Wipe the strap clean with a damp cloth and let it air dry. Keep it away from water, including pools, showers and salt water, since soaking can break down the weave and the hardware over time. If the strap gets splashed, blot it dry rather than letting it sit wet. Store the watch flat or on a cushion when you are not wearing it, and keep the strap out of direct sun for long stretches so the color holds.

Why nylon

Nylon is light, breathable and quick to adjust. It does not crack the way some leathers can, and it handles daily wear without much fuss. The trade off is that it holds moisture, which is why the care note matters. Rotate between two straps if you wear your watch every day, and each one will last longer. The brushed steel buckle is simple to keep clean and matches steel, titanium and most coated cases.