The NATO Strap

The history of the so called NATO strap goes back to a specification from the UK Ministry of Defence called Defence Standard 66-47 Issue 2 Publication Date 30 March 2001. This specification superseded Def Stan 66-47 Issue 1 dated 13 November 1992 and two earlier standards, Def Stan 66-15 (Part 1) Issue 1 – Strap (Nylon) dated 30 November 1973 and Def Stan 66-15 (Part 2) Issue 1 – Strap (Leather/Nylon) dated 31 January 1974.

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: Army/Navy 6645-99-124-2986 and RAF 6645-99-527-7059 These numbers are applied to most NATO issue items and identify a product that meets a narrow range of specifications and requirements. NATO straps are now available in a wide range of colours because to an extent it has become a fashion item but at the same time search and rescue favour orange and serving military have their own preferences. It is interesting to note that the original NATO strap to which the specification applies came in only one color which was grey and it was originally only supplied to the Royal Navy in a width of 20mm. The fittings were originally chromed brass but there are current issue straps which use stainless steel.

The TAWATEC NATO strap has a slightly larger section between buckles to allow a better fit for larger watches while allowing more flex between the buckles as the strap comes off the watch lugs, this makes it a very comfortable strap on larger watches.

Specifications
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Material: Black Textile

Buckle: PVD Coated Stainless Steel

Width: 22mm

Fitment: E.O. Diver / Titan / Black Titan