20mm Black and Grey NATO Nylon Military Watch Strap
SKU Code: NATO20MMBND26 This classic NATO watchband is made from fast-drying ballistic nylon webbing, a high-tech material that is robust, comfortable, and long-lasting, making it ideally suited for military watch straps. The design characteristics of these straps reduce the risk of losing a watch to virtually zero, as the watch is held securely at two different points, making it virtually impossible for it to come off the wrist, even during extreme activities. History and Evolution The history of the NATO strap began over 50 years ago with a single grey strap. It initially expanded to include colors such as RAF Blue, Black, Navy Blue, the James Bond pattern, and Olive Green. Since then, we have developed an extensive range of variants in regimental colors, Search and Rescue (SAR) orange, national colors, police unit colors, and various camouflage options for specific situations. These straps are frequently used by military units outside the UK and are popular among serving military personnel for a wide variety of military watches. Extensive Range Currently, we manufacture nearly 200 different variants in a wide array of colors and sizes from 18mm to 24mm. These straps are available for retail and wholesale customers, and we also offer custom regimental straps. Many of these straps are sold in large quantities through various procurement contracts. Specifications and Standards The original NATO strap specification was established by the UK Ministry of Defence under Defence Standard 66-47 Issue 2, published on 30 March 2001. Earlier specifications included: Defence Standard 66-47 Issue 1 (13 November 1992) Defence Standard 66-15 Part 1 Issue 1 (30 November 1973) Defence Standard 66-15 Part 2 Issue 1 (31 January 1974) Although minor revisions have been introduced over the years, the fundamental design has remained remarkably unchanged. Some military procurement contracts specify stitched reinforcement around the buckle and keepers, while others continue to require heat-sealed construction. Strap lengths may also vary slightly depending on the contract specification. Most of the NATO straps we manufacture closely follow the original Ministry of Defence specifications. Versatility and Durability For over forty years, we have supplied these straps to a diverse range of clients, including military personnel, police, emergency services, exploration units, Search and Rescue teams, oil and gas companies, marine salvage and exploration businesses, and organizations operating in tropical or desert locations. The NATO strap's easy maintenance, quick drying time, and resistance to rot and deterioration make it superior to leather or silicone alternatives. Compatibility NATO straps are compatible with watches from all leading military contractors, both past and present, such as Marathon, CWC, Citizen, and Pulsar. They are also ideal for robust civilian watches from brands like Seiko, Rolex, and Breitling. In summary, the NATO strap's unmatched durability, versatility, and secure design make it the preferred choice for a wide range of professional and personal applications.