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The origin
Original NATO strap was born in 1973 to meet British Minister Of Defence (MOD) need to provide an extremely resistant watch strap to Bristish Army. The aim of British MOD was to design a watch strap which could face any situation. The goal was to get free from problems encountered with straps of that time : humidity issues on leather in tropical climate, risky steel watch band reflection on a military mission, low reliability of rubber straps, watch loss risks because of spring bars rupture (including buckle spring bars).
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The requirements
Here are the main characteristics of the very strict requirements which clearly show MOD objective to obtain an efficient strap without any weakness :
- grey woven nylon of 1.2 mm thickness (color "Admiral Grey"),
- made of a unique nylon ribbon,
- one piece buckle without lug (irremovable),
- heat-welded buckle and loops,
- end of strap and holes heat-sealed,
- 20 mm width (lug width of military watches of that time),
- 280 mm length (to be put on thick diving suits of Royal Navy).
Below two extracts of British MOD requirements.
NATO strap was born, made by Phoenix Straps Ltd, based in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
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"NATO strap" appellation
NATO strap owes its name to the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), as it had an allocated NATO stock number (NSN). NATO strap is also called G10 strap. It got this second name because of the form (named G10) which British army used for requisition of items from the stores.
Below the referencing form inside OTAN, NATO strap is "ITEM NO 1"
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The military usage
Below two photos of NATO straps on mission with the Royal Navy.
Mo Crang, bomb-disposal expert diver from Royal Navy (MilSub on NATO strap)
NATO strap at the end of a mission
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The entry into civil life
Then colors and stripes appeared with regimental NATO straps. They were more civil than military because Britih regiments never used them for service. They just had the opportunity to get some in some dispensaries.
Below the colors regiments could obtain (non official on a military point of vue).
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The NATO strap today
NATO strap has now become a key accessory for watch lovers, but also a fashion item due to its spirit and style.
It is now available in multiple colours, the offer is plentiful and equally eclectic in terms of prices.
We warn you on straps quality heterogeneity on the market. Price is an important element when buying a strap but we mustn't forget its function : to keep our watch on our wrist. We've heard testimonies of unhappy experiences. Indeed, we recommend that you pay attention to details, they often make the difference.
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Esprit NATO straps
All our NATO are reliable straps of largely proven quality, with several years back.
We make efforts to try to meet all your needs in terms of designs, colours, dimensions et buckles colours. It cause a big level of stock but we are really motivated to make most of you happy.
Our straps prices are very competitive in light of our quality level.
Several pages "Information" section will help you to go further in your NATO strap knowledge and in our offer.
Nevertheless, don't hesistate to contact us if you have any questions.