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| Breitling Avenger Hurricane - Incorporates Heavy Usage Of Military Motifs |
Immensely popular among watch geeks, the NATO strap is frequently used to customize beloved timepieces. As we yearn for more individuality it seems like countless customized strap manufacturers are popping up everywhere on the internet and in retail stores. Everest Horology Products, which is carried by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers in Whitefish Bay, is a prime example of a bespoke manufacturer specializing in vulcanized rubber and Italian vegetable leather straps. So with all different ways to make your watch unique, today we explore the NATO strap and its origins.
First, let’s clarify the acronym for NATO. NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is an intergovernmental military alliance that was established following WWII as a mutual defense treaty against the Soviet Union and “the rising tide of communism”, that included the United States, Canada and the prominent European countries. While the Royal Air Force and the U.S. were using canvas fabric straps prior to this formation, it wasn’t until 1973 when the British Ministry of Defense published the Defense Standard 66-15 that outlined the “requirements for the wristwatch strap to be used by the Ministry of Defense (MOD)” (Watches By SJX) which defined a strap that could be used as an alternative to leather and metal bracelets.
This was the first acknowledgment of the beloved two-piece strap; known today as the NATO strap (or correctly, G10’s). This document for its design defined the number of holes, the width, length, heat welding the two pieces, the color (Admiralty Grey), and how to make the stitches. While Admiralty Grey was the official color of the strap defined in “Strap, Wrist Watch”, there are a number of Regimental straps which are colorful variants reflecting their unit colors. While NATO straps actually refer to a specific "NATO Stock Number" for the strap, they became the universal term to define all fabric straps by watch collectors. Another fun fact, G10 actually refers to the ordering form to the straps!
Why is it popular among the watch aficionados? Comfort, customization, generally inexpensive and they’re easy to change which eliminates the worry about scratching your timepiece.
So, what are some options?
Should you own a Breitling, they make several pseudo-NATO straps of superb quality. Renowned for their aviation and military motifs used on their watches, Breitling, frequently in the Avenger range, has options for high-quality nylon canvas straps that are heat treated with leather stitched on the back, for additional strength and support. They’ve even gone as far to incorporate the NATO look on some of their phenomenal rubber straps, like the Avenger Hurricane (see above)!
TUDOR Watches, which is most famously known for producing heritage inspired watches and is the sister brand of Rolex, includes an additional fabric strap with each watch. However, these are no ordinary fabric straps. Using Jacquard loom in a traditional process dating back to the 15th century, TUDOR Watches employs a passementerie manufacturer in Lyon, France to meticulously produce some of the highest quality fabric straps. This Maison “produces ribbons for Vatican medals and passementerie (decorative trimmings like lace and cord for clothing and furniture) for haute couture houses like Chanel” (Watches By SJX). To see the full process, make sure to watch the video in the link.
Stop by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers check out our full range of Tudor, Breitling and more! Or see how we can customize your beloved timepiece with Everest Horology Products!
So, what are some options?
Should you own a Breitling, they make several pseudo-NATO straps of superb quality. Renowned for their aviation and military motifs used on their watches, Breitling, frequently in the Avenger range, has options for high-quality nylon canvas straps that are heat treated with leather stitched on the back, for additional strength and support. They’ve even gone as far to incorporate the NATO look on some of their phenomenal rubber straps, like the Avenger Hurricane (see above)!
TUDOR Watches, which is most famously known for producing heritage inspired watches and is the sister brand of Rolex, includes an additional fabric strap with each watch. However, these are no ordinary fabric straps. Using Jacquard loom in a traditional process dating back to the 15th century, TUDOR Watches employs a passementerie manufacturer in Lyon, France to meticulously produce some of the highest quality fabric straps. This Maison “produces ribbons for Vatican medals and passementerie (decorative trimmings like lace and cord for clothing and furniture) for haute couture houses like Chanel” (Watches By SJX). To see the full process, make sure to watch the video in the link.
Stop by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers check out our full range of Tudor, Breitling and more! Or see how we can customize your beloved timepiece with Everest Horology Products!