Nato Straps / Single Pass Strap

The NATO strap is a type of watch strap that differs from conventional/traditional watch straps in a few key ways:
(1) Design: NATO straps are typically made of nylon and leather and consist of a single piece of material that passes through the spring bars on both sides of the watch, whereas conventional watch straps often consist of two separate pieces attached to the lugs of the watch (it can have quick release spring bars or traditional spring bars).

(2) Security: NATO straps offer enhanced security since they thread through the spring bars and under the watch case, preventing the watch from falling off even if one spring bar fails. The design makes NATO straps popular for matching casual outfits, outdoor activities, and sports.

(3) Versatility: NATO straps are known for their versatility and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing for easy customization to match different outfits or occasions. Conventional watch straps may offer fewer options for customization.

(4) Comfort: Some people find NATO straps more comfortable to wear than conventional straps because they distribute the weight of the watch across a larger area of the wrist.

Overall, while NATO straps offer practical advantages in terms of security and versatility, the choice between a NATO strap and a conventional watch strap often comes down to personal preference and style.

 NATO straps include a secondary flap/layer underneath the watch. The purpose of this layer is to prevent the strap from sliding up and down. However, if you prefer a sleeker look, you can easily remove this layer to reduce bulk and achieve a more subtle profile. For tips on modifications, be sure to check out our guide ” how to shorten the NATO strap”. With NATO straps, you get both functionality and style, making them an ideal choice for watch enthusiasts looking for reliability and versatility.

Are you considering one of our NATO straps but unsure if it will fit your watch?  You can easily find compatibility in the table with a single click. 

Switching between different NATO straps is incredibly easy and requires no special tools. While you might need a spring bar tool to remove the original strap from your watch, alternatively, a small screwdriver can do the trick. Once the original strap is off, swapping between NATO “slip-through” straps takes just a few seconds!

If your watch has an odd width, you can simply round up to the next even size (this formula applies specifically to NATO straps). TASCONY’s NATO straps are made of flexible nylon, which will easily adjust to fill the small 0.5mm gap on each side, making the difference barely noticeable.

For instance:

• For a 15mm watch, use a 16mm strap
• For a 17mm watch, use an 18mm strap
• For a 19mm watch, use a 20mm strap
• For a 21mm watch, use a 22mm strap
• For a 23mm watch, use a 24mm strap
• For a 25mm watch, use a 26mm strap

This ensures a snug and secure fit for your watch!

Our NATO straps can be used with smartwatches , but keep in mind that they cover the back of the watch face. Since the heart rate sensor is usually located on the back, it will be disabled if you install a NATO-style strap.

For watches with heart rate sensors, we recommend our range of two-piece Apple Watch Bands, which are specifically designed to avoid blocking the sensor – check them out here