Need a new watch strap and looking for something easy to make and functional? Have you considered a NATO watch strap?

Why the NATO watch strap may be the best strap you never thought of

NATO watch straps are simple one-piece straps that loop around themselves and have 2 HUGE benefits:

1. The strap can be taken off and changed within seconds

2. The straps loops through both the watch strap lugs

Changing out straps within seconds

If you’re anything like me you probably already have too many watches and still never know which one you want to wear. The fun part of having NATO watch straps are the ease at which they can be changed around and, if you have several different straps (with different colors and styles) you can go as far as adapt the strap to what you’re wearing that day.

Pretty nifty if you want to change from a black strap to a blue strap… or if your old leather strap is getting a bit too old…

Knowing your watch is secure

The second advantage of NATO straps are that, since the single band loops through BOTH strap lugs. This means that if one of the lugs fails, your watch will still be held onto the strap - a nice bonus if you happen to be wearing a watch costing several thousands of dollars or if it holds particular sentimental value to you.

Making your own NATO watch strap

I’ve found that the hardest past in making my own straps is always sourcing the hardware… but once that hurdle has been dealt with you can look forward to a very simple making process.

Measurements

Since everyone may want or need different lengths based on the size of their watch, wrist diameter or simply preferred carry, you may want to experiment to find the right dimensions for you.

However, for the sake of convenience, here are the dimensions used by the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy:

Length: 377mm

Width: 20mm

Thickness: 1 to 2mm

For reference, here is the full Ministry of Defence, Defence Standard publication in PDF form (yes fellow nerds, click here).

Build walkthrough

Cut your leather strap to the width of your choosing - check your watch strap lug width. I recommend using 1,4 to 1,8mm thick leather for the best results.

Attach the first loop on the end using only a touch of glue for the moment, then burnish the edges of your strap.

Punch the center hole for the buckle 10cm from the end and install the buckle and loops.

(optional) Use a hint of glue to hold everything together up to the second loop.

Add stitch lines to hold all the buckles in place.

Punch the final holes and enjoy your new strap!

Have fun crafting!