The G10 NATO Watch Strap
THE G10 NATO WATCH STRAP
The NATO strap, classic, timeless, durable, and a veritable ‘must have’ for every watch lover’s collection. Above all, the NATO G10 strap is an historic connection to the military heritage that has influenced Menswear and our style of dress throughout the ages.
Making its debut in 1973 as an admiralty grey 20mm nylon strap with chrome plated brass buckles and keepers, the NATO strap, as it is frequently referred as today is now a mainstream piece of style, breathing life into old watches, adding versatility of colour and style to wardrobes and accessories around the world. The British Ministry of Defence could never have imagined the widespread appeal if their once humble creation. It was created as a functional yet fail-safe watch for the military, and for soldiers to get their hands on one, they had to fill out a form known as the G1098, G10 for short. Regiments started to have them made in their specific colours and the G10 soon made its way in the 1980’s into Army and Navy Stores and hence to the public at large. The NATO designation finally appeared in the form of a NATO Surplus Number attached to each strap giving the “Strap, Wrist Watch”, or G10, it’s now respectable name, the NATO strap. As with many fashions born from military items (Aviators, Camo jackets etc) the strap’s functionality and robustness contribute to its appeal.
I was introduced to the NATO strap by James Bond. Interestingly the appearance of an apparent NATO in 1964’s Goldfinger on Sean Connery’s Rolex Submariner is a clear 9 years before the British Military began wearing them formally, a curious mystery then from our favourite Secret Agent. The ‘James Bond’ NATO is a favourite of many to this day. Daniel Craig is keeping the tradition going strong.
The last few years the trend towards these straps has been steady and looks like it’s here to stay. Mainstream watchmakers such as Bremont, Tudor, Blancpain and Hamilton all offer a G10 as an accessory to a watch purchase now, although I must confess I still like the idea that it is not off the shelf but instead your own personal statement. You took the time to select, purchase and fit your strap, making your watch/strap combination unique to you.
Wearing these straps for 10 years plus myself, the addition of the NATO strap to the Southern Marine Accessories was a very natural progression for us. Combined with the Wayfarer and Mariner bracelets they truly become a part of the style of our brand and I am sure we will be wearing them, whether on a Timex or a Rolex, for decades to come. Please take a look at http://www.southern-marine.co.uk/search?q=nato when you have a moment.
Written by Richard Bailey
Founder of Southern Marine Clothing
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