Each Of Our NATO Ranges Explained

The NATO watch strap scene is changing and we're keeping right on top of it...

The world of Military-styled watch straps has evolved into a rather complicated one over the years. There are many different types of nylon being used, hardware, designs, thicknesses, lengths and quality of straps. We’ve been offering Military style straps here at WatchGecko since day 1 back in 2010 and our range has evolved and changed with the times.

We’ve recently added a few different Military-style straps to the site, so today we wanted to run down these different types so you can not just quickly and easily navigate our range, but can also work out which is the right one for you. Let's get into it…

The Classic Range

The Classic range is where our textbook Military-style straps live. These are the Military Nylon straps we have been offering for over a decade so you can be sure that the quality is A1. Over the years these straps have been perpetually refined as we continue to work with some of the best suppliers around. Here you can expect a 1.2mm thickness (ideal for most, if not all, case heights) simple yet effective sewn in hardware and a big selection of styles such as solid colours, bond stripes and Marine Nationale. Hardware finishes for the Classic range include Satin, Polished and IP Black.

With widths of 18,19,20,21,22,23 and 24mm there truly is something for everyone here. The perfect place to start/continue a Military Nylon obsession...

The Professional Range

 

Now we move up a gear a little as we get to the Professional models. This is where we first see a softer seat belt like Herringbone nylon used which puts an emphasis on comfort. The Pro line of Military-style straps reflects how the Military-style scene has evolved over the years with different materials and finishes becoming not only available but desirable as well. The Pro strap range brings through everything that is great about the Classic range and simply enhances it. We still see satin, polished and IP black hardware available, however, we only have these straps in at 18, 20 and 22mm.

If you want to add a lovely little pop to your watch, why not go for something subtly different like our Pro range? There are many striped and solid colours available including bond stripes, glossy greys and desert sand choices. Check them out here.

The Premium Range

Next, the Premium range and these truly are the best of the best. These 300mm long Military-styled straps stick with the silky seat belt nylon as seen on the Pro line but take it up a gear by introducing solid, substantial hardware. This new hardware is all about bringing the fantastic design details of the watch in question through to the strap so the whole combination is coherent. The hardware seen on previous Military-style ranges was more about being simple and effective, however, this hardware is all about making a statement.

The keepers are now larger in size and presence and the buckle is a lot more angular. Available in satin, polished, IP Black and (at the time of writing) it is available with gold and rose gold hardware.

Here you will find solid colours, bond stripes and Marine Nationale variations available in 18, 20 and 22mm widths. ZULUDIVER is now not just etched on the buckles but also the keeper that sits at the 6 o'clock position on the wrist. Check out the Pro range here.

The Specialised Range

Last but by no means least we have our Specialised range. This is where we find unique offerings that experiment a little more with designs, materials, hardware and aesthetics. Here you can expect to find larger, rounded hardware (known as ZULUs), canvas-like materials, elastic Military straps as well as rubber options.

 

We also play around with striped edges, single-pass straps as well as leather. If you want something a little different, the Specialised range is sure to have it. Available in the most popular sizes such as 20mm and 22mm.

So there you have it, a quick and simple summary of our Military-style ranges now available on WatchGecko. The only thing left to do now is to select your new strap. Get started here.

You may have noticed that all of these straps are ZULUDIVER branded. Be sure to head over to the ZULUDIVER site to learn a little more about the brand and what makes it tick.