Revolution
The Origin Story of the NATO Strap
Now a trend that has become ubiquitous throughout the watch industry, so-called ‘NATO’ straps owe their existence to a single point in British military history.
593 articles · 5 videos found · page 6 of 20
Revolution
Now a trend that has become ubiquitous throughout the watch industry, so-called ‘NATO’ straps owe their existence to a single point in British military history.
WatchRider
A few years ago, my friends gifted me the Fossil Harwell ES5267. From the moment I opened the box, I was absolutely captivated. I have always loved the color green, especially when paired with gold, and this watch executes that combination flawlessly. But beyond its stunning colorway, it stands out for another reason: it is arguably the best affordable alternative to the luxurious Ralph Lauren Stirrup Small. If you love the quiet luxury and equestrian heritage of the Ralph Lauren Stirrup but can’t justify the designer price tag, the Fossil Harwell captures the exact vibe. The Appeal of the Stirrup Shape The stirrup case design immediately draws the eye. Instead of traditional lugs, the strap typically passes through the upper loop of the case, integrating the watch seamlessly onto the wrist. It’s a silhouette that feels both vintage and contemporary, perfect for adding a touch of tailored elegance to any outfit. It is a bold, instantly recognizable case shape that acts as a piece of statement jewelry just as much as a timekeeper. The Inspiration: Ralph Lauren Stirrup Small To understand the appeal of the Fossil Harwell, we first have to look at the titan that inspired this aesthetic: the Ralph Lauren Stirrup collection. Introduced at SIHH in Geneva in 2009, the Stirrup collection perfectly captures Ralph Lauren’s deep equestrian heritage. The Stirrup Small features an iconic stirrup-shaped silhouette, measuring 27.7 x 29.3 mm, and often houses high-end Swiss mov...
Monochrome
It’s not often we venture into the world of watch accessories, so when we do, you can be assured it’s a product we stand by. A couple of months ago we were approached by a man called Péter Bálint Sinka, who started a company called Stripa Strap. With the clue being somewhat hidden in plain […]
Monochrome
Small changes can go a long way, but when a watch goes from bracelet-only (sort of) to a leather strap, it can go a very long way. Especially when said watch is a true pioneer in the field, with historical relevance and iconic design importance. Sounds like a bold claim, but when it comes to the […]
Time+Tide
Strap changes punch above their weight when it comes to watch collecting.The post Tired of your watches? Try swapping straps appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Here's our definitive guide for picking the ideal watch strap, for holiday gifting and beyond.The post Our guide to the best watch straps, just in time for the holidays appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Having iterated upon its Sailcloth and Signature Nylon ranges to near perfection, Artem turns its attention to unexplored territory. The typically adventure-focused Australian strap maker seeks to put its spin on classic leather straps. Its well-renowned Sailcloth and HydroFlex watch straps suit all climates and excursions, standing up to whatever you can throw at them. […] Visit Artem Takes A Bold Step With The Introduction Of Barenia Leather Straps In Its Loop-Less Style to read the full article.
Fratello
NATO straps have seen a massive boost in popularity in recent years. Once used exclusively by military units, they are now one of the more common strap options I see on the street. For many people, a NATO-style strap is probably mostly a fashion statement. By this, I mean it is a strap that just […] Visit How Scuba Diving Changed My Attitude Toward NATO Straps to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
When our friends at Artem approached us about shooting their new Loop-less HydroFlex watch straps, we couldn’t resist taking them into the place we call home-Brooklyn, NY. As a bunch of watch enthusiasts, we all know that a great strap can not only completely transform a watch-can make or break one too. Artem has made a name for itself with its sailcloth-style straps. In hand, their HydroFlex material is clearly flexible, yet durable. Artem took this tech to the next level, with their Loop-less bracelet-like deployant clasp. Together these two innovations make for a sleek, go-anywhere, do-anything combo. The ‘anywhere’ portion of that combination definitely includes Brooklyn-these straps felt right at home somewhere between the neighborhoods of Park Slope and Gowanus. There’s a wide array of colors available, we chose Loop-less HydroFlex watch straps that can easily go with anything in your collection, namely: Dark Matter, Lunar Ash, and Solar Flare. The post Lookbook: Urban Exploration with Artem’s Loop-less HydroFlex Straps appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Fratello
Which strap do you wear your MoonSwatch on? Are you still using the original strap, or have you ordered some third-party options? Well, listen up because, in a surprise move, Swatch opened an online strap store specifically for the Omega × Swatch MoonSwatch. The two-piece straps are made of rubber and have a two-tone design, […] Visit Breaking: Swatch Now Offers Official Rubber MoonSwatch Straps Online to read the full article.
Fratello
Due to my smaller wrists, I tend to wear custom-size straps and adjusted bracelets. However, there are other options. The Artem nylon watch straps are a cut above typical offerings. I’ve paired one with a vintage Tudor Submariner for today’s review, and I’ll answer why it’s worth selecting a premium nylon strap over a flimsy […] Visit Hands-On With Artem Nylon Watch Straps to read the full article.
Fratello
Sometimes, watches seem predestined to be worn on either a bracelet or a specific strap. It’s almost a no-brainer, especially for sports watches with integrated bracelets. Straum’s Jan Mayen is one of those watches. The Norwegian brand’s popular modern sports watch is often praised for its brilliant design. A big part of that design is […] Visit Trying The Straum Jan Mayen On Different Straps With The New Strap Adapters to read the full article.
Fratello
Last year, I bought a digital sports watch to keep track of my running and rowing sessions. Since I’m very much an amateur athlete, I went with a Coros Pace 3, an entry-level exercise tracker. I got it on a Velcro strap because I heard it helps with adjustability, and honestly, it’s very comfortable and […] Visit Hands-On With Delugs Delcro Straps - The Smartwatch Strap Makes A Move Toward Luxury to read the full article.
Fratello
Hello there! Welcome to this week’s episode of Fratello Talks. Today, we’re discussing the topic of wearing expensive watches on cheap straps. Does it make sense to wear a €3,000–10,000 watch on a €10 strap? Does a €300 OEM strap make sense to begin with? And where do you truly get your money’s worth in […] Visit Fratello Talks: Expensive Watches On Cheap Straps to read the full article.
Time+Tide
Hamilton's most adventure-ready watches get the strap pairing many have surely been waiting for.The post The Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition reminds that NATO straps are an outdoorsy must-have appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
We have added several new items to the Fratello Shop in the past few weeks, so it’s time for an update! We’re happy to present new strap variations, watch rolls, watch pouches, and the official #SpeedyTuesday caps in three colorways. Atelier Romane × Fratello Pouches For those who travel with more than one watch or […] Visit New In The Fratello Shop - Apparel, Straps, Watch Rolls, And Pouches to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
So you just got that watch you always wanted for Father’s Day. The bracelet has been sized and you’re already maxing out your phones storage with wrist shots. But something is missing. Perfection seems to be just around the corner. And it comes in the form of a new strap. Add a strap and watch as it completely transforms. Toss some nylon on a diver. Trade in a stiff piece of leather for a supple piece of suede. Pair the perfect racing chronograph with a rally strap. The skies the limit with the straps we have in our shop. So you just got that watch you always wanted for Father’s Day. The bracelet has been sized and you’re already maxing out your phones storage with wrist shots. But something is missing. Perfection seems to be just around the corner. And it comes in the form of a new strap. Add a strap and watch as it completely transforms. Toss some nylon on a diver. Trade in a stiff piece of leather for a supple piece of suede. Pair the perfect racing chronograph with a rally strap. The skies the limit with the straps we have in our shop. The post Just got a great watch for Father’s Day? Time for straps! appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Time+Tide
Fans of the best affordable integrated bracelet sports watch, rejoice! While possibly a bold claim, no other big box brand has managed to grasp the market quite as well as the Tissot PRX. Though successful, the Swatch Group brand has been pretty quiet with strap support for the PRX, despite its quick-release bracelet and the … ContinuedThe post Delugs delivers with a range of high-end rubber straps for the Tissot PRX appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
The easiest and most cost-effective way to give your watch a makeover? Changing the strap or bracelet.
Time+Tide
The reason for this video was a late-arriving strap for our Doxa SUB 600T ‘pacific’. Necessity dictated that, with time running out to shoot a video, we had to choose an alternative aftermarket strap to put on the watch for the first appearance which, if you missed it, you can see here. The decision as … ContinuedThe post Win $700 worth of straps by telling us your favourite strap monster watch, and watching our silly video appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Fact: we are stuck in the strap-technology stone age while the world is moving on. Is the 100-year-old technology of the spring bar beautiful nostalgia? Or simply large manufacturers being lazy? We all have a story of that one time, changing a strap to match up that outfit, fiddling with a screwdriver, scratching the lug, … ContinuedThe post Why can’t the watch industry match Apple Watch straps for comfort? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Nobody likes a sloppy strap.
Time+Tide
Every now and then you’ll come across something that makes you think, “Why doesn’t everyone do this?” This was what came to mind when I was considering the Rado Captain Cook with interchangeable straps, which offers a pretty practical solution to the limited versatility of a watch that only comes with one bracelet or strap. … ContinuedThe post HANDS-ON: The Rado Captain Cook now comes with three interchangeable straps and we hope this is the future appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Included in the lot are three pairs at fifty percent off retail for a BuyItNow price of $528 + $75 shipping-a bargain to any enthusiast who’s been coveting a watch strap bearing the website’s stamp. Read The Balance Cock Bugle for balanced horological news (probably).
Hodinkee
Modern watchmaking meets old-school fabric strap production.
Time+Tide
There’s a lot to like about a rubber strap - especially if you live somewhere hot, wet or humid. The natural material is exceptionally hard-wearing, and comfortable to boot. The only issue is that in the past there’s been a perception that rubber is a strictly utilitarian affair and, as such, quality is of a … ContinuedThe post Where rubber hits the road – 5 high-end rubber straps appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Deployant
A new strap makes an old watch look new, and a great strap can make a good watch look awesome. Here's a look at the work that goes into leather straps.
Worn & Wound
Last week, Blake wrote an editorial examining the idea of the so-called “4th watch,” and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. I can feel myself heading into what I have a feeling will come to be known as the Summer of the Fourth Watch. I find that when I’m picking out a watch for the day, the normal stuff doesn’t catch my eye. I’m drawn to bright colors, unusual shapes, and left of the middle executions more than I normally am, and my “normal” is kind of weird to begin with. For whatever reason, though, I’m in a season of experimentation and, frankly, boredom with the obvious choices. It’s possible that come fall, I could have a box full of 4th watches. So it’s with this frame of mind that I’m approaching the latest announcement from Ralph Lauren, a refresh of their Stirrup watch collection featuring a selection of colorful interchangeable leather straps. Am I going to buy a Stirrup watch? Probably not. Almost certainly not. I can’t imagine it. But I can see the appeal of these as a potential 4th watch. The truth is, I’ve always been a fan of Ralph Lauren watches. They tend to have clean, classic designs, and the watches themselves are very well made. Many belong in another watch category we like to talk about here, the Sleeper. There are truly high end and beautifully finished Ralph Lauren watches that are hiding under the cover of the dreaded “fashion watch” designation, but these aren’t mass produced, hastily licensed junk. They ...
Teddy Baldassarre
The new Citizen Promaster Dive 200M collection trims down the case sizes, introduces eco-friendly straps, and a new dial color.
Monochrome
One of the pleasant surprises of 2025 and a game-changer for the very young, Paris-based independent brand, the Trilobe Trente-Deux entered the competitive integrated-bracelet sports watch segment. More importantly, however, it debuted the Calibre X-Nihilo, Trilobe’s first in-house movement, developed, produced, and assembled in Paris. Less than a year later, Trilobe expanded the collection with […]
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