WATCHSTRAPS

NATO Watch strap , made by Phoenix , made in the United Kingdom , sold in New York.

The “NATO” watch strap first appeared with the British Ministry of Defence in 1973 as a functional and hardwearing alternative to leather and metal watch strap varieties that were available at the time.
its purpose being functional and practical for Military standards , these watch bands were of course required to be extremely durable , secure and practical with the accession of spring bars and an additional nylon strap
Although there is much speculation and mystery involved in the history of the “NATO” strap it was supposedly initially only available in a 20mm wide ‘Admiralty Grey’ nylon.
Over time servicemen began to customise their watch straps, taking on the colours of there regiments t, creating colourful stripes that NATO straps are well know for.