Discover the Latest in Military-Inspired Watch Straps from LBS

At LBS, we take pride in offering exceptional watch straps that blend functionality, durability, and style. As a leading trade watch strap supplier, we provide retailers and watch sellers with top-quality straps to enhance their product offerings. Over the years, we've supplied hundreds of military-grade straps to the UK armed forces - including contracts with BAE Systems - demonstrating the trusted quality and performance of our products.

Our latest collection of Military-inspired Watch Straps builds on that legacy, offering your customers an unparallelled choice of straps to elevate their timepieces. In this article, we’ll introduce our newest ranges and delve into the fascinating world of military watch straps, exploring the history and distinct features of Zulu and Military Nylon (‘NATO-style’) straps.

The Legacy of Military Watch Straps

Military watch straps have a storied history rooted in practicality and performance. Originally designed for soldiers, these straps were crafted to withstand harsh conditions while keeping the wearer’s timepiece securely in place. While the style gained mainstream attention in the 1960s - most famously when Sean Connery wore a single pass nylon “RAF strap” on his Rolex Submariner in Goldfinger - it’s worth noting that Bond’s strap was technically too narrow for the watch, leaving visible gaps between the case and lugs. Still, the look became iconic.

  Sean Connery wearing a Rolex Submariner in the film Goldfinger, 1964 (image © Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman)

The true military origins trace back to the early 1970s, when the British Ministry of Defence introduced a standardised nylon strap under DEF STAN 66-15: PART 1. Issued to servicemen via a G10 requisition form, these rugged, one-piece straps were praised for their durability and simplicity and were initially available only in "admiralty grey." While collectors and purists often refer to them as “G10 straps,” the more commonly used term - “NATO strap” - is believed to have originated from the inclusion of a NATO (National Stock Number) code, rather than from any direct link to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

From the year 2000 onwards, fabric military-style straps experienced a resurgence among watch collectors and enthusiasts. Their practical roots, coupled with a growing desire for personalisation, have helped them evolve into a modern classic - appreciated for their versatility, sporty aesthetic, and historic pedigree. This renewed popularity was reignited on the big screen: decades after Sean Connery’s Bond first sported a nylon strap in Goldfinger (1964), Daniel Craig brought the look back in Spectre (2015), wearing a grey and black striped version on his Omega Seamaster 300. The modern reappearance cemented the strap’s place in both cinematic and horological history, sparking fresh interest and making it a must-have style for today’s collectors.

Zulu vs. Military Nylon (‘NATO-style’) Straps: What's the Difference?

While both Zulu and Military Nylon straps share a military-inspired thread-through design and are built for reliability, they differ in construction, materials, and appearance:

• Military Nylon (‘NATO-style’) Straps:
  Originating from British Ministry of Defence specifications, these straps feature a double-layer design—an added strap section that threads behind the watch case. This ensures that even if one spring bar fails, the watch remains secured on the wrist. Typically made from tightly woven, lightweight nylon, they use slimline hardware and keepers for a low-profile, comfortable fit.
  
  
• Zulu Straps:
  Zulu straps are generally single-pass and made from thicker, more rugged nylon or leather. They are instantly recognisable by their chunkier, rounded hardware, including wide keeper rings and a heavy-duty buckle. This makes them more robust than NATO-style straps, with a bolder, utilitarian look that suits larger watches and tool-style timepieces.

Introducing Our New Military-Inspired Watch Strap Collections

As a wholesale strap supplier, we are thrilled to present three exciting ranges within our Military-inspired Watch Strap collection. Each range offers unique attributes, designed to meet the diverse preferences of your customers.

1. Premium Saddle Leather Military Straps

Our latest Premium Saddle Leather Military Straps are the epitome of authentic elegance. Crafted from the finest quality crazy horse cow-hide leather sourced from prestigious suppliers favoured by high-end equestrian saddle makers, these straps exude luxury and sophistication. It’s known as ‘crazy’ horse leather as it’s so tough it can hold a horse, no matter how strong.

Crazy Horse/Saddle leather is made from full-grain leather, which is the highest quality leather available. It retains the natural grain of the hide, making it exceptionally strong and durable.

The defining feature of saddle leather is its wax finish. During the tanning process, the leather is treated with a special type of wax that enhances its strength and gives it a unique look. The wax not only protects the leather but also gives it a distinct, vintage appearance that evolves over time.

One of the most appealing aspects of saddle leather is its ability to develop a beautiful patina with use. As the leather ages and is exposed to the elements, it absorbs oils and develops a rich, deep colour and a smooth sheen. Scratches and scuffs can be easily rubbed out due to the wax finish, adding to its charm and character.

With natural variations in colour and texture, every watch strap made from saddle leather has its own distinct look. Each strap is meticulously crafted to ensure unparalleled durability and style.

• Available Colours: Red, Tan, Brown, Green, Blue, Black
• Widths: 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 24mm
• Features: Oval heavy-duty keeper rings and buckles for a secure fit
• Made of: Premium saddle leather

2. Premium Seatbelt Military Straps

Experience the resilience and comfort of our Premium Seatbelt Military Straps. Featuring a tight weave and a soft feel reminiscent of a seatbelt, these straps offer unmatched durability and enhanced comfort. Perfect for complementing any watch, they provide both reliability and style that your customers will love.

Our Premium Seatbelt Military Straps adhere to the standard British military design, showcasing an eye-catching stripe in six great colourways. The strap's tight weave has a soft sheen and silky feel, ensuring it’s strong and durable without compromising on flexibility. It fits any watch with a standard 20mm or 22mm lug width, providing an alluring iridescent sheen and a silky-smooth, high-quality feel on the wrist.

The strap features rounded-edge hardware in brushed stainless steel, with a slim yet strong buckle to avoid bulkiness while ensuring durability. Both keepers are fixed, adding to the strap's reliability.

With 13 holes, this strap is designed to fit any wrist size, making it a versatile addition to your inventory. Crafted with sturdy stitched joints, it ensures a long service life and perfectly complements a wide range of watches.

• Available Colours: Classic 'James Bond' Grey and Black Stripe, Navy/Red Stripe, Black/Red/Green Stripe, Orange/Black Stripe, Navy/Grey/Red Stripe and Grey/Red Stripe.
• Widths: 20mm, 22mm
• Features: Metal hardware, 13 laser cut heat sealed holes – should fit any wrist size
• Made of: Premium Seatbelt Nylon – 1.2mm thick

3. Premium Tudor Compatible Nylon Straps

Our Premium Tudor Compatible Nylon Straps are specifically designed to be compatible with Tudor watches, ensuring a perfect fit and stylish appearance. These single-piece straps feature high-quality hardware and subtle contrasting colours, adding a refined touch to any timepiece. Additionally, the dense weave nylon ensures high levels of torsional stability and strength. 

Also, as a single pass strap, there’s no bulky leftover strap to fold back. Simply adjust the length of the strap to suit using the buckle and tuck it through the keepers. Similarly, the strap has a slim profile and combined with the beautiful finish of the strap, it makes it super comfortable to wear. Furthermore, the emperor-style buckle is slim to stop the strap being bulky, but strong enough to stand up to wear and tear. Both keepers are fixed.

• Available Colours: Brown/Red, Black/Blue/Yellow, Black/Blue/Cream, Black/Blue/Green, Black/Blue/Red.
• Widths: 20mm, 22mm
• Features: Adjustable length with a buckle mechanism, brushed keepers
• Made of: Premium Nylon - 1.2mm thick

Elevate Your Inventory with LBS

As a trade watch strap supplier, LBS is dedicated to helping retailers and watch sellers provide their customers with the finest watch straps. Our latest Military-inspired Watch Strap collections offer something for every taste, crafted with the utmost attention to detail to ensure both style and durability. By incorporating our straps into your inventory, you can offer your customers the best in quality and design.

For more information or to place an order, visit our website or contact our customer service team. Partner with LBS, your trusted wholesale strap supplier, and elevate your product offerings with our premium military-inspired watch straps.