Change NATO Strap: 5-Minute Guide

Changing a NATO strap is one of the easiest things you can do to your watch – and it completely transforms the look. Whether it's a Rolex Submariner, Omega Speedmaster, or Tudor Black Bay: a NATO strap gives your watch a sporty, individual character. Here, I'll show you step-by-step how to do it.

What you need

For the strap change, you only need two things: the NATO strap itself and a spring bar tool. You need the spring bar tool to remove and reinsert the spring bars (the small metal pins between the lugs). Without it, it will be difficult – with it, the whole process takes less than five minutes.

If you don't have one yet: You can find our TWG spring bar tool here.

Step 1: Remove the old strap

Place your watch on a soft cloth (e.g., a microfiber cloth) to avoid scratches. Position the tip of the spring bar tool at the small notch of the spring bar – that's the tiny opening between the spring bar and the lug. Compress the spring bar and pull out the strap. Repeat on the other side.

Step 2: Reinsert the spring bars

Reinsert both spring bars into the lugs – without the strap. The NATO strap is not attached like a normal two-piece strap, but rather threaded through. So, the spring bars must already be mounted before you attach the NATO strap.

Step 3: Thread the NATO strap

Take the long end of the NATO strap and thread it from above under the upper spring bar. Pull it completely through until the buckle is centered. Then, flip the watch over and thread the long end under the lower spring bar – again, from top to bottom.

The watch now sits on the strap. The excess end is fed back through the metal loop(s) so that it lies flat against the wrist.

Step 4: Adjust and wear

Place the watch on your wrist and adjust its position. The NATO strap should be snug enough so that the watch doesn't slide around, but loose enough to be comfortable. Tuck the excess strap end through the last metal loop.

Pass-through NATO vs. Two-piece NATO

There are two variants: The classic pass-through NATO (one long strap that is threaded under the watch) and the two-piece NATO (two separate strap parts). The pass-through NATO offers a safety advantage: If a spring bar breaks, the strap still keeps the watch on your wrist. The two-piece NATO, on the other hand, sits flatter and looks more elegant – ideal for dress watches.

In our shop, you'll find both: Pass-through NATOs and Two-piece NATOs.

What lug width do I need?

Most luxury watches in the 36–42mm range have a lug width of 20mm – Rolex Submariner, Omega Speedmaster, Tudor Black Bay 58. For a complete list, check our Size & Compatibility Guide.

Conclusion

Changing a NATO strap is one of the easiest ways to give your watch a new look – without risk and in under five minutes.

Discover NATO Straps →