We will begin by focusing on why people get these two types of cuff straps confused with one another, to begin with, then explore the similarities and differences between the two in more detail, and finally conclude with looking at why rubber cuff straps are the superior choice, especially if you lead an active lifestyle of any sort.
Why Do People Often Confuse NATO and Zulu Watch Straps?
The simple answer is that is both are commonly seen on “combat” style watches, which we will define here as any watch that has a military-inspired aesthetic to it. This is especially noticeable in “camo” watches, and considering that both NATO and Zulu watch straps have their histories rooted in being part of a standard combat kit for soldiers, it certainly becomes helpful to learn how to separate the two different types of watch straps.
A Brief History of NATO and Zulu Watch Straps
NATO watch straps were first produced in 1973, when the British Ministry of Defense began to issue them as part of a soldier’s standard-issue gear. Because of this fact, they are often colloquially called “G10” straps, as that was the form you were required to fill out to receive one.
The history of the Zulu strap is less clearly documented, though from what information is available, it appears as if they were largely inspired by pre-NATO single piece watch straps, including the ones used by the Royal Air Force, which were famously worn by Sean Connery when he played James Bond in “Goldfinger.”
What Characteristics Define a NATO Watch Strap?
If you are looking at a cuff strap and trying to figure out if it is a NATO strap or not, there are a couple of immediate visual cues that you can use to assist you in making that determination.
The keepers and buckles on a cuff strap are a great place to start looking. NATO keepers are thin and rectangular, and prominently feature a Tang-style buckle mechanism as well.
NATO straps also often have an additional piece of material on the underside of the cuff, which helps to further fasten the watch to your wrist. This is especially useful if one of the spring bars becomes damaged in any way, as they can sometimes break or come loose, which would cause the watch to fall off of your wrist rather quickly.
What Characteristics Define a Zulu Watch Strap?
In contrast to the NATO straps, Zulu watch straps are much thicker, especially where their keepers are concerned. Most of the time, they also do not have a Tang-style of buckle for the clasp on the watch strap.
The additional piece of fabric on the underside is where things can get pretty confusing, as there are two types of Zulu watch straps: the five-ring variety and the three-ring style. The three-ring style does not have this extra material, which makes it very easy to tell apart from a NATO strap, but the five-ring style does have it, which makes it more challenging to tell apart from a NATO strap.
Why Are Rubber Watch Cuffs the Best Choice for an Active Lifestyle?
While both of these watch strap styles have their roots in the military and are often thought of as being “durable,” rubber watch cuffs are often more reliable than either NATO or Zulu watch straps.
There are several reasons for this, but first and foremost among them has to do with the material that each of these straps is made out of. NATO and Zulu straps are traditionally made from leather or nylon, which do not fare well in adverse conditions or with water.
Rubber watch cuffs are far more water-resistant and capable of handling less than ideal weather. If you are someone who enjoys swimming, biking, or even boating, a rubber strap will last much longer during these activities than a leather or nylon strap would, which is something to consider when thinking about purchasing your next replacement strap for your watch.
Rubber B proudly offers a number of SwimSkin® 100% rubber combat strap options for various watches that retain the sleek aesthetic of a traditional military watch while allowing for increased durability and usage.