Orange SAR "Search and Rescue" Pattern Ballistic Nylon Military Watch Strap

This is a classic NATO watch strap manufactured from fast-drying ballistic nylon webbing. This high-performance material is ideally suited to military watch straps because it is exceptionally robust, comfortable, lightweight, and long lasting.

NATO straps are particularly popular for military, professional, and outdoor use because their unique design significantly reduces the risk of losing a watch. Unlike conventional two-piece straps, the watch is secured at two separate points, meaning that even if a spring bar fails, the watch will generally remain attached to the strap and securely on the wrist.

The history of the NATO strap dates back over 40 years to the original single grey 20mm military issue strap used by the British Armed Forces. Over time, the range expanded to include RAF Blue, Black, Navy Blue, Olive Green, and the now-famous “James Bond” pattern. Since then, the selection has grown enormously to include regimental colours, camouflage variants, Search and Rescue (SAR) orange straps, police and emergency services colours, and numerous national military patterns.

Today, our supplier — a leading military contractor — manufactures more than 167 NATO strap variants in a wide range of colours and specifications. While many are produced for retail sale, others are manufactured specifically for military and procurement contracts for both ourselves and the manufacturer.

The original specification for what is now commonly referred to as the “NATO strap” was established by the UK Ministry of Defence under Defence Standard 66-47 Issue 2, published on 30 March 2001. Earlier versions included Def Stan 66-47 Issue 1 (1992), along with the earlier Def Stan 66-15 specifications dating back to 1973 and 1974. Although minor manufacturing updates have been introduced over the years — such as stitched buckle reinforcements on many modern contract straps — the essential design remains remarkably faithful to the original military specification.

We have supplied NATO straps for well over a decade to a wide range of customers including serving military personnel, police forces, emergency services, search and rescue teams, exploration units, oil and gas companies, marine salvage operators, and organisations working in extreme tropical or desert environments.

The reason NATO straps remain so popular is simple: they are practical, durable, and highly reliable. They can be washed easily, dry within minutes, and unlike leather straps they will not rot, crack, or deteriorate when exposed to water, heat, or harsh operating conditions.

These straps are ideal for military watches as well as rugged civilian models made by leading manufacturers such as Seiko, Rolex, Breitling, and Pulsar, among many others.

Delivery Charges – Worldwide

Europe

• Tracked Mail: €14.95 / £12.50 / US$16.95
• Express Courier (UPS/FedEx): €28.00 / £23.50 / US$31.75

United Kingdom

• Tracked Mail: £9.95
• Small Items (e.g., 1–2 straps): £5.95
• Express Courier (UPS/DPD): £12.50

Rest of the World

• Tracked Mail: US$23.75 / €20.95 / £17.50
• Express Courier (UPS/FedEx): US$39.25 / €34.50 / £29.00

More information on shipping can be found here.