Bond Did It First
When Sean Connery wore a Submariner on a striped NATO strap in Dr. No (1962), he created the most iconic watch-strap combination in cinema. 64 years later, the Submariner on NATO remains the definitive casual-luxury look — transforming the steel-bracelet diver into a relaxed, summer-ready accessory that works with shorts and a T-shirt as easily as with a linen blazer.
How to Swap to NATO
- Remove the Oyster bracelet using a spring bar tool (push the spring bar from the lug hole)
- Thread the NATO strap between the lugs (the spring bars remain in the lugs)
- The NATO passes UNDER the watch case — this is what keeps it secure if a spring bar fails
- Adjust the keeper and tail for comfort
Width: 20mm (all modern Submariners use 20mm lug width).
Best NATO Colors for the Black Sub
- Bond (grey/black stripe): The original. Works with everything.
- Navy blue: Summer classic. Best with light clothing.
- Olive green: Military heritage. Best with earth tones.
- Black: Stealthy. Matches the dial for a monochromatic look.
- Orange: Bold. The diver’s safety color — high visibility.
Why NATO Works on the Sub
The Submariner was designed as a tool watch — and NATO straps are tool-watch accessories. The fabric is lightweight (50g vs 100g+ for the Oyster bracelet), breathable in heat, and quick-drying after water exposure. The pass-through design means if one spring bar fails, the watch stays on your wrist — a genuine safety feature for divers (and clumsy desk divers).
NATO straps for our Submariner superclones at DR.WATCH — the same 20mm lug width accommodates all standard NATO straps. Free worldwide shipping + 1-year warranty.