Strap Care
&
Maintenance
A NATO strap is built to last — but like any accessory worn daily, it benefits from occasional care. Here is how to keep each material in good condition.
Nylon
Nylon is the easiest material to maintain. Remove the strap from the watch before cleaning. Hand wash in cold or lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap — dish soap or a gentle detergent works well. Use a soft toothbrush to work the soap into the weave, paying attention to the area around the buckle and keepers where sweat and dirt accumulate. Rinse thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Air dry flat — never tumble dry or expose to direct heat, which can distort the weave and fade the colour.
For light cleaning between washes, a damp cloth is sufficient. Nylon can be washed as often as needed — weekly if worn daily in warm weather.
Leather
Leather requires more care than nylon but rewards the effort with a patina that improves with age. Wipe the strap with a dry or very slightly damp cloth after each wear to remove surface dirt and sweat. Once a month, apply a small amount of leather conditioner — a product designed for smooth leather works well. Avoid soaking leather in water or wearing it during water activities. If the strap gets wet, blot dry with a cloth and allow to air dry away from direct heat. Do not use alcohol-based cleaners, which dry out the leather and accelerate cracking.
Store leather straps flat or loosely coiled — never folded tightly, which creates permanent creases.
Perlon
Perlon mesh can be cleaned in the same way as nylon — cold water, mild soap, soft brush, air dry. The ladder construction means soap can become trapped in the weave, so rinse more thoroughly than you think necessary. Perlon dries quickly due to its open mesh structure. Avoid wringing or twisting the strap during cleaning, which can distort the mesh.
Rubber & Silicone
The easiest material to clean. Wipe down with a damp cloth after each wear. For a deeper clean, wash with warm water and mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a cloth. Rubber and silicone do not absorb moisture or odour, so cleaning is rarely urgent. Avoid exposure to solvents, oils, and aerosol sprays, which can degrade the material over time.
Hardware
The buckle and keepers are typically stainless steel and require minimal maintenance. Wipe with a soft dry cloth to remove fingerprints and surface marks. For stubborn residue, a slightly damp cloth is sufficient — avoid abrasive cleaners or steel wool, which will scratch the finish. PVD-coated hardware (gold or black finish) is more susceptible to scratching — handle with care and avoid contact with hard surfaces.
How to fit and remove a NATO strap
You will need a spring bar tool — included with every strap from nato-strap.watch. To remove the existing strap, use the forked end of the tool to depress the spring bar between the lug and the strap, then slide the bar out. Repeat on the other side. To fit the NATO strap, compress each spring bar slightly with the tool, position it between the lugs, and release — the bar will click into place. Thread the long end of the strap under the watch case between the spring bars, then bring both ends around the wrist and fasten the buckle.
When to replace your strap
| Nylon | When the weave begins to fray around the buckle holes, or the colour has faded unevenly |
| Leather | When cracks appear through the leather surface, or the strap has stiffened and lost flexibility |
| Perlon | When individual fibres begin to break or the mesh has distorted permanently |
| Rubber | When the material shows signs of cracking, splitting, or surface degradation |
| Hardware | When the buckle pin no longer holds securely, or the spring bars show visible wear |