How to fit a NATO strap: step-by-step video guide
Remove a metal bracelet and fit a NATO strap in minutes. Full guide with workshop videos: Bergeon 6767F tool, Rolex GMT-Master and dive watch. Spring bars included with every order.
How to fit a NATO strap: everything you need to know
Changing a watch strap is one of the simplest and most effective ways to personalise a timepiece. A NATO strap fits in minutes, with no special skills required — provided you know the right technique and use the right tools.
In this guide, you will find the complete method for removing an existing metal bracelet and fitting a NATO strap, illustrated by our workshop videos.
Browse our full selection: NATO straps — available in 18, 20, 22 and 24 mm, in a wide range of colours.
Step 1 — Remove the metal bracelet with the Bergeon 6767F tool
Before fitting a NATO strap, the original bracelet must be removed. On a Rolex Submariner, GMT-Master or any other watch with a metal bracelet, this step requires the right tool.
The recommended tool: the Bergeon 6767F, made in Switzerland. Its ultra-fine stainless steel fork compresses spring bars with precision, without risking scratches to the case or lugs. This is the tool used by professional watchmakers — and the one we use in our workshop.
Why the Bergeon 6767F rather than another tool?
- Ultra-fine stainless steel fork: easy access even on tight lugs (Rolex, Omega, Tudor)
- Ergonomic design to prevent slipping and scratching
- Swiss-made — reliability and precision over the long term
- Compatible with the vast majority of watches fitted with standard spring bars
Video: removing a bracelet with the Bergeon 6767F
In this video, we demonstrate how to use the fine fork of the Bergeon 6767F to cleanly remove a watch bracelet, effortlessly and without risk of scratching:
Step-by-step technique
- Place the watch face down on a soft surface (microfibre cloth or watchmaker's cushion)
- Locate the spring bar holes between the lugs and the bracelet
- Insert the Bergeon 6767F fork into the hole on the side of the spring bar to compress
- Press gently to compress the spring bar pin
- Slide the bracelet outward from the lug
- Repeat on the other side
- Keep the spring bars — they will be reused to fit the NATO strap
On watches with drilled lugs (such as certain Rolex models), the spring bars are accessible from the outside via a small hole in the lug. On solid lugs, access is from the inside, between the bracelet and the case.
Step 2 — Fitting a NATO strap on a Rolex GMT-Master
A NATO strap fits differently from a standard strap. Its pass-through construction — a single piece of nylon that runs underneath the watch case — requires a specific method. Here is how to proceed on a Rolex GMT-Master.
Video: removing a metal bracelet and fitting a NATO strap on a Rolex GMT
Step-by-step fitting technique
- Slide the first spring bar into one of the watch lugs
- Pass the short end of the NATO (buckle side) under the spring bar, between the strap and the case
- Lock the spring bar into the second lug to secure this first side
- Pass the long section of the NATO underneath the watch case, from left to right (or vice versa)
- Slide the second spring bar into the lugs on the opposite side, passing over the long section of the strap
- Check the strap is centred under the case and that both spring bars are correctly seated
The watch now rests on two passes of nylon — this is what guarantees the pass-through security of the NATO strap: even if one spring bar were to fail, the watch would remain secured to the wrist by the second pass.
Step 3 — Fitting a NATO strap on a dive watch
On a dive watch (Omega Seamaster, Seiko Prospex, Tudor Black Bay...), the method is identical, but a few points deserve attention: the case is often thicker, and the lugs may differ slightly depending on the model.
Video: fitting a NATO strap on a dive watch
Specific points for dive watches
- 20 or 22 mm width depending on the model — always check the lug width before ordering
- The thicker case (screw-down crown, double caseback) does not affect fitting but makes passing the nylon under the case slightly tighter at first — this is normal, the nylon softens with use
- Curved lugs (Omega Seamaster in particular) sometimes require a little more care when seating the spring bars — take the time to centre properly
- On water-resistant watches (200m+), the NATO strap can be worn directly while diving — this is one of its original historical advantages
How to choose the right NATO strap width?
The strap width must match your watch's lug width exactly — that is, the distance between the two lugs on the case, measured in millimetres. An incorrect width will prevent fitting.
- 18mm NATO Straps — vintage watches, dress watches, classic chronographs
- 20mm NATO Straps — Rolex Submariner, GMT-Master, Omega Seamaster, Speedmaster, Hamilton Khaki Field, Seiko SKX. Here are pictures for 20mm Rolex lug width :
- 22mm NATO Straps — modern large-diameter dive watches, Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor
- 24mm NATO Straps — Panerai, imposing military watches
If in doubt, measure your lug width with a calliper or check your watch's technical specifications. The lug width is always listed in the case dimensions.
FAQ — Fitting a NATO strap
Do I need a special tool to fit a NATO strap?
To remove the original bracelet, yes: the Bergeon 6767F (fine stainless steel fork) is strongly recommended to avoid scratching the case. To fit the NATO strap itself, no tool is required — the fitting is done by hand.
Can a NATO strap be fitted without removing the spring bars?
No. The spring bars are used to secure the NATO strap in the watch lugs. They must be removed from the previous bracelet and reused to fix the NATO. Always keep the original spring bars when changing straps.
Can a NATO strap be removed easily?
Yes. This is one of the great advantages of the NATO strap: changing it takes less than two minutes, using the same Bergeon 6767F tool. Many collectors alternate between several NATO straps depending on their outfit or the season.
My NATO strap is too long — what should I do?
The NATO strap measures approximately 27 cm in total length — it adjusts to fit all wrists from 16 to 24 cm. The excess simply folds into the last stainless steel keeper. No cutting is required or recommended.
Can a NATO strap be fitted to any watch?
On any watch fitted with standard spring bars — which covers the vast majority of watches on the market. Watches with integrated bracelets (certain Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe or Royal Oak models) are not compatible with a standard NATO strap.
Is a NATO strap suitable for diving?
Yes — this is precisely the use for which it was originally designed. The woven nylon resists salt water, dries quickly and does not deteriorate with repeated immersion.
Our NATO strap collection
All our NATO straps are delivered with marine stainless steel spring bars, ready to fit:
James Bond NATO Strap Black Grey 20mm
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