How did the Nato strap get its name? - GQ.COM (UK)
It got its name because it had a Nato stock number (NSN)...
Members of the military refer to them as G10s after its requisition form's reference number but the better-known moniker came about because it has a Nato stock number (NSN) on the strap. The original spec was a strap 280mm long, 20mm wide (now 18mm - and in case you're wondering all Nato armies use the metric system, even the Americans) and 12 heat-sealed adjustment holes plus chrome-plated brass fittings.It was originally designed so that it could to be worn over or under clothing such as a flight suit or wetsuit and to keep the buckle away from the underside of the wrist, supposedly to prevent it catching on clothing - or weapons. The fact that the strap goes under the case also means that if one spring bar breaks the watch will still be attached to the wrist.
However I saw watch straps here in Russia similar to the Nato straps decades ago... even older than that, on historical watch pieces and in photos.
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