Blancpain x Swatch NATO Straps

If you only ever buy one extra strap for your Scuba Fifty Fathoms, make it a Blancpain x Swatch NATO strap. It's the one you stop worrying about. Toss it in a bag, get caught in the rain, go for a swim, it doesn't care. And it costs little enough that most people end up with a few. Here's why nylon suits this watch so well, plus how to pick the right colour and size.

Why a NATO strap is such an easy win

Two reasons, really. First, it's secure: the band passes right under the case, so even if a spring bar ever gave out, the watch stays on your wrist. Second, it just works with everything. A Fifty Fathoms NATO strap is light, it dries fast, and it shifts the watch from buttoned-up to weekend in seconds. Browse the full range of Blancpain x Swatch straps and you'll see why nylon is where a lot of owners start.

A bit of history, because it matters

The NATO has proper heritage. It was designed in the 1970s for British military watches, built to a strict brief: survive water, stay comfortable, keep the watch secure. That DNA is exactly why it pairs so naturally with a dive watch like the Fifty Fathoms. Our rubber-and-nylon Blancpain x Swatch strap takes that idea further, woven from high-grade nylon with clean finishing and a fuss-free fastening that's as happy in a meeting as it is underwater.

The colours we stock

A NATO is really an excuse to play with colour, and the palette here leans into the sea:

• Deep black: for quiet, understated elegance.
• Ocean blue: a nod to the depths the Fifty Fathoms was built for.
• Khaki green: the military root, for the adventurous.
• Sand or light grey: an urban, contemporary touch.

None of it is permanent, which is the fun of it. Build up two or three and your watch gets a new mood whenever you fancy.

NATO or the smoother nylon weave?

Worth knowing: alongside the classic NATO we also do a tighter, smoother nylon weave. It reads a touch more formal and has less surface texture, but keeps all the same toughness and comfort. If you want a more uniform look without giving up the practicality, that's the one. Same nylon strengths, slightly dressier finish.

Picking your size

A good fit is where comfort starts. Too tight and it nags at you; too loose and it looks sloppy. The Blancpain x Swatch NATO strap comes in a few lengths, so use your wrist measurement as a guide:

• Wrist 13 to 16 cm: go short or adjustable.
• Wrist 17 to 20 cm: standard is your size.
• Wrist over 21 cm: choose the large, made for bigger wrists.

Every model adjusts through the buckle and keepers, so you can dial it in to the millimetre and it'll hold all day.

Ocean of Storms: our standout NATO

If one model gets the most attention, it's Ocean of Storms. This Fifty Fathoms NATO strap is a proper nod to the sea, all dark, lightly textured finishing, sturdy stitching and a graphite tone that hints at the deep. The smooth NATO Blancpain x Swatch strap suits divers, sure, but really it's for anyone who wants a band with a bit of character that never dates.

Dressing it up, dressing it down

Don't write a NATO off as sporty-only. A few looks that work: an ocean-blue strap with a white shirt and navy jacket for a sharp bit of contrast; khaki or sand with a polo and raw denim for easy casual; light grey with fine knit and chinos for something modern and city-ready. The same watch, three different stories.

Swapping it and keeping it clean

Changing a NATO is genuinely a 30-second job, no watchmaker required: slide the old one out from between the lugs, thread the new one through the bars, adjust the length, done. Cleaning is just as easy. Once a month if you wear it daily, or after any dip in the sea or pool, soak the plain NATO Blancpain x Swatch strap in lukewarm water with a little mild soap, brush gently if needed, rinse well and dry it flat. That's the whole routine, and it adds years to the strap.

Blancpain x Swatch NATO straps - FAQ

Are NATO straps really water-resistant?

Completely. Built for military and marine use, our nylon NATO straps handle water, salt and humidity without complaint, dry fast and hold their shape after plenty of dips.

Will a NATO fit any Fifty Fathoms?

Yes. Every Blancpain x Swatch NATO strap is made for the Fifty Fathoms models. Just check the width matches your watch (usually 20 or 22 mm) before ordering.

Can I wear it somewhere formal?

Absolutely. With its clean finishing, a nylon or NATO strap pairs nicely with smart or dressy outfits, an easy way to modernise the watch while keeping it refined.

What if I want a similar look in a different material?

Have a look at our Blancpain x Swatch canvas straps, very close in spirit to nylon, with the same easy, adaptable feel.

Whether it's a classic NATO, the smoother nylon or a standout like Ocean of Storms, every strap tells a different story. So, which one's yours?