The wristwatch as we know it today owes its existence to the battlefield. Whilst pocket watches dominated the 19th century, the demands of modern warfare during the First World War transformed how soldiers told time, and ultimately, how we all wear our watches.
From pocket to wrist: a military necessity
Before 1914, wristwatches were largely considered feminine accessories, with men favouring the traditional pocket watch. However, when war broke out, soldiers quickly discovered that fumbling for a pocket watch whilst coordinating artillery fire or timing an advance over no man's land was impractical at best, and potentially fatal at worst.
Officers and troops began converting their pocket watches by attaching them to leather straps or wire lugs. By 1917, watchmakers were producing purpose-built wristwatches specifically for military use. The year 1917 saw significant developments in watch strap design, with manufacturers creating more durable leather straps and early fabric options that could withstand the harsh conditions of trench warfare.
The birth of the NATO strap
Whilst the modern NATO strap as we know it wasn't officially standardised until 1973 by the British Ministry of Defence, its origins trace back to WWI-era military straps. Early military watch straps featured a simple pass-through design that served several critical purposes:
- The watch could be quickly removed and replaced
- If one section broke, the watch wouldn't fall off the wrist
- The design was simple enough for mass production
- Soldiers could adjust the fit even whilst wearing gloves
These early straps were typically made from canvas or webbing material, chosen for its durability and resistance to moisture. The simple, functional design proved so effective that it has remained largely unchanged for over a century.
Leather military straps: tradition meets practicality
Leather straps also became standard military issue during and after WWI. The British military favoured thick, vegetable-tanned leather that could withstand extreme conditions. These straps typically featured:
- Sturdy stitching to prevent failure under stress
- Simple, robust buckles that were easy to operate
- A design that allowed the strap to develop character and patina over time
- Width proportions that distributed weight evenly across the wrist
Officers often had their straps custom-made by military suppliers, leading to variations in style whilst maintaining functional elements. This tradition of combining personal style with military practicality continues to influence premium watch strap design today.
The evolution continues
Modern military-inspired watch straps draw directly from this heritage. Whether it's the precision stitching on a leather strap reminiscent of WWI officers' watches, or the durable nylon weave that echoes paratrooper equipment, today's straps honour a century of military innovation.
At 1917 Straps, we celebrate this heritage by creating straps that blend historical authenticity with contemporary craftsmanship. Each collection, from our Quartermaster leather range to our Wayfarer nylon options, pays tribute to the military traditions that transformed the humble watch strap from a simple band into an essential piece of functional design.
The next time you glance at your wrist to check the time, remember that you're participating in a tradition born from necessity in the trenches of the First World War, refined over decades of military service, and perfected for modern wear.