To begin with, we will note what these straps have in common. Of the obligatory common features, perhaps, it can be noted that both types of straps are made of nylon. And in order to put them on a watch, you do not need to remove the hairpins.
Then the differences begin
Fittings. NATO straps use "flat" fittings - metal parts are shaped like frames. ZULU straps use rings that are more rounded, more massive.
Материал. As a rule, NATO straps are made of thinner material than ZULU. Of course, each manufacturer can vary this parameter, but in most cases this rule applies.
Design. NATO watch straps have a design of long and short ends connected together, while the strap has three frames and a clasp from the fittings. There are no design variations.
ZULU straps come in two different designs - with three rings and with five rings:
- 5-ring straps are similar in design to NATO straps, with a caveat to different fittings and the fact that at the end of a short piece the ZULU strap has two rings, while the NATO strap has one frame. It should also be noted that ZULU 5-ring belts are usually noticeably longer than NATO straps.
- The 3-ring ZULU is similar in length to NATO straps, but lacks the short piece, i.e. in fact, it is an ordinary strip of fabric with rings and a clasp.
Wearing. The NATO strap or the ZULU XNUMX-ring strap can only be worn one way. The ZULU XNUMX-ring strap allows for multiple wearing options with more hardware and longer length.
Additional Notes
Additionally, it should be noted that the execution of the seams is also sometimes included among the differences - they can be stitched with threads or soldered by laser welding. But this feature often depends on the manufacturer, and not on the type of strap. Both options provide the straps with sufficient strength.
We also pay attention to the fact that we have considered the most popular options for NATO and ZULU straps.
In the English-speaking world, classic NATO straps, the design of which is discussed in this article, are called NATO G10. ZULU straps are called ZULU 3-ring or ZULU 5-ring.
Along with this, there are also rarer, often exotic models:
- NATO RAF - strap with NATO fittings, but with the same construction as the 3-ring ZULU.
- NATO USM is a strap similar to NATO RAF, using only a clasp from metal fittings, while a wide nylon loop serves for the tip.
- Two-piece NATO and ZULU straps. In fact, the belonging of these straps to the NATO and ZULU class raises questions, but often they are called that way. In fact, these are almost similar models to ordinary leather watch straps.
- NATO and ZULU leather straps. Leather is not as elastic as nylon, however, such models exist.
