Breitling Econyl NATO Straps Discontinued

As part of a collaboration with eco-conscious fashion brand Outerknown in 2019, Breitling released a line of colorful high-quality NATO watch straps made out of Econyl. Econyl is a sustainable proprietary yarn made by Italian synthetic fiber company Aquafil, mostly made of reclaimed fishnets, and Outerknown makes much of their apparel with it. But as of 2025, Breitling Econyl watch straps are discontinued.

Outerknown founder and surfing superstar Kelly Slater remains one of Breitling’s most prominent ambassadors, and notably a floral-motif Kelly Slater x Breitling Superocean model was released in June 2025. But Breitling’s partnership with Outerknown itself–which spawned a few special-edition watches in addition to the Econyl straps–has apparently ended.

Those Breitling x Outerknown watches have disappeared from Outerknown.com and Econyl straps are no longer for sale on Breitling’s website. So at this point, Breitling isn’t selling NATO straps of any kind.

Are Breitling Econyl Straps Comfortable?

Yes, Breitling Econyl NATO watch straps are comfortable. They feel similar to other high-quality NATO straps, but a bit smoother. Keep in mind that because a NATO strap is a single-piece watch strap design that slides underneath the watch case, passing through both spring bars, there’s a layer of fabric against the caseback which adds to the thickness.

So, while I think Econyl NATO straps are fantastic on the slim Superocean Heritage ’57, for instance, NATOs in general are probably not ideal for the chunkiest Breitlings.

Are They Durable?

Yes, Econyl is a very durable material and Breitling Econyl straps are less likely to fray than a typical NATO. I’ve had an Econyl NATO on my Breitling Superocean for years now, and I do see some wear where the pin goes through its hole. If you buy a pre-owned watch with an Econyl strap, it won’t be a secret which hole the previous owner used. But to me it’s not a big deal, as the edges of the strap, most importantly, aren’t frayed at all.

Breitling Econyl NATO Strap Price

Breitling sold Econyl straps for about $200 from 2019-2025, which is a lot when you consider that collectors usually expect NATOs to only cost a few bucks. Now I’ve seen some listed for sale secondhand for over $900, which seems crazy, although they are definitely a cut above your run-of-the-mill $5 NATO straps. Time will tell where the secondary market really settles for these.

Sizes and Colors of Breitling Econyl Straps

Breitling Econyl NATOs were offered in three sizes (20mm, 22mm, and 24mm), all with horizontal stripes in two alternating colors. All colors were offered with brushed stainless steel hardware and simple tang (pin) buckles. The grey/black and blue/black versions were also available with black DLC-coated hardware. In all, seven colorways were produced:

• Light Blue/Blue
• Yellow/Orange
• Blue/Black
• Red/Black
• Grey/Black
• Olive Green/Black
• Copper/Black (only for Superocean ’57 Heritage Outerknown Edition)

Mesh bracelets, Rouleaux bracelets and rubber straps have all become more prevalent in Breitling’s catalog in recent years, but their Econyl NATO experiment has now come to an end. It will be interesting to see what’s next for Breitling’s strap game.