History of the "NATO" Strap

[JKang]

It's always been a personal curiosity of mine where the NATO strap originated from? I would assume that it has its roots in military application, hence NATO.

I can't seem to find any sites with information specifically on the strap i.e. what its parameters are and how its design developed with the extra webbing that goes under the watch.

Would appreciate a point in the right direction as I've come up a little blank, and I hope this is not too trivial a question.

Regards,
Jonathan