Citizen Nighthawk Strap Guide

Few watches carry the tool watch title quite like the Citizen Nighthawk. I’ve owned mine since 2016, and for years I kept it on the original bracelet. But once I started swapping straps I realized what a powerhouse of a watch it is. Pairing the Nighthawk with the right strap unlocks a whole new level of character. The best part: The wearability is always near perfect.

nenad pantelic profile photo Nenad Pantelic • January 3, 2026

premium premium sailcloth by straphabit on citizen nighthawk

In this showcase, I go beyond the awesome, but basic, stainless steel bracelet to explore how different textures and tones can balance the Nighthawk’s technical complexity and change the wrist presence.

Canvas strap by Singular Straps

Let's start with a black canvas strap with black stitching by Singular Straps. The strap's neutral color and semi-grainy texture keep the focus on the Nighthawk's dial. This is a solid choice that works very well for all occasions.

citizen nighthawk on the black Canvas strap
The strap is fully stitched with a black thread, and doesn't draw attention.
citizen nighthawk on the black canvas strap
Canvas by Singular Straps is a dependable all-rounder option.

Perlon 2.0 by CNS Watch & Bands

This specific color works wonderfully with the red accents on the dial. Plus, because the strap is thin and the correct length, you don’t need to worry about a fold-over or tucking in the tail.

citizen nighthawk on red perlon strap
Easy to put on, easy to wear, and looks tidy because it has an optimal lenght.
citizen nighthawk on red perlon strap
This specific color works wonderfully with the red accents on the dial.

Smooth FKM Rubber Strap

This one is awesome. It is firm enough to support the wide case, yet flexible enough to be incredibly comfortable. The smooth texture also helps the strap disappear on the wrist. This is a highly recommended combo.

citizen nighthawk on green FKM rubber strap
FKM has become the most popular rubber compound in today's market.
citizen nighthawk on black fkm rubber strap
The smooth texture also helps the strap disappear on the wrist.

Premium Sailcloth strap by StrapHabit

StrapHabit designed this strap with all the hallmarks of a classic aviator: boxed stitching, technical sailcloth material, and a thin leather patch reinforcing the adjustment holes. The result is a strap that is as a fantastic partner for the Nighthawk.

citizen nighthawk on green sailcloth strap
This specific green color goes really well with the black dial.
citizen nighthawk on green sailcloth strap
The top layer of the strap uses sailcloth, and for the underside, StrapHabit have decided to go with thin leather.

Cotton Strap by CNS Watch & Bands

This is another great pass-through option. It is not just because of the color, size, and texture, but because this is one hell of a comfortable strap to wear.

citizen nighthawk on grey nylon strap
This cotton-nylon construction results in a featherweight, breathable material that provides a highly comfortable on-wrist experience.
citizen nighthawk on grey nylon strap
The keepers are made from stainless steel. The one next to the buckle is a floating keeper, and the one closest to the watch lugs is sewn-in.

Divers Silicone Strap by ZULUDIVER

If you want a serious pop of color, this orange silicone diver’s strap is the way to go. The high-visibility orange provides a sharp contrast against the Nighthawk’s black dial.

It is built for the ocean, but since I am a dedicated desk diver, it mostly just peeks out from under my long-sleeve button-down 😂

citizen nighthawk on orange rubber strap
The material is very soft, pliable, and comfortable. The surface is not sticky but has a kind of velvety feel to the touch.

Canvas Quick Release Strap by BARTON Watch Bands

If you want to lean into the monochromatic look, this Barton grey canvas is the way to do it. It complements the flight slide rule and the complex dial elements by providing a neutral backdrop that doesn't compete for attention. It is low-profile, comfortable, and gives the Nighthawk a completely different, more relaxed personality.

citizen nighthawk on barton canvas strap
The strap is ultra-light. I can hardly feel it when I'm wearing it.

Premium Nato Strap by Singular Straps

This one is for the enthusiasts. The grey premium NATO by Singular Straps is the true ancestor of the OG Toxic/UTE/TGN straps. It’s thin, strong, and the grey color matches the Nighthawk's "instrument" vibe perfectly. It gives that classic military profile without the bulk of a cheaper, stiffer nylon. And I effing love it.

citizen nighthawk on grey nylon strap
This strap has it all: soft and comfortable material, excellent build quality, and a great price that others will hardly beat.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the Nighthawk is never leaving my collection. It is a true icon that makes almost any 22mm piece of fabric or rubber look like it was custom-made for it.

OK I admit, I do have to exercise a little bit of restraint. Because that dial is so complex and packed with information, super busy textures or loud, aggressive patterns probably wouldn’t work. They would just end up fighting with the watch for attention.

But if you stick to relatively clean designs and solid colors, you’ve got a piece that looks killer on almost anything. It is a fantastic watch, a design legend, and I love this damn thing.