At a Glance
| Category | Our Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Olive Green Sailcloth Signature Strap | $110 |
| Best Dressy | Matte Black Alligator Signature Strap | $205 |
| Best Everyday | Fauve Baranil Signature Strap | $110 |
| Best Minimalist | Black Epsom Slim Strap | $110 |
| Best Sporty | Black Pilot CTS Rubber Strap | $145 |
| Best Casual | Mocha Crazy Horse Side-Stitch Strap | $110 |
| Wildcard | Desert Dunes Terrain Strap | $110 |
The Citizen Nighthawk is one of those watches that shouldn't work on paper but absolutely nails it on the wrist. A busy slide-rule bezel, dual time zone, a dial crammed with more information than an air traffic control screen — and yet somehow, it all comes together into one of the most beloved pilot watches under $400. There's a reason this thing has a cult following.
What makes the Nighthawk special isn't just the aviation instrument dial or the Eco-Drive movement that'll outlast your motivation to wind a mechanical watch. It's the sheer value proposition. For the price of a nice dinner for two, you get a genuinely capable pilot's tool watch with 200 meters of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a presence on the wrist that punches well above its weight class.
But here's the thing — the stock bracelet, while decent, doesn't do the Nighthawk justice. Swapping it onto a quality strap is the single best upgrade you can make to this watch. Whether you want to lean into the aviation heritage with a sailcloth or pilot-style rubber, dress it up with exotic leather, or go full weekend warrior with a rugged Crazy Horse strap, I've tested and picked the seven best options from our lineup. Every Delugs strap comes with quick-release spring bars pre-installed, so swapping takes about 15 seconds. Let's get into it.
Browse All Citizen Nighthawk Straps →
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1. Best Overall: Olive Green Sailcloth Signature Strap — $110
If I had to put just one strap on a Nighthawk and never take it off, it'd be this one. The Olive Green Sailcloth Signature nails the aviation aesthetic without trying too hard. The military-inspired green pairs beautifully with the Nighthawk's black dial, and the woven sailcloth texture adds a tactile quality that feels right at home on a pilot's watch. At 4.5mm thick with our Signature taper, it gives the Nighthawk some wrist presence without looking overbuilt.
What really seals the deal is the practicality. Sailcloth is water-resistant, breathable, and tough as nails — exactly what you want on a watch rated to 200 meters. Whether you're traveling, hiking, or just smashing through a Monday at the office, this strap handles it all without breaking a sweat. At $110, it's a no-brainer for the Nighthawk.
Thickness: 4.5mm | Water-Resistant: Yes | Profile: Signature
Also available in: Black · Navy · Grey · Brown · Orange · White
2. Best Dressy: Matte Black Alligator Signature Strap — $205
I know what you're thinking — alligator on a Citizen? Trust me on this one. The Matte Black Alligator Signature transforms the Nighthawk from a capable tool watch into something that commands a second look. The matte finish is key here; it keeps the strap grounded and masculine rather than flashy, which is exactly what you want against that busy instrument dial. The scale pattern adds visual depth without competing for attention.
This is the strap for when you want to wear the Nighthawk with a blazer or to a dinner that's a notch above casual. The Signature profile tapers from 4.5mm at the lugs to 2.2mm at the buckle, giving you that padded, luxurious look that elevates the entire package. It's the most expensive pick on this list, but exotic leather is an investment that ages gracefully.
Thickness: 4.5-2.2mm | Water-Resistant: No | Profile: Signature
Also available in: Navy · Dark Brown · Dolphin Grey · Cognac · Grey Storm
3. Best Everyday: Fauve Baranil Signature Strap — $110
Here's where the Nighthawk gets interesting. The Fauve Baranil Signature in that warm, golden-brown "fauve" tone creates a striking contrast against the black dial. Baranil leather is sourced from Haas, one of the most respected French tanneries, and it develops a gorgeous patina over time. Every mark, every crease tells a story — which is exactly the kind of character a daily-wear pilot watch deserves.
What makes this the perfect everyday strap is the balance of formality and ruggedness. The Signature profile gives it enough structure to look sharp with a button-down, while the natural grain and warm tones keep it firmly in casual territory. After a few months of daily wear, the leather softens and the color deepens in a way that synthetic materials simply can't replicate. At $110 for Haas leather, this is exceptional value.
Thickness: 4.5-2.2mm | Water-Resistant: No | Patina: Yes | Tannery: Haas | Profile: Signature
4. Best Minimalist: Black Epsom Slim Strap — $110
The Nighthawk's dial is anything but minimal, so sometimes the best move is to let the watch do all the talking. The Black Epsom Slim at just 2.2mm thick disappears under the watch head, creating a clean, understated look that puts all the attention on that gorgeous instrument dial. Epsom leather, also from Haas tannery, features a subtle cross-hatch grain that's refined without being precious.
The practical benefits are just as compelling. Epsom is one of the most water-resistant leathers available, making it a smart daily driver for a watch that's built to handle the elements. The slim profile also means it sits incredibly flat on the wrist and tucks under a shirt cuff with zero fuss. If you're someone who appreciates the Nighthawk's complexity but wants the strap to stay out of the conversation, this is your pick.
Thickness: 2.2mm | Water-Resistant: Yes | Tannery: Haas | Profile: Slim
Also available in: Navy · Tinware Grey · Hunter Green · Taupe · Orange
5. Best Sporty: Black Pilot CTS Rubber Strap — $145
This one almost feels like it was designed with the Nighthawk in mind. The Pilot texture pattern on our CTS rubber features a repeating aviation-inspired motif that echoes the instrument theme of the watch itself. It's a subtle design detail that most people won't notice at arm's length, but it creates a cohesive look that just feels right on a pilot watch.
Performance-wise, CTS rubber is the real deal. It's soft enough to be comfortable on the wrist all day but firm enough to never feel cheap or floppy. Completely waterproof, hypoallergenic, and practically indestructible, this is the strap you reach for when you know the day is going to be active. Traveling, swimming, sweating through a summer day — the Pilot rubber handles it all without complaint. The 22mm width fills the lug space perfectly, giving the Nighthawk that integrated tool-watch look.
Water-Resistant: Yes | Profile: Standard
Also available in: Navy · Grey · Olive Green · Orange · White
6. Best Casual: Mocha Crazy Horse Side-Stitch Strap — $110
This is the strap that gives your Nighthawk a bomber jacket. The Mocha Crazy Horse Side-Stitch has that rugged, lived-in character that pairs naturally with a pilot watch — think vintage aviation leather, hand-stitched and ready for adventure. The contrast side stitching adds a handcrafted touch that you'll appreciate every time you glance at your wrist. At 2.5mm thick, it's substantial without being bulky.
Crazy Horse leather is a pull-up leather, which means it lightens and shifts color when you bend or scratch it. On a weekend watch like the Nighthawk, that kind of patina development is a feature, not a bug. After a few months, the mocha tone deepens into rich, uneven tones that make the strap look like it's been on expeditions with you. This is the pick for Nighthawk owners who wear their watches hard and want a strap that wears just as hard right alongside them.
Thickness: 2.5mm | Patina: Yes | Profile: Side-Stitch
7. Wildcard: Desert Dunes Terrain Strap — $110
If the Nighthawk is an instrument for exploring the world, the Desert Dunes Terrain Strap looks like it just came back from somewhere interesting. Part of our limited Terrain Collection, this strap features a sandy, desert-inspired texture that's unlike anything else in the lineup. It's the kind of strap that makes people ask where you got it — and isn't that half the fun of wearing a watch?
Beyond the looks, the Desert Dunes is practical at 2.2mm thick, so it keeps a low profile under the Nighthawk's 42mm case. The warm sandy tones create an unexpectedly great contrast with the black dial, almost like a vintage military watch on a canvas field strap. If you've already got the basics covered and want something that sets your Nighthawk apart from every other one out there, this is the wildcard pick that'll do it.
Thickness: 2.2mm | Profile: Terrain Collection
Also available in: Concrete Jungle · Mud Flats · Woodland Forest · Stormy Seashore
Essential Accessories
If your Nighthawk is still on its stock bracelet, you'll need a way to get it off. Our Bracelet Removal Tool makes the job quick and painless — no scratched lugs, no bent spring bars, just clean removal in under a minute. It's a one-time investment that pays for itself every time you swap straps.
For Nighthawk owners who want a more secure clasp system, our Spring Deployant Clasp is worth a look. It adds a folding clasp mechanism to any leather or sailcloth strap, which means you get the convenience of a bracelet-style clasp with the comfort and style of a strap. Particularly handy if you're worried about the watch slipping off during active wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What lug width does the Citizen Nighthawk use?
The Citizen Nighthawk BJ7000-52E uses a 22mm lug width. All straps featured in this article are available in 22mm to ensure a perfect fit. Every Delugs strap comes with quick-release spring bars pre-installed for easy swapping.
Can I swim with my Nighthawk on a leather strap?
While the Nighthawk itself is rated to 200m water resistance, not all straps are designed for submersion. For swimming and water activities, stick with the CTS Rubber straps or Sailcloth, which are fully water-resistant. Epsom leather can handle splashes and rain but shouldn't be submerged. Avoid getting alligator, Baranil, and Crazy Horse leathers wet.
Will a thick strap make the Nighthawk wear too tall?
At 12.4mm thick, the Nighthawk has a moderate case height. Our Signature profile straps (4.5mm) add presence without making the watch top-heavy, and the taper to 2.2mm at the buckle keeps things balanced. If you prefer a lower profile, our Slim straps at 2.2mm barely add any height at all and tuck easily under a shirt cuff.
What buckle color should I choose for the Nighthawk?
The Citizen Nighthawk BJ7000-52E has a stainless steel case, so you'll want to match it with a silver (polished or brushed) buckle. All Delugs straps are available with silver hardware to complement your watch's case finish perfectly.
How do I remove the stock bracelet from my Nighthawk?
The stock Nighthawk bracelet uses standard spring bars. You can remove it with our Bracelet Removal Tool, which has a forked tip designed to compress the spring bar and slide it out cleanly. Once the bracelet is off, the quick-release spring bars on your new Delugs strap snap right in — no tools needed for future swaps.
Citizen Nighthawk BJ7000-52E Quick Specs
| Case Diameter | 42mm |
| Thickness | 12.4mm |
| Lug-to-Lug | ~48mm |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Movement | Eco-Drive E812 |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Crystal | Mineral |
About Delugs
Delugs is a Singapore-based watch strap maker specializing in premium handcrafted straps using leathers sourced from the world's finest tanneries — including Haas, Horween, Badalassi Carlo, and Conceria Walpier. Every strap ships with quick-release spring bars pre-installed, so you can swap straps in seconds without any tools.
Not sure which strap is right for your Nighthawk? Our team is available via 24/7 live chat on our website to help you find the perfect match for your watch, wrist size, and personal style. We're watch enthusiasts ourselves, and we genuinely enjoy helping people find the right strap.
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