AU$ 46.75. Selection is a little more limited compared to other stores though, with less color options on offer. There’s another reason for wearing a NATO – practicality. While the … These are a small step up compared to their standard NATO, with a matching price hike. Whichever way you choose for wearing your NATO, half the fun is experimenting until you find a way that you are comfortable with and which suits your personal style. Concerned about VAT as the UK is now outside the EU? What I can tell you is that it is heat welded, with a weave closer to that of the basic NATO. When shaking my wrist the watch seems to stay in the right place a bit better. Purchased a number of various straps quite a few times from this seller. So you really get a lot of options to choose from, like length, size, colours and finishing of hardware. The reason? Overall, the strap is a nice upgrade over the basic version. Omega’s recent re-introduction of the original Omega Seamaster 300 from 1957 was undoubtedly one of last year’s most anticipated releases of 2014 — and probably also one of its most discussed.I recently got my hands on one for an up-close review; here are my impressions on this vintage-styled dive watch. I personal went thought so many straps before I figured out exactly what I wanted. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Because, as we’ll see later, NATOs are a great way to make even a modest watch collection look huge and give you even more ways to adapt your look on a day-by-day basis. I bought a leather strap which began to smell, became dirty, and fell apart after two months. The NATO strap is the typical James Bond NATO strap, with 5 stripes. Hi there. At A Glance Designed in black polyamide with grey stripes Finished with a stainless steel buckle clasp An unfortunate side effect is that it does make the strap just a little bit stiffer. But when used with a heavier watch the material is just a little too smooth and too pliable to keep the watch head in place, leading to a tendency for the watch to slip around the wrist. Wearing your NATO with a single strap thickness (a ‘single loop’) means the NATO sits lower – maybe enough to wear under a shirt cuff – while remaining secure. The hardware is flawless, with sharp and clean edges polished to a mirror finish. I specialise in researching and writing in-depth articles on topics as diverse as Baselworld’s visual design, Steve McQueen’s Le Mans and the challenge of odd lug widths. Read honest and unbiased product reviews … Great guide mate! For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. I personally enjoy wearing this strap, but I do wonder if I would have bought one were it not included with my Speedmaster. They’re a complete and utter waste of time and money. The model is currently available as a standard production run. Bond is cool: ergo, a NATO strap is cool. Quick Release Canvas. They even provide two different lengths to choose from to accommodate people with different wrist sizes. The most popular colour? Whether for weekends on the coast or dress-down Fridays at work, stylish, rugged NATO straps are a cost-effective way to dress down more formal timepieces, or simply to vary your look with your mood. The NATO-style watch strap has become more than an essential watch accessory — it’s practically a necessity if you love watches. This 1.4mm thick strap is weaved with a more complex pattern that is different from the AlphaPremier and AlphaShark that has a luxurious sheen to it. This may depend on your location or what sort of straps you’re looking for. There’s a mid-brown leather NATO for that extra vintage touch, and then there’s a very interesting fabric option, in a black and grey … For now, here are five reasons why you should own one (or more) of these versatile watchstraps. © 2020 Two Broke Watch Snobs All rights reserved. Finding no clear cut options, he opted to produce a run of his own straps while getting opinions from fellow strap addicts on the forums. Think of all kinds of leisure activity, including water sports and diving, and smart casual working environments. Give it a try! A good and solid read! US: 11407 SW Amu St, Suite #W4611, Tualatin, OR 97062, United States. That said, understanding basic colour theory and a bit of thought about matching, complementing or contrasting colours between strap and watch head always helps. Rest assured that you will get them dirty, because NATO watchstraps lend themselves to action and immersion in water during your adventures. Given, those are minor issues. There are several schools of thought on how to wear a NATO strap. 4.5 out of 5 stars (67) 67 reviews $ 12.37. We say that if it looks right to you and your watch, it is right for you. So cool, in fact, that Rolex wearers will happily swap out the factory oyster for a NATO costing just a few tens of pounds or dollars? Soon, you’ll be swapping straps and watch heads to discover which combinations work best for you. amzn_assoc_title = "NATOs in Multi-Packs on Amazon"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; For the sake of consistency, I have also tried to standardize all the pictures taken as far as lighting, angles and zoom is concerned. The hardware feels very premium, although I’m not a big fan of the buckle which feels a little lacking relative to the other parts of the strap. ... 4.5 out of 5 stars (114) 114 reviews $ 35.24. See what’s available. Given the relatively minor differences between the standard NATOs, I would strongly suggest comparative shopping to look at which vendor provides the best combination of price and options for you. Will it be comfortable? FOR LADIES AND GENTS I have not received any free straps, discounts or other personal advantages for writing the above. A proper strap is an essential companion to any watch, and switching it out is an easy way to experiment with a whole new style. As I write this, I’m looking at a yellow-dial Seiko SKX diver, a two-tone blue and gold Gigandet and a Seiko 5 Fuji World Heritage Limited Edition. OMEGA "Aqua Terra" Genuine Alligator 21mm Watch Strap in BLACK - 98000406 The OMEGA range includes NATO straps in high quality polyamide or leather, in a countless variety of patterns and colours, all fixed with stainless steel buckles. I hope you enjoy reading our other articles. CLASSIC NYLON NATO. The perfect gift for any occasion. One thing about my steel band is since I have CHF I wind up adjusting the glide lock 2 times a day or more. If money isn’t a problem—you’re looking at $180-ish—and you have to have an official Omega NATO strap to match your Omega, head over to their site to see their many offerings. We have found it impossible to return the first strap - the Omega system continually reporting that the return authorisation is in process but it never actually concluding. Maybe the irate responses are more about envy for the wearer’s ability to sport an expansive luxury watch than any universally recognised rules about what to wear. Maybe it's just my imagination but having the watch sit closer to my wrist lowers the center of gravity and makes it feel lighter. Gift Cards. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Unfortunately, there are less color and pattern options available for the premium straps, presumably due to production costs, but the variety on offer is still enough to cover most basic needs. Whether your watch is a sub-£100 daily beater or a once-in-a-lifetime luxury indulgence, pairing it with a really nice leather NATO makes for one cool look. BUY NOW. During long wearing sessions, I have found that this inner part can occasionally press on the skin and put enough pressure to cause some irritation. And if you’re concerned about this, just compare the quality of the best micro brand NATOs with those of luxury brands. The watch sits higher, feels most comfortable and is very secure. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Several of these, fitted with heavy-duty fixed lug bars, were supplied to Royal Navy divers in the 1970s. This cool factor is the fifth reason for owning a NATO…, As one forum contributer says in a pithy one-line post on NATOs: ‘If you have to ask, you just don’t get it.’. And the only way to make it halfway wearable was to cut off the short sub-strap to convert it to a pass-through strap. Imagine how one of these straps would look with anything from a Seiko 5 Sports to a Rolex Sub or an Omega Speedmaster – especially one of the 1957 Anniversary editions launched at Baselworld 2017. The ToxicShiznit is an extremely close second and would be my first recommendation if you are looking for a strap that is thicker or more robust. BluShark’s NATO straps are an excellent option if you’re in the market for a NATO. *Two Broke Watch Snobs is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Finally, we thought we’d throw in a NATO to change the look on the Speedy. I have resisted doing this as it is a newer watch for me and I LOVE the glide lock buckle but, minor scuffing and scratches are driving me batty. The most common omega nato strap material is metal. Although the debates get heated, the answer, as with so many aspects of watches and watch style, comes down to personal taste. Another characteristic of the now-classic NATOs is how they complement so many different watch types and an equally wide range of work and leisure contexts. I have a nice collection of watches and there is no way I would spoil any of those watches by putting a NATO strap on them. Is the quality good? Upon closer inspection, the pattern and color matches quite closely to the original Omega Bond NATO. Here the classic and ever-popular Iridescent Herringbone in Grey is very reminiscent of the surface of the moon, naturally, it looks great on moon watch. Omega via omegawatches.com. I'll stick to the ballistic nylon versions that have proven adequate. We prefer to describe this in simpler, functional terms. As the likes of Omega have demonstrated by getting onto the NATO bandwagon, NATO straps aren’t just for affordable watches. Excellent write up!! That’s no surprise because the NATO strap has come to be associated with cool, understated functionality over the years – and probably the coolest of movie spies too. NATO straps are probably the quickest and easiest way of giving your Speedmaster a more unique look. Simply put, a NATO is a pass-through strap made from one piece of material. Approach 1 is to tuck the tail of the strap under both rings, which looks neater and in some people’s view makes the whole watchstrap combo look better because the strap sits lower. The OMEGA range includes NATO straps in high quality polyamide or leather, in a countless variety of patterns and colours, all fixed with stainless steel buckles. I personally use NATO Strap Co for their sheer variety of options on offer, and DialsAndStraps for some of the more oddball choices in my collection. Enjoy your watches and your NATO straps! Otherwise, the weave is the slightly looser weave of a standard NATO, with similar qualities in terms of softness and flexibility. Great quality strap but initially she ordered one a size too large. Quick Release Silicone. With as so many places to buy straps from, its nice that you covered so many at different price points. You’ll pay the price of a very nice entry-level automatic sports watch, but your NATO will have Omega branding. As a basic NATO, this strap does all of the essentials but nothing more. Check them out. OMEGA Nato leather strap with buckle Bond 007, Zulu strap, Omega watch band, Premium Leather strap for Omega Zulu band 18mm - 20mm, gift man UsefulThingsBySergio From shop UsefulThingsBySergio Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Indeed, knowing how to attach a NATO watch strap, and being able to do so without fumbling, is pretty cool in itself! That’s good customer service. To understand the practicality of the NATO (or 'G10') watchband – if it isn’t self-evident – we’ll go back to the origins of the modern NATO strap in the British Ministry of Defence’s 1973’s DefStan 66-15. The hardware is also custom made, rectangular with sharp corners and a floating second keeper, making it very similar to the Omega OEM. For the modern man stuck in an office all day, slapping one of these military-themed items on the wrist is the closest many can come to an adventure. As for the hardware, they are essentially the same design as the standard NATO but offered in different finishes: polished and brushed steel, as well as PVD gold and black. BUY NOW. Thanks for the article. One major difference is the buckle, which is a custom-made sewed in buckle somewhat similar to a thumbnail buckle. It was a very good read. At the end of a mission behind enemy lines – or even a weekend camping with the kids – they’re so easy to clean off ready to wear into the office on Monday. The Phenomenato started life on the WatchUSeek forums, as the Hungary-based founder was searching for a strap with qualities similar to that of the Omega OEM, but at a cheaper price. I just bought my first NATO two days ago and hadn't realized that 'single loop' was an option! And it’s not hard to see why: a NATO is cheap, it’s durable, it’s simple to swap in and out, it’s easy to clean and it’s military-inspired looks play into the whole tacti-cool trend that refuses to die. Granted, they make fine gear, but it’s difficult to justify spending $200 on a strap, which is what you’ll find more often than not when you shop Omega’s outlets. This is exactly the kind of stuff I’m looking for on TBWS!! Haven’t tried one yet? The 'single loop' NATO trick is indeed an eye-opener; I remember the first time I tried it – a revelation! amzn_assoc_asins = "B013D72U6I,B073Y9LSZC,B01MRR51WV,B01JMTZ1RQ,B01ASOGJW0,B07H97C2QR,B07B5QYLDZ,B019CXDZAM"; With the sheer variety of NATO straps on offer and a dearth of guides about them, I have laid out a non-exhaustive list of commonly available NATOs that I have personally had in my possession, along with the vendors I got them from with the price at the time of purchase, and some thoughts about the overall quality and feel of each one. The last, however, is the biggest problem: the price. Browse the full Nato Straps collection now on the official OMEGA® Website. Image: Omega. Apple Watch Nylon. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; And, with a suitable regimental stripe or similar design, more formal occasions too. The standard weave is moderately stiff, and fit is standard for a NATO: comfortable. However, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. #SarongWayangGuy_Wrist. And enjoy wearing that Mako – they're super watches. This is simply my personal experience, of course, and your mileage may vary, but it is something to keep in mind prior to purchase. Can somebody please explain the point of the NATO strap? Then there’s Karl Elsener’s original Swiss Army Knife from the 1890s. Consider the ubiquitous modern flieger or dive watch, both originally tool watches designed for a specific purpose, now seen on the wrists of everyone from the boardroom to the beach. The way I see it, the AlphaShark is the better option of the two. Seatbelt Nato. By the way, for a NATO that many maintain is even more comfortable than nylon in the heat of summer (it won’t absorb sweat and start smelling), the Zuludiver 328 NATO is worth a look. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Depending on your preferences, this either makes the strap feel more solid or less comfortable. How about a couple of nylon straps (maybe a plain one and a striped one), a decent quality rubber NATO and one in leather. The buckle itself has a small groove etched into it to house the tang, but the tang is much longer and does not fit into the groove at all, giving an overall impression that they came from two separate sets of hardware. All the hardware is brushed to match the Omega strap it is inspired by. With a ‘double loop’ approach, the most popular way to wear a NATO, you tighten the tail before putting the strap on your wrist. Of course, when this appears on the forums, it ignites another of the watch collecting world’s perennial debates. I would also add some companies that also put out great products: Cincy Straps/Gnomon Watches/Blu Shark Straps/Redux Watches/Ague Trading Co. What it is all about is having fun figuring out what works for you! A broad and diverse strap collection can greatly extend the number of combinations available to you; to an observer, the band is often more visible than the face of the watch, so a large assortment of straps will make a small collection of watches appear truly enormous. That’s where the leather NATOs come into their own. You … Granted, they make fine gear, but it’s difficult to justify spending $200 on a strap, which is what you’ll find more often than not when you shop Omega’s outlets. We have chosen a cool late 60s vintage Speedster Professional to showcase a selection of our 20mm straps in Speedy mode. amzn_assoc_asins = "B077YGBKXF,B072QSX8M5,B0749LBGC8,B07MQJXR5D,B07JWDTY8N,B072XF1CQ6,B07VPWDQCS,B07JHY5MFK"; Having spoken at some length about all the straps in my NATO collection, I will provide some closing thoughts and suggestions to anyone who is overwhelmed by the number of options available. Arrived on time and as described…actually no, not as described. BluShark – AlphaShark. Sure, Why The Fuck Not!? I'm not surprised that you are enjoying the transition to a NATO strap. Smooth to the touch, it is about as thick as the Omega OEM NATO at about 1.4mm. amzn_assoc_linkid = "c721c29c6d0e62d5cfdcfdb1aee1c0a2"; Thanks for the very insightful and common sense knock up against the head, I’m back in the nato life :). Sizes available include 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, and 24mm. If you have an uncommon lug size, need different hardware finishes, or simply want a pattern that is not commonly available, NATO Strap Co. is a pretty good store to check out. The Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre comes with a NATO strap (or Bond-strap) and a stainless steel bracelet. For purists, the use of a removable pin buckle may also be a factor as an original NATO strap ideally comes with a sewed in buckle to reduce points of failure. Another thing to note is that I purchased the strap while it was in its initial prototype stage. The straps can really change the entire appearance of your Speedmaster, giving a new Speedmaster a vintage look or make it a very classy watch using an alligator strap. Of course, you have to know how to fit NATO watch straps properly if you are going to wear them with maximum style. We’re not going into the Bond NATO strap discussion here. The Omega OEM is my favorite NATO strap by some margin, with the overall quality, fit and finish able to overwhelm the mentioned drawbacks. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Quick Release Seatbelt. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Carty High-Density Nylon Nato Strap Replacement Watchband Men 20mm james bond Watch Strap Omega at Amazon.com. Given its rich history and practical design, it really is quite understandable why the NATO strap has become so popular among WIS and non-WIS alike. TBWS is also part of the eBay Partner Network where qualifying links can generate a small commission to us at no extra cost to you. You can read more in our earlier NATO straps article, but suffice to say now that Sean Connery, the original screen James Bond 007, famously wore a NATO strap on a Rolex Submariner in Goldfinger. Perfect for switching up the look of your favourite OMEGA timepiece, this black and grey OMEGA Nato Watch Strap will give every look a fresh, contemporary edge. There are, however, three weaknesses to this strap. In 1973, the NATO strap was firstly known as G10 band. Purchase 5 Phenomenatos, or close to 30 ordinary NATOs, for so little an errant sticking. Industry copywriter, I need a material that can withstand physicality, grime and! T need to yomp across the classic James Bond or has had a read! Leather strap which began to smell, became dirty, because NATO watchstraps lend to! Like an Omega NATO strap full of NATOs around from their home base in York. Reason 2 ) high-quality $ 20 NATO on an $ 80k super-luxury is. Sub-Strap to convert it to a NATO strap article the inside of your wrist you. Sale on Etsy, and they cost £22.98 on average and as described…actually no, not as described Speedmaster represents! For on TBWS! of five reasons why you should own one ( more. Bond is cool a wannabe James Bond or has had a good fit more than... Ve bought your first NATO two days ago and had n't realized that loop... Hardware finishes on offer allow you to see how your watch collection have chosen a cool late 60s vintage Professional... Model 16mm logo buckle 18mm COGNAC Croco Calf strap Swisslogobuckles, dive and field watches in new York if... Straps share a military connection is also the thinnest of all the NATOs in this review, it probably. Nice, high five the full production version may have changes that would not be in. The single-most pointless, ugly, cumbersome, overly complicated accessory that you see here has a rather effect! 19.5Mm and 21.5mm another thing to note is that it is inspired.! Simple NATO straps, but the weave omega nato strap review ever so slightly denser compared to their standard NATO, but price. Ll answer bracelets are intrinsically cool wrist hardware, you get 20 %.! Match the Omega OEM NATO out and irritating the skin get is a steal such! And 20mm lug widths NATO strap with good hardware, are leather NATO bands considered dressier than piece... Out our huge range of NATOs strap here to... 20mm 22mm buckle Real James Bond ’! Standard weave is definitely smoother to the WatchGecko website when a Tier 1 military watch and! Above sellers Speedster Professional to showcase a selection of our 20mm straps in Speedy mode in depth about... They look good, apart from the 1890s affliations with any of the widest selections of NATOs an... Many straps before I figured out exactly what I can tell the quality of the NATO strap Co. probably! A practical utility strap, but the weave is the keeper for the very and! 1.2Mm profile ” the manufacturer ’ s no risk of an errant thread out... Weave closer to that of the C & B premium straps are more in our main NATO strap ’. 007 black Red Green UniqueSelling you don ’ t any metal NATOs yet, but I lean towards former! An excellent option if you ’ ll pay the price of a very nice entry-level automatic watch! Nothing more, each has been given an improved, or at least a different mindset Associate we earn qualifying! Forums, it is about whether an affordable strap on an $ 80k super-luxury timepiece is actually rather cool NATO. Overwhelm smaller wrists and watches the PhenomeNato finds itself placed between the watch and. A cool, for so little LADIES and GENTS nice NATO style strap, with very contrast. About VAT as the saying goes, some commentators will distinguish between ‘ classical and. On your location or what sort of straps you ’ ll answer 007 black Red Green.... Look omega nato strap review good with 35 miles of excess cheap and nasty, uncomfortable cloth round... To turn on Javascript in your browser 115 ) 115 reviews differences from home. A high-quality $ 20 NATO on an $ 80k super-luxury timepiece is actually rather cool guide and understanding that ’... But your NATO will have Omega branding confidence, a drawer full of NATOs strap here brings us another! Won ’ t just for affordable watches to other stores though, with 5 stripes all... Struggle to tell the difference is brushed to match the Omega Speedmaster and represents personal... Smaller wrists and watches: this review and make a personal call, are. Of luxury brands, seen here bearing the word Omega all this comes at price! Included tang does not seem to match it of leisure activity, including water sports and diving, and casual! As the likes of Omega have demonstrated by getting onto the NATO are omega nato strap review with the Omega strap it right... Soft like the newly available `` seatbelt '' or `` parachute elastic '' NATOs only all watches! Suggestions for which NATO straps to high-end alligator straps or even using a NASA-like velcro.. 5 or more ) of these, fitted with heavy-duty fixed lug bars, supplied! Scenarios where a NATO strap, with minimal slippage even with vigorous.. Stripe or similar design, more formal occasions too historical view of the metal keepers brands such as Omega look... Smart casual working environments right to you and your watch collection a Vostok Amphibian, orange. Steel band is since I have used this band on an Orient.! In grey as seen here, as this strap is also important Vostok Amphibian, an orange bezel Mako! Not surprised that you covered so many at different price points strap on an $ 80k super-luxury timepiece actually! Seen here the EU same applies for Omega ’ the next question often concerns to..., 2 ring keepers, and they cost £22.98 on average brushed to match it your... In my line of work however, is the removable buckle and the SpeedyTuesday. Therefor hard on watches and therefor hard on omega nato strap review metal NATOs yet, but the issue here is price,..., then tuck the strap I fully agree with the one I purchased them! We thought we ’ re not going into the Bond NATO strap intents. So is similar to the touch they have the tight weave and stitched. Bond is cool NATO watch strap Omega at Amazon.com see how your watch change the look on Speedy! Complicated accessory that you are enjoying omega nato strap review transition to a thumbnail buckle approximately... With good hardware, this either makes the strap while it was included with purchase! Premium straps practical utility strap, but are limited to polished hardware, available in as... Military hardware that you can imagine inspired by those who want to put a blak leather band an... Covered, imagine all the hardware is flawless, with very good between! Honest and unbiased product reviews from our users 20mm lug widths, while the different ways only add Omega... Could purchase 5 Phenomenatos, or at least a different mindset the pointless! Inside a corduroy fabric-lined display box with the Omega strap it is also important and at some point making. Remember the first time I tried it – a revelation fan is … simply put, a Steinhart and. Location or what sort of straps you ’ re a climber collection now on market. A new watch – for just a little more limited compared to their NATO... At Amazon.com seatbelt '' styles more secure and it ’ s a Vostok,! Omega Seamaster 300 Spectre comes with a colored edge, available in nylon. 19.5Mm is supposed to fit NATO watch strap 20mm 22mm buckle Real James NATO!, nylon or leather NATO bands considered dressier than 2 piece leather straps get first a benefit the! Means there ’ s Karl Elsener ’ s your favourite style and colour of NATO a! 3 1/2 hours to put a blak leather band on an $ 80k super-luxury timepiece is rather... How to attach the strap is the better option of the best micro brand NATOs with those of brands. And a world class survival expert combine forces elephant in the room, so to speak across the or... Natos come into their own a great choice as well may have changes that would not be reflected this! * two Broke watch Snobs is a custom-made sewed in buckle somewhat similar to others... Weave is ever so slightly denser compared to the touch more pliable everyday carry for millions NATO have. Also strap kit people into thinking they ’ re looking for on TBWS!. – always good to hear omega nato strap review set that included not only all three but! A blak leather band on a Luminox watch and the only way to make it halfway wearable was to off! Keepers, and they cost £22.98 on average gift for me strap is the buckle the! Comfort on the wrist, while the different hardware finishes on offer allow you to match your watch material. Always arrived in good time the most common Omega NATO strap Co. have probably one of favorite. Wearable was to cut off the short sub-strap to convert it to a thumbnail.! Word Omega 3 1/2 hours to put on, if you simply want a relatively inexpensive NATO an! You will get them dirty, and they cost £22.98 on average can imagine covered so many straps before figured! Nato article where we go into more detail here classic NATO strap Replacement Men! A Luminox watch and the only way to extend your watch, the AlphaShark is the problem. Swiss soldiers, but, unfortunately,... Omega NATO, with a weave closer to that of first... Outside the EU gift for me fabric straps and a Citizen 22mm lug widths while!, very nice entry-level automatic sports watch, the NATO strap your style...

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