NOS issued NATO straps. Info reqd please

Morning fellas.
A work colleague has unearthed these in the back of his locker.
He was “issued” them along with a CWC G10 by a friendly QM in the mid 90’s whilst deployed with British troops in Bosnia.
Although both issued they are quite different.
Spring bar buckle strap is about 5mm longer.
Has 1 8 stamped on the underside of the buckle.
The keepers are shorter spaced.
The 12 holes are over a shorter spread.
The heat seal has a waffle finish texture on the inside of the third keeper.
The colour is what I would describe as the classic issued admiralty grey.

One piece buckle strap has 18 mm stamped on the underside.
wider spacing for the keepers.
it’s 12 holes are over a wider spread.
the heat seals are all smooth.
There is a slight olive hue to its greyness.

Can I ask the NATO knowledgeable of this parish for any info they may have.
They are obviously from two separate contracts and maybe different suppliers.
Thanking you in anticipation
Keep safe guys[emoji40][emoji304]

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Can’t help with the origin or contract but the Precista I bought from you recently had an identical strap on it. The space between all keepers is a lot less than more modern NATOs

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They are also shorter than modern Phoenix NATOs
The space between the keepers mean they fit G10s better than larger watches.

Thanks for that John.
If I remember correctly yours has got 1 8 on the buckle,
and has a spring bar.
Yours had seen quite some action[emoji23]
These are brand spankin’
Quite a find I think[emoji6]

Yep it does
It’s seen some use that’s for sure
They are bit thicker / stiffer than he current straps as well

I think that’s a great stash to find
Originals go for silly money now! (For a strip of nylon) some prices make Omega NATOs look good value.

18 is the width in mm, ie 18mm, which is normal size for a G10.

A very interesting post.

What is the current issued strap.

1. With the spring bar buckle.

2. One with normal buckle.

as far as I am aware Pheonix have the contract to make the NATO straps

Steve

I think the one on the right marked 1 8
might be older, maybe sitting in stores for a while.
1970’s to 1980’s imo.
Other one looks pretty current.
The older ones were plated brass, so look for brass showing through.

I’m told some people collect and hoard these straps, to match their issued watches.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by watchlovr

I think the one on the right marked 1 8
might be older, maybe sitting in stores for a while.
1970’s to 1980’s imo.
Other one looks pretty current.
The older ones were plated brass, so look for brass showing through.

I’m told some people collect and hoard these straps, to match their issued watches.

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Yes Joe1997 over on MWR is an avid collector of NATO's so might be worth touching base with him.

From my own observations there are quite a number of variations and some in 20mm width, plus occasionally stitched rather than welded. Also CWC supply NATO's alongside Phoenix; current issue CWC SBS Divers have their own brand staps fitted as standard in Admiralty/NATO grey.

.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ed875

Yes Joe1997 over on MWR is an avid collector of NATO's so might be worth touching base with him.
.

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Yes, I asked the same question on MWR and Joe made me an offer on both straps
I shan’t shame him by revealing his offer but it was politely turned down.