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Thread: Good quality NATO straps

  1. #1
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Good quality NATO straps

    Hello everyone,

    I am new to the forum, any forum in fact, so wanted to ask if you had any advice on a good place to buy a NATO strap from?

    Looking fo a NATO strap to try on a blue omega seamaster and on tudor gmt.

    The OEM NATO’s are a bit expensive for a try out.

    Thank you


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  2. #2
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    My personal favourites are the Zuludiver ones sold by Watchgecko.

  3. #3
    Master earlofsodbury's Avatar
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    I also rate the premium and seatbelt straps sold by George's Straps. Not the cheapest, but the quality is there.

    Phoenix straps (ebay only) are nice, albeit more military watch oriented.

  4. #4
    Journeyman lexminute's Avatar
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    If you want soft NATOs, BluShark's premier line is one of the best candidates out there.

  5. #5
    Grand Master magirus's Avatar
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    Our host's are very good, as are Haveston. The Havestons are single pass ie. no "extra bit", so the buckle can be placed where you want it, the watch sits flatter and no unsightly and bulky tucked in tail.
    F.T.F.A.

  6. #6
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    If your watch is not too thick, best I've found is blushark orcas (https://www.blusharkstraps.com/colle...rca-collection). These beat any fancy seatbelt nato any day.


    The waffle weave and thickness make it ideal for me.

  7. #7
    Craftsman Waldorf's Avatar
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    I’ve found the ones from bark & jack to be very nice, but I do prefer a more textured strap rather than smooth ie seatbelt natos.
    https://barkandjack.shop/
    As the Tudor watches are quite thick, I’ve found a Watchobsession nato for £10 suits mine best.
    https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/col...der=asc&page=1

    Cheers

  8. #8
    Master vRSG60's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by earlofsodbury View Post
    I also rate the premium and seatbelt straps sold by George's Straps. Not the cheapest, but the quality is there.

    Phoenix straps (ebay only) are nice, albeit more military watch oriented.

    Brilliant, just what I was looking for. £10 ain't bad. Although it'll end up costing me a small fortune there's so many I like Just a thought but how well do they fit due to the extra thickness?
    Thanks
    Last edited by vRSG60; 3rd June 2020 at 09:35.

  9. #9
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    The best NATOs I've tried are Eddie's: https://www.timefactors.com/tfnatostraps.htm

    I use the sand ones on a couple of watches: https://www.timefactors.com/tfnatog10coybrnavy.htm

    I have a blue Erica's Original on my 2531.80 Seamaster: https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/col...ushed-hardware

    A bit more at £68 but a fantastic strap that's adjustable. I've been wearing one throughout lockdown on quite a heavy watch I find too uncomfortable on its bracelet and the Erica's makes it perfectly comfortable.
    "A man of little significance"

  10. #10
    You might be surprised at the quality of some of the straps available on aliexpress these days, they have erica's copies, seatbelt natos with slightly nicer hardware, etc., and though it's like trawling the world's most disturbed jumble sale on there you'll find you can try many different looks for pocket money - just don't go for the £1-£2 natos as they're pretty grim.

  11. #11
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Thank you all, will have a look at them today. Will put some pics on of what I get


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  12. #12
    Dozens of existing threads on this too, so have a search
    Andy

    Wanted - Damasko DC57

  13. #13
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    Just ordered my first two from George.

    Quote Originally Posted by earlofsodbury View Post
    I also rate the premium and seatbelt straps sold by George's Straps. Not the cheapest, but the quality is there.

    Phoenix straps (ebay only) are nice, albeit more military watch oriented.

  14. #14
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by andy tims View Post
    Dozens of existing threads on this too, so have a search
    Thanks I will do that too.


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  15. #15
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli View Post
    Just ordered my first two from George.
    Would be interested to know what you think when they arrive, thanks.

    Tony


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  16. #16
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    Will do.

    Quote Originally Posted by TonyAFC8 View Post
    Would be interested to know what you think when they arrive, thanks.

    Tony


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  17. #17
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    Cheers for all the info, have been looking at a few myself and I must admit I was completely lost.

    Op for the gmt id also recommend getting a crafter blue rubber strap

  18. #18
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gaurav_tzuk View Post
    Cheers for all the info, have been looking at a few myself and I must admit I was completely lost.

    Op for the gmt id also recommend getting a crafter blue rubber strap
    Will have a look at the crafter blue rubber strap too, the lockdown is triggering my watch spending itch.


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  19. #19
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    Having tried a few brands, would also say Phenomenato are the best, and comparable - if not superior - to the Omega OEMs.

  20. #20

    Hello

    Eddie's Deluxe Nato take some beating!

  21. #21
    Grand Master dkpw's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by magirus View Post
    Our host's are very good, as are Haveston. The Havestons are single pass ie. no "extra bit", so the buckle can be placed where you want it, the watch sits flatter and no unsightly and bulky tucked in tail.
    Seconded. Eddie's are excellent, although personally I use Haveston's these days as I prefer the neater look as explained by Magirus.

    Here's an "arty" shot of a PRS-29B on a Havestom M-1936B.



    I also like Phoenix NATOs which have some pedigree to them, although they are not as flexible as some.

  22. #22
    Master
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    The Omega NATO’s are expensive, no doubt about that. And I’ve only tried about a dozen cheaper versions. But the Omega’s do feel pretty upmarket to me; a bit more comfortable and very robust. For those who care, they are also very nicely packaged. Wash well,too.
    I bought a couple, which I expect to last a lifetime. The quality is there.

  23. #23
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by dkpw View Post
    Seconded. Eddie's are excellent, although personally I use Haveston's these days as I prefer the neater look as explained by Magirus.

    Here's an "arty" shot of a PRS-29B on a Havestom M-1936B.



    I also like Phoenix NATOs which have some pedigree to them, although they are not as flexible as some.
    Great photo, looks really good on the PRS-29B


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  24. #24
    It depends on what you mean by good quality. IMO the 'deluxe' type (thick, sewn, nice hardware) aren't right... too thick, too shiny. I just don't think a NATO should be thick or shiny!

    It depends on the watch but I like Phoenix NATO straps as they're the original, they're very thin and the material has some stiffness to it at first, with a super tight weave. The holes can fray a little but a quick pass with a lighter and it's fine. I also like the small squared metal loops. They look amazing on anything remotely military or vintage, especially in admiralty grey.

    When I got my Lemania chrono I tried it on TONS of NATO straps (over 20 in total) and found it just fit best on a cheap basic ballistic nylon - it's the perfect length (no tuck in needed) and the olive colour is bang on. I spent a fair bit on 'better' ones but either found them too bloated, over designed, too long or too shiny!

    So IMO if you want a NATO it should be basic and cheap as it was designed. Maybe just me though!


  25. #25
    Master earlofsodbury's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by vRSG60 View Post
    how well do they fit due to the extra thickness?
    All of their straps can be ordered as single-pass rather than "true NATO", which (as per Magirus' post) reduces how high the watch sits on your wrist.

    The "Thick Weave" and leather straps are significantly thicker than most NATOs - so you may have issues slotting them thru. Thinner springbars can help, but I'd agree it's a bit of a gamble in some instances.

    The Phoenix ones I mentioned are slimmer than most if it's a real issue.

  26. #26
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ped View Post
    The holes can fray a little but a quick pass with a lighter and it's fine.
    I didn't know that, thank you. The fraying annoyed me and I forgot about wearing the two or three I have, I'll give them another go.
    "A man of little significance"

  27. #27
    Grand Master dkpw's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TonyAFC8 View Post
    Great photo, looks really good on the PRS-29B
    TYVM

  28. #28
    Craftsman enndriz's Avatar
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    Another vote for eddies natos. They look great and last for ages. As far as elastic styles go, cheapest Nato straps have been good for me.

    Tried an elastic single pass nato from George’s and wasn’t impressed, only wore it for a few days and looked like it was years old, frayed and tatty. No experience of the standard nato style from there tho. The watch obsesssion ones look great, think they will be my next port of call


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  29. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by Foxy100 View Post
    I didn't know that, thank you. The fraying annoyed me and I forgot about wearing the two or three I have, I'll give them another go.
    No probs, sometimes I get a spoon really hot and press it against the holes to make a really neat job. Obviously my wife had something to say about it but it worked a treat.

  30. #30
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    It may be a silly question, but where can I find the nato strap for a Seagull 1963 Chrono? I bought one without strap and even though I put it on leather strap, I feel like nato strap would suits it better

  31. #31
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ped View Post
    No probs, sometimes I get a spoon really hot and press it against the holes to make a really neat job. Obviously my wife had something to say about it but it worked a treat.
    Another top tip! I'll wait for the wife to go out before I do it...
    "A man of little significance"

  32. #32
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    I've got some on order from cheapest NATO straps in the US, should be with me in a couple of weeks.

    Will let you know what they are like

    Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

  33. #33
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Liam View Post
    I've got some on order from cheapest NATO straps in the US, should be with me in a couple of weeks.

    Will let you know what they are like

    Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk
    Thanks, be interested to know what they are like.


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  34. #34
    Master Glen Goyne's Avatar
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    I have some from cheapest and not impressed. Really hard and plastic like. If I recall correctly I bought the premium ones, the really cheap ones are more comfortable.

    Agree eddies are nice but may try some of the ones above.


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  35. #35
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gaurav_tzuk View Post
    Cheers for all the info, have been looking at a few myself and I must admit I was completely lost.

    Op for the gmt id also recommend getting a crafter blue rubber strap
    Thanks Everyone, I have ordered a few of the suggested to try will put some pictures up when they arrive.

    Ordered the crafter blue and red rubber too for a try out.

    Cheers

    Tony


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  36. #36
    Grand Master TaketheCannoli's Avatar
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    They’re nice. Not as long as I like as they don’t reach the second keeper when folded over. Hardware is good quality. Definitely worth a tenner.








    Quote Originally Posted by TonyAFC8 View Post
    Would be interested to know what you think when they arrive, thanks.

    Tony


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  37. #37
    Craftsman enndriz's Avatar
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    Good quality NATO straps

    I also ordered a couple of the CNS single pass ones above - definitely worth the money, probably look a lot more expensive than they are




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  38. #38
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TaketheCannoli View Post
    They’re nice. Not as long as I like as they don’t reach the second keeper when folded over. Hardware is good quality. Definitely worth a tenner.




    Thank you, they look great on your Seiko too




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  39. #39
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by enndriz View Post
    I also ordered a couple of the CNS single pass ones above - definitely worth the money, probably look a lot more expensive than they are




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    Looks really good on you BB. Will order one of these too, can’t have too many :-)


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  40. #40
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    First Two have arrived - Georges Straps





    Couple of pictures of the first Nato on my BB BMT, Think it looks great. Quality seems decent for the price, one of the cheaper options.

    Georges Straps the quickest of the deliveries.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by TonyAFC8; 5th June 2020 at 14:04.

  41. #41
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    Breitling Aviator 8 Curtiss Warhawk - Geaorges Nato





    I think this looks pretty good on with the military style of the BW, close call with the Breitling Strap.

    Nice a thin, sits low down and s comfortable. Tried the tang the other way, not sure if there is a right and wrong way?
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by TonyAFC8; 5th June 2020 at 14:06.

  42. #42
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    I've been using George's straps and have been very pleased until my last purchase of a couple of seatbelt NATOs for my sumo. Both, within a few hours of fitting, had ripped around the buckle pin quite badly. I hadn't worn the straps tight but I had been doing vigorous activity making the watch move about a bit and being a heavy watch I can see it would place load on the fabric but it ought to have been fine. Perhaps it's just a bad batch, a previous purchase I wear on my pelagos has not suffered. George has agreed to replace so I'll send the two damaged ones back.

  43. #43
    Grand Master zelig's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by TonyAFC8 View Post




    I think this looks pretty good on with the military style of the BW, close call with the Breitling Strap.

    Nice a thin, sits low down and s comfortable. Tried the tang the other way, not sure if there is a right and wrong way?
    Looks pretty good - would be even better with Black PVD hardware to match the watch IMHO...

    Which are not so common - I plumped for the ZuluDiver Camouflage NATO as a bit of fun ...





    z

  44. #44
    Master vRSG60's Avatar
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    I went with George’s




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  45. #45
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    That camo looks cool, think your probably right about the PVD too


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  46. #46
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    I’m waiting on a Phenomenato strap for my Speedy, has anyone got any experience with them?

  47. #47
    Craftsman enndriz's Avatar
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    Good quality NATO straps

    Quote Originally Posted by TonyAFC8 View Post
    Looks really good on you BB. Will order one of these too, can’t have too many :-)


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    Had a reminder this morning of why I’m not generally keen on single pass straps. Put the watch on when I got up, mustnt have caught the hole properly when I fastened it, and as I walked away it dropped off my wrist straight into the floor. Luckily just landed crystal first on the rug rather than the laminate floor surrounding it. It’s now back on the bracelet!


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  48. #48
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    Quote Originally Posted by enndriz View Post
    [...] Put the watch on when I got up, mustnt have caught the hole properly when I fastened it, and as I walked away it dropped off my wrist straight into the floor. [...]
    I’m sorry to hear that!
    Though out of interest, how would a bracelet have saved you from this issue (not catching the hole properly)?

    I thought purpose of NATO straps was to save the watch from falling off in case the (spring)bar breaks?

    Whatever the reason... Haveston and Eddie’s version are my favourites, both already mentioned here.

  49. #49
    Craftsman enndriz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WolfiesPapa View Post
    I’m sorry to hear that!
    Though out of interest, how would a bracelet have saved you from this issue (not catching the hole properly)?

    I thought purpose of NATO straps was to save the watch from falling off in case the (spring)bar breaks?

    Whatever the reason... Haveston and Eddie’s version are my favourites, both already mentioned here.
    Bracelet is joined together, once you put it on your wrist it can’t drop off when you are fastening it unless it slides back over your hand! Even a nato has some extra security once the end of the strap is tucked under the extra buckle. Single pass there is very little between the watch falling to the floor when you are fastening/unfastening - as I found out. Maybe I’m just clumsy....


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  50. #50
    Craftsman TonyAFC8's Avatar
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    [QUOTE=enndriz;5438728]Bracelet is joined together, once you put it on your wrist it can’t drop off when you are fastening it unless it slides back over your hand! Even a nato has some extra security once the end of the strap is tucked under the extra buckle. Single pass there is very little between the watch falling to the floor when you are fastening/unfastening - as I found out. Maybe I’m just clumsy....


    Will maKen sure I am extra careful on any single passes. Cheers


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