Searching for a Quality NATO Strap??

BrianRSheridan

Hello fellow agents;

Can anyone point me in the direction of a quality 007-style NATO strap for my "frugal Bond" Omega-styled watch?

I see Timefactors has them but I also don't want to pay a fortune in shipping from the UK to the US.

Thanks!

Brian

Cajun

I've had good experiences with Watchgecko and Esprit NATO. I don't think either has unreasonable US shipping costs.

Watchgecko even offers an Omega-style "seat belt" strap called the Zuludiver Iridescent Herringbone NATO.

https://www.watchgecko.com/nato-zulu-watch-straps

https://www.esprit-nato.com/pl/6-james-bond-nato-straps

TroyIkeda

https://www.crownandbuckle.com/supreme-nato-20mm-black-grey.html
Crown and Caliber's Supreme NATOs are great quality. I have the Omega NATO and this is a close second. Blushark NATOs are also right there beside them. Give those a look as well.

urhash

Phenomenato is the way to go. It's the absolute closest to Omega OEM quality. (I'd be surprised if anyone who has one doesn't think so)

Tennyson

I did this review for Iconic Alternatives- hands down the closest to a genuine Omega
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/?s=NATO+

UNCLE27

urhash wrote:

Phenomenato is the way to go. It's the absolute closest to Omega OEM quality. (I'd be surprised if anyone who has one doesn't think so)

I have bought these and I’d agree that they are a well made, quality strap.
But... the thickness of the material (not the width) meant that it would not fit my Rolex Submariner.
I think the one I’m wearing on it now is a much cheaper Timefactors strap, which has proved excellent over the years.

jon_1uk

Phoenix straps .. original MOD issue.

https://www.cwcwatch.com/products/cwc-nato-watch-strap

urhash

Tennyson wrote:

I did this review for Iconic Alternatives- hands down the closest to a genuine Omega
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/?s=NATO+

Nice review! Since the review they've updated the buckle and it's now the same shape as the Omega OEM too.

BrianRSheridan

Tennyson wrote:

I did this review for Iconic Alternatives- hands down the closest to a genuine Omega
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/?s=NATO+

THANKS!! Should I get the HD version or is the standard version sturdy and comfortable enough?

Tennyson

BrianRSheridan wrote:

Tennyson wrote:

I did this review for Iconic Alternatives- hands down the closest to a genuine Omega
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/?s=NATO+

THANKS!! Should I get the HD version or is the standard version sturdy and comfortable enough?

I’m still using the same standard version I had for this review, has held up perfectly so I don’t see the need for the HD

Cajun

The only thing I didn't like about Phenomenato is the buckle's edges weren't refined enough IMO. At least to wear with outerwear cuffs that you cared about. Hopefully the revised buckle addressed this.

I'd have recommended them to ya, OP, but your shipping comment led me to believe that budget might be a priority.

When Phenomenato debuted, they and Omega were the only "seat belt" 007 straps available. Now, there are a few choices, to include WatchGecko and Crown & Buckle. I'm sure there are others.

Cheers

urhash

BrianRSheridan wrote:

Tennyson wrote:

I did this review for Iconic Alternatives- hands down the closest to a genuine Omega
https://www.iconicalternatives.com/?s=NATO+

THANKS!! Should I get the HD version or is the standard version sturdy and comfortable enough?

I could be wrong, and you might want to double check with the owner at Phenomenato, but the HD version was added to be more in line with the Omega OEM strap. The standard line had originally been critiqued as being somewhat thinner than the Omega straps and so he offered the Bond style in particular with 2 thickness options. (It's been ahwile, I went through a NATO strap phase about 2 years ago but I'm not as up to date now lol)

urhash

Cajun wrote:

When Phenomenato debuted, they and Omega were the only "seat belt" 007 straps available. Now, there are a few choices, to include WatchGecko and Crown & Buckle. I'm sure there are others.

Cheers

Omega's NATO was definitely an eye opener and the gold standard for awhile after it first came out, and was leagues beyond other straps on the market (with a price to match lol). But as you say it sounds like several other companies have caught on to the seat belt weave strap trend. However I should add in my limited experience not all the 'seat-belt' style straps are alike. I tried one from Haveston which disintegrated pretty quickly after a few weeks of daily wear. It's important how the edges of the strap are treated in manufacturing to prevent fraying.

Arbogast777

Not to hijack the thread but what about the rubber strap? Any similar alternatives?

BrianRSheridan

Arbogast777 wrote:

Not to hijack the thread but what about the rubber strap? Any similar alternatives?

No worries... Take this conversation where it needs to go...

SilentSpy

I guess I forgot, but what's the reason that everyone seems to want a NATO over the single pass through strap that Connery wears in Goldfinger and Thunderball?

UNCLE27

A NATO strap is far more common, easier to find and more choice. Plus, the return loop secures the watch in the unlikely event of a spring bar breaking.

And of course is used by Craig in SPECTRE.

Single piece straps with a cloth keeper can be found in the Thunderball colours if you search.