Nato Straps
I love the optionality of Nato straps. Most I order on Amazon seem to be relatively poor in quality and slim thickness (and cheap, I'll admit) . Any recommendations for thicker good quality Nato straps that are reasonable in price?
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Brandon T
Always on the hunt for the next watch, never ending itch to scratch.. Strapaholic. May need real therapy for watch addiction
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Member since
Last active: 1 week ago
7.95” / 20.19 cm
That's funny, today Per ( @YourIntruder ) just posted the opposite about NATO straps, lol.
That's funny, today Per ( @YourIntruder ) just posted the opposite about NATO straps, lol.
That’s the beauty of this hobby. There is room for all of us🍻❤
That's funny, today Per ( @YourIntruder ) just posted the opposite about NATO straps, lol.
Yeah I hear what you are saying. Everyone looks good with different things. Like a shiny bracelet, on me, just doesn't look right but it looks amazing on others
My fav is Phenome Strap aka PhenomeNato.
It is soft to skin and very comfortable.
It takes a while to reach you because it is literally a one-person shop.
Blu Shark, Crown and Buckle, Worn and Wound Adpt, Haveston, Springmade, Maratac, Marathon. As always depends on location due to import taxes/fees if outside the US.
Look for seatbelt style tight weave, slightly shinier looking.
I'm ok with the CNS variants, but some don't like em.
For premium and/or those in the UK, Zula Alpha and I believe Hawkrigger (he might be US now can't remember). Haveston is UK based but you can buy their stuff at Holbens Fine Watch Straps in the US. CWC also has a large selection of UK made stuff as does Elliot Brown.
You get what you pay for and TINSTAFL. You want premium material, locally hand made, custom hardware options, it's going to cost.
I've just posted on comparing Nato v bracelet v rubber for divers funnily enough.
I've just bought three zulu diver nato straps in their sale which are good quality and not too expensive. I've had straps before from them and they last.
My friend Gareth @GasWorks swears by Cheapest Nato straps and I agree with him. They are very cheap but good quality. Both firms are UK based I believe. I think Zulu diver are part of Watch Geko/ Gekota.
I've just posted on comparing Nato v bracelet v rubber for divers funnily enough.
I've just bought three zulu diver nato straps in their sale which are good quality and not too expensive. I've had straps before from them and they last.
My friend Gareth @GasWorks swears by Cheapest Nato straps and I agree with him. They are very cheap but good quality. Both firms are UK based I believe. I think Zulu diver are part of Watch Geko/ Gekota.
Forgot about them. They are good too.
I'd recommend ToxicNATO but some a#$-hole, same one that bothered CNS, managed to help sink his ship.
Think he rebranded as UTE straps and sells through Hodinkee.
This is my rant on the topic: https://www.watchcrunch.com/Paragonmsp/posts/nato-disappointment-and-i-need-to-vent-33253
WatchGecko is a good one. I agree with @Guvnor64 Zulu diver are very comfortable. I have to add that Phalanx is a close 2nd.
Bulag&sons. I have three, my BB58 lives on this one
https://bulangandsons.com/products/deluxe-nylon-nato-watch-strap-navy-blue
Do you have any experience with leather NATO straps? They are more comfortable than regular nylon NATO straps. Can't wear them when it's hot though 😅
I recently purchased a Bark and Jack one. Definitely better quality than the ones I’ve bought off ebay/Amazon. Material and metal buckle are a millions times better quality. Easily a match for my official Bremont nato strap I bought with my ALT1-WT.
My usual rant about the NATO -
It's only really a NATO if the buckle is sewn in !! The rest are cloth straps that negate the whole point of the design - ie zero points of failure..
So I pretty much use Zuludiver from Watchgecko/Geckota or Phoenix (the original manufacturer) exclusively - I much prefer them to my genuine Omega one, which is too bulky , has an inflexible keeper & a springbar retained buckle...
I've worn NATO's daily for at least 20 years, exactly for the reasons posted by the OP.
I've been happy with ones from blushark.
Jays and Kays has a really good single pass strap, the "heavy duty dive" style ones. You don't even have to put it on your g shock! I also a good one from Far and Switt.
Wow what a great respond, I have so many great places to look into. Thanks guys
My usual rant about the NATO -
It's only really a NATO if the buckle is sewn in !! The rest are cloth straps that negate the whole point of the design - ie zero points of failure..
So I pretty much use Zuludiver from Watchgecko/Geckota or Phoenix (the original manufacturer) exclusively - I much prefer them to my genuine Omega one, which is too bulky , has an inflexible keeper & a springbar retained buckle...
I've worn NATO's daily for at least 20 years, exactly for the reasons posted by the OP.
Fact.
However it's also a generic term for the style.
IMO Zulu Alpha, also from the UK, has taken the MOD std sewn in style to the next logical conclusion.
I'm a believer, pricey for me to get here in the States. Worth it though.
On another note, there's a reason Sangin Instruments includes this strap vs others for their watches. I've also seen some unit Resco's with a matching Zulu Alpha as well. I do not know if they were factory or ordered later though.
Fact.
However it's also a generic term for the style.
IMO Zulu Alpha, also from the UK, has taken the MOD std sewn in style to the next logical conclusion.
I'm a believer, pricey for me to get here in the States. Worth it though.
On another note, there's a reason Sangin Instruments includes this strap vs others for their watches. I've also seen some unit Resco's with a matching Zulu Alpha as well. I do not know if they were factory or ordered later though.
Ooo not heard of Zulu Alpha!! Excellent, thank you for your recommendation,I'll go check them out.
Cheers mate 🍻
Fact.
However it's also a generic term for the style.
IMO Zulu Alpha, also from the UK, has taken the MOD std sewn in style to the next logical conclusion.
I'm a believer, pricey for me to get here in the States. Worth it though.
On another note, there's a reason Sangin Instruments includes this strap vs others for their watches. I've also seen some unit Resco's with a matching Zulu Alpha as well. I do not know if they were factory or ordered later though.
Just had a look at them - excellent, thanks mate 👏🏻👍🏻
Over many years I've concluded the least expensive G-10 Nylon Natos work best for me. I've tried all types and i always come back to the IW Suisse cheap stuff.
Glad you pointed that out.You’re right there is no A$$¥OLii(or whatever the word is).There’s a lot in the car group I’m in.
Please check out our site . Happy to offer a discount on this site !
https://hexagonwatchstraps.co.uk