Quality Bond NATO Strap on a budget

Number SixNumber Six Station GPosts: 19MI6 Agent
in James Bond Memorabilia, Collecting & Props
Hi everyone.

A while ago I bought a 'Bond' NATO strap (that's what the strap from SPECTRE is called, as I'm sure you all know) from MWC Watches. Unfortunately, after only a couple of months, the hole stretched ridiculously much.

20160313_201918.jpg

So now I'm looking for a replacement of higher quality, but not at Omega's extremely high price.

I did a bit of research online and found that NATO straps by Phoenix and Maratac are considered among the best out there. But before deciding and buying, I wanted to ask you guys about it.

Where did you get your 'Bond' NATO strap from? Which one would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for any replies. :)
I am not a number, I am a free man.

Comments

  • CommandantCommandant Posts: 1,368MI6 Agent
    I recently bought one from Phoenix, which used to be the official supplier for the Ministry of Defense.
    I have the exact same problem and this is because those Nato bands are very thin.
    I do not know what to recommend...
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Have a look at timefactors.com they do some decent thicker nato straps. I've had the deluxe nato in g10 style black with the grey edges, it's very similar to the Omega nato (except keepers and buckle of course) but they also do both the connery coloured strap and the spectre.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • PeppermillPeppermill DelftPosts: 2,860MI6 Agent
    What lug width are you looking for?
    1. Ohmss 2. Frwl 3. Op 4. Tswlm 5. Tld 6. Ge 7. Yolt 8. Lald 9. Cr 10. Ltk 11. Dn 12. Gf 13. Qos 14. Mr 15. Tmwtgg 16. Fyeo 17. Twine 18. Sf 19. Tb 20 Tnd 21. Spectre 22 Daf 23. Avtak 24. Dad
  • Obi Sean KenobiObi Sean Kenobi Posts: 215MI6 Agent
    I've had practically every brand of nato and would recommend maratac!
  • clublosclublos Jacksonville, FLPosts: 193MI6 Agent
    I do so hate a ridiculously stretched hole.

    I've had great luck with Crown & Buckle, they're located in the U.S.
  • ih8dumpplih8dumppl Posts: 33MI6 Agent
    Seconded for Crown and Buckle. Purchased quite a few NATOs from them, all are great quality.
  • Agent KinoAgent Kino New YorkPosts: 202MI6 Agent
    I've used http://www.cheapestnatostraps.com/ in the past and the quality was superb.
    1. Goldfinger 2. Skyfall 3. Goldeneye 4. The Spy Who Loved Me 5. OHMSS
    Check out my Instagram: @livingthebondlife
    "I never joke about my work, 007."
  • SilentSpySilentSpy Private Exotic AreaPosts: 765MI6 Agent
    Didn't someone post about shrinking the holes before? Or maybe creating new ones? I can't remember which.
    "Better late than never."
  • 00730073 COPPosts: 1,036MI6 Agent
    Hi

    I have several different products bought from www.watchgecko.com. I can highly recommend them!

    https://www.watchgecko.com/nato-zulu-watch-straps
    "I mean, she almost kills bond...with her ass."
    -Mr Arlington Beech
  • CommandantCommandant Posts: 1,368MI6 Agent
    I bought several nato bands, including the ones that are mentioned above. Same result...i went today to Omega and bought a 20mm nato band (Spectre model). It is thick, robust and so comfortable to wear...I'm sure it is worthwhile the investment.
  • BladeRunner684BladeRunner684 Posts: 18MI6 Agent
    Just found this. The best budget Bond NATO out there.
    https://www.cincystrapworks.com/collections/seat-belt-sb-premium-milspec-straps/products/20mm-seat-belt-black-gray-bond-milspec-strap
  • TennysonTennyson A View to a KillPosts: 606MI6 Agent
    They look pretty damn nice... I have just ordered from http://phenomenato.com/
    Another new one to the market, reviews are very good, finish looks high quality but it is $40 a pop. Reviews suggest the fabric is almost indistinguishable from the Omega. I will post pics when it turns up.
  • CommandantCommandant Posts: 1,368MI6 Agent
    Wow! Very very close to the original Omega NATO band.
    Look forward to seeing your pics -{
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    edited November 2016
    I have a 22mm timefactors nato up for grabs if anyone is interested? £10 shipped to anywhere. I bought it for my po but then bought the le and put the po on a connery coloured one. It has brushed buckle and keepers and is very good quality, not quite omega oem but not far off.
    DSC_0039.jpg

    DSC_0038.jpg
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • StefanStefan VirginiaPosts: 568MI6 Agent
    Would this 22m strap fit Seamaster 300?

    Many thanks,
    STEFAN
    " Not All Who Wander Are Lost "
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Which seamaster 300? It would be tight on the SM300 master Co ax, don't know about a vintage model. I can try it tonight and let you know Stefan if that's any use to you?
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • StefanStefan VirginiaPosts: 568MI6 Agent
    Thank you Chris, sorry should have been more specific, the model I am referring to is 233.30.41.21.01.001 or the Seamaster 300 omega master co-axial 41mm. I would like to use this strap as a back up without wearing down the OEM strap.
    " Not All Who Wander Are Lost "
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Stefan wrote:
    Thank you Chris, sorry should have been more specific, the model I am referring to is 233.30.41.21.01.001 or the Seamaster 300 omega master co-axial 41mm. I would like to use this strap as a back up without wearing down the OEM strap.
    I did the same for the le thinking a replacement oem with 007 markings will be impossible to source.
    The lug width of your model is 21mm ( I have one too) just tried the nato and it does go through the lugs and round the spring bar fine but it is a tight fit
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • DanBond11DanBond11 Posts: 64MI6 Agent
    Pretty close to the actual strap?
    https://www.amazon.com/NATO-Nylon-Watch-Band-Strap/dp/B01557JLHK

    Even found a knockoff watch on eBay lol!

    http://m.ebay.com/itm/Luxury-Brand-Mens-Sports-Wrist-Watches-Military-Nylon-Watchband-James-Bond-007-/162173867479?_trkparms=aid%253D222007%2526algo%253DSIC.MBE%2526ao%253D1%2526asc%253D20150519202348%2526meid%253D0b51f70aeb9a4cf293cf0a83403c349e%2526pid%253D100408%2526rk%253D5%2526rkt%253D14%2526sd%253D332016248839&_trksid=p2056116.c100408.m2460
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    One thing I found with a lot of budget natos, I swapped out the OEM from my SM300 le ( to preserve it) and found the one I had took for ever to dry, it's worth spending a couple of extra pounds for a tighter weave one as I found they dry quicker.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • TennysonTennyson A View to a KillPosts: 606MI6 Agent
    So gents, the Phenomenato has made it to New Zealand, and i am very impressed.

    The quality is amazing, yes it is 40USD but its worth it for the quality, and its a lot cheaper than an OEM Omega, (and it comes in a box and tracked postage for that price!!)

    Its a very tightly woven seatbelt fabric, much better quality and feel than the Timefactors, thin (i went for standard, not HD) has a soft hand and finished to an amazingly high standard. Hardware is 'squared' and i went for the brushed metal. It is modelled on the Omega version with 1 'floating keeper'.

    I haven't seen an OEM Omega in the flesh, so can't compare, but the forums suggest it is very close to the quality of one, and I'm not sure if the light grey colour is a shade darker than the Omega?

    If you are after a high quality version to keep your OEM nato in mint condition, this is the best alternative to buying another Omega one for sure, but the only snag is that i believe the SM300 has 21mm lugs, and this only comes in 20 or 22mm. I did find a comment on the forum (watchseek) that said the first batches of 22mm were a bit tight, so were actually a 21mm, but you need to mention this to the guy who makes them if you order

    Seriously, it sounds like i work for these guys, honestly i don't, but i do think that unless you want to spend $100's, this is the best you will get.

    Pictures were in dusk light, so a colour is a bit off, and i have compared it with a Tmefactors, and normal $5 nato

    The PN one is in the middle!

    IMG_2349.jpg

    IMG_2348.jpg

    IMG_2350.jpg

    IMG_2352.jpg

    IMG_2351.jpg
  • urhashurhash USPosts: 984MI6 Agent
    That looks very accurate to the Omega NATO in terms of color and the weave. I'll definitely have to look into getting one as a spare to the original.
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