Authentic Vintage NATO

[ecsub44]

There is always a lot of discussions about comparative quality of "NATO" straps.

Can anyone comment on the make of the original NATO type straps that would have been issued with the old Mil-Subs, etc.?

Any pics?

[ecsub44]

Bump.

I've found plenty of pictures of the Admiralty strap on Mil-Subs, but I can't tell if the were the "original" strap or not.

[padi56]

Most Nato watch straps today are based on the ones issued by by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD).One of the main reasons it got its NATO name is because the strap had originally a NSN or NATO Stock number.And then the actual military spec strap came in only one colour and that was Admiralty Grey the buckles were then just plated brass now most are S.steel.But today you can pay quite stupid prices for some so called Admiralty strap and they are no better quality than the ones from Eddie Platts at Timefactors.

[ecsub44]

Thanks for the info, Padi.

I guess what I'm getting at is that I'd like to actually see one of this original straps.

I'm wondering if the original straps exhibited some of the negative attributes of some of the nylon straps today (like fraying, stretching holes, etc.).

I'm trying to balance between "quality" and "authenticity". I have a lot of really nice, durable nylon straps...but I'd also like to have a strap that is most authentic to the ones from back in the day.

So, I'm curious to see what some of the originals looked like...if they've even survived!

Thanks!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

Thanks for the info, Padi.

I guess what I'm getting at is that I'd like to actually see one of this original straps.

I'm wondering if the original straps exhibited some of the negative attributes of some of the nylon straps today (like fraying, stretching holes, etc.).

I'm trying to balance between "quality" and "authenticity". I have a lot of really nice, durable nylon straps...but I'd also like to have a strap that is most authentic to the ones from back in the day.

So, I'm curious to see what some of the originals looked like...if they've even survived!

Thanks!

You would not be able to distinguish the difference whatsoever between a Rolex issued Nato vs any standard Nato.
dP

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

You would not be able to distinguish the difference whatsoever between a Rolex issued Nato vs any standard Nato.
dP

Interesting...

I can definitely tell the difference between a Maratac and a Corvus, for example. In your experience, did the original Mil-Sub straps more closely resemble the Maratac or the Corvus?

In pictures I've seen of Mil-Subs, it looks like they are closer to Corvus...assuming they are "original".

http://100percent-rolex.blogspot.com...tion-ever.html

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

Interesting...

I can definitely tell the difference between a Maratac and a Corvus, for example. In your experience, did the original Mil-Sub straps more closely resemble the Maratac or the Corvus?

In pictures I've seen of Mil-Subs, it looks like they are closer to Corvus...assuming they are "original".

http://100percent-rolex.blogspot.com...tion-ever.html

Never owned a Corvus, so can't compare. I've examined Rolex issued natos though and couldn't tell any difference from those offered by Timefactors or Nato Strap Blog. And the only indication it was from Rolex was the receipt on Rolex letterhead and the inflated price.
I would say the Maratac Nato is a bit heavier duty than that of the Rolex issue which is exactly like the ones described above.
dP

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Never owned a Corvus, so can't compare. I've examined Rolex issued natos though and couldn't tell any difference from those offered by Timefactors or Nato Strap Blog. And the only indication it was from Rolex was the receipt on Rolex letterhead and the inflated price.
I would say the Maratac Nato is a bit heavier duty than that of the Rolex issue which is exactly like the ones described above.
dP

Thanks for that, Dan.

I wonder if anyone out there can supply photos of actual, original G10 straps issued with Mil-Subs. Not only am I interested in the material used, but I'm interested in what seems to be a wide range of color profiles...the Admiralty straps seem to be anywhere from a light gray to a funky blue (assuming those are "originals" and not recent replacements).

It actually seems weird that there is relatively little information about the original straps for these watches when the fetch such an extraordinary price. Or maybe I'm just not looking in the right place...

Oh well...just another fun little detail to obsess over!

[kenco]

make of the original NATO type straps that would have been issued with the old Mil-Subs

Don't know the original make of the NATO straps, but came across the website below that say that supply "Genuine issue watch straps as supplied to HM forces".

http://www.silvermans.co.uk/ProductD...0/Default.aspx

Pretty interesting, but I've not yet had the chance to purchase one yet and see the quality etc.

Cheers

[ecsub44]

Thanks for the link. Sounds interesting...hopefully someone has experience with these and can comment.

The grey looks awfully close to the Admiralty strap...

[Saxon007]

Originally Posted by kenco

Don't know the original make of the NATO straps, but came across the website below that say that supply "Genuine issue watch straps as supplied to HM forces".

http://www.silvermans.co.uk/ProductD...0/Default.aspx

Pretty interesting, but I've not yet had the chance to purchase one yet and see the quality etc.

Cheers

I have six NATO straps from Silverman's including an Admiralty gray one that came with my CWC diver. The color is a very dark blueish gray, almost black unless seen in bright light. The straps are rather thin, are coarse feeling (not soft at all), have heat-welded seams (per Ministry of Defence specs they are not sewn) and have twelve holes. The holes seem to wear, or stretch a little after the straps are used for awhile. The hardware is polished and seems very thin compared to most NATO straps, the keepers are not rigidly set but flop around a bit.

I do not know if this is the one Rolex sells, I just know it is the one that is currently issued with the CWC watches that the MOD purchases.

The Timefactors straps are much nicer, very thick and soft with more holes for adjustability and matte stainless steel keepers. The space between the keepers is a bit longer to accomodate watches larger than 40mm. They are, unfortunately, not available in the same dark gray like the Silverman's straps. Other than the lack of color choices Timefactors straps are the best available IMO.

[ecsub44]

Interesting. Sounds similar to the Corvus straps. Seems like we're getting a consensus on what the "real/authentic" straps were back in the day...

[HL65]

The original strap issued by MOD is closest to the Corvus. The strap was an 18mm made by Phoenix Straps in Admiralty Grey. Here is my Milsub on one...

[ecsub44]

Thanks a lot, Steelerfan! For clarification...is that picture of a Corvus, or the original strap?

Regardless, I wanted corroboration that Corvus was most authentic.

Obviously your watch is disturbingly beautiful. If that is a vintage strap...I'd love to see a few more pictures!

Thanks again...

[HL65]

Thanks...It is strap from Corvus. They are one of only companies that sell strap made by Phoenix which supplied MOD as far as I know.

[slevin kelevra]

If you are thinking of buying from Corvus I would use the search facility first.

A lot of negative comments on Corvus products is what you will find.

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by slevin kelevra

If you are thinking of buying from Corvus I would use the search facility first.

A lot of negative comments on Corvus products is what you will find.

Thanks for the heads-up. I already own QTY 2 Corvus straps.

I understand the concerns with the apparent quality of the Corvus straps. However, I'm interested in AUTHENTICITY...in which case, I think Corvus is the BEST, without a doubt.

I also have other brands of straps that I use when I want a beefier, higher-quality strap.

[phelix_da_kat]

Why not just buy from the MoD supplier themselves? ie Phoenix (ebay Mickie500)
And cut out Silvermans!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/mickie500/m.html?

I have both the Phoenix and TimeFactors

Phoenix: darker grey, MoD issue.
TF: more silver grey, has heat sealed holes.

Personally I prefer the darker Admiralty grey.
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=181809

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by phelix_da_kat

Why not just buy from the MoD supplier themselves? ie Phoenix (ebay Mickie500)
And cut out Silvermans!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/mickie500/m.html?

I have both the Phoenix and TimeFactors

Phoenix: darker grey, MoD issue.
TF: more silver grey, has heat sealed holes.

Personally I prefer the darker Admiralty grey.
http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=181809

Why not? Because I didn't know you could!

Thanks for the info. Now I know where to get my authentic straps!

[slevin kelevra]

Originally Posted by ecsub44

Why not? Because I didn't know you could!

Thanks for the info. Now I know where to get my authentic straps!

Think I might do the same!