NATO/Zulu Straps That Don't Fail?

redsquid2

redsquid2

Красивы Поросенок
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Aug 31, 2011
Messages
3,076
I thought, Hey I want one of those watch straps like 007 has. I thought, As long as I am on this Website getting a watch strap for my girlfriend, I'll get something for myself too.

The problem is the buckle, and more specifically the rod part of the buckle that goes through the holes in the strap. That rod will easily angle over and slip over to the other side of the C-shaped part of the buckle, and the watch will instantly fall from my wrist. I cannot remember where I bought this strap, and it does not have any brand markings on it.

Are there straps like this with a more reliable buckle? I would think Mr. Bond would know better than to wear something cheesy.

And thanks in advance for sharing.
 
There are a lot of makers out there for these. I have a timex that came with one, and the strap is doing just fine. I've also got one that is not stitched, but is heat sealed, its also done quite well. I don't know about brands since none of the one's I've bought (apart from the timex) were branded. I think you just got a dud.
 
redsquid2 said:
That rod will easily angle over and slip over to the other side of the C-shaped part of the buckle, and the watch will instantly fall from my wrist.
Click to expand...

A properly attached NATO can't fall off that way because the end of the strap is doubled back through the outer rings. My ZULU straps are not long enough to do this but a ZULU can do this too if you get a long enough one.
 
I have a Maratac one that's nice and a Europelli 3 ring Bond that's even nicer.
 
Pictured here are the only two parts involved in the failure of my strap: the prong and frame of the buckle. What happens is the tip of the prong angles off to the left or right, and slips under the frame, to the other side. That is when the watch and strap fall off. It happens when a backpack strap presses against it with enough force.

Mine is apparently a cheap imitation. It looks similar to the Maratac, but either the design and/or construction are inferior.

40837266050_18bfeddbeb_o.jpg
 
Another vote for toxicnatos. The hardware is far superior to most straps out there. Plus they are a small family owned business based in the states, and they seem to really strive to meet the needs of watch enthusiasts.
 
redsquid2 said:
What happens is the tip of the prong angles off to the left or right, and slips under the frame, to the other side. That is when the watch and strap fall off.
Click to expand...

I'm wearing a watch with a cheap NATO today. The strap material is thin and stiff. While wearing the strap I cannot make the prong move to either side more than about 1/2 mm, the strap material is too stiff for that. My ZULU straps have thicker but slightly softer material. I haven't tried but I don't think the prongs on those could move very far.
 
I have a bunch or Nato and Zulu straps, some of them extremely cheap off of eBay, and I've never had any of them fail.
 
Go to the site of Timefactors in the UK. http://www.timefactors.com . His NATOs are specially made for him and are very sturdy. Warning: you'll end up buying limited-series military-style watches from him, too. He runs the TimeZone UK watch forum as well.
The NATO straps are here: http://www.timefactors.com/tfnatostraps.htm
I daily wear a Broadarrow PRS-4 divewatch by him (also described as the black pvd version of the PRS-3). And it sits on one of his NATO straps. Recommended.
 
Another vote for Toxicnatos. Terry's straps are top notch. I wear them to work, the gym, in the water, you name it and they have never given me any trouble. I'm wearing a N80 bond style (Gray and Black striped) right now on my Seiko SKX173.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top