Warning!!! NATO Bond Strap

[C.J.]

I just want to tell you all about a problem I've found with the Bond NATO strap. You all know I've been wearing my new 14060M on one. The other day while at work I found myself having to lean up against something and supporting my weight with only my left hand. The pressure imposed on my watch from my hand being bent back so far caused the pin at the 6 position to pop free of the lug holes.Luckily the pin at the 12 position remained secure and the watch did not come free from the strap altogether, as I was involved with something where I was unable to stop and retrieve the watch if it did.

I took it to my AD to get a new pin and to have the lugs and case given a once over just in case of a problem or defect. The AD assured me that there is no problem with the watch. He went on to say that although NATO Bond straps are popular for their Bond memorabilia value they were infamously insecure for the watch itself.

The butterfly type links that the pin itself goes through to attach the non SEL bracelet to the watch case provide security and strength against tension placed against the watch, thus taking the bulk of the responsibility off of the pins themselves.

According to the AD the NATO strap should never be worn when doing any kind of vigorous or strenuous activity. Luckily learning this lesson didn't cost me $3800, hopefully now it won't cost any of you this amount either