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sinkholeninja · 8 May 2019, 01:45 AM

Alright guys,

In my pursuit of an "authentic"/closest-to-the-original NATO strap, I ventured over to Silverman's in London, who retail surplus stock of standard issue British military gear, amongst other army-related things. Before I go any further, I should mention that I am not affiliated with them, or any brand they carry.

There were two straps in particular that I was interested in, one by CWC and the other by Phoenix. The former is not made in the UK, but is still being supplied to British Army, while the latter is manufactured in the UK & has been supplied to the army for a very long time - decades in fact, according to a chap who works at Silverman's.

Both straps are made according to MOD specs, which I've attached here, and the biggest difference when compared to other NATO straps one can buy on the web is that they have welded joints as opposed to being stitched. I assume this makes then more robust, otherwise MOD wouldn't specify it as such.

In terms of comparison between the two, I can definitely say that Phoenix look & feel more sturdy. Nylon weave is more compact, making them slightly thinner compared to CWC, which is good news for any 116600 owners (myself included), because they can slide under lug pins without having to take out the pins first (which is the case with CWC). Welding job on a Phoenix strap is much better as well. Hardware is about the same, both in stainless steel. Lastly, Phoenix seem to have nailed Admiralit grey colour!

Most guys owning MilSubs are either lucky to still have original straps, or they go for Phoenix. I've attached a picture of my SD4K on a Phoenix.

toxicavenger · 8 May 2019, 02:41 PM

Unless things have changed Phoenix supplied CWC with there straps at one time.

The Phoenix straps were the originals for sure. The current Nato market is way ahead of them on quality imo.

Enjoy.

sinkholeninja · 8 May 2019, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Unless things have changed Phoenix supplied CWC with there straps at one time.

The Phoenix straps were the originals for sure. The current Nato market is way ahead of them on quality imo.

Enjoy.

CWC watches are supplied on CWC straps these days, while in the past they came with Phoenix.

I personally can't comment on NATO straps from other manufacturers, because I haven't tried them.

toxicavenger · 9 May 2019, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

CWC watches are supplied on CWC straps these days, while in the past they came with Phoenix.

I personally can't comment on NATO straps from other manufacturers, because I haven't tried them.

Cool can you post a comparison pic of the two different straps?

sinkholeninja · 9 May 2019, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Cool can you post a comparison pic of the two different straps?

Yep, here they are.

Johny · 9 May 2019, 11:54 PM

Rolex RSC ST James used to sell natos. Not sure if they still do.

sinkholeninja · 10 May 2019, 12:01 AM

On the Rolex website they have it listed as a "Not Sales" office, so I guess the answer is no.

Johny · 10 May 2019, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

On the Rolex website they have it listed as a "Not Sales" office, so I guess the answer is no.

Is it St James that is listed as a not sales office?

sinkholeninja · 10 May 2019, 12:10 AM

Yeah: https://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/...lexdealers.com

Johny · 10 May 2019, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

Yeah: https://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/...lexdealers.com

People are walking in off the street and buying stuff every day of the week. I have been in on two occasions and purchased bezel inserts.

Perhaps not sales office means that they do not retail watches at that location.

sinkholeninja · 10 May 2019, 12:25 AM

Ah, got it. I'll pay them a visit next time I'm in London. Cheers.

Johny · 10 May 2019, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

Ah, got it. I'll pay them a visit next time I'm in London. Cheers.

I received a gift of two natos from a friend who is in the Royal Navy. He got them from the pussers stores in the naval base.

sinkholeninja · 10 May 2019, 12:47 AM

Nice! Are they by Phoenix or CWC by any chance? If not, do you happen to know who manufactured them?

Johny · 10 May 2019, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinkholeninja

Nice! Are they by Phoenix or CWC by any chance? If not, do you happen to know who manufactured them?

They are identical to your phoenix pic but are unmarked/unbranded.

sinkholeninja · 10 May 2019, 01:05 AM

Good to know, cheers.

9 May 2019, 11:54 PM	#6
Johny "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: john Location: Scotland Watch: sub 16610Lv Posts: 13,523	Rolex RSC ST James used to sell natos. Not sure if they still do. __________________ "AFTER DARK" BAR AND NIGHT CLUB GM.

10 May 2019, 12:47 AM	#13
sinkholeninja "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Zeus Location: London Watch: Ocean 2000 Posts: 977	Nice! Are they by Phoenix or CWC by any chance? If not, do you happen to know who manufactured them? __________________ Lange (ref. Saxonia Thin RG); Vacheron C. (ref. 3110v); Ressence (ref. Type 8); Rolex Explorer (ref. 124270); Porsche Design IWC (ref. Ocean 2000); Seiko (ref. SLA039)

10 May 2019, 01:05 AM	#15
sinkholeninja "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Zeus Location: London Watch: Ocean 2000 Posts: 977	Good to know, cheers. __________________ Lange (ref. Saxonia Thin RG); Vacheron C. (ref. 3110v); Ressence (ref. Type 8); Rolex Explorer (ref. 124270); Porsche Design IWC (ref. Ocean 2000); Seiko (ref. SLA039)

8 May 2019, 02:41 PM	#2
toxicavenger "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Colorado Springs Watch: Seiko's Posts: 2,563	Unless things have changed Phoenix supplied CWC with there straps at one time. The Phoenix straps were the originals for sure. The current Nato market is way ahead of them on quality imo. Enjoy.

10 May 2019, 12:01 AM	#7
sinkholeninja "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Zeus Location: London Watch: Ocean 2000 Posts: 977	On the Rolex website they have it listed as a "Not Sales" office, so I guess the answer is no.

10 May 2019, 12:10 AM	#9
sinkholeninja "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Zeus Location: London Watch: Ocean 2000 Posts: 977	Yeah: https://www.rolex.com/rolex-dealers/...lexdealers.com

10 May 2019, 12:25 AM	#11
sinkholeninja "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Zeus Location: London Watch: Ocean 2000 Posts: 977	Ah, got it. I'll pay them a visit next time I'm in London. Cheers.

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