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Andrejb · 12 February 2019, 11:02 AM

Has Rolex ever manufactured their own NATO?

With their subs being issued to the military, I’m assuming at one point they created their own NATO strap?

If so anyone have one?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sublovin · 12 February 2019, 11:06 AM

Good question considering the fixed spring bars on military issue, but I don’t think so.

exador · 12 February 2019, 11:18 AM

I suspect the straps were sourced from another supplier but I'm sure Mike Wood or Milton Haywood would know. Apparently soldiers could obtain one by filling out a form.

Interestingly, the most famous Rolex NATO (Bond's Submariner) isn't a NATO at all but a slip though belt strap

Haywood_Milton · 12 February 2019, 10:18 PM

You could order them from Rolex UK long after the millennium (not sure about now), but I believe that they in turn were supplied by a third party.

Tatty and stained originals have changed hands for money that makes the mind boggle.

Interestingly, the correct ones were narrower than you might think correct, such that a section of the fixed bar would be visible either side of it.

Gratuitous shots of some of mine? Why not!

Wider straps were added later, though to our eyes they might appear the correct width for the lugs.

Not often I wear one now, but am careful not to be distracted from driving!

Haywood

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

Sublovin · 12 February 2019, 10:39 PM

^so did the straps have any Rolex branding on them?
Nice Bentley...did you get a discount for the steering wheel being in the incorrect side?

Great collection!

Haywood_Milton · 12 February 2019, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sublovin

^so did the straps have any Rolex branding on them?
Nice Bentley...did you get a discount for the steering wheel being in the incorrect side?

Great collection!

No Rolex branding, no.

Should have been discounted for the indignity of having to read the time from a Breitling clock built into the chuffing centre console. Did wonder about taping a mil sub dial or similar over it....

Thankyou for the compliment. It's a little bigger and wider in its focus now

Andrejb · 13 February 2019, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

You could order them from Rolex UK long after the millennium (not sure about now), but I believe that they in turn were supplied by a third party.

Tatty and stained originals have changed hands for money that makes the mind boggle.

Interestingly, the correct ones were narrower than you might think correct, such that a section of the fixed bar would be visible either side of it.

Gratuitous shots of some of mine? Why not!

Wider straps were added later, though to our eyes they might appear the correct width for the lugs.

Not often I wear one now, but am careful not to be distracted from driving!

Haywood

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

Thanks for the response!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Daveclock · 13 February 2019, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

You could order them from Rolex UK long after the millennium (not sure about now), but I believe that they in turn were supplied by a third party.

Tatty and stained originals have changed hands for money that makes the mind boggle.

Interestingly, the correct ones were narrower than you might think correct, such that a section of the fixed bar would be visible either side of it.

Gratuitous shots of some of mine? Why not!

Wider straps were added later, though to our eyes they might appear the correct width for the lugs.

Not often I wear one now, but am careful not to be distracted from driving!

Haywood

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

Nice watch, obviously!
It seems the will soon be worth more than the car anyway!
Surprised many see the car as nicer than that Milsub!

toxicavenger · 13 February 2019, 02:18 AM

Rolex never made them as far as I know. They did sell some from other vendors in their boutiques.

Paul_I · 13 February 2019, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

You could order them from Rolex UK long after the millennium (not sure about now), but I believe that they in turn were supplied by a third party.

Tatty and stained originals have changed hands for money that makes the mind boggle.

Interestingly, the correct ones were narrower than you might think correct, such that a section of the fixed bar would be visible either side of it.

Gratuitous shots of some of mine? Why not!

Wider straps were added later, though to our eyes they might appear the correct width for the lugs.

Not often I wear one now, but am careful not to be distracted from driving!

Haywood

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

As informative as always - and great pics!

SS Oyster · 13 February 2019, 02:49 AM

Always loved the MilSub - hope to someday own one myself.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

antbkny · 13 February 2019, 03:08 AM

Gotta love when Haywood posts pics

BisonHead · 13 February 2019, 03:23 AM

Love the pictures, thanks

rootbeer7 · 13 February 2019, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

You could order them from Rolex UK long after the millennium (not sure about now), but I believe that they in turn were supplied by a third party.

Tatty and stained originals have changed hands for money that makes the mind boggle.

Interestingly, the correct ones were narrower than you might think correct, such that a section of the fixed bar would be visible either side of it.

Gratuitous shots of some of mine? Why not!

Wider straps were added later, though to our eyes they might appear the correct width for the lugs.

Not often I wear one now, but am careful not to be distracted from driving!

Haywood

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

I believe you can still purchase from RSC St James. Admiralty Grey. Around £70.

toxicavenger · 13 February 2019, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

I believe you can still purchase from RSC St James. Admiralty Grey. Around £70.

WOW that is a lot of money for such a cheap strap!!!

thesharkfactor · 13 February 2019, 06:29 PM

I tried one in the past. Not for me, they must be kept dry otherwise it starts to stink really bad. What use is -300m watch what you can't get wet... lol and if you do get it wet, it takes hours to dry..

I don't think they thought this out right...

vintagetudor · 13 February 2019, 06:59 PM

Every time Hayward submits a post I know I'm going to get a warm feeling in my tummy...absoloutley stunning examples!!!!

Oldfellow · 13 February 2019, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

You could order them from Rolex UK long after the millennium (not sure about now), but I believe that they in turn were supplied by a third party.

Tatty and stained originals have changed hands for money that makes the mind boggle.

Interestingly, the correct ones were narrower than you might think correct, such that a section of the fixed bar would be visible either side of it.

Gratuitous shots of some of mine? Why not!

]https://i.imgur.com/Epbu3To.jpg[/img]

Wider straps were added later, though to our eyes they might appear the correct width for the lugs.

Not often I wear one now, but am careful not to be distracted from driving!

Haywood

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

Thank you for the great photos.
Very special for a newbie to have the opportunity so see such an interesting collection and learn some history.

Atlantic · 13 February 2019, 07:42 PM

It’s my understand that Phoenix was the the strap supplier to the British military and that they were made to Ministry of Defense specifications.

toxicavenger · 14 February 2019, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlantic

It’s my understand that Phoenix was the the strap supplier to the British military and that they were made to Ministry of Defense specifications.

They probably were. They look like their straps. Which are great straps for around $12.

toxicavenger · 14 February 2019, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

I tried one in the past. Not for me, they must be kept dry otherwise it starts to stink really bad. What use is -300m watch what you can't get wet... lol and if you do get it wet, it takes hours to dry..

I don't think they thought this out right...

Nylon does not inherently stink when it gets wet. If you sweat on it and dont' clean it then that is a different story.

I have personally have never had a nylon strap take hours to dry. I have had a rubber strap that won't let the moisture out from in-between my skin and strap which causes it to stay wet until I take the watch.

mkanaly · 14 February 2019, 04:43 AM

Agreed, they dry but then smell like an old pair of socks!!!

HogwldFLTR · 14 February 2019, 04:54 AM

Rolex, no; Tudor, yes!!!

lhawli · 14 February 2019, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesharkfactor

I tried one in the past. Not for me, they must be kept dry otherwise it starts to stink really bad. What use is -300m watch what you can't get wet... lol and if you do get it wet, it takes hours to dry..

I don't think they thought this out right...

True for cheap cloth straps! Not Nylon and all my Omega Straps do no smell EVER, wet or dry.

lhawli · 14 February 2019, 04:59 AM

Not sure about Rolex specific, but back then, I trust they were all supplied by a third party. The only company I know of today that still claim to have supplied to RAF mil spec MoD NATO straps are Phoenix NATOs.

Atlantic · 14 February 2019, 05:48 AM

Nato history:

https://gearpatrol.com/2017/12/06/icon-nato-strap/

GradyPhilpott · 14 February 2019, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlantic

Nato history:

https://gearpatrol.com/2017/12/06/icon-nato-strap/

Boaters · 14 February 2019, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Haywood_Milton

You could order them from Rolex UK long after the millennium (not sure about now), but I believe that they in turn were supplied by a third party.

Tatty and stained originals have changed hands for money that makes the mind boggle.

Interestingly, the correct ones were narrower than you might think correct, such that a section of the fixed bar would be visible either side of it.

Gratuitous shots of some of mine? Why not!

Wider straps were added later, though to our eyes they might appear the correct width for the lugs.

Not often I wear one now, but am careful not to be distracted from driving!

Haywood

Insta : haywood_milton_rolex

All I can say is WOW. What a beautiful collection and the Bentley's not bad either

Wools · 14 February 2019, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

I believe you can still purchase from RSC St James. Admiralty Grey. Around £70.

Is this true?

Paul_I · 14 February 2019, 09:39 AM

Grahame Fowler has some original military issue straps in 18mm in stock.

https://grahamefowler.com/shop/accessories/watchstraps/

12 February 2019, 11:02 AM	#1
Andrejb 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2016 Real Name: Dre Location: Canada Posts: 1,689	Rolex NATO? Has Rolex ever manufactured their own NATO? With their subs being issued to the military, I’m assuming at one point they created their own NATO strap? If so anyone have one? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

12 February 2019, 11:06 AM	#2
Sublovin "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: USA Watch: Lots Posts: 4,354	Good question considering the fixed spring bars on military issue, but I don’t think so. __________________ DSSD is the king of all Rolex

12 February 2019, 10:18 PM	#4
Haywood_Milton "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: Yes, it is ! Location: Cheshire & Mersey Watch: Military issue Sub Posts: 1,319	You could order them from Rolex UK long after the millennium (not sure about now), but I believe that they in turn were supplied by a third party. Tatty and stained originals have changed hands for money that makes the mind boggle. Interestingly, the correct ones were narrower than you might think correct, such that a section of the fixed bar would be visible either side of it. Gratuitous shots of some of mine? Why not! Wider straps were added later, though to our eyes they might appear the correct width for the lugs. Not often I wear one now, but am careful not to be distracted from driving! Haywood Insta : haywood_milton_rolex __________________ Comex:5513,5514,1665x2,16800x2,16600 Mil sub:5517x2,5513x9,5512 Submariner:6536/1x2,5508,5513 PCG u/line & double SWISS (America's Cup),5513 giltx2, 5513 m-firstx2,5513 gloss WGx2,1680 Red,1680 White Mk1 & Mk2 Sea-Dweller:1665 DRSDx3,Great Whitex3 GMT-Master:6542x2 (1 Bakelite),1675x8 (2 gilt), 16750 & SeaKing 116710LN Explorer:1016x6 (1 gilt),5500x3,14270 Blackout, Orange 1655 x4 Milgauss 1019x3 Cosmo 6263 *RNCD DSSD 116660.

12 February 2019, 10:39 PM	#5
Sublovin "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: USA Watch: Lots Posts: 4,354	^so did the straps have any Rolex branding on them? Nice Bentley...did you get a discount for the steering wheel being in the incorrect side? Great collection! __________________ DSSD is the king of all Rolex

14 February 2019, 04:54 AM	#23
HogwldFLTR 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Lee Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48 Watch: What's on my wrist Posts: 33,256	Rolex, no; Tudor, yes!!! __________________ Troglodyte in residence! https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=808599

12 February 2019, 11:18 AM	#3
exador Banned Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: NZ Posts: 2,600	I suspect the straps were sourced from another supplier but I'm sure Mike Wood or Milton Haywood would know. Apparently soldiers could obtain one by filling out a form. Interestingly, the most famous Rolex NATO (Bond's Submariner) isn't a NATO at all but a slip though belt strap

13 February 2019, 02:18 AM	#9
toxicavenger "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Colorado Springs Watch: Seiko's Posts: 2,563	Rolex never made them as far as I know. They did sell some from other vendors in their boutiques.

13 February 2019, 02:49 AM	#11
SS Oyster "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA Posts: 8,800	Always loved the MilSub - hope to someday own one myself. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

13 February 2019, 03:08 AM	#12
antbkny "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Real Name: Anthony Location: Brooklyn, NY Watch: Dblue Posts: 6,723	Gotta love when Haywood posts pics

13 February 2019, 03:23 AM	#13
BisonHead "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: UK Watch: Sub,SD,DJ,OP Posts: 1,950	Love the pictures, thanks

13 February 2019, 06:29 PM	#16
thesharkfactor "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Scotland Watch: GMT Posts: 3,486	I tried one in the past. Not for me, they must be kept dry otherwise it starts to stink really bad. What use is -300m watch what you can't get wet... lol and if you do get it wet, it takes hours to dry.. I don't think they thought this out right...

13 February 2019, 06:59 PM	#17
vintagetudor "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: united kingdom Posts: 123	Every time Hayward submits a post I know I'm going to get a warm feeling in my tummy...absoloutley stunning examples!!!!

13 February 2019, 07:42 PM	#19
Atlantic "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: At Sea Posts: 394	It’s my understand that Phoenix was the the strap supplier to the British military and that they were made to Ministry of Defense specifications.

14 February 2019, 04:43 AM	#22
mkanaly "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Greater LA Watch: 116610+Bourne Tag Posts: 3	Agreed, they dry but then smell like an old pair of socks!!!

14 February 2019, 04:59 AM	#25
lhawli "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Montreal, QC Posts: 1,256	Not sure about Rolex specific, but back then, I trust they were all supplied by a third party. The only company I know of today that still claim to have supplied to RAF mil spec MoD NATO straps are Phoenix NATOs. __________________ AP Royal Oak [15400ST.01] Rolex DateJust 41 [126334] Rolex Submariner Date [116610LV] Rolex GMT Master II [116710BLNR] Rolex Cosmograph Daytona [116500LN]

14 February 2019, 05:48 AM	#26
Atlantic "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: At Sea Posts: 394	Nato history: https://gearpatrol.com/2017/12/06/icon-nato-strap/

14 February 2019, 09:39 AM	#30
Paul_I "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: USA Posts: 1,448	Grahame Fowler has some original military issue straps in 18mm in stock. https://grahamefowler.com/shop/accessories/watchstraps/ __________________

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