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007Sub · 7 February 2013, 02:38 PM

I just came accross this fantastic blog and was particularly interested by the original grey/blue nato straps that were issued on Mil Subs.

Does anyone have information on where one might be able to find these straps and or the most close approximation made?

http://100percent-rolex.blogspot.co....ap-update.html

I looked into this company "Pheonix" based on some other threads I found (http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=147940) and can't seem to find them any longer...

jedly1 · 7 February 2013, 04:04 PM

still going strong...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Phoenix-St...item1c2f2ac555

though if you buy them direct fro m rolex uk they are now 50gbp.

Mar122 · 7 February 2013, 04:12 PM

Is there an American seller for these same straps?

stmoore · 7 February 2013, 11:18 PM

There will be very soon. I've been in contact with Everest and he is working on distributing them (but doesn't have them yet). I can attest these nato bands are the best of my collection. I found some swiss made bands which were thicker and stitched that were of equal quality as well. That said, I enjoy the phoenix straps the most.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mar122

Is there an American seller for these same straps?

RC2 · 8 February 2013, 12:45 AM

I bought an admiralty gray from Corvus and its pretty thin and I think flimsy. It's very gray. I have a navy blue one from natostrap and its much thicker. Rich

Vincent65 · 8 February 2013, 01:48 AM

I've got 2 admiralty grey Phoenix from Corvus. Mediocre quality, especially the buckles. Flaws in weave of nylon too.

phelix_da_kat · 8 February 2013, 03:56 AM

Agreed.. Mickie sells Phoenix Admirality greys as supplied to the MoD.
Bought the Admirality Grey, Black and James Bond strap.

I have seen "thicker" straps, PVD buckles, etc, but then again I wanted the darker admirality grey.. and as per MoD spec.

It does initially feel flimsy especially after wearing an Oyster bracelet, but a Mil Spec Rolex does have fixed bars, and that NATO isn't going to tear. If anything I reckon the weak point in your sub (non-mil) would be the spring bars.

Jason71 · 8 February 2013, 03:57 AM

Tough to beat the Maratac NATO straps IMHO.

007Sub · 8 February 2013, 04:45 AM

Ordered. Will send pics when it arrives!

Dr. Robert · 8 February 2013, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason71

Tough to beat the Maratac NATO straps IMHO.

I agree, but their grey is weird.

LI Matt · 8 February 2013, 08:06 AM

Funny this should come up ... I just got got one of these from Mickie this week. As far as my "ordering NATOs off the Bay" experience has been, this is one of the better ones.

I know everyone associates this strap with the Sub, but I think it would look badass on an Exp1.

Frogman4me · 8 February 2013, 08:08 AM

Gnomon for me :)

stmoore · 8 February 2013, 08:09 AM

Sorry, phoenix or Maratac?

Can anyone compare the standard Maratac vs the Mil nato? Are they just thinker?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LI Matt

Funny this should come up ... I just got got one of these from Mickie this week. As far as my "ordering NATOs off the Bay" experience has been, this is one of the better ones.

I know everyone associates this strap with the Sub, but I think it would look badass on an Exp1.

phelix_da_kat · 8 February 2013, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LI Matt

Funny this should come up ... I just got got one of these from Mickie this week. As far as my "ordering NATOs off the Bay" experience has been, this is one of the better ones.

I know everyone associates this strap with the Sub, but I think it would look badass on an Exp1.

Agreed - Mickie is a star.
Always get mine really quick.

Have mine in on a Red Sub, and another on an Explorer 1.
Black NATOs are nice, but again the admirality grey is a star. Its a good deep dark grey, that is why I keep coming back to it.

Have other NATOs in a silver grey and black (with black buckle).

Mar122 · 8 February 2013, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stmoore

There will be very soon. I've been in contact with Everest and he is working on distributing them (but doesn't have them yet). I can attest these nato bands are the best of my collection. I found some swiss made bands which were thicker and stitched that were of equal quality as well. That said, I enjoy the phoenix straps the most.

Thanks for the info. Looking forward to it.

dbt001 · 8 February 2013, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stmoore

Sorry, phoenix or Maratac?

Can anyone compare the standard Maratac vs the Mil nato? Are they just thinker?

I have a gray Maratac NATO and the Phoenix Admiralty gray NATO. The Maratac is a bit thicker and a slightly coarser weave. The Phoenix is thinner with a finer weave. My Maratac is a few years old and I've thrown it in the washing machine a few times. It feels much softer than the Phoenix, and less nylon-y. Now, the Phoenix might mellow out as it gets worn, but for now I find the Maratac more comfortable. Same is true for other Maratacs I have with less wear.

The Maratac gray is much lighter in color than the Admiralty, which almost has a dark greenish tint to it.

007Sub · 9 February 2013, 06:29 AM

I'm expecting this strap "admiralty grey" to have a slight blueish hue to it... though from what i've been reading its a pretty dark grey... only time will tell though i think it would be nice if someone made a strap that color matched the old original natos of the Mil spec subs!!

phelix_da_kat · 9 February 2013, 08:02 AM

Here's a pic of my sub on an admiralty grey: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=181809
Hope this helps.. you will see its nearly a charcoal grey.

Evolution · 9 February 2013, 09:39 AM

Hi guys what size fits best for 1680 sub 22mm?

Regards

stmoore · 9 February 2013, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evolution

Hi guys what size fits best for 1680 sub 22mm?

Regards

20mm

topcat30093 · 9 February 2013, 10:26 AM

When I first bought my 5512 & 1680 I went crazy buying NATO straps from many different suppliers.

In the end I wanted to get an Admiralty Grey, so I bought my from Phoenix straps and though a bit thinner then other makes. I have worn 24/7 for the past 6 months and it is still fairing very nicely thank you.
My 1680 which it is sat on has been involved in all sorts of activities and I very happy. :)

RC2 · 9 February 2013, 12:29 PM

I still think the black nato from timefactors is the best nato I have. Rich

007Sub · 9 February 2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phelix_da_kat

Here's a pic of my sub on an admiralty grey: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=181809
Hope this helps.. you will see its nearly a charcoal grey.

gorgeous watch!

stmoore · 10 February 2013, 01:36 AM

Gents: It looks like our own Everest (Michael DiMartini) does have these straps in stock (albeit limited). I've ordered several bands from him in the past and have had excellent service. Shipping time and communication were also great.

Overall if you are into nato, I'd recommend trying at least one of the phoenix straps. They ship from here in the states and he takes paypal.

You can email him here with questions: mdimartini@everestbands.com

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=279720

Johny · 10 February 2013, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I agree, but their grey is weird.

i have both a gray maratac and a gray/black stripe maratac and the two grays are nothing like each other. my plain gray one looks blue /green and i actually thought that they had sent the wrong colour by mistake.

Evolution · 10 February 2013, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stmoore

20mm

Thank you

HRPinDC · 11 February 2013, 05:19 AM

I just ordered the MI-6 Regimental strap from Maratec for my sub. I can't wait to see it.

blassy · 11 February 2013, 06:53 AM

just ordered the grety from Michael - will post pics as soon as it arrives. He could not have been a better gent to deal with. I emailed ahead of time because my paypal address (Canada) is different from where I am staying in Florida and a few people couldn't be bothered to make the changes. Michael was awesome and got it in the mail asap. Big props!

HRPinDC · 12 February 2013, 11:06 AM

The Maratac strap arrived today. Very impressive since I just ordered it on Saturday. Anyway, it looks fantastic, exactly what I wanted and very close to the original Bond regimental strap from Dr. No. Now all I need is my watch back and I can see what the two look like together. Can't wait!

007Sub · 14 February 2013, 02:04 PM

Just got my phoenix strap on. Indeed it is more grey in person than expected as others have said. Also a bit stiffer than the maratacs I own, but there is a nice quality to it though that the maratacs seem to lack. I wish though that the hole spacing was closer. My wrist is right in the middle of two holes (one too large and one too small)

Overall though, looks great on the watch!

p.s. sorry for the blurry images... the lighting is not the best. Tomorrow I'll take some more in daylight.

7 February 2013, 02:38 PM	#1
007Sub "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Greg Location: USA Watch: 5514 Posts: 1,630	Genuine Military NATO blue/grey strap I just came accross this fantastic blog and was particularly interested by the original grey/blue nato straps that were issued on Mil Subs. Does anyone have information on where one might be able to find these straps and or the most close approximation made? http://100percent-rolex.blogspot.co....ap-update.html I looked into this company "Pheonix" based on some other threads I found (http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=147940) and can't seem to find them any longer... __________________ @true_patina @true.dome

8 February 2013, 12:45 AM	#5
RC2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Rich Location: NC Watch: Rolex 1675 Posts: 2,359	I bought an admiralty gray from Corvus and its pretty thin and I think flimsy. It's very gray. I have a navy blue one from natostrap and its much thicker. Rich __________________ Rich Member of Nylon Nation Red Sox Nation Instagram watchguy97

8 February 2013, 03:57 AM	#8
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	Tough to beat the Maratac NATO straps IMHO. __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

8 February 2013, 04:45 AM	#9
007Sub "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Greg Location: USA Watch: 5514 Posts: 1,630	Ordered. Will send pics when it arrives! __________________ @true_patina @true.dome

8 February 2013, 08:06 AM	#11
LI Matt "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Matt Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 298	Funny this should come up ... I just got got one of these from Mickie this week. As far as my "ordering NATOs off the Bay" experience has been, this is one of the better ones. I know everyone associates this strap with the Sub, but I think it would look badass on an Exp1. __________________ I don't wear a Rolex for other people, I wear it for me. "We're going to hell anyway, let's travel first class" -- Kaiser Chiefs

7 February 2013, 04:04 PM	#2
jedly1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: mel(oz)/Yorks(uk) Posts: 1,917	still going strong... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Phoenix-St...item1c2f2ac555 though if you buy them direct fro m rolex uk they are now 50gbp.

7 February 2013, 04:12 PM	#3
Mar122 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: USA Posts: 373	Is there an American seller for these same straps?

8 February 2013, 01:48 AM	#6
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,293	I've got 2 admiralty grey Phoenix from Corvus. Mediocre quality, especially the buckles. Flaws in weave of nylon too.

8 February 2013, 03:56 AM	#7
phelix_da_kat "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Watch: 16520 Posts: 351	Agreed.. Mickie sells Phoenix Admirality greys as supplied to the MoD. Bought the Admirality Grey, Black and James Bond strap. I have seen "thicker" straps, PVD buckles, etc, but then again I wanted the darker admirality grey.. and as per MoD spec. It does initially feel flimsy especially after wearing an Oyster bracelet, but a Mil Spec Rolex does have fixed bars, and that NATO isn't going to tear. If anything I reckon the weak point in your sub (non-mil) would be the spring bars.

8 February 2013, 08:08 AM	#12
Frogman4me Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,268	Gnomon for me :)

9 February 2013, 06:29 AM	#17
007Sub "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Greg Location: USA Watch: 5514 Posts: 1,630	I'm expecting this strap "admiralty grey" to have a slight blueish hue to it... though from what i've been reading its a pretty dark grey... only time will tell though i think it would be nice if someone made a strap that color matched the old original natos of the Mil spec subs!! __________________ @true_patina @true.dome

9 February 2013, 08:02 AM	#18
phelix_da_kat "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Watch: 16520 Posts: 351	Here's a pic of my sub on an admiralty grey: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=181809 Hope this helps.. you will see its nearly a charcoal grey.

9 February 2013, 09:39 AM	#19
Evolution "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: uk Posts: 68	Hi guys what size fits best for 1680 sub 22mm? Regards

9 February 2013, 10:26 AM	#21
topcat30093 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Tony Location: England Posts: 5,425	When I first bought my 5512 & 1680 I went crazy buying NATO straps from many different suppliers. In the end I wanted to get an Admiralty Grey, so I bought my from Phoenix straps and though a bit thinner then other makes. I have worn 24/7 for the past 6 months and it is still fairing very nicely thank you. My 1680 which it is sat on has been involved in all sorts of activities and I very happy. :) __________________

9 February 2013, 12:29 PM	#22
RC2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Rich Location: NC Watch: Rolex 1675 Posts: 2,359	I still think the black nato from timefactors is the best nato I have. Rich __________________ Rich Member of Nylon Nation Red Sox Nation Instagram watchguy97

10 February 2013, 01:36 AM	#24
stmoore Banned Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: US Watch: Gilt Posts: 1,592	Gents: It looks like our own Everest (Michael DiMartini) does have these straps in stock (albeit limited). I've ordered several bands from him in the past and have had excellent service. Shipping time and communication were also great. Overall if you are into nato, I'd recommend trying at least one of the phoenix straps. They ship from here in the states and he takes paypal. You can email him here with questions: mdimartini@everestbands.com https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=279720

11 February 2013, 05:19 AM	#27
HRPinDC "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 152	I just ordered the MI-6 Regimental strap from Maratec for my sub. I can't wait to see it.

11 February 2013, 06:53 AM	#28
blassy "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Chris Location: Canada Watch: 116610 LN, 16800 Posts: 857	just ordered the grety from Michael - will post pics as soon as it arrives. He could not have been a better gent to deal with. I emailed ahead of time because my paypal address (Canada) is different from where I am staying in Florida and a few people couldn't be bothered to make the changes. Michael was awesome and got it in the mail asap. Big props!

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