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Who's got a nice watch? Traditional watches only, no smartwatches please.

OllyW said:
You don't want Bond to lose his watch if one of the spring bar strap pins pops out while he's leaping off a speeding train do you? ;)

That's one of the advantages of a NATO strap, they are also very comfortable, hard wearing, fairly inexpensive and some of us think they look great. :D
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Oh, I can see the practicalities of them, absolutely. Re leather, in my experience, the issue is not really a spring bar strap popping out, it is that the leather itself wears out - it is a natural substance - in around 12-15 months time and needs to be replaced. If, like me, you tend to defer replacing it because you are used to the nice comfortable, worn in feeling of the leather on your wrist, it can disintegrate further before you have replaced it; that is when accidents happen……..

But, each to their own; equally, I am not all that crazy about metal straps, either…...
 
Scepticalscribe said:
Oh, I can see the practicalities of them, absolutely. Re leather, in my experience, the issue is not really a spring bar strap popping out, it is that the leather itself wears out - it is a natural substance - in around 12-15 months time and needs to be replaced. If, like me, you tend to defer replacing it because you are used to the nice comfortable, worn in feeling of the leather on your wrist, it can disintegrate further before you have replaced it; that is when accidents happen……..

But, each to their own; equally, I am not all that crazy about metal straps, either…...
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http://www.crownandbuckle.com/straps-by-type/leather-nato.html
 
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I have quite a few Natos, love them. It makes a dive watch feel a little more authentic, and can change the look of a watch with ease. I love a nice metal strap and a leather though. Preference changes depending on mood and type of use. :)
 
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The-Real-Deal82 said:
I have quite a few Natos, love them. It makes a dive watch feel a little more authentic, and can change the look of a watch with ease. I love a nice metal strap and a leather though. Preference changes depending on mood and type of use. :)
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That's what's I like about a watch like that Omega, it can be worn on a bracelet, on leather or on a NATO and each one will change the character of the watch and fit different occasions while still looking great.
 
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I have had this TISSOT PRC 100 Titanium for a few years, bought it in Geneva in 2009 I think.
I still like it very much.

IMG_5102.JPG

Other picture:
http://ep.yimg.com/ay/movadobaby/tissot-t-sport-prc-100-t008-410-44-061-00-10.gif
 
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Scepticalscribe said:
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to post this link.

I hadn't known that the NATO style strap was available in leather; some of those designs are very attractive.

Hm. Well, you have given me some food for thought, as the leather strap on my Omega Deville is getting very worn.
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You mention an OMEGA Deville, in which case you should go checkout OMEGA's new NATO straps:

http://www.omegawatches.com/accessories/nato-straps

Granted, they only have one in leather: http://www.omegawatches.com/accessories/nato-straps/reference/031CUZ002058
 
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Scepticalscribe said:
Many thanks for this reference; the leather NATO strap is indeed very attractive, but I can find no details on the Omega site how to go about ordering it, or, for that matter, how much it costs.
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That's Swiss watch brands for you. They don't advertise prices. You pretty much have to call your local OMEGA Boutique or OMEGA authorized dealer. Even then, they might even require you to come in person just to get a price and won't give prices over the phone. I don't know for sure, but I recall the standard OMEGA NATO straps were in the $200 range. The leather one is probably more.

Naturally, you're paying extra for official OMEGA.

Note: Don't balk at a $200 NATO. I'm still holding off buying the Blancpain NATO (plus Blancpain strap hardware) for my Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe. Before taxes, it's $800 and change - FOR A NATO STRAP.
 
ocabj said:
That's Swiss watch brands for you. They don't advertise prices. You pretty much have to call your local OMEGA Boutique or OMEGA authorized dealer. Even then, they might even require you to come in person just to get a price and won't give prices over the phone. I don't know for sure, but I recall the standard OMEGA NATO straps were in the $200 range. The leather one is probably more.

Naturally, you're paying extra for official OMEGA.

Note: Don't balk at a $200 NATO. I'm still holding off buying the Blancpain NATO (plus Blancpain strap hardware) for my Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe. Before taxes, it's $800 and change - FOR A NATO STRAP.
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Thanks a lot for that.

No, I'm not baulking at the price, more at the fact that so little information is given on the website about how to go about ordering (or obtaining) it, or, ben, finding out more about it.

However, I do wonder whether NATO standard straps are harder wearing than other straps; I tend to get around 12-15 months (depending on where I am - some climates are harder on leather than others) out of mine before they need to be replaced.
 
ocabj said:
You mention an OMEGA Deville, in which case you should go checkout OMEGA's new NATO straps:

http://www.omegawatches.com/accessories/nato-straps

Granted, they only have one in leather: http://www.omegawatches.com/accessories/nato-straps/reference/031CUZ002058
Click to expand...
Scepticalscribe said:
Many thanks for this reference; the leather NATO strap is indeed very attractive, but I can find no details on the Omega site how to go about ordering it, or, for that matter, how much it costs.
Click to expand...
ocabj said:
That's Swiss watch brands for you. They don't advertise prices. You pretty much have to call your local OMEGA Boutique or OMEGA authorized dealer. Even then, they might even require you to come in person just to get a price and won't give prices over the phone. I don't know for sure, but I recall the standard OMEGA NATO straps were in the $200 range. The leather one is probably more.

Naturally, you're paying extra for official OMEGA.

Note: Don't balk at a $200 NATO. I'm still holding off buying the Blancpain NATO (plus Blancpain strap hardware) for my Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe. Before taxes, it's $800 and change - FOR A NATO STRAP.
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I can vouch for the quality of the Omega nylon and leather NATOs. They are all outstanding quality. I have two nylons and the brown leather for my 300MC.

4c9a0a943a1e8e8230d7a5e06ac174a3.jpg

68cc5b09bacdac048cff7f81e31ad537.jpg

3bb726d14d1ba77c09fcb5e31c21d275.jpg
 
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chris975d said:
I can vouch for the quality of the Omega nylon and leather NATOs. They are all outstanding quality. I have two nylons and the brown leather for my 300MC.

4c9a0a943a1e8e8230d7a5e06ac174a3.jpg

68cc5b09bacdac048cff7f81e31ad537.jpg

3bb726d14d1ba77c09fcb5e31c21d275.jpg
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Thanks for the information, - nice to know that these straps are robust - and for posting the pictures.

Did you source them through a licensed Omega dealer?
 
Scepticalscribe said:
Thanks for the information, - nice to know that these straps are robust - and for posting the pictures.

Did you source them through a licensed Omega dealer?
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Yes. One of my best friends is also my Rolex and Omega AD. So I can't really help you with what the retail price is though, as my price is basically cost.

As far as the straps go, both (nylon and leather) are amazing. I've never felt NATOs that feel anywhere close to the quality these have. They are EASILY worth the cost to me. I plan on getting more actually. The leather is a bit more comfortable in my opinion, and would be my overall favorite if it somehow had any water resistance like the nylons. I've never handled a leather NATO that's as thin and supple as these are.
 
chris975d said:
Yes. One of my best friends is also my Rolex and Omega AD. So I can't really help you with what the retail price is though, as my price is basically cost.

As far as the straps go, both (nylon and leather) are amazing. I've never felt NATOs that feel anywhere close to the quality these have. They are EASILY worth the cost to me. I plan on getting more actually. The leather is a bit more comfortable in my opinion, and would be my overall favorite if it somehow had any water resistance like the nylons. I've never handled a leather NATO that's as thin and supple as these are.
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Thanks for the heads-up and for the positive recommendation; I distrust advertising, but - obviously - welcome word of mouth reviews and reviews which bear the stamp of personal experience.

My concern with the site is that it tells you next to nothing about how to actually order them. I suppose that I shall have to jot down the serial number and see if I can persuade an authorised dealer to try to order one for me.
 
The-Real-Deal82 said:
I have to say 'Chris975d' that is one stunning watch!! Love the classic retro Omega design. I wish I could afford such a piece. :)
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Agreed. Lovely timepiece.

I got mine (a classic and very elegant Deville) in January 2010 - a belated Christmas present to myself.

To be honest, I had been eyeing the watch for at least three to four years, but it was not affordable - and nor could it be justified - on a teacher's salary. However, as it happens, I haven't darkened a classroom door since 2008, and the Omega was finally within reach. I have worn it daily since then, and have derived enormous pleasure form it.
 
Scepticalscribe said:
Thanks for the heads-up and for the positive recommendation; I distrust advertising, but - obviously - welcome word of mouth reviews and reviews which bear the stamp of personal experience.

My concern with the site is that it tells you next to nothing about how to actually order them. I suppose that I shall have to jot down the serial number and see if I can persuade an authorised dealer to try to order one for me.
Click to expand...

Yes, just take down the reference number from the omega website for the color way and lug size you want, and any Omega AD can order then for you. That's how I did it.
 
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The-Real-Deal82 said:
I have to say 'Chris975d' that is one stunning watch!! Love the classic retro Omega design. I wish I could afford such a piece. :)
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Of my Submariner, DateJust 2, and this Omega 300MC, the Omega gets most of the wrist time. I love it. It's ridiculously versatile, from being a "dressy" diver on the bracelet or the leather NATO, to being super casual on the NATOs. That being said, here's a new arrival that has been getting most of my wrist time over the past week. I'm glad Tudor is finally making in house movements. I personally feel their design and style over the past 5 or so years has been trumping their parent Rolex's.

2e92e721294875972a935ca80baa1235.jpg

3cd7ff4bd4abcdd9fa71db6342a94cac.jpg

1ce8c3f05c579a9cb74dc91e4f6e2cfb.jpg


And here's the Pelagos' amazingly cool lume.

0243b5f6df1551d4c3e28c4f623961af.jpg
 
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chris975d said:
Yes, just take down the reference number from the omega website for the color way and lug size you want, and any Omega AD can order then for you. That's how I did it.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot of taking the time and trouble to respond.

Well, 19 or 20 are the sizes that I usually buy straps in; I'll just jot down that reference number and see what can be done by way of placing an order from a licensed dealer.
 
chris975d said:
Of my Submariner, DateJust 2, and this Omega 300MC, the Omega gets most of the wrist time. I love it. It's ridiculously versatile, from being a "dressy" diver on the bracelet or the leather NATO, to being super casual on the NATOs. That being said, here's a new arrival that has been getting most of my wrist time over the past week. I'm glad Tudor is finally making in house movements. I personally feel their design and style over the past 5 or so years has been trumping their parent Rolex's.

2e92e721294875972a935ca80baa1235.jpg

3cd7ff4bd4abcdd9fa71db6342a94cac.jpg

1ce8c3f05c579a9cb74dc91e4f6e2cfb.jpg


And here's the Pelagos' amazingly cool lume.

0243b5f6df1551d4c3e28c4f623961af.jpg
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What a lovely Tudor. Well wear.

I love some of the old Tudors from the 50s and 60s - gorgeous watches and beautifully made.
 
Scepticalscribe said:
Thanks a lot of taking the time and trouble to respond.

Well, 19 or 20 are the sizes that I usually buy straps in; I'll just jot down that reference number and see what can be done by way of placing an order from a licensed dealer.
Click to expand...

If you have any trouble at all, shoot me a PM. I can get you in contact with my AD and I know he can order them for you. He doesn't mind shipping conUS. He has customers all over the country.
 
I do love the Tudor range too. It's probably more affordable for me new, although I can get second hand Rolex's at a good price through a family member but a young family comes first at the moment. I am enjoying the lower range watches at the moment like Seiko's. I still really want the SARB033 and plan on buying it in the next few months. I'll treat myself to an Omega or Rolex when I'm in my 40's I think. I would just feel too guilty doing it now lol.

Really enjoying seeing others pieces here, thanks for sharing. :)
 
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