Heritage Straps

Probably not the "heritage" you're used to hearing around these parts, but heritage nonetheless.  Gnomon Watches, the best spot to get NATO watch straps on the web in my opinion, has stocked up on some new regimental joints that pay tribute to where you came from.  So far only Italy, France and Germany are accounted for (Word Cup 2010 bias?), but I figured that would still apply to quite a few readers.

Luckily for the rest of us Gnomon has also stocked up on some new colorways begging to hug your spring bars.  No matter what you're feeling this time of year they've got you covered, although the elusive white NATO is still nowhere to be found.  As soon as I'm done writing this nonsense I'm pulling the trigger on that blue and yellow joint to feed my nautical appetite.  Also, anyone who cops the zig-zag is a boss.

-L.A.S

Always Strapped Pt. II

As it turns out watch strap posts are so popular and NATO straps so coveted that my latest post on them was actually a rehashing of  Trip's work.  In that very same post he briefly mentions RLT Watches out of the UK as well, who I also had lined up for a post.  Without stepping on too many toes, I feel compelled to highlight the straps over at RLT.

I found RLT's impressive NATO selection (the majority of which are 18mm) via Nick who had located an image I had previously shown him while chatting about new straps for his awesome Bulova.  Some of the regimental straps on display are "one-of-a-kind-esque" (or at least until we all buy 'em up) and too good not to find their way onto your wrist.  Keep in mind, and just like Trip said, that while these straps may seem really cheap you need to factor in shipping costs and the current exchange rate.  If you happen to be reading Sart Inc in the UK at the moment then this is most definitely the route you want to take for some fresh new watch bands.  Our across the pond brethren need to stay strapped too ya' know.  Also, is it weird that the following excites me more than pretty much everything else I post on the blog?

-L.A.S

Always Strapped

I've got some more watch strap goodness for you guys...NATO (by Maratac) straps are highly coveted, but are often tough to find.  Even when you come across a stock of them, you're more than likely going to be limited in your options with only the solid military styles represented.  Thankfully Gnomon Watches has the hook-up.  These guys not only have the obvious selections, but a bunch of great regimental stripes choices as well (the most popular being the "James Bond" model).  I know I post about watch straps constantly, but I am becoming a bit of a fanatic.  After checking out some of these maybe you'll join me.  All straps seen below and more available here ($14 +).

And for some more info. about the straps themselves: 

"NATO Straps are made from straight weaved nylon with solid polished 316L stainless steel buckle and strap keepers. Quality made with laser welded joints. All edges and holes are laser sealed as well for a no frill no rough edges finish. All NATO straps come with an extra flap that rest behind the watch."

 

 

 

 

 

 

-L.A.S

Strapping: The Sequel

Back on Halloween I talked a little about the new Maratac watch strap I had ordered.  Well, after a week of waiting it finally arrived from California.  By switching out the stock leather, croc embossed strap my goal was to dress down my Stuhrling and give it more of that field/military inspired look.  The black face of the watch lended itself to a dark band, so I went with a black nylon strap from Maratac with a vertical, red accent stripe down the middle.  It came out better than I could have imagined and switching the band out was so easy a blogger could do it.  Anyway, enough with the typing, here are the pics from my miserable point and shoot (Yeah, I really need to do something about that).

[Pictured: Stock Stuhrling and Maratac replacement strap before the switch out.]

[Pictured: Final product.  Looks damn good in person if I do say so myself.]

p.s. Changing a band/strap out is really easy assuming you already own a spring bar tool.  If not, buy one here and make sure to pick one up with a "forked end" (be aware shipping is likely going to end up costing more than the tool).  For more reference on how to switch out a band/strap at home please refer to this video from County Comm.

-L.A.S

Strapping

[Pictured: Maratac S-Series Zulu Band.  Picture courtesy of County Comm.]

My new Stuhrling Original Cuvette arrived last week and it's looking quite fresh dressed up with the stock leather gator embossed band.  In an attempt to liven it up I got that above Maratac strap for a cool $17 and I'll do a much more elaborate post when it's all set up sometime next week.  I hope everyone is enjoying Halloween and their weekend.

-L.A.S