As the title implies, I’m looking to get other people’s opinions on NATO straps - particularly if the OEM Omega NATO is worthy the money.
I stopped by my local AD to check out what they had. They had a lot of color options - all at $160usd.
They felt good, soft and thick. Hard to judge the hardware as it had the plastic on it.
But $160 feels kind of steep knowing there are NATOs out there for 1/10th the price.
What are your thoughts? Are they worth it? Is there something I’m missing? What’s your favorite alternative?
Thanks for your thoughts!

 

Quality wise Omega and IWC are probably the best, are they worth the money, probably not really.

 

I am currently using an omega NATO on my Diver 300M. I really love the strap and the watch. But to answer your question, I think it worth the money. Very good quality and good looking strap.

 

The Tudor NATO straps are great too.

 

That's probably true, but I've yet to handle any of the Tudor straps, but they do look good from the photos I've seen.

 

Are these all the same thickness? Reason I ask is I remember the NATO that came with my ST1 was super thick, a bit too thick for my taste. The other day I met somebody wearing his Speedy with the black Omega NATO that was included in the box and it seemed less thick and unweildy, I would say it was just perfect.

Either way in planning to order one for my Great White at some point. They're expensive for sure but I would like one.

 

Best but not worth the money? I would have expected the opposite conclusion.

 

Thanks! I may have to splurge on one for my Speedy.

 

Any nato priced over 30 dollars is probably not worth the money With that said, omegas are very thin and pliable in my experience (I got 2). I have other no name ones and they are not as comfortable as omegas however depending on the watch I'd actually prefer a thicker strap. Depending on the piece if its supposed to be a tool watch I like the look of a beefy strap.

 

I've had plenty of NATOs, but I find the Omega NATO is so thick and comfy compared to the others. It wears to the beach nicely, and goes through the wash nicely as well! It still looks brand new after many months of wearing. Of course, I had to post the obligatory photo!

 

Gotta agree. If it's the best, then .. !

You're buying an unnecessary luxury accessory for your unnecessary luxury timepiece.

 

Uh it’s a “tool” watch. Every man needs a nicely polished “tool” on his wrist - am I right?

 

I have one myself and it's very good, but at the end of the day it's a nylon strap that costs £120.

 

Not only is price a little steep IMHO, I'm more a fan of the Nasa style gasgasbones strap which gives my speedy a more toolwatch look than it already is.

 

I also thought the omega nato might be overpriced until I bought one. I’ve had many cheaper versions but they tend to fray over a few months and the metal buckles seem quite cheap. The omega one really stands out on quality. Really comfortable and n fraying ends.

 

No. Try a Toxic Nato strap. Great quality at a fraction of the price. You will be glad you didn’t pay OEM prices when you are sweating it up and using it for the kind of stuff Nato straps are meant for.

 

If you want to save some money as suggested above then my recommendation would be to try Crown and Buckle straps. Their supreme natos are fantastic and have that thicker material I would want for a tool watch. Also their Chevron straps are really comfortable and adjust perfectly due to the design. The hardware they use is top notch as well.

Then there's the "I want to keep it all Omega" argument. I admit I like it better when I keep everything the same brand (probably my OCD) In this case you are at the mercy of omega pricing which is average of $160 a strap haha. Cant beat the quality though

 

Yes, if you want the Omega logo/branding. They are really good.
My only issue is their length (too short for me), and the springbar in the buckle. I think a nato should have sewn in buckle.

My favorite alternative is the PhenomeNato

 

Without a Omega Logo, you could get a nato for $10.

 

Yes, even for $1 and you can get a watch also for $10, without omega logo