Milsub Nato

[rootbeer7]

I’ve been made aware that these old nato straps may be of interest to collectors of issued pieces. I’ve had them for a few years, one I wear all the time and one hardly worn. I’m hoping that some of the most knowledgeable might recognise if they are indeed original items. Many thanks.

[Styles Bitchley]

As in Royal Navy issued straps that would have come with a Milsub?

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

As in Royal Navy issued straps that would have come with a Milsub?

yes!

[Sublovin]

What are the distinguishing characteristics between these and the ones I buy for $10?

[Abmatt2002]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

What are the distinguishing characteristics between these and the ones I buy for $10?

They’ll last a lot longer than your $10 one.

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by Abmatt2002

They’ll last a lot longer than your $10 one.

That’s interesting. They look identical. I have some that are over 5 years old. They are worn mostly in saltwater, and one has been daily on the Pelagos for a few years. Every once in a while I run them through the wash, no issues.

[stmoore]

Originally Posted by Sublovin

What are the distinguishing characteristics between these and the ones I buy for $10?

Your $10 natos are made in China.
These are made in the UK. Also welded, not stitched.

[Abmatt2002]

They do look like MOD issue.

[Amazing]

The one on the left looks like an issued 20mm nato. Interestingly I heard the milsubs (and many other military watches with 20mm lug width) were put on an 18mm nato strap. I have bought many watches with straps like this from military stores auctions where there's a gap in the fitment. I would guess this is because many of the general field watches can take them (CWC G10, Smiths W10 etc), but won't fit a 20mm strap. The smaller straps work for wider lugs so they are considered suitable.

I don't think the one on the right is from military stores. I say that because it appears to have a springbar buckle (not likely to be considered up to snuff) and I don't recognise it.

[Amazing]

Just to add to this, it would be hard to definitely say which watch they came on. Even if they can be proven to be military issue, there are many different watches which would accept them.

[shiftf7]

The left one is a Phoenix MOD NATO/RAF Nylon UK G10
The right one is a Phoenix MOD NATO Nylon UK G10 Civilian (hence the springbar buckle)
Phoenix started producing these in the UK in 1978 so its not likely they where ever issued on a milsub.
To be honest I don't think that they have any added value above the ones Phoenix currently produces, they are like 15€ new.
https://www.cwcwatch.com/collections...to-watch-strap

[rootbeer7]

Thank you for all your help. It would appear that the one on the left is the real deal and quite rare. The one on the right is questionable and as AMAZING says it does appear to use a springbar type of fitting on buckle.

[shiftf7]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Thank you for all your help. It would appear that the one on the left is the real deal and quite rare. The one on the right is questionable and as AMAZING says it does appear to use a springbar type of fitting on buckle.

I wouldn't say its rare, as they are mass produced by Phoenix and still in production, also they are always real because there aren't any fakes around because no one is making fake Phoenix nato straps... no need in faking a 15€ product.....

[Sublovin]

Originally Posted by shiftf7

I wouldn't say its rare, as they are mass produced by Phoenix and still in production, also they are always real because there aren't any fakes around because no one is making fake Phoenix nato straps... no need in faking a 15€ product.....

That’s what I thought. I have these same NATO’s . Can’t see a difference

[stmoore]

The new 20mm Phoenix straps say “Phoenix”
The originals are typically full of character.

[HERITAGE82]

The original Phoenix NATO’s didn’t have SS buckles or keepers so they patina a lot more. Also, the color is a more bluish gray than the newer ones.

Also as stmoore pointed out they are full of character... I’ve had this one for over a decade and it’s still my favorite strap after buying every other NATO I can find. Lol






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[watchlovr]

Looks correct to me.
I wear my UK military divers on vintage natos so if you're interested in selling. Pm me.
The Milsub was I think originally worn on an 18mm or 16mm nato, as the majority of issued watches were 18mm lugged, so there were no (or very few) 20mm straps in the store.
Or so the story goes.
Certainly numerous photos of British military divers about with Milsubs and SM300’s on narrow straps.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by watchlovr

Looks correct to me.
I wear my UK military divers on vintage natos so if you're interested in selling. Pm me.
The Milsub was I think originally worn on an 18mm or 16mm nato, as the majority of issued watches were 18mm lugged, so there were no (or very few) 20mm straps in the store.
Or so the story goes.
Certainly numerous photos of British military divers about with Milsubs and SM300’s on narrow straps.

I’ve sent you a pm.

[rootbeer7]

I have had a great update from Phoenix. The one on the right is period correct for an issued strap. The buckle however is a replacement, from who or when is a mystery. As has been discussed, Phoenix still make these and the new ones aren’t rare. The difference is akin to a standard Submariner vs a Milsub.

[Styles Bitchley]

Interesting update. Thx.

[Wallpaper]

Here are the Defence Standards 66-47 of the MOD for military wristwatches in the UK. Usually these straps were 18mm, cause of the G10 watches. Hope I could help. Mi

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by Wallpaper

Here are the Defence Standards 66-47 of the MOD for military wristwatches in the UK. Usually these straps were 18mm, cause of the G10 watches. Hope I could help. Mi

That’s great. Thank you.