We set out to recreate the nylon watch strap worn by Sean Connery on his Rolex
Submariner in the classic James Bond films Goldfinger and Thunderball. For years, watch
enthusiasts have been buying “Bond NATO” nylon straps that bear very little resemblance
to the strap used in the film. Now, with Blue Ray and HD televisions, we finally know
the real pattern used in the watch strap worn by Commander Bond. After meticulous research,
the Corvus Watch Company can now offer the REAL BOND NATO watchstrap.
To make the REAL BOND NATO watchstrap, Corvus turned to Phoenix Straps in Wales, UK. Phoenix
was the original supplier of nylon straps to the British Ministry of Defense. Thousands
of British Army soldiers have worn watchstraps made by Phoenix, the last watch strap
manufacturer in the UK. Our webbing is made by a small mill in Scotland using vintage machinery, giving our strap a unique feel, far superior to those created in China on high-speed looms. In recent years, dozens of manufacturers around the world have
made imitations of the original NATO “G10” military issue watchstrap. Sometimes these
knockoffs are cheaper, but they are never better in quality. Furthermore, since we introduced the Real Bond design, at least three sellers have copied us. None of these Chinese fakes are correct as to color or pattern. We believe that Bond would
never wear anything but a genuine Phoenix REAL BOND NATO strap, proudly woven and assembled
in the United Kingdom.
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Left: G10 NATO Style
Right: RAF Style |
In order to obtain an accurate recreation of the strap used in the early Bond Films, we
had to have the yarns custom dyed to insure an exact match. We also upgraded the hardware from the spec to a much heavier all stainless-steel buckle.No one else offers the REAL
BOND watchstrap.
We are proud to offer the strap in three widths: 18, 20 & 22 mm width, and two styles:
“G10” NATO style
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G10 NATO Style
(20 mm shown) |
This is the popular style based on the genuine NATO specification
DEF STAN 66-47/2, as issued to members of the British Army and Royal Navy.
This
style includes the extra nylon strap “keeper” that locks the watch onto the strap in
case of the failure of one of the springbars. This is the most secure style strap for
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Stainless Steel Hardware
Welded Construction |
scuba diving or extreme conditions. This style strap was introduced in the 1970's, after
the Bond films were made. If James Bond were operational today, as a Commander in the
Royal Navy, he would wear this style band.
“RAF” style
These are the same as the G10 NATO style, except they do not have the extra nylon
“keeper.” This is closer in design to the strap used in the films, which clearly did not
have the extra nylon strap. For closer authenticity and a more discreet appearance, this
is the strap to buy.
What width do I need?
We offer the REAL BOND NATO strap in both of the above styles in 18, 20 and 22 mm widths.
Ordinarily, you should order the width that matches the space between the lugs of your
watch. However, in the films, Bond wears his early Rolex Submariner with an undersized
strap. The Rolex Sub had a 20 mm lug width, and the strap probably had an 18 mm strap. If
you want the absolutely authentic Bond look, you may want to get an 18 mm to get the
“understrapper” look.
NEW! BEEFY BOND FABRIC
We told our mill in Scotland to supersize it, and boy did they ever! Our newest mill-run of fabric is thicker and much more durable. In fact, we believe that our straps are the toughest NATO-style watchstraps available! This is really heavy stuff.
NEW! ORIGINAL PHOENIX SOLID COLOR NATO STRAPS! The real deal, as issued to the British armed forces.
We now offer genuine Phoenix Straps Ltd. NATO straps in solid Black (20 mm) and "Admiraltry Grey" (20 mm and 18 mm). The grey straps are the same product that is issued to British Army troops and Royal Navy divers. This is the real deal. Phoenix is the sole remaining British contractor that supplies these to the UK Ministry of Defense. All other "NATO" or "G10" straps are copies. Only Phoenix straps are the real, genuine military issue products. We are proud to sell these hand-made, no compromise products. If you have a real issued British military wristwatch, these are a must. Anything else would be like driving a Ferrari with tires from Wal-Mart.
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Top: RAF Style
Bottom: NATO Style |
Width: 18, 20, 22 mm
Length: Nato Style 285 mm; RAF Style 260 mm
Keeper Strap (NATO only): 70 mm
Hardware: Stainless Steel
Price: REAL BOND NATO & RAF $39.95, SOLID COLOR NATO $21.95 with FREE WORLDWIDE shipping by first-class mail.
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