cheap, robust everyday watch & nato straps

[Stu R]

Evening chaps.

I've recently sold a few of my higher end watches, and kept a couple of the collection back which I couldn't part with. I've also found a new love in the bargain-tastic casio g-shocks which have laughed at everything I've thrown at them and soldiered on.

But, being a bit of a magpie I fancy something else that's cheap and cheerful for kicking around in on a daily basis when not working. Going to replace the straps on the G-shocks with nato style ones as I've taken quite a liking to them recently, and would like another everyday watch which suits them. I've no preferred style of watch, I'm more a 10 watches for every occasion kinda guy. So, it can be plain jane or something a bit off the wall, anything really as it'll just be for general purpose casual use.

So, the criteria:

• relatively inexpensive (no fixed budget but no more than a few hundred quid)
• not a Seiko as I've already got a couple (other than the monsters, which is already on the list)
• suits a nato strap
• won't fall to bits on the wrist of a clumsy oaf
• doesn't look rubbish

As said the only thing I've found that I fancy is another Seiko Orange Monster, which I miss dearly since losing when drunk, but I'll leave the suggestions up to you guys.

Second and final question>

Is there a particular nato strap that's good, or are they all much of a muchness? Was going to put a quick order in for a few from watchworx but I thought I'd consult PH's resident experts first incase I missed a trick

Cheers,
Stu

[ShadownINja]

G-shocks are tricky to get on Natos. There is an adapter for some styles of G-shock... How about... something from Werners... perhaps something a bit silly like a Haffstreuner or a U-boat-look-a-like Tauchmeister? Both require a big wrist, though...

[lowdrag]

Be quick - 4 hours to go! You want a watch that'll be practical robust and good on a Nato strap. Job done if you get your finger out!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Marathon-GSAR-Automatic-Mili...

[BiggusLaddus]

£284, reserve not met. They don't cost much more that that brand new from the states.

[CommanderJameson]

Knockabout watch to go on a NATO?

Seiko 5 diver, innit?

ETA: Re-read your criteria. Bugger. Werner's AstroAvia?

70 quid T3SL Nightfighter on a NATO:

Edited by CommanderJameson on Monday 1st June 12:31

[Stu R]

ohhhh I'd totally forgotten about werners!

Think we could have a winner, that looks great with a nato strap Mind if I ask where you got the strap, looks better than the plain black ones I was going to order on watchworx.

Didn't realise G-shocks didn't go onto nato straps easily, that's a bit of a shame, I might get one for the mudman and see if I can make it work / find an adapter.

[CommanderJameson]

That strap is from Timefactors. Ten of your Great British Pounds.

[prand]

Ollech & Wajs military watches are pretty good on a strap. rltwatches.com and chronomaster stock them.

[ShadownINja]

http://mygshock.com/wiki/Bands_and_Strap_Adapters

[GC8]

Invicta Sub-a-likes suit a NATO strap, particularly black and grey (as do O&W and Sandoz).

[lowdrag]

BiggusLaddus said:

£284, reserve not met. They don't cost much more that that brand new from the states.

Careful here. There are two models, one around $300 and this later model which is, delivered with VAT and tax, around $1,000 so at say £300 it would have been a snip.

[Cotty]

Stu R said:

Is there a particular nato strap that's good, or are they all much of a muchness? Was going to put a quick order in for a few from watchworx but I thought I'd consult PH's resident experts first incase I missed a trick

I purchased two nato straps from http://www.timefactors.com/nato.htm which I thought were reasonably priced and seem very well made, but I have nothing to compare them to. Their service was very good and got the straps within 48 hours.

[Nolar Dog]

My AstroAvia S1 has just arrived from Andy's Pens today.

Ordered and paid for on Friday, delivered today.

Looks great on and would suit a NATO.



Edited to add: And quite a lot cheaper than WFW.

Edited by Nolar Dog on Monday 15th June 13:22