FeatureAn Omega NATO Strap For Every Mood And Every Look
NATO straps have been grabbing attention in the world of watchmaking since World War Two, but as a watchmaker who has always been a step ahead of the league, Omega offers a distinctive collection of NATO-inspired straps'a treasure trove of new looks for your watch
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For around half a century, NATO straps have been occupying a lofty position in the horological world. With a fascinating history to its credit, NATO straps exude a quaint snugness and charm, which can only be experienced once it makes contact with your skin. Sharing its name with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, these straps were originally issued by the British Ministry of Defence to British soldiers in the early 1970s. It is presumed that NATO, or—in serving and ex-military personnel terms—G10 straps, derive their name from the 13-digit NATO or NSN stock number used by the UK military to identify this type of strap during the requisition process.
NATO straps are a quintessentially all-encompassing accessory that can add so much functionality, power and beauty to any timepiece. The no-frills, uncomplicated attitude manifested by a NATO strap is its essential appeal. Apt for all and sundry, this affordable, resilient, expandable, waterproof nylon strap with a basic buckle comes in various lengths—28cm on an average—allowing one standard length to fit all wrists and for the wearer to expand or tighten the strap as deem fit.
Taking the excellence of a NATO strap several notches higher are the Omega NATO-inspired straps that are available in a variety of bold colours and materials. These have evolved from the leather and canvas ones used by British pilots, navigators and army personnel during World War II. While retaining the essence of the originals, the Omega NATO straps collection offers contemporary and stylish functionality with straps made of polyamide (a textile made of synthetic fibres), Novonappa leather straps and an all-black coated nylon fabric strap with fitted black keepers and a polished buckle. We highlight their storied presence as an icon in the world of watches along with how Omega offers an exclusive NATO buying experience.
A ‘Spectre’ To Behold
NATO straps and James Bond go back a long way, but the most recent movie appearance that NATO made was in the 2015 movie Spectre in the Seamaster 300 Omega Master Co-Axial 41 MM: Spectre Limited Edition. For the first time in Bond history, the actual watch worn by him was released as a limited edition model. The five-stripe black and grey NATO strap—also known as the James Bond NATO Strap—in this unique timepiece serves as the perfect way to honour 007 and celebrate the world’s favourite spy.
Q: It tells the time. Might help with your punctuality issues.”
Powered by the Omega Master Co-Axial calibre 8400, this watch features a black ceramic bi-directional bezel ring, built with a 12-hour scale in Liquidmetal™. Adding to the ingenuity is the engraved ‘007’ on the bracelet’s strap holder in this 7,007-piece limited edition watch.
The Olympic Spirit
In tandem with PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games, Omega introduced a slew of flag-inspired NATO straps in February this year, adorning the colours of several flags from competing countries, including the USA, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland and China. Six more NATOs are presented in colours that represent the Olympic rings—five straps for each ring colour and one with all five colours on it. These 18 trendy straps evoke a sense of patriotism, besides letting the wearer flaunt a love for colours and joie de vivre.
Omega’s Exclusive NATO Pop-Up Boutique
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Omega launched an exclusive NATO pop-up boutique in Paris in March this year. Situated at 11 Rue Debelleyme in the 3rd arrondissement (borough) of Paris, the main window of this interactive door-less boutique features a moving display of all Omega NATO straps.
Customers can operate a digital screen to scroll through the eclectic selection, take a pick, pay via their smartphone and have the strap delivered to their preferred location. This unprecedented move by Omega will include the brand celebrating a range of different brand themes, with alternating displays and products on offer.
Presley Gerber, one of Omega’s newest brand ambassadors and son of supermodel Cindy Crawford, has been the face of the NATO boutique campaign. One can find an exclusive Presley Gerber NATO strap in black denim and leather strap at the boutique.
Something For Everyone
Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 (Solar Impulse Limited Edition)
Crafted for space explorers, this is a new avatar of the 1998 Speedmaster Professional X-33, offering a battery life of 24 months. It is powered by the multi-functional quartz chronograph movement, Omega calibre 5619, with a thermo-compensated integrated circuit. The 45mm titanium case houses a blue and green dial with a central opening that allows the wearer to read the displayed digital elements such as the time in up to three different time zones, three alarms, chronograph and countdown functions, and a perpetual calendar. This 1,924-piece limited edition timepiece sports a blue and green-bordered polyamide NATO strap.
Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial 41 MM
The ‘Commander’s Watch’ endorses a five-stripe blue, red and grey polyamide NATO strap. Adhering to the colour palette, this Seamaster watch is cased in stainless steel with a polished white ceramic dial that features faceted blued skeleton hour-minute hands and a varnished red seconds hand with a ‘007’ gun logo counterweight. Fitted with the exclusive Omega calibre 2507, this timepiece offers a 48-hour power reserve. This watch is limited to 7,007 pieces.
