I have worn a Goldfinger style Bond NATO for years. I’m still on the original strap which remains in excellent condition even though I have bought a few backups. For my money, the best and most accurate one I have found is from a company in the UK called WatchGecko. They have all of the various Bond NATO straps, but the US MOD features the cloth keepers as seen in Goldfinger. They generally sell for about $24 US, but I just picked another one up on a Black Friday Sale for $12. You will not be disappointed in this strap!
Im the seller....ebay has blocked me for several weeks as I could not ship during lock down!!!! Anyway....back now... Reason for the price is they are made in the UK....Chinese manufacturers have bombarded me with offers as low as 65 cents to make these for me....you can buy them yourself if you want to.....they better quality actually....but mine are made on 1950's machinery in Uk by the company that probably made the original....can't prove it...but im pretty sure.....
The watch as brass knuckles is a callback to the Fleming novel On Her Majesty’s Secret Service; he does the same thing with his Rolex in when escaping from Piz Gloria
Unfortunately the seller referenced no longer sells them. The current (2024) best option is the RAF Bond strap from CNS Watch Bands but it’s not available in 16mm. 18mm is the smallest they sell.
Excellent video sir. Did you consider going for a smaller size to get that Connery undersized look? Maybe a bit OTT :D May I recommend a brand called "Phoenix" from the UK. IMO the best NATO straps out there, after all, they made the very first mil-spec one in admiralty grey. Occasionally you can find them on eBay too. Thank you for taking the time to make this video, keep up the good work. Best regards, TGV
The Urban Gentry thank you so much TGV! I actually did consider sizing down the width of the band for maximum authenticity but decided it was an homage setup anyway and the thinner straps look a bit feminine on me. I’ll definitely check out Phoenix! You keep up the great work as well, I’m a big fan!
As I was surprised to discover, Bond never actually wore a NATO strap as these weren't "invented" until 9 years after the movie. Instead, as one photo shows Connery leaning on his arm during the filming of Goldfinger, his actual screen-worn strap was a single-buckle, single-piece strap with a single keeper made out of the same strap fabric ( www.rolexmagazine.com/2009/07/real-james-bond-watchstrap-comes-to.html )... that, as also stated in this vid, can be found for sale as a reproduction by eBay seller, aliasmarlow, here: www.ebay.com/itm/Real-Bond-Strap-Band-21mm-New-Version/284118428653
I have watched this video MANY times over the years...the strap is phenomenal and while I have the 2 piece I would love the single ply....I thought that I was close recently but hoping the seller gets more in so that I can try again. This is the first time that I paid attention to the watch...I bought a 6538 homage recently. Almost got the one that you have here.
I had noticed that his watch was missing when he went to get Vesper out of the submerged lift but I always thought that it was a continuity error. Now I know what really happened to it. Well spotted.
I invested in two heavy duty ballistic nylon straps from Crown and Buckle US. These 24 mm straps are thicker, heavier, stronger, and stiffer. They come in 3-ring and 5-ring versions, the 5 ring gives you a double layer in the conventional NATO style. They are both Bond straps: the classic Connery olive green, black and burgundy, and the second, the more contemporary Craig in black and grey. Both straps come in thick 1.6 mm and have the best PVD and brush metal I've seen so far.
The reason NATO straps were designed as a single piece, was so that if one of the spring bars failed, the watch would hold on. I'd like to think if Bond knew of it as an option, he'd have gone for that. Or maybe Bond figured it out and had Q invent it, which the military than began to mass produce. In any case, I'm happy with my blushark bond strap NATO that seems remarkably sturdy, for less than $20 with sales and discounts.
i have the one from cheapnatostraps and im loving it so far, screen accurate and theres also the modern one there in a nato strap so you can get both for like $15
Lewis Maddox @howtogentlemen recommended me to there straps and they were very close to screen accurate but not 100%, then I found The Real Bond Strap, it’s a game changer!!
Cheapestnatostraps are quite good but I wouldn't go as far as screen accurate. The colours are really well done but it's the stripes for me. The green and red stripes should be thinner and they should be spaced more apart
Fun fact, the part of Casino Royale where Bond uses his watch as brass knuckles is actually taken directly from Fleming’s On her majesty’s secret service. In it Bond does the same thing with his Rolex. I believe it’s only the second time his watch is mentioned
@@TheBondArmory yes and no. Same scene in the book but the razor is in his left hand and his Rolex is wrapped around his right hand. Bond comments after beating a guard tj death with his watch that he’ll probably buy another Rolex
yer crazy price for a strap indeed but in the uk the bond type natos are everywhere and retail around £12 ($ 14) . yer for sure if you want that bond look def go for that identical look depending on the era . great vid stay safe my friend
Great video. I've been after a similar strap recently. I've settled on a NATO in similar colours but this is really informative. I did wonder how Goldfinger, made in 1964 featured a watch strap introduced in the 70's! The watch as a knuckle duster idea is also from the novels I'm pretty sure... Not certain which one(s) though. 🤔
During years, I have bought from Ebay three of those REAL Bond Straps. Two were 22mm wide single ply construction (in original RAF Strap* specs) and third was 22mm wide 2 piece 2 ply construction (more stiff and durable) ... Real Bond Straps were originally known as *Royal Air Force Straps of 1960s, over a decade before G1098 Admiralty Gray 'NATO straps' were invented. My own user experience regarding REAL Bond Straps: Latest two-piece 'not so original' strap pairs in ideal manner with my modded blue Orient Ray II diver watch. Merc hands and double domed sapphire modification to Orient Ray II makes it ideal poor man's alternative for Rolex 'Goldfinger' Submariner, and two piece two ply strap holds well the weight of that watch. Single ply strap is more ideal for some lightweight quartz or lightweight titanium case watch as puts less load stress to that relatively thin strap fabric. Casio DBC-610 Data Bank watch got paired with my relatively worn original 22mm single ply strap, and that so very 1980s lightweight Casio fits in perfect manner, reminding about late Sir Roger Moore quartz watch preferences as James Bond...
@@TheBondArmory second what Lance said. I knew the tactic was used in the book OHMSS but never noticed it in the CR film. I suspect from the way Bond angled his wrist to access the clasp but the film then cut away that there might have been footage of him moving it to his knuckles, which was then cut. Maybe the makers or the censors were worried that this move would be copied by Friday night brawlers! Brilliant spot, I would never have noticed.
The real deal is made by Corvus, not that guy on ebay. It can be had at a number of online RAF strap retailers and costs the same or less than what you claim to have paid in the vid.
I’m familiar with the Corvus strap, but that was not the original strap as seen in Goldfinger and the company is out of business. As stated, the Real Bond Strap is the closest available
The "Real Deal" that Corvus made that you state was completely bogus, firstly it was a Nato construction (that didn't arrive until the 70's - 7-10 years too late) He made the outer stripes navy blue, based on a shot under indoor lighting (where Bond's wetsuit also appeared navy blue), but in the daylight shots. both the wetsuit and strap were clearly black) Both Cameron and I started this project at the same time....out of a discussion on the MWR watch forum.....he just managed to get it to market before me....his prices were also similar, not cheaper....both made by the last 2 UK strap makers still in existence.... Also, Corvus straps are no longer made, and I believe Mr Cameron is currently serving 15 years on child pornography charges www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/james-cameron-sentenced-15-and-34-years-child-pornography-and-contempt-charges I've had a few parking violations, and a speeding fine, so I'm no angel either.......so if you want a Real Bond Strap, you have to take a walk on the wild side.....
Thomas Jackson I have the Ocean One Vintage. Yes, the hands and indices all have a bronze/gold coloration to simulate the age and look more the vintage Rolex 6200/6538. I absolutely love it!
@@TheBondArmory Hi Ray, I've got an Ocean One Vintage on the way, now I need the strap! Is brushed or polished best? Also, the seller has a couple of sizes. Which is best? Thanks again!
Thomas Jackson I think the polished matches the watch perfectly and I took a 22mm. I think you’ll be very pleased with both purchases! Congratulations!
This is nice .. ordered one right away .. well done - And never saw the watch knockles watch weapon ;) VERY cool. best regards Michael/ commanderbond.dk
@@TheBondArmory I havn´t ordered yet because I can´t find it with the info you applied :´( But can you add a link? I would go with the two piece .... when I find it :D
Fleming had Bond use his Rolex as improvised knuckle dusters in the novel On Her Majesty's Secret Service. It was also covered here: birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/06/25/product-misplacement-the-casino-royale-watch-trick-you-never-saw
Hi Coker, pls contact me if it never arrived.....I have no control over postage, Italy is murder for instance......I'll re-send or refund as necessary......Rgds Jim
I have worn a Goldfinger style Bond NATO for years. I’m still on the original strap which remains in excellent condition even though I have bought a few backups. For my money, the best and most accurate one I have found is from a company in the UK called WatchGecko. They have all of the various Bond NATO straps, but the US MOD features the cloth keepers as seen in Goldfinger. They generally sell for about $24 US, but I just picked another one up on a Black Friday Sale for $12. You will not be disappointed in this strap!
Im the seller....ebay has blocked me for several weeks as I could not ship during lock down!!!!
Anyway....back now...
Reason for the price is they are made in the UK....Chinese manufacturers have bombarded me with offers as low as 65 cents to make these for me....you can buy them yourself if you want to.....they better quality actually....but mine are made on 1950's machinery in Uk by the company that probably made the original....can't prove it...but im pretty sure.....
You’ve been missed! Glad to have you back in business, definitely looking forward to getting that single piece double ply band!!
Jim, any updates on when you might have these straps for sale again?
The watch as brass knuckles is a callback to the Fleming novel On Her Majesty’s Secret Service; he does the same thing with his Rolex in when escaping from Piz Gloria
Kyle B. 007 yes sir! Didn’t he also use a safety razor in the same fashion?
The Bond Armory yup! Resourceful guy, that Jimbo
Unfortunately the seller referenced no longer sells them. The current (2024) best option is the RAF Bond strap from CNS Watch Bands but it’s not available in 16mm. 18mm is the smallest they sell.
Always a pleasure to watch and as usual I learned more than a few things!
TheBondExperience thank you so much David! 🥂🥂🥂
Excellent video sir. Did you consider going for a smaller size to get that Connery undersized look? Maybe a bit OTT :D May I recommend a brand called "Phoenix" from the UK. IMO the best NATO straps out there, after all, they made the very first mil-spec one in admiralty grey. Occasionally you can find them on eBay too.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video, keep up the good work.
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry thank you so much TGV! I actually did consider sizing down the width of the band for maximum authenticity but decided it was an homage setup anyway and the thinner straps look a bit feminine on me. I’ll definitely check out Phoenix! You keep up the great work as well, I’m a big fan!
As I was surprised to discover, Bond never actually wore a NATO strap as these weren't "invented" until 9 years after the movie. Instead, as one photo shows Connery leaning on his arm during the filming of Goldfinger, his actual screen-worn strap was a single-buckle, single-piece strap with a single keeper made out of the same strap fabric ( www.rolexmagazine.com/2009/07/real-james-bond-watchstrap-comes-to.html )... that, as also stated in this vid, can be found for sale as a reproduction by eBay seller, aliasmarlow, here: www.ebay.com/itm/Real-Bond-Strap-Band-21mm-New-Version/284118428653
I have watched this video MANY times over the years...the strap is phenomenal and while I have the 2 piece I would love the single ply....I thought that I was close recently but hoping the seller gets more in so that I can try again. This is the first time that I paid attention to the watch...I bought a 6538 homage recently. Almost got the one that you have here.
Very nice! So glad you enjoy it!
I had noticed that his watch was missing when he went to get Vesper out of the submerged lift but I always thought that it was a continuity error. Now I know what really happened to it. Well spotted.
I invested in two heavy duty ballistic nylon straps from Crown and Buckle US. These 24 mm straps are thicker, heavier, stronger, and stiffer. They come in 3-ring and 5-ring versions, the 5 ring gives you a double layer in the conventional NATO style. They are both Bond straps: the classic Connery olive green, black and burgundy, and the second, the more contemporary Craig in black and grey. Both straps come in thick 1.6 mm and have the best PVD and brush metal I've seen so far.
I tried to get this all through Covid...FINALLY I got it on Ebay today!
Factory back in lockdown, can't currently say when we will be back.....hope it will be soon
Keep me posted! I’d love to order the 1 piece 2 ply
The reason NATO straps were designed as a single piece, was so that if one of the spring bars failed, the watch would hold on. I'd like to think if Bond knew of it as an option, he'd have gone for that. Or maybe Bond figured it out and had Q invent it, which the military than began to mass produce. In any case, I'm happy with my blushark bond strap NATO that seems remarkably sturdy, for less than $20 with sales and discounts.
But… NATO straps aren’t a single piece. Zulu straps are.
i have the one from cheapnatostraps and im loving it so far, screen accurate and theres also the modern one there in a nato strap so you can get both for like $15
Lewis Maddox @howtogentlemen recommended me to there straps and they were very close to screen accurate but not 100%, then I found The Real Bond Strap, it’s a game changer!!
Cheapestnatostraps are quite good but I wouldn't go as far as screen accurate. The colours are really well done but it's the stripes for me. The green and red stripes should be thinner and they should be spaced more apart
Fun fact, the part of Casino Royale where Bond uses his watch as brass knuckles is actually taken directly from Fleming’s On her majesty’s secret service. In it Bond does the same thing with his Rolex. I believe it’s only the second time his watch is mentioned
Didn’t he use his razor as brass knuckles in OHMSS?
@@TheBondArmory yes and no. Same scene in the book but the razor is in his left hand and his Rolex is wrapped around his right hand. Bond comments after beating a guard tj death with his watch that he’ll probably buy another Rolex
Wow well spotted! I love it!
yer crazy price for a strap indeed but in the uk the bond type natos are everywhere and retail around £12 ($ 14) . yer for sure if you want that bond look def go for that identical look depending on the era . great vid stay safe my friend
Great video
Great video. I've been after a similar strap recently. I've settled on a NATO in similar colours but this is really informative. I did wonder how Goldfinger, made in 1964 featured a watch strap introduced in the 70's! The watch as a knuckle duster idea is also from the novels I'm pretty sure... Not certain which one(s) though. 🤔
GREAT video!!
Being James Bond thanks brother!!
I rock a G-Shock Vibe Alert myself. Great watch!
I love it! I just wish it was a little bit thinner, it catches on the wrists of my shirts when I wear long sleeves
During years, I have bought from Ebay three of those REAL Bond Straps.
Two were 22mm wide single ply construction (in original RAF Strap* specs)
and third was 22mm wide 2 piece 2 ply construction (more stiff and durable) ...
Real Bond Straps were originally known as *Royal Air Force Straps of 1960s,
over a decade before G1098 Admiralty Gray 'NATO straps' were invented.
My own user experience regarding REAL Bond Straps:
Latest two-piece 'not so original' strap pairs in ideal manner with my modded blue Orient Ray II diver watch.
Merc hands and double domed sapphire modification to Orient Ray II makes it ideal poor man's alternative
for Rolex 'Goldfinger' Submariner, and two piece two ply strap holds well the weight of that watch.
Single ply strap is more ideal for some lightweight quartz or lightweight titanium case watch as puts less
load stress to that relatively thin strap fabric.
Casio DBC-610 Data Bank watch got paired with my relatively worn original 22mm single ply strap,
and that so very 1980s lightweight Casio fits in perfect manner,
reminding about late Sir Roger Moore quartz watch preferences as James Bond...
Aliasmarlow hasn't had these in stock in ages but I've been dying to buy one :-/
Watching in 2022. The strap isn’t on his eBay store anymore.
Fantastic video, I wondered do you know if they do this style of strap for the Apple Watch at all? I have looked but to no avail.
I’m really not sure, maybe it requires an adapter like a G-Shock?
Great stap, but doesn't seem available on Ebay.. you also have other sources where to buy it?
Lorier has one that is screen accurate for $25. Just choose their black and olive strap
I’ll check it out!
thats awesome. I've watched Casino Royale hundreds of times and never noticed that.
Lloyd Nance I knew about the OHMSS novel usage, but I believe it was Donk on AJB that made the CR discovery
@@TheBondArmory second what Lance said. I knew the tactic was used in the book OHMSS but never noticed it in the CR film. I suspect from the way Bond angled his wrist to access the clasp but the film then cut away that there might have been footage of him moving it to his knuckles, which was then cut. Maybe the makers or the censors were worried that this move would be copied by Friday night brawlers! Brilliant spot, I would never have noticed.
Bond wore a borrowed strap of a crew member to fit his diving suit. Its a 16 mm for a 22 mm lug so its too small.
The real deal is made by Corvus, not that guy on ebay. It can be had at a number of online RAF strap retailers and costs the same or less than what you claim to have paid in the vid.
I’m familiar with the Corvus strap, but that was not the original strap as seen in Goldfinger and the company is out of business. As stated, the Real Bond Strap is the closest available
The "Real Deal" that Corvus made that you state was completely bogus, firstly it was a Nato construction (that didn't arrive until the 70's - 7-10 years too late)
He made the outer stripes navy blue, based on a shot under indoor lighting (where Bond's wetsuit also appeared navy blue), but in the daylight shots. both the wetsuit and strap were clearly black)
Both Cameron and I started this project at the same time....out of a discussion on the MWR watch forum.....he just managed to get it to market before me....his prices were also similar, not cheaper....both made by the last 2 UK strap makers still in existence....
Also, Corvus straps are no longer made, and I believe Mr Cameron is currently serving 15 years on child pornography charges
www.justice.gov/usao-me/pr/james-cameron-sentenced-15-and-34-years-child-pornography-and-contempt-charges
I've had a few parking violations, and a speeding fine, so I'm no angel either.......so if you want a Real Bond Strap, you have to take a walk on the wild side.....
Great video! Which Ocean 1 do you have? Does it have the slightly gold coloured digits?
Thomas Jackson I have the Ocean One Vintage. Yes, the hands and indices all have a bronze/gold coloration to simulate the age and look more the vintage Rolex 6200/6538. I absolutely love it!
Found it! That really is a great watch. Paired with the Goldfinger band it's even better. I'm tempted! Thanks for your reply!
Thomas Jackson the MSRP is almost 1K, but you can easily find them for under $500 on eBay
@@TheBondArmory Hi Ray, I've got an Ocean One Vintage on the way, now I need the strap! Is brushed or polished best? Also, the seller has a couple of sizes. Which is best? Thanks again!
Thomas Jackson I think the polished matches the watch perfectly and I took a 22mm. I think you’ll be very pleased with both purchases! Congratulations!
No hidden garrote like “from russia love,” or Mike from breaking bad! That’s totally what I expected the “reinforcement to be!” Well
😂 I wish!!
This is nice .. ordered one right away .. well done - And never saw the watch knockles watch weapon ;) VERY cool. best regards Michael/ commanderbond.dk
michael mailand very nice! Did you go with the single or two piece?
@@TheBondArmory I havn´t ordered yet because I can´t find it with the info you applied :´( But can you add a link? I would go with the two piece .... when I find it :D
michael mailand direct link to his store is up
@@TheBondArmory thanks - I bought the single piece .. good find Jay ;) thanks
@@TheBondArmory I used it already and bought the one piece .. well done Ray - thanks :) Michael/commanderbond.dk
Fleming had Bond use his Rolex as improvised knuckle dusters in the novel On Her Majesty's Secret Service. It was also covered here: birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/06/25/product-misplacement-the-casino-royale-watch-trick-you-never-saw
David Bayendor that is correct!
btw - are you sure aliasmarlow are correct? can´t seem to find anything
michael mailand it comes right up when you search for seller name. I’ll add some direct links too
@@TheBondArmory thanks - I need directions :D:D:D
I ordered this month's ago and it unfortunately never showed up 😭
Hi Coker, pls contact me if it never arrived.....I have no control over postage, Italy is murder for instance......I'll re-send or refund as necessary......Rgds Jim
@@aliasmarlow Hi Jim, thank you so much for the reply. I have sent you a message via Ebay. - Cody
Hi guys, now back in stock
Jim
Aliasmarlow
You’re back!!
Hey do you make for 22mm lug width?
Hi Jim. Hope all is well. The strap is lovely. Do you plan on making more?