18mm PVD Grey NATO Military Watch Strap

Product Details

SKU Code: NATO18GRYPVD

Classic NATO Watchband made from fast drying ballistic nylon webbing with black PVD hardware. This high tech material is ideally suited for use in military watch straps because it is so robust, comfortable and long lasting. These watch straps themselves are perfect for all extreme activities because the design characteristics reduce the risk of losing a watch to virtually zero. In the past we have supplied them to Police and emergency services, exploration, Search and Rescue, oil and gas companies, marine salvage and exploration business and also companies operating in tropical or desert locations: the straps are ideally suited for all these applications by virtue of the fact they can be easily washed and they will dry in minutes. These bands are suitable for watches made by all leading military contractors as well as robust civilian brands. 

The special covert matt black non reflective PVD finish is often specified in military contracts for many special forces units as well as by anti terrorist units and for various covert operations. In the PVD process the steel is not black all the way through because the colour is created by a special chemical PVD plating process which is vastly superior to the painted finish used on some lower quality bands which can easily fade or rub off. This PVD process means that the colour of the steel is altered at a molecular level, therefore it will not deteriorate even during heavy usage although it can be destroyed if the buclke is badly damaged by a piece of metal being gouged out or if it's worn down by really heavy abrasion against rocks or something similar.

History and Evolution

The history of the NATO strap began over 50 years ago with a single grey strap. It initially expanded to include colors such as RAF Blue, Black, Navy Blue, the James Bond pattern, and Olive Green. Since then, we have developed an extensive range of variants in regimental colors, Search and Rescue (SAR) orange, national colors, police unit colors, and various camouflage options for specific situations. These straps are frequently used by military units outside the UK and are popular among serving military personnel for a wide variety of military watches.

Extensive Range

Currently, we manufacture nearly 200 different variants in a wide array of colors and sizes from 18mm to 24mm. These straps are available for retail and wholesale customers, and we also offer custom regimental straps. Many of these straps are sold in large quantities through various procurement contracts.

Specifications and Standards

The original specification for the NATO strap was established by the UK Ministry of Defence as Defence Standard 66-47 Issue 2, published on March 30, 2001. Previous specifications included Def Stan 66-47 Issue 1 (November 13, 1992), Def Stan 66-15 (Part 1) Issue 1 (November 30, 1973), and Def Stan 66-15 (Part 2) Issue 1 (January 31, 1974). The current specification data sheet can be downloaded here. Although minor adjustments have been made, the design remains largely consistent, with most bulk contracts requiring stitching around the buckles.

Versatility and Durability

For over forty years, we have supplied these straps to a diverse range of clients, including military personnel, police, emergency services, exploration units, Search and Rescue teams, oil and gas companies, marine salvage and exploration businesses, and organizations operating in tropical or desert locations. The NATO strap's easy maintenance, quick drying time, and resistance to rot and deterioration make it superior to leather or silicone alternatives.

Compatibility

NATO straps are compatible with watches from all leading military contractors, both past and present, such as Marathon, CWC, Citizen, and Pulsar. They are also ideal for robust civilian watches from brands like Seiko, Rolex, and Breitling.

In summary, the NATO strap's unmatched durability, versatility, and secure design make it the preferred choice for a wide range of professional and personal applications.

• Delivery

  • Shipping Information

    Europe, UK, and Rest of World

    Tracked Mail:

    • Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
    • UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
    • Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

    Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

    • Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
    • UK (UPS/DPD):  £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
    • Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

    Note: The exact shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the weight and dimensions, but it will only differ by a small amount and will be shown at checkout. The above rates cover approximately 85% of parcels.

    Order and Shipment Confirmation

    You will generally receive two emails after placing an order:

    1. Confirmation of receipt of the order and payment.
    2. Notification of shipment once the goods are dispatched.

    Processing Time: Orders are shipped by the Post Office or Courier within 48 hours of payment processing. Note that our shipping centers are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; therefore, orders placed during this time may take up to 72 hours to be dispatched. This includes orders placed after 14:00 (CET) on Fridays.

    Estimated Delivery Times (in working days):

    • Europe:
      • UPS: 2 to 5 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 14 days
    • UK:
      • DPD or UPS: 24 hours
      • Tracked Mail: 1 to 2 days
    • Rest of World:
      • UPS: 3 to 10 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 21 days*

    *Some countries are notoriously slow to process goods on arrival, including Israel, Hong Kong, Macau, Mexico, South Africa, and some South American countries. Significant delays can also occur in other countries in Africa. For time-sensitive deliveries, we recommend using UPS, DHL, or FedEx.

    All shipping estimates exclude Saturdays and Sundays.

    While we strive to deliver within the above timeframes, they are guides, and delivery cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for delays caused by couriers or any national postal service. If your goods are not delivered within the estimated time, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch, and we will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. We are not liable for any loss caused by late delivery.

    Our delivery charges cover the cost of shipping to you but do not include import charges and administration fees to clear the goods when entering your country if applicable.

    It is the purchaser's responsibility to understand that charges may be levied and to pay all subsequent import taxes and duties on goods shipped to their country. If items are returned to MWC due to rejected payment, subsequent charges incurred (such as import duty and processing costs) will be deducted from any refund issued. For more information, please contact accounts@mwc-distribution.com

    If you need to clarify any details regarding local taxes for your location, please contact us before placing an order. For clarification, goods shipped to the EU can be dispatched from our EU location if ordered at https://mwc.eu/, and we also have a dedicated UK shipping center at https://mwcwatches.co.uk/. In the United States, orders under $800 do not incur taxes or fees. In Australia, orders up to AU$1000 are tax-free. Many other countries have similar regulations, which you can verify using this helpful link: Zonos De Minimis Values and also this link to calculate taxes for shipments to most countries worldwide https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/

    We do not accept liability for goods lost after delivery to a PO Box. We reserve the right to cancel orders where the delivery address is a PO Box. Similarly, we do not accept liability for goods lost after confirmed delivery to APO or BFPO locations.

    Customer Notification: It is the customer's responsibility to notify us if goods are not received within 21 days of the estimated delivery date. If no notification is made within this period, the buyer is deemed to have received the goods.

    Safe Place Deliveries

    Some delivery companies allow for delivery without a signature, leaving the item in a "safe place" (e.g., shed, garage, porch). If you choose this option, it is at your own risk. We initially send items by a secure service requiring a signature or proof of delivery. Using a "safe place" increases the risk of theft. We advise ensuring deliveries require a signature to ensure safe receipt.

    Failed Deliveries

    If an item is refused and returned to us, we will refund the order less the outbound and inbound shipping charges once the item is received back at our packing and shipping center. For business locations, please notify the receiving personnel of the expected delivery to avoid refusals. Usually, we will be notified of delivery issues and will email you for instructions. It is important to act quickly to avoid return and associated costs.

    For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch.