[2023 Edition] Mechanical Watches "Summer is just around the corner! 5 Recommended NATO Strap Models"

Today we will be sending you the 2023 edition of mechanical watches: "Summer is just around the corner! 5 recommended models with NATO straps."

These days, you can see many people enjoying shopping in Ginza in summer clothes. A simple short-sleeved look goes well with a luxury watch, but with the coming of the sweaty season, many people will refrain from wearing leather straps such as alligator or calf leather.

So, following on from the "rubber strap" we introduced last time, this time we would like to introduce " 5 " carefully selected "NATO strap" models that are recommended for the summer, or models that you can enjoy by replacing them with a "NATO strap"! Please enjoy until the end.

*This price is based on our store's selling prices as of May 2023.

① [Blancpain] "Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec HODINKEE" "Ref. 5008-11B30-NABA"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/blancpain/fifty-fathoms-303350/

The Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec HODINKEE "Ref. 5008-11B30-NABA" is a collaboration model between the world-famous watch media "HODINKEE" and Blancpain, a limited edition model of 250 pieces that sold out immediately after its release.

The satin-finished stainless steel case and the case side at 9 o'clock without the "blancpain" engraving are different specifications from the conventional "Fifty Fathoms". Like the original, the watertightness indicator disc at 6 o'clock on the dial is a full-fledged diver's specification that notifies the diver of an abnormality by changing from white to red if liquid accidentally gets into the case. In addition, it is equipped with the automatic movement "Cal.1154" that boasts a long power reserve of about 100 hours using a silicon balance spring, and is also extremely functional. It is less available on the market, so we recommend that you get your hands on it as soon as you find it.

*Source: https://limited.hodinkee.com/blancpain-milspec/

● Estimated budget: around 2,800,000 yen

② [Omega] "Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday" "Ref.311.32.42.30.01.001"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/omega/speed-master-299613/

The Ref. 311.32.42.30.01.001 was released in January 2017 to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday, with a worldwide limited edition of 2012 pieces.

This model features a rare reverse panda dial (black dial x white sub-dial) for the Speedmaster, combined with a radial sub-dial with large numbers arranged radially, making it highly visible . The case back is engraved with the words "Alaska Project III", which is a reference to NASA's space development, so it's a must-have for Speedmaster enthusiasts, including its historical background. The watch comes with a white and black NATO strap as an original accessory, so we recommend replacing it with the NATO strap in the summer and the calf strap in the winter.

*Source: https://subdial.co/products/omega-speedmaster-speedy-tuesday-311-32-42-30-01-001

Estimated budget: around 1,800,000 yen

③ [IWC] "Pilot's Watch Mark XV" "Ref. IW325307"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/iwc/iwc-5/

The "Pilot Watch Mark 15" "Ref. IW325307" is a popular pilot watch with a military-style design .

After its release in 1999, this watch was manufactured for about six years until its successor, the Mark 16, was born, and was so popular that it was equally popular with the Rolex Explorer. The 38mm case and bracelet give it a rugged look, but the dial is a simple model with three hands and a date display. It has a soft iron inner case and is highly resistant to magnetism, so it is easy to use both on and off. In fact, the Pilot Watch Mark XV has undergone several minor changes, so there are many variations, and the earliest models with tritium luminous and a "fish" crown are highly rare and highly recommended.

*Source: https://forums.timezone.com/index.php?t=msg&th=237298&rid=0

Estimated budget: around 700,000 yen

④ [Rolex][Rolex] "Explorer" "Ref. 1016"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/vintage_rolex/explorer-305649/

The long-selling model "Explorer I" " Ref. 1016 " was manufactured for approximately 30 years from around 1960 to around 1990.

The classic vintage model "Ref.1016" has been loved by Rolex fans for a long time because of its simple design. There are five types of dials, including the early mirror dial, and the texture of the "borderless" index, which does not exist in the successor model, and the vintage feel are its greatest charms. In particular, by replacing it with a khaki "NATO strap", it becomes a style full of military taste, which I think will become a fashion point. Because of the simplicity of both the design and function, you will never get tired of it, so I recommend it as a piece that you will wear for the rest of your life.

*Source: https://www.analogshift.com/products/rolex-explorer-1016-1967

● Estimated budget: 1,800,000 yen and up

summary

What did you think.

NATO straps are not only sweat and water resistant, but they are also lightweight and comfortable on the wrist, and can completely change the look of your watch. Most of them are easily removable, and another recommended feature is that they can be washed with detergent and water.

Finally, for those who don't know much about NATO straps, I would like to recommend the "NATO G10 strap" made by PHOENIX, which is officially adopted by the NATO military. It can be easily purchased for around 5,000 yen, so if you are interested, why not give it a try?

Once again, I hope this article helps you find your favorite one.

see you!