Members kylecrumrine Posted December 7, 2012 Members Report Posted December 7, 2012 I want to make some nato watch straps, similar to the attached image, but I cant find ANYWHERE that sells the hardware. If anyone knows where I could get that kind of buckle/loops (especially if its solid brass) I'd be super pumped! Thanks! Quote
Members ramrod Posted December 7, 2012 Members Report Posted December 7, 2012 (edited) i've never seen anything like this....but i'd like to get a hold of some myself. i've been looking at esslinger.com for watch hardware, but they have nothing like this. i just did a search for this. i found a website that is calling the hardware you have pictured "zulu" hardware. the "nato" hardware is rectangular - according to their website (wristsolutions) Edited December 7, 2012 by ramrod Quote
Members kylecrumrine Posted December 7, 2012 Author Members Report Posted December 7, 2012 (edited) You're right. I guess I am looking for Zulu hardware. Though really, I'd be happy with either type. Thanks for the clarification! Edited December 7, 2012 by kylecrumrine Quote
Ambassador Beaverslayer Posted December 7, 2012 Ambassador Report Posted December 7, 2012 The legendary NATO strap was based on the British Ministry of Defense Standard 66-47. The NATO strap is intended to be made of "straight cross weave nylon ribbon, free from additives which may act as an irritant to the wrist under humid or extreme conditions". NATO Straps have an additional strap that slides through the 2 lugs, so you have 2 straps of nylon under the watch, instead of one. ZULU (3-Ring) Straps have only 1 long strap, made of thicker nylon cloth, and have thicker beefier buckles. ZULU (5-Ring) Straps is similar to NATO Straps, except it is made of thicker nylon cloth, and have thicker buckles. As far as hardware goes, it seems that there are thousands of people on the net searching for a place to buy it, to no avail. Every site I have checked, the people say that they just buy the cheapest NATO strap, and harvest the hardware. The hardware you show in the picture is what is called "Black PVD Hardware" and I can't seem to find any suppliers for this either.... Good Luck Quote Beaverslayer Custom Leather<br />Wearable Works of Art https://www.facebook...erCustomLeather
Members kylecrumrine Posted December 10, 2012 Author Members Report Posted December 10, 2012 Dang, Nicolas Hollows said he got his from http://www.crownandbuckle.com/, but I emailed them and they said they no longer supply the hardware without the straps. Drat. Quote
Members amacman Posted December 11, 2012 Members Report Posted December 11, 2012 I can give you a source if you're able to spend around 30 cents for each ring/buckle and buy at least 100 Quote
Members kylecrumrine Posted December 11, 2012 Author Members Report Posted December 11, 2012 Yeah, that would be great! Quote
Members suncoast Posted December 19, 2012 Members Report Posted December 19, 2012 I think I've found some rings that could be used on Zulu straps, you'd probably have to fashion a tongue for the buckle though. Have a look. http://www.buckleguy.com/standard-stock-items/?sort=featured&page=6 Quote
Members JanC Posted January 16, 2013 Members Report Posted January 16, 2013 Back to the top. Has anyone come up with solution to fabricate a tongue or find a supplier for either NATO or Zulu hardware? To the guy above, for an order of 100, would that be total or for each piece? i.e. 100 rings, 100 buckles or 100 total? Thanks Quote
Members simontuntelder Posted January 23, 2013 Members Report Posted January 23, 2013 I think the minimum order is 100 sets. Either 1 buckle plus 2 or 3 keepers/rings. They don't come in brass, as far as I know. Quote
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