In this listicle, I’ll be shortlisting the best affordable (sub-S$100) NATO watch straps you can get in Singapore.
While my favourite is still the good ol’ leather strap, the NATO strap is arguably the best way to give your watch a more casual feel. Whether it’s paired with a Daniel Wellington or an Omega Speedmaster, the NATO is versatile, comfortable, and stylish. In this listicle, I’ll be rounding up my top 7 NATO strap options from local brands, all at incredibly affordable pricing. Options below are listed in ascending order of price.
1) Straps House
If you’re on an ultra-tight budget, consider Straps House.
My opinion: Straps House offers some of the most affordable straps on the market. Despite the low price, its straps are of decent quality, and regularly punches above its price points. If you don’t want to spend too much – perhaps you’re just looking for a replacement strap for a Daniel Wellington, for example – then I’ll recommend something like the Military G10 NATO Strap, which costs just S$8. With almost 100 different NATO options available, there will definitely be something up your alley.
Price: Starts at just $8.90 SGD for NATO straps. As Straps House is an official affiliate of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 10% off all items store-wide!
Where to buy: Click here.
2) Wabi Straps
For those looking for something a little different, Wabi Straps offers a range of aesthetically intriguing straps that won’t break the bank.
My opinion: Wabi Straps has a niche for offering interesting straps, and its selection of NATO – specifically perlon – straps is no exception. The brand carries a huge range of braided perlon straps, featuring an eye-catching symmetrical intertwined pattern that adds a dose of pizzazz to any watch. Still, the straps are very affordable, so you don’t have to spend a lot to stand out. For more detailed opinions, do read my review here.
Price: Prices start from US$16, or $21 SGD. As Wabi Straps is an official affiliate of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 10% off all items store-wide!
Where to buy: Click here.
3) STRAPosphere
Offering a wide range of affordable yet stylish straps, STRAPosphere has cultivated a loyal following over the years.
My opinion: I think STRAPosphere does a great job at providing quality products at a very affordable price – most of its straps hover around the ~$20 USD price point. However, the brand has really carved a reputation for its StrapoBELT NATO straps, and after interacting with one, I can see why. The strap is silky smooth, with subtle patterning (herringbone in the above example), and feels comfortable on the wrist. For more detailed opinions, you can read my review of its straps here. I also reviewed some of its latest straps here.
Price: STRAPosphere’s NATO straps start at $21 USD/S$28. As STRAPosphere is an official affiliate of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 10% off all items store-wide!
Where to buy: Click here.
4) Luff Watch Straps
For those looking for “parachute” watch straps, Luff Watch Straps offers elastic watch straps at a very affordable price.
My opinion: I think where Luff excels is in its NATO straps, specifically its range of parachute straps. Parachute straps have been in vogue lately, with Erika’s Original straps being very popular. However, a strap from Erika’s Original is very pricey – its straps start from 50 euros, or ~S$76. That’s more than twice the price of the Elastico G2 from Luff, and frankly speaking, the Luff straps provides much better value for money. They also have a fantastic line of seatbelt NATO straps as well. In my honest opinion, Luff currently offers the best value proposition when it comes to parachute and seatbelt NATO straps. For a more detailed opinion, do read my review of Luff Watch Straps here.
Price: Luff’s seatbelt NATO straps start at S$27, whilst the aforementioned parachute NATO straps start at S$34. As Luff Watch Straps is an official affiliate of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 10% off all items store-wide!
Where to buy: Click here.
5) Vario
Looking for something unique? Known for its graphic NATO straps, Vario offers you a way to stand out from the crowd.
My opinion: For those tired of the usual NATO straps, Vario offers some intriguing options, namely a selection of strikingly patterned graphic NATO straps designed here in Singapore. As compared to the cheaper, commonplace NATO designs one usually sees, the ones offered by Vario is definitely a step up. Furthermore, Vario’s graphic NATO straps are also compatible with the Apple Watch – what’s not to like? For more detailed opinions, do read my review here.
Price: Vario’s graphic NATO straps are priced at S$36. As Vario is an official affiliate of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 8% off all items store-wide!
Where to buy: Click here.
6) Cozy Handmade
Alright, we’re now in the handcrafted category. As its name suggests, Cozy Handmade specialises in handmade leather straps, but at a surprisingly affordable price point.
My opinion: I think that it’s amazing for Cozy Handmade to offer handcrafted NATO straps for as low as $41 SGD. Its leather quality is quite good as well, given the fact that they use full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather from Tuscany, Italy. Given the price point, its handcrafted straps hard to beat – it’s priced even cheaper than some mass-market NATO straps. In particular, I really enjoyed Cozy Handmade’s line of Single Pass straps, and there’s a great selection available too. For more detailed opinions, do check out my review of them here, and here.
Price: Starts at $41 SGD for a handcrafted Single Pass leather strap. As Cozy Handmade is an official affiliate of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 10% off all items store-wide!
Where to buy: Click here.
7) Obbi Good Label
A local team of leather artisans, Obbi Good Label (OGL for short) offers a range of rugged, durable products. While the brand is more known for its bags and wallets, OGL does also have a substantial range of watch straps available!
My opinion: While OGL is known for its leather products – it also sells a wide range of leather straps – my favourite from the brand has to be its FAB Mil Webbing watch strap. The OGL FAB Military watch straps (seen above) are actually reconstructed from original Army webbing used on SAF military helmets and equipment. Used on military helmets or on equipment like rifle slings, harnesses, etc, they are cut out and modified into Obbi Good Label’s FAB Military Watch Straps. Even the hardware on the straps is sourced from SAF equipment! Personally, I find this concept undeniably cool – you’re literally wearing a piece of military history (or for older readers, perhaps nostalgia) on your wrist. For those interested, you can read my review of the OGL FAB Mil Webbing watch strap here, and the OGL WTC Handstitch Leather Zulu watch strap here. It’s certainly one of the most unique NATO straps one can possibly find.
Price: Starts at $80 USD/S$106 for the FAB Mil Webbing watch strap. As Obbi Good Label is an official affiliate of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 10% off all items store-wide!
Where to buy: Click here.
P.S Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wahsoshiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.S.S.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
