how come so many people wear those "cloth" type watch strap. not sure what you call it (no disrespect meant).
Its called a NATO or Zulu strap, both are different. Comes in canvas with many colours....i like it cos light, compact and can get wet and dries fast. Gnomon has tons of them.
Ah, nice. Thanks. I'll google around and see what it's all about, generally prefer metal straps, but let's see...haha 
If you ask me, I'd say that the popularity of NATO strap came from the fact that Connery used it on his Submariner in Goldfinger. That's why it's called Bond NATO.
The latest Bond on NATO (but on Omega instead, of course)
Why did he use it? Well, he's a member of her Majesty's Secret Service, and the British Ministry of Defence issued such straps to its members then. I've read about it several times in several places, but for now you can read about it here:
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f2/history-nato-strap-47349.htmlSo now, (at least in my case), people are just replicating that phenomenon. Such as this - My Bond SMP on so-called Bond NATO:
In addition to that, all the other characteristics associated to it (cheap, durable,) are also correct. One can also note that it has double security measure as opposed to a SS bracelet or leather strap when one of the spring bars gives way.
