Review of the Original Fabric Strap by CNS & Watch Bands

CNS recently introduced a new collection, the Original fabric straps. These well-made watch straps use nice nylon blend, and come in many colors. But let me tell you, it's the buckle design that blew me away. This isn't your typical spring bar setup. We're talking about a robust fixed bar construction that feels like it could survive anything!

Nenad Pantelic • March 11, 2025

An Email Worth Opening

As part of my watch strap obsession I am subscribed to newsletters from many watch strap retailers. Most of what I receive in my inbox is promotions, deals, and similar marketing stuff. But sometimes I get something interesting.

Back in February I got an email from CNS & Watch Bands with the subject line "Introducing: Best watch strap ever made!"

Really, the best ever?

But when I read the email I was intrigued. Not that I believed this was the best strap ever, but I was impressed by one line: "a strap with a completely solid buckle, molded from an original 1970s vintage buckle." I had to see what was going on there.

You know, one of the most common objections to a NATO strap's security is the fact that the buckle uses a spring bar. "Sure, bro, that NATO of yours is strong, but that buckle springbar can still fail!"

Has CNS's Original strap solved the issue? Well, I used five Original straps throughout 2024, and the answer is yes. This thing is solid AF.

First things first. Here is a detailed specs breakdown:

Technical details

Brand	CNS Watch Bands
Tapering	None
Length	290mm
Material	Nylon blend
Buckle	Stainless steel; Brushed
Buckle construction	One solid piece; Doesn't use spring bars
Keepers	Stainless steel; Stitched
Edges & cut lines	Heat treated
Strap finishing	Matte

What I like about the CNS is that they never skimp on variety. If you have a color in mind, there is a big chance the strap is available in that color. This new Original strap collection is available in as many as 20+ colors. Impressive!

All the colors are matte and toned down, which is a big plus. Personally, I'm not a fan of shiny, seatbelt-like pass-through straps that often come in bright colors. The Original straps are just right.

As for the sizes, it comes in 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, and 22mm.

Just one note from my side: I recommend that you check the listings because not all colors are available in all of these sizes.

The hardware is brushed only. Again, that's a plus, to me.

Company and Ordering Experience

This is not the first review I have written for CNS, so what I wrote before is still valid. CNS & Watch Bands is one of the largest shops for watch straps, and therefore the purchase process is well organized and streamlined. If you buy over $35, then basic shipping is free.

CNS offers several payment methods, and I have tried them all. My personal recommendation is Apple Pay because the purchase can be made in a few steps.

Design and Materials

This is a nylon pass-through strap. It has an underkeeper piece with a third metal loop. The strap's texture is uniform, without additional treatment on the nylon's sides or similar.

To the touch, the material is fabric-like, which is a big plus. There are many straps on the market that are rigid, tough to the touch, and plasticky-looking. Luckily, this is not the case with the CNS original.

I particularly like the length of this strap. It is long enough so I can easily fold back and tuck in the excess tail-end. I hate when pass-through straps are too short because I feel like the strap can be undone accidentally. By having the optimal length, CNS enabled me to properly secure the strap while I am wearing it.

The metal hardware is made from brushed stainless steel and is stitched to the nylon. The buckle is signed with the CNS logo.

The story of the buckle doesn't end there. Actually, the buckle's design and construction are one of the calling cards of this strap.

The buckle uses a fixed bar instead of a spring bar. The welded bar, together with the head of the buckle, forms a sturdy structure - one that cannot fail. With this design, CNS has eliminated the "weakest link" in the standard NATO-style strap construction: possible spring bar failure at the buckle side.

The edges of the strap are laser cut and look very tidy.

Oh, and one important feature that helps with wearability: the distances between the holes are not too far apart. I am able to easily get a comfy fit.

Comfort and Durability

The strap sits well on the wrist. I primarily wear it with 41mm+ sports watches (Unimatic, Citizen Nighthawk, Seiko SNZG, etc.). Many straps can't support these watches, but that's not the case with the CNS Original.

The strap isn't too pliable, but it's not rigid and stiff either. As mentioned, it's just right. It wraps nicely around the wrist,fits well, and doesn't move.

It has an optimal thickness, and I don't have the impression that it's delicate or that it's overwhelmed by the watch case.

More importantly, it didn't take much wearing time to break in the strap. It was comfortable from day one.

I also use CNS Original straps on my 37mm OG SNK, and the wearing experience with this small watch is even better. The strap doesn't overpower the watch, and the whole package is so lightweight that sometimes I forget I'm wearing it.

I think the strap will be quite durable. I don't see any flaws in the construction that would be weak points in the long term.

And, you might be wondering about the buckle. It's solid, that's for sure, but it doesn't scream for attention. It just works. And honestly I love the peace of mind that comes with knowing there are no springbars to fail.

Here is the usage timeline report. I will update this report over time.

Initial Usage The strap feels very nice to the touch. It doesn't feel plasticky or rigid, but more canvas-like and supple. Also, I like the length. I can easily fold back the tail-end. Initial wearing experience is also great.

Two months of use I wore the 22mm mustard one, the 22mm green one, and the 18mm in olive. All straps look like new. Okay, I have to admit: I cut the underside piece on the mustard strap. But apart from that, all straps held up excellently. Zero fraying, zero holes stretching.

Six months of use Original straps are in heavy rotation during 2024. I have had no issues with any of them, apart from the noticeable indentation on the strap where the watch's caseback sits. It is like that part of the strap has molded around the shape of the caseback. All in all, Originals have shown great durability in a prolonged usage.

Compatibility and Pairing Recommendation

I wouldn't spend too much time here: if you have a sports, pilot, diver, or field watch, or a white metal chronograph, then the Original strap by CNS is an easy pairing. CNS offers so many colors that it is almost impossible to make a mistake.

Naturally, thin dress watches or vintage pieces don't look right on any NATO strap and are also not the best choice for the Original.

I have many black-dial sport watches, and they all look pretty handsome when I pair them with this strap. In the photos below, you can see some combinations.

Where to Buy?

You can find this strap directly on the CNS website. Here is the link to the whole collection.

Original Fabric strap collection.

The shopping experience on CNS is a breeze. Their website is easy to navigate, with good product images and filtering options. Of couse, when you want to complete the checkout everything is hassle-free.

And don't forget, orders over $35 qualify for free standard shipping worldwide.

Price and Value

Alright, let's be real, this is one of the best deals out there! Considering its competitive price point and robust feature set, my only suggestion would be to buy multiple colors & sizes, and have some fun.

At around $10, the Original strap is a total bargain. I bet it will last you ages, even if you wear it 24/7.

It is a no-brainer recommendation for everyone.

Closing words

Success in today's market often relies on the ability to either innovate or create something very useful. But finding a product that has both qualities is very rare. I am very pleased to say that in a landscape where innovation and utility often stand apart, CNS has managed to blend the two.

We all have to give them credit for their impressive catalog, fair pricing, and a proven commitment to innovation. They consistently introduce new collections, materials, colors, and designs, refusing to simply rest on their laurels.

I am very satisfied with the Original pass-through straps; they're a true gem, and I hope this collection remains available for years to come.