Jump to content

Nato straps?

Kevin
 Share

Recommended Posts

Kevin Member

Kevin

Posted
Posted

Hi

Every site I look at people seem to rant on about Nato straps. I cant see the attraction of them.

I now its each unto his own, but For me I cant see how they complement a nice watch.

I suppose I should buy one and try it.

Any one got any views on this subject?

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
BUSAKAZ WRT Addict

BUSAKAZ

Posted
Posted
Hi
Every site I look at people seem to rant on about Nato straps. I cant see the attraction of them.
I now its each unto his own, but For me I cant see how they complement a nice watch.
I suppose I should buy one and try it.
Any one got any views on this subject?
 

Hi I ware mine every day and have done for years it’s the most comfortable strap I have

17808de2858f90286518667524e28b9f.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ishima Super WRT Addict

Ishima

Posted
Posted

Well it partly depends on the watch, they suite military style watches like... well, funnily enough, i was going to say CWC's. In my collection, I have an all black CWC with black nato and it looks exactly like something you'd see on a SWAT team members' wrist or something like that. Certainly, a bracelet or leather strap would not suite it, it has solid lugs besides so fitting anything else is difficult. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
anilv Distinguished Member

anilv

Posted
Posted

I have a few which I wear on bigger watches mostly because I have more watches than bands/bracelets. They're cheap and convenient.

Using a NATO strap on a daily watch can mark the caseback so if the watch is collectable or if you're **BLEEP** about these things it would be something to consider.

Anilv

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Chopin Super WRT Addict

Chopin

Posted
Posted

As has been said NATO straps shouldn't be used on any type of watch.

Wearing a vintage 1950s Omega Seamaster on a NATO will probably look pretty bad. Now, if you're wearing a military CWC then things are different.

One advantage of NATO straps is that on the long term you won't wear the case back much because of the layer of fabric between it and your wrist. It also helps if you have allergic reactions to some metals.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jdm Distinguished Member

jdm

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, Chopin said:

One advantage of NATO straps is that on the long term you won't wear the case back much because of the layer of fabric between it and your wrist. 

Actually almost all NATO straps mark the caseback, especially Perlon ones. Another issue is that they further raise thick cases.

Yet, many people are crazy about them, to the point of replacing high quality bracelets and fine leather straps.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rodabod Distinguished Member

rodabod

Posted
Posted

Yes, the straps do cause a slight mark on case backs, but i'm not sure how much it compares to erosion due to sweat.

It can be a benefit for plated-brass cases to have them elevated away from the skin. Sometimes (ex-military) brass cases get very corroded when worn on open-ended leather straps. I know this because I'm a very big collector!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
azkid Watch Enthusiast

azkid

Posted
Posted

I don't always choose NATO straps. Sometimes they don't work, other times they really fit the bill. I am not a big fan of random mixed colors but that is just me.

One example, Fortis with black leather, white stitch looked ok but, for me, fine weave black NATO with perfectly matching satin hardware made the watch pop. This is my most precious watch so the extra security is quite welcome.

f2bdef1b80a45a0f1976d689cc070abc.jpg

Another example is a Timex Q, sort of an unusual design, and while I could use other straps I think it really stands out on all blue NATO with matching chrome hardware

99d1105b1ea737331f37a1bf07f9344d.jpg

Lastly my Casio dive watch was ok but I never really felt like wearing it with the resin strap but with the grey/black bond NATO I think it looks awesome and find myself wearing it more.

5b39fc39c3007607e9a4565784840212.jpg

My Wenger sea force artic light was hard to find a matching strap for. I temporarily used a red/white/blue striped NATO that wasn't bad. (Ended up with a textured navy rubber strap but anyhoo...)

But yeah, they aren't for everyone. I wasn't sure I would ever like them until I tried a few that looked right.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Deggsie WRT Addict

Deggsie

Posted
Posted
Yes, the straps do cause a slight mark on case backs, but i'm not sure how much it compares to erosion due to sweat.
It can be a benefit for plated-brass cases to have them elevated away from the skin. Sometimes (ex-military) brass cases get very corroded when worn on open-ended leather straps. I know this because I'm a very big collector!

Hi, actually what you see is not wear, it’s known as lapping. When you polish a case (bad imho) you remove material and change the dimensions albeit at micron level but this accumulates each polish you do. With lapping, material isnt removed. Instead you creat microscopic valleys and hills and although the result is visible, you’re not permanently removing metal

I do like nato straps for comfort and security. I’m a yachtsman and watches tend to get snagged up on deck gear especially in rough sea conditions. With a nato strap, should a pin fail you have a second chance. Otherwise..... plop!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • rjenkinsgb
      My first Gruens. Precision 510 and N510R movements.

      By rjenkinsgb · Posted

      Snap! I recently finished my Gruen 510 movement - though the case for mine is in a rather sad state; I'm going to try re-plating it (in nickel, it's not a gold one).   Re. the screws, I got a few of the one gram mixed batches from ebay. I've only needed a couple of screws for things so far, both rare, minuscule types - but both in the mix, after enough time sorting through them! The ones such as normal bridge screws are quite common in those lots.  
    • rjenkinsgb
      Any tips to correct a sloppy error?

      By rjenkinsgb · Posted

      Two pins or screwdrivers angled out slightly, pressing through from the barrel centre from the opposite side so they contact just clear of the hole in the lid? eg. Strap pin driver needles or similar.
    • Geotex
      Any tips to correct a sloppy error?

      By Geotex · Posted

      That's a good idea - shrinking down the nut and wrench size from the old casebook trick!
    • GuyMontag
      Movement holder made with 3D printer

      By GuyMontag · Posted

      I missed this earlier. The dial isn't going into the holder, it should sit proud of it. This is what I am currently using which I print for each different movement.    
    • Neverenoughwatches
      Setting lever spring

      By Neverenoughwatches · Posted

      I didn't think pulling to set position would work harden the spring, in that position it is stressed where the arm starts. By work hardening i meant rapid polishing at that point, a bit like polishing a pivot work hardens as it compresses the steel. I doubt polishing by hand would achieve much in that respect though. Its finished, arm polished up mostly at the join to the bridge's main body. I'm ok with it, the screw holes aren't great as i had to open them up by redrilling and positioning it was difficult, I'm not much use with a loupe, opening up with a file might be a better option for me or i could just use the correct drill size 😅. And the detent is way too deep, i had to guess that with the stem release out of position and sat on top, but i only took one measure and went for it, no slowly slowly catch your monkey 😅. First go I'm happy , well sort of, it works and thats a big thing for me, next one will have a bit more finesse.  Anyone thats interested, after filing, i used a 2000 grade home made diamond  micro file and then 20 micron film, the film is much better than wet and dry, more stable to use and doesn't shed cheap grade grit everywhere , then auto polish on a sponge pad.
×
×
  • Create New...