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JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 04:13 AM

Hi guys,

As much as I dislike NATO straps, I'd like to get down to the nitty-gritty and the impracticality of employing one on your Rolex.

As far as common sense prevails, I think it's a bad idea from the technical point of view.

A NATO merely passes over each lug pin, behind the back...and that's it!!

Support value: Bugger all!!

Risk factor: High!!! Tremendous strain on the pins in the event of stress!!

You must bear in mind that the SELs are what they are - SOLID and very, very strong!!! And they serve as tremendous support to the bracelet with minimum STRESS on the lug pins.

With the NATO, the pins are being kinda pressed down by the strap and, in the event of a powerful jolt, the pins could snap.

Just think about this one, guys....I'm sure some of the watch experts might confirm this!!

The NATO is all hunky-dory.....until the REAL stress and strain factors come into the equation!!

JJ

Prince · 17 February 2008, 04:19 AM

LOL - you never mentioned the "Practical Usage" of the NATO strap!!!

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

LOL - you never mentioned the "Practical Usage" of the NATO strap!!!

I was actually trying to point out the impracticality of its usage!!!

Prince · 17 February 2008, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

I was actually trying to point out the impracticality of its usage!!!

Oh. Well, you did a very good job!

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Oh. Well, you did a very good job!

Well...just looking after my friends and making sure they don't "lose" their watches!!

badsmac · 17 February 2008, 04:24 AM

Great sermon ,JJ. I'm with ya

Prince · 17 February 2008, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badsmac

Great sermon ,JJ. I'm with ya

LOL - Pastor JJ...

CPTL · 17 February 2008, 04:26 AM

But don't both pins have to break for you to lose your watch head?

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badsmac

Great sermon ,JJ. I'm with ya

Sermon, my ass.....just good, sound, solid advice!!

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPTL

But don't both pins have to break for you to lose your watch head?

Good point.....but something that could possibly happen if the stress factor is high. Anyone here prepared to take that risk?

JJ

Prince · 17 February 2008, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

...Anyone here prepared to take that risk?
JJ

No, brother JJ. Praise Hans Wilsdorf!!! Somebody gimme an "AMEN"!!!

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

No, brother JJ. Praise Hans Wilsdorf!!! Somebody gimme an "AMEN"!!!

I'd rather say: "HEY WOMEN"!!!

Subfiend · 17 February 2008, 04:33 AM

I just put my 1680 Sub on a thick black NATO band and I love it this way. It sure beats a rivet bracelet.

badsmac · 17 February 2008, 04:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

No, brother JJ. Praise Hans Wilsdorf!!! Somebody gimme an "AMEN"!!!

Sorry JJ. I hope I didn't start something

belsaye · 17 February 2008, 04:36 AM

Greetings to all Rolex aficionados

You have to consider that the 'NATO'fabric strap was specified by the MoD UK for divers watches, when the watch spec also called for fixed brazed bars thus not straining spring pins.

Furthermore, grey fabric straps would not reflect glare, nor were they a hazard with for example magnetic mines, considering milsubs were issued to RN clearance divers.

IMHO fabric straps i.e. NATO/zulu etcetera should only be used on milsubs or other MoD spec divers watches such as the CWC divers series that are manufactured with fixed brazed pins.

Whilst I have owned various Rolex models for about 30 years, currently the Sub no date, which I consider to be the definitive Rolex. It can be worn with a suit, jeans, tux and wetsuit! never looking out of place

I also own a CWC divers. Well the sub has to have a service now and again.

Well thats my waffle for today.

Cheers

Belsaye

CPTL · 17 February 2008, 04:39 AM

Is it possible to get aftermarket super-strong springbars to use with a NATO?

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by belsaye

Greetings to all Rolex aficionados

You have to consider that the 'NATO'fabric strap was specified by the MoD UK for divers watches, when the watch spec also called for fixed brazed bars thus not straining spring pins.

Furthermore, grey fabric straps would not reflect glare, nor were they a hazard with for example magnetic mines, considering milsubs were issued to RN clearance divers.

IMHO fabric straps i.e. NATO/zulu etcetera should only be used on milsubs or other MoD spec divers watches such as the CWC divers series that are manufactured with fixed brazed pins.

Whilst I have owned various Rolex models for about 30 years, currently the Sub no date, which I consider to be the definitive Rolex. It can be worn with a suit, jeans, tux and wetsuit! never looking out of place

I also own a CWC divers. Well the sub has to have a service now and again.

Well thats my waffle for today.

Cheers

Belsaye

Valid point you made there - the NATO usage would be SAFE only with lug pins that have been welded into the lugs.

JJ

Prince · 17 February 2008, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badsmac

Sorry JJ. I hope I didn't start something

Well, you did! LMAO

Tools · 17 February 2008, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPTL

Is it possible to get aftermarket super-strong springbars to use with a NATO?

Originally the spring bars were fixed (soldered) in place for the NATO strap..

JJ is correct, wearing the strap with the standard spring pins can put tremendous force on the tiny end of the pin and twist it right out of the hole..

Try this with your NATO.

Hold the watch head in one hand and with a little down pressure in the strap on top of the spring bar, wriggle it back and forth rapidly..

Almost always you will compress the spring and the pin will pop out within seconds..

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Originally the spring bars were fixed (soldered) in place for the NATO strap..

JJ is correct, wearing the strap with the standard spring pins can put tremendous force on the tiny end of the pin and twist it right out of the hole..

Try this with your NATO.

Hold the watch head in one hand and with a little down pressure in the strap on top of the spring bar, wriggle it back and forth rapidly..

Almost always you will compress the spring and the pin will pop out within seconds..

Thanks, Larry.....that's a practical test which all NATO lovers should try!!

CPTL · 17 February 2008, 04:57 AM

Interesting.

I'm thinking about doing the NATO thing, semipermanently, when I get my Expy. Expy would be the daily wearer, and Sub would go on NATO for running, watersports, active lifestyle stuff. A true beater.

Would it be possible to have solid spring bars fixed into my Sub? Would the process be reversible?

I don't plan to ever sell my sub. But, you never know--so I wouldn't want it to be irreversible. But I'd like the idea of a very strong bracelet. Also, I'd need to get it serviced, but I could find an independent for that.

C.J. · 17 February 2008, 04:58 AM

Well, as much I like NATO straps, more importantly, as much as I hate agreeing with Jay-Jay

I have to agree with him on this one. The NATO looks terrific on Rolex, IMHO, and I wore my Sub and GMT with Blk/Blk bezel on my Bond NATO often. But, speaking from personal experience, it's nowhere near as secure on the NATO as it is on the bracelet.

One night when I was at work wearing my 14060M on NATO I managed to apply enough force on my watch by having my wrist bent backward to pop one of the spring bars free from the lug. Luckily, the other spring bar held, so the watch head just flapped around a bit, but I was lucky enough to get to keep it.

I've worn a Rolex or Omega to work and just about everywhere else for a long time now and put those watches through a lot more than the incident I described above and never had a problem. But, those watches were on bracelets. If the 14060M had been on a bracelet that night, popping that spring bar would have never happened.

So, enjoy them, they look great and are reminiscent of Rolex true tool watch days. But, be careful

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 04:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPTL

Interesting.

I'm thinking about doing the NATO thing, semipermanently, when I get my Expy. Expy would be the daily wearer, and Sub would go on NATO for running, watersports, active lifestyle stuff. A true beater.

Would it be possible to have solid spring bars fixed into my Sub? Would the process be reversible?

I don't plan to ever sell my sub. But, you never know--so I wouldn't want it to be irreversible. But I'd like the idea of a very strong bracelet. Also, I'd need to get it serviced, but I could find an independent for that.

I don't think permanent welding would be a very good idea, my friend. The process would not be reversible and you'd have to wear that watch only on the NATO. Not a good idea at all.

JJ

Prince · 17 February 2008, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

...you'd have to wear that watch only on the NATO. Not a good idea at all.

Certainly not to The Reverend JJ, praise the Lord!!!

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 05:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C.J.

Well, as much I like NATO straps, more importantly, as much as I hate agreeing with Jay-Jay

I have to agree with him on this one. The NATO looks terrific on Rolex, IMHO, and I wore my Sub and GMT with Blk/Blk bezel on my Bond NATO often. But, speaking from personal experience, it's nowhere near as secure on the NATO as it is on the bracelet.

One night when I was at work wearing my 14060M on NATO I managed to apply enough force on my watch by having my wrist bent backward to pop one of the spring bars free from the lug. Luckily, the other spring bar held, so the watch head just flapped around a bit, but I was lucky enough to get to keep it.

I've worn a Rolex or Omega to work and just about everywhere else for a long time now and put those watches through a lot more than the incident I described above and never had a problem. But, those watches were on bracelets. If the 14060M had been on a bracelet that night, popping that spring bar would have never happened.

So, enjoy them, they look great and are reminiscent of Rolex true tool watch days. But, be careful

Thanks, Craig.....I knew you'd come around some day to my way of thinking!!!

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Certainly not to The Reverend JJ, praise the Lord!!!

Prince · 17 February 2008, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Thanks, Craig.....I knew you'd come around some day to my way of thinking!!!

He's going in for counseling tomorrow...

JJ Irani · 17 February 2008, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

He's going in for counseling tomorrow...

C.J. · 17 February 2008, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Thanks, Craig.....I knew you'd come around some day to my way of thinking!!!

JAMES! HELPPPPPPPPP

C.J. · 17 February 2008, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

He's going in for counseling tomorrow...

Weren't you supposed to stop me from falling into this abyss?

17 February 2008, 04:13 AM	#1
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Okay guys....let's get down to the PRACTICAL usage of NATO straps!! Hi guys, As much as I dislike NATO straps, I'd like to get down to the nitty-gritty and the impracticality of employing one on your Rolex. As far as common sense prevails, I think it's a bad idea from the technical point of view. A NATO merely passes over each lug pin, behind the back...and that's it!! Support value: Bugger all!! Risk factor: High!!! Tremendous strain on the pins in the event of stress!! You must bear in mind that the SELs are what they are - SOLID and very, very strong!!! And they serve as tremendous support to the bracelet with minimum STRESS on the lug pins. With the NATO, the pins are being kinda pressed down by the strap and, in the event of a powerful jolt, the pins could snap. Just think about this one, guys....I'm sure some of the watch experts might confirm this!! The NATO is all hunky-dory.....until the REAL stress and strain factors come into the equation!! JJ __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

17 February 2008, 04:19 AM	#2
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	LOL - you never mentioned the "Practical Usage" of the NATO strap!!! __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

17 February 2008, 04:33 AM	#13
Subfiend "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Outside Watch: Isn't it obvious? Posts: 1,926	I just put my 1680 Sub on a thick black NATO band and I love it this way. It sure beats a rivet bracelet. __________________ Subfiend

17 February 2008, 04:36 AM	#15
belsaye "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: UK Watch: Submariner ND Posts: 13	PRACTICAL usage of NATO straps Greetings to all Rolex aficionados You have to consider that the 'NATO'fabric strap was specified by the MoD UK for divers watches, when the watch spec also called for fixed brazed bars thus not straining spring pins. Furthermore, grey fabric straps would not reflect glare, nor were they a hazard with for example magnetic mines, considering milsubs were issued to RN clearance divers. IMHO fabric straps i.e. NATO/zulu etcetera should only be used on milsubs or other MoD spec divers watches such as the CWC divers series that are manufactured with fixed brazed pins. Whilst I have owned various Rolex models for about 30 years, currently the Sub no date, which I consider to be the definitive Rolex. It can be worn with a suit, jeans, tux and wetsuit! never looking out of place I also own a CWC divers. Well the sub has to have a service now and again. Well thats my waffle for today. Cheers Belsaye

17 February 2008, 04:58 AM	#22
C.J. "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: * Posts: 10,196	Well, as much I like NATO straps, more importantly, as much as I hate agreeing with Jay-Jay I have to agree with him on this one. The NATO looks terrific on Rolex, IMHO, and I wore my Sub and GMT with Blk/Blk bezel on my Bond NATO often. But, speaking from personal experience, it's nowhere near as secure on the NATO as it is on the bracelet. One night when I was at work wearing my 14060M on NATO I managed to apply enough force on my watch by having my wrist bent backward to pop one of the spring bars free from the lug. Luckily, the other spring bar held, so the watch head just flapped around a bit, but I was lucky enough to get to keep it. I've worn a Rolex or Omega to work and just about everywhere else for a long time now and put those watches through a lot more than the incident I described above and never had a problem. But, those watches were on bracelets. If the 14060M had been on a bracelet that night, popping that spring bar would have never happened. So, enjoy them, they look great and are reminiscent of Rolex true tool watch days. But, be careful __________________ Me? I'm still looking for Kokomo. I just hope that damn golfer isn't there

17 February 2008, 04:24 AM	#6
badsmac Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Brian Location: Mansfield,TX Watch: Rolex SS Sub Posts: 480	Great sermon ,JJ. I'm with ya

17 February 2008, 04:26 AM	#8
CPTL "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Kevin Location: Texas on my mind Watch: Sub Date; SS/WG DJ Posts: 2,445	But don't both pins have to break for you to lose your watch head?

17 February 2008, 04:39 AM	#16
CPTL "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Kevin Location: Texas on my mind Watch: Sub Date; SS/WG DJ Posts: 2,445	Is it possible to get aftermarket super-strong springbars to use with a NATO?

17 February 2008, 04:57 AM	#21
CPTL "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Kevin Location: Texas on my mind Watch: Sub Date; SS/WG DJ Posts: 2,445	Interesting. I'm thinking about doing the NATO thing, semipermanently, when I get my Expy. Expy would be the daily wearer, and Sub would go on NATO for running, watersports, active lifestyle stuff. A true beater. Would it be possible to have solid spring bars fixed into my Sub? Would the process be reversible? I don't plan to ever sell my sub. But, you never know--so I wouldn't want it to be irreversible. But I'd like the idea of a very strong bracelet. Also, I'd need to get it serviced, but I could find an independent for that.

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