NATO and thank you Rolex...

[ilovewatchestoo]

Since we are on the topic I'll admit I am confused by how often I see nato straps especially the multi color ones. Great to have options for those who participate though.

[Rocket_Man]

Originally Posted by Sandblaster

You can buy straps called Zulu that don't have the 2nd piece of material.

Also here is a question instead of buying NATO strap you have to clamp and cut and burn and glue.... why don't you just buy a two-piece nylon bracelet?

I don't like the keepers that come on most Zulu straps. I like the nice neat keepers on NATOs. With a NATO strap I can change it very easily without messing with springbars, plus there are tons of style options. It only takes a few minutes to modify it. Not a big deal really.

[Scapegoat]

I am certain Rolex did not intend for their watches to be worn as such but hey, variety is the spice of life!

[Ragna]

Originally Posted by Richris1

I switch up my explorer with different straps. Just to change the look sometimes, leather always a nice option, different colors, etc....as for extra material...I cut it off. I don't like the folded over, extra strap look.

Me too i cut it. It makes it even more discreet.

[Ragna]

Originally Posted by joe100

I was getting worried because we hadn't had this discussion this week. I can sleep easily tonight

[EddyG]

I agree, there's not a single nato strap i would ever consider

Although i am a fan of the RubberB straps using the clasp

[DevinH]

Originally Posted by EddyG

I agree, there's not a single nato strap i would ever consider



Although i am a fan of the RubberB straps using the clasp

Me too. In both points.


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[fskywalker]

Not a NATO guy (as of yet), each to its own!


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[Price£ddie]

I think aesthetically they can serve to completely dress down a watch. Which is needed every now and then! I like the idea of matching a NATO strap with my tie or pocket square at work.

E.

[the_Dentist]

Originally Posted by sutats

Just in case you ever feel like it, you can always order Rolex's own Admiralty NATO strap.

Originally Posted by ref1655

if you've ever seen one...those things are uglier than sin & way overpriced. the various/countless aftermarket offerings far exceed them in terms of visual aesthetics & overall pricing.

Aren't the ones Rolex is selling, actually made the UK company Phoneix, which are also supplying Natos to the MOD?
They are like $15.... So no particular reason to go through the Rolex boutique. Also, the hardware of the official Rolex Natos isn't branded, as far as I have understood.

[Ragna]

Originally Posted by Tique DDS

Natos are made for moments like this:




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exactly

[dbluevette]

I like the idea of keeping the watch as pure as possible, but I also love the variety of looks that different straps offer.

[firstOwatch]

Originally Posted by Tique DDS

Natos are made for moments like this:




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and this

[Mfrankel2]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

It's not as if we throw away the bracelet when we change over to a NATO. Most of us do put the bracelet back on, eventually. I do it simply because I like the look and it feels more comfortable, especially during the hot summer months.

What I do find disturbing is the lack of pictures on this thread.

two beautiful examples of watches on Nato

[firstOwatch]

Originally Posted by Mfrankel2

two beautiful examples of watches on Nato

More...please !

[natosub]

Originally Posted by Hoppyjr

I love the 114060 on NATO.

The bracelet is fantastic, of course, but NATO is a great choice.

Hey Hoppy, same question here. What brand are these? I love the way they fit but haven't been able to find a thread stating which they are. Thanks

[Hoppyjr]

Originally Posted by natosub

Hey Hoppy, same question here. What brand are these? I love the way they fit but haven't been able to find a thread stating which they are. Thanks

The one with black hardware is from NatoStrapCo.com - it's from their "New Nato VII" line.

The others are all Maratac brand, available from County Comm or West Coast Time.

I also suggest ToxicNatos - Terry has a great product and outstanding customer service.

[natosub]

Did you have any trouble with the Maratacs fitting between the case and spring bars? I think the're on the thicker side; like 1.35mm or something. Anything over the standard 1.20mm seems tough on the maxi case.

I've spoken to Terry and hear he has great straps. Looking to try some out soon. Thanks!

[Hoppyjr]

Originally Posted by natosub

Did you have any trouble with the Maratacs fitting between the case and spring bars? I think the're on the thicker side; like 1.35mm or something. Anything over the standard 1.20mm seems tough on the maxi case.

I've spoken to Terry and hear he has great straps. Looking to try some out soon. Thanks!

The Maratac NATO fits fine, the Zulu is the thicker one that doesn't fit as well.

Terry's stuff is great and he's a solid guy to deal with.


Here's some of my latest Rolex+NATO combo -

[Rebel]

I have gravitated back to my bracelet for my Tudor Submariner 75090 (black face/dial). When I go NATO, it is usually in the summer for comfort and not wearing long sleeves makes the "extra" nylon not cumbersome as if under a sleeve.

For me, it's just an option I take when I want to. When I don't want to...well, I don't.

Hope these replies help, OP.

[douglasf13]

I'm not a fan of a true NATO, since I don't need the extra length to go over a wetsuit, but I like the one-piece nylon straps like Bond used. They're light and comfy.

That being said, perlon is even better, because it is infinitely adjustable and dries much more quickly.

[GMT Aviator]

NATO's are great for that casual tool watch look. They provide a bit of variety and are as tough as old boots.
Also, with a ZULU if you have a spring bar break, you won't lose the watch because its still attached to your wrist via the other spring bar.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by GMT Aviator

NATO's are great for that casual tool watch look. They provide a bit of variety and are as tough as old boots.
Also, with a ZULU if you have a spring bar break, you won't lose the watch because its still attached to your wrist via the other spring bar.

That's just as well,, because I've only ever seen broken or dislodged springbars on watches that have zulus or natos fitted. Seems they only save the watch from a problem they create.

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

That's just as well,, because I've only ever seen broken or dislodged springbars on watches that have zulus or natos fitted. Seems they only save the watch from a problem they create.

FWIW, I think Peter lost a watch to the Red Sea after a spring bar broke, IIRC.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

FWIW, I think Peter lost a watch to the Red Sea after a spring bar broke, IIRC.

Yeah but I didn't see it

Also, there was a ton of weight pulling on it if I remember rightly. A nato or zulu buckle (another weak point) wouldn't have survived that.

[Afghanvet]

Of the 35 or so years I've been wearing a watch now, I've worn a NATO or similar strap on it probably 95% of the time. To me, much more comfortable. I'll put the oyster bracelet on to "dress it up," and when I do, boy, do I feel like a high-roller!

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Yeah but I didn't see it

Also, there was a ton of weight pulling on it if I remember rightly. A nato or zulu buckle (another weak point) wouldn't have survived that.

Yeah, I think you're right.

[natosub]

Originally Posted by Hoppyjr

The Maratac NATO fits fine, the Zulu is the thicker one that doesn't fit as well.

Terry's stuff is great and he's a solid guy to deal with.


Here's some of my latest Rolex+NATO combo -

Did you flip your Submariner for that beautiful Sea-Dweller? Long live the Nato Nation!

[theprocess]

Spring bar question - is it necessary to fit a slightly longer (+1mm) or shoulderless spring bar for added security? Or will original bracelet spring bars work fine?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by theprocess

Spring bar question - is it necessary to fit a slightly longer (+1mm) or shoulderless spring bar for added security? Or will original bracelet spring bars work fine?

Shoulderless is better because there is nothing for the strap to catch on and potentially pull the bar out, but with a no holes case you can only remove them by cutting them out.