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RodS · 10 December 2010, 11:54 AM

When I was given a Nato I didn't like the way it raised the watch up. With the normal metal strap it sits very low on my wrist above the joint making it less likely to be knocked, especially under G, and it also sits better under a shirt cuff. My Jubilee's [or Oyster's] adjustment was finer than the strap holes provided and the strap on my issued IWC [with hacking movement not like my GMT!] was also quite ungainly with it's folded back portion to provide sufficient length to go over a flying immersion suit, [not actually necessary as the watch can easily be placed over the slim suit wrist seals.]

I was the only person without a Nato on my fighter squadron, but that's no comfort if you are a JB wannabe these days!

I wish I could have kept my issue IWC watch, I believe they are now worth a few bob, but the Services are the only outfits where you can serve for up to 35 years and have to give the watch back, not receive one!!

Johny · 11 December 2010, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johny

which company makes the best quality strap. thank you. the best.

best guality.

esm · 11 December 2010, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johny

best guality.

Johny, these 2 UK shops has great feedback on their products...

Time Factors
www.timefactors.com

TSS
www.thestrapshop.co.uk

i have purchased a few straps from Time Factors, happy with the products. a few members have purchased fro TSS, they seem happy too!

thesmallwave · 17 December 2010, 06:49 AM

Have you seen Nylon Nato Straps on Ebay?Or in your local shops?Cheers

rolexertion · 17 December 2010, 07:11 AM

To NATO I say NO, TA.

Actually, I can easily see my Sub on a black and gray Nato. I might order one just on the strength of this thread.

Lamone · 17 December 2010, 07:57 AM

They are just safer, so comfortable and look damn good!

tattooedfagin · 17 December 2010, 08:02 AM

just ordered 3 new colours earlier this week

Foxglove · 17 December 2010, 08:04 AM

I like NATOs, but I prefer ZULU straps. A Zulu strap is a NATO strap without the second keeper bit, e.g. it's just a straight piece of nylon with buckle and holes. Zulu straps are typically a little thicker material (only slightly thicker). I prefer them because NATO straps tend to pull the watch too much to the outside of my wrist, whereas Zulu straps, I can place the buckle underneath my wrist (where the clasp on a bracelet rests typically) and I no longer experience any pulling of the watch to the outside of my wrist.

I bought Maratac until I found IWI (http://www.internationalwatchman.com/home.html) who sells the same or better quality NATO and Zulus for about half the price. *I don't work for IWI in any way*.

So I suggest you try out a Zulu and Nato and see which is more comfy for you!

Cheers,
Ross

IWI Zulu straps:

Dan2010 · 17 December 2010, 12:37 PM

I am going to get some NATO straps once I reaquire my 14060M. I think they look great!

Lion · 17 December 2010, 12:45 PM

I have Nato bands on my Christmas list so we shall see if I get them. If not, I still plan on getting one for my Sub ND to check them out!!!

radinc · 17 December 2010, 01:30 PM

agree with the zulu strap recommendation -- the natos I like too but they have a good bit of "extra" strap that I don't need/like. If you have to put it over a wetsuit all the time you may need the extra play.

Jurgen920 · 1 January 2011, 12:54 PM

Hi Levi, sorry for a late reply. Check out the pic that I attached, not a good quality pic but the idea is there. You can also browse youtube to see how the strap is being put on. It's easy. Share your thoughts as well. Happy new year!! Cheers!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesmallwave

Can you share with us the pic you have on avatar here?Also i would like to see the back of the watch with that Nato strap, i will have a clue about it.Many thanks,Levi

Jason71 · 1 January 2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johny

which company makes the best quality strap. thank you. the best.

John, Maratac makes the best straps IMHO......whether it be NATO or ZULU. They sell Maratacs at several different shops

Broadarrow.net

countycomm.com

My favorite - westcoastime.com (Howard Marx is AWESOME)

tiff72 · 2 February 2011, 09:10 PM

Hi Guys, I have read all the post with a lot of interest. I must admit to being a fan of the NATO strap for many years. I find the bracelet on my non date sub is a little uncomfortable.
Rolex UK can supply what they term as the Admiralty strap and its part number is #6. It runs out currently at £40 Inc VAT. It is the Rolex strap supplied to the UK forces for the milsubs. Its dear but then authentic if you are into 100% authenticity. It has to be ordered via your Rolex AD.
I am waiting for a return call from my AD and will post a pic as soon as I have the strap

HL65 · 2 February 2011, 09:17 PM

For me--I love the change of pace from regular SS bracelets. You can change them whenever you want-depending on what kind of mood you are in. In the end--they are fun and love the great look--old school James Bond!!
6538 Nato 003.jpg

pdrion · 2 February 2011, 09:28 PM

hi guys I love NATO strap. Where can I find very colorful ones in 20mm? best

tiff72 · 2 February 2011, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdrion

hi guys I love NATO strap. Where can I find very colorful ones in 20mm? best

Hi, Time factors offer some very good straps. Phoenix straps(MOD supplier) are available on ebay seller ID Mickie500.
If over in the UK and you want the genuine Rolex version (Dark Grey) they can be purchased in London. They are called the #6 Admiralty Strap. Dear though £40 compared to £8-12 elsewhere.
Hope that helps.

HL65 · 2 February 2011, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdrion

hi guys I love NATO strap. Where can I find very colorful ones in 20mm? best

I got mine from Bill Mahoney--Squinky.com He has a good variety and made well!!

CPTL · 3 February 2011, 02:27 AM

Haven't had my Sub on the NATO since last Spring...it may be time to go back!!

jeremyam · 3 February 2011, 02:29 AM

nato straps are really secure, if the material is fused together vs. sewn, i cannot think of a more secure fixture...

they are comfortable, nylon dries in a matter of minutes and you'll find more micro-adjustments available.

straps can all be washed in a number of manners, from dishwashers to washing machines to handsoap...

low-key and low profile, perfect for travels, activities or a laid back, comfortable watch wearing experience...

i like the feel of cold steel against my wrist, reminds me of... one time at...

krzspeedstr · 3 February 2011, 02:42 AM

It be great if we could get some one to share where are great place online to buy the NATO straps.

I had never thought of doing it but the idea sounds appealing

Dan Pierce · 3 February 2011, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krzspeedstr

It be great if we could get some one to share where are great place online to buy the NATO straps.

I had never thought of doing it but the idea sounds appealing

One of the best sources right here:
http://natostrap.blogspot.com/

dP

Johny · 3 February 2011, 02:56 AM

i am going to try and order two twenty mm maratac straps shortly. does anyone know if they are available in the uk? thank you.

mike · 3 February 2011, 03:02 AM

Perhaps one point that is often overlooked is the historical side of the strap. There was, once upon a time, Rolex watches issued to select military units. Some of these imployed welded spring bars as added insurance against loss.

The use of a strap was nessary as the watch could not be fit with a bracelet. Added to that the tactical advantage of something that didn't flash, the NATO (actually refered to as the G-10-named after the requistion form it appeared) had a lot of advantages besides being cheap to replace.

STEELINOX · 3 February 2011, 03:24 AM

Oh, and some of us just make natos look so damn good, lol

err, waitasec, its the other way around - doh !

jmsrolls · 3 February 2011, 03:36 AM

It's amazing to me that cheap nylon straps (NATO, ZULU, etc.) are so popular among Rolex owners. I would much rather have something in leather or skin:

If you insist upon wearing nylon, be sure to protect your case back with a strip of clear tape. Otherwise, you risk dirt and grit damaging the back of your watch.

Fr. John†

RJC · 3 February 2011, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason71

I definitely prefer a NATO while diving

Not sure Jason, the colour seems to have run!!

dbarberic · 3 February 2011, 04:25 AM

I still want to know what the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has to do with a watch strap.

Dan Pierce · 3 February 2011, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbarberic

I still want to know what the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has to do with a watch strap.

Nothing whatsoever. It's a nickname who's origin I don't know.
dP

ArcticMoose · 3 February 2011, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Nothing whatsoever. It's a nickname who's origin I don't know.
dP

It is called a G10 by British military because that is the name of the inventory requisition form. It also has a NSN (NATO Stock Number) giving it its second name. The military spec strap only comes in gray though.

straps.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason71

I definitely prefer a NATO while diving

I will never see enough of that watch!

17 December 2010, 12:45 PM	#70
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	I have Nato bands on my Christmas list so we shall see if I get them. If not, I still plan on getting one for my Sub ND to check them out!!! __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

2 February 2011, 09:17 PM	#75
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,472	For me--I love the change of pace from regular SS bracelets. You can change them whenever you want-depending on what kind of mood you are in. In the end--they are fun and love the great look--old school James Bond!! 6538 Nato 003.jpg __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

3 February 2011, 02:27 AM	#79
CPTL "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Kevin Location: Texas on my mind Watch: Sub Date; SS/WG DJ Posts: 2,445	Haven't had my Sub on the NATO since last Spring...it may be time to go back!! __________________ 16610 Submariner Date; D Serial 16234 DateJust SS with WG Fluted Bezel & Jubillee, White Roman Dial; F Serial 16570 Explorer II White Dial; M Serial And Hers: 78240 Mid-Size DateJust SS with Domed Bezel & Oyster, White Roman; D Serial

3 February 2011, 02:42 AM	#81
krzspeedstr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Winston Salem, NC Watch: All of them Posts: 193	It be great if we could get some one to share where are great place online to buy the NATO straps. I had never thought of doing it but the idea sounds appealing __________________ Rolex 16710, 116520, 116610LV - Cartier W20073X8, W31077U2 and W20098D6

3 February 2011, 02:56 AM	#83
Johny "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: john Location: Scotland Watch: sub 16610Lv Posts: 13,523	i am going to try and order two twenty mm maratac straps shortly. does anyone know if they are available in the uk? thank you. __________________ "AFTER DARK" BAR AND NIGHT CLUB GM.

10 December 2010, 11:54 AM	#61
RodS Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: brisbane Watch: 1966 GMT Posts: 92	When I was given a Nato I didn't like the way it raised the watch up. With the normal metal strap it sits very low on my wrist above the joint making it less likely to be knocked, especially under G, and it also sits better under a shirt cuff. My Jubilee's [or Oyster's] adjustment was finer than the strap holes provided and the strap on my issued IWC [with hacking movement not like my GMT!] was also quite ungainly with it's folded back portion to provide sufficient length to go over a flying immersion suit, [not actually necessary as the watch can easily be placed over the slim suit wrist seals.] I was the only person without a Nato on my fighter squadron, but that's no comfort if you are a JB wannabe these days! I wish I could have kept my issue IWC watch, I believe they are now worth a few bob, but the Services are the only outfits where you can serve for up to 35 years and have to give the watch back, not receive one!!

17 December 2010, 06:49 AM	#64
thesmallwave Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Levi Location: Romania & England Watch: Sub C Black Posts: 568	Have you seen Nylon Nato Straps on Ebay?Or in your local shops?Cheers

17 December 2010, 07:11 AM	#65
rolexertion Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Montreal, PQ Posts: 722	To NATO I say NO, TA. Actually, I can easily see my Sub on a black and gray Nato. I might order one just on the strength of this thread.

17 December 2010, 07:57 AM	#66
Lamone Banned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC Watch: ya mawt! Posts: 3,448	They are just safer, so comfortable and look damn good!

17 December 2010, 08:04 AM	#68
Foxglove "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Ross Location: Houston, TX Watch: yourself Posts: 838	I like NATOs, but I prefer ZULU straps. A Zulu strap is a NATO strap without the second keeper bit, e.g. it's just a straight piece of nylon with buckle and holes. Zulu straps are typically a little thicker material (only slightly thicker). I prefer them because NATO straps tend to pull the watch too much to the outside of my wrist, whereas Zulu straps, I can place the buckle underneath my wrist (where the clasp on a bracelet rests typically) and I no longer experience any pulling of the watch to the outside of my wrist. I bought Maratac until I found IWI (http://www.internationalwatchman.com/home.html) who sells the same or better quality NATO and Zulus for about half the price. I don't work for IWI in any way. So I suggest you try out a Zulu and Nato and see which is more comfy for you! Cheers, Ross IWI Zulu straps:

17 December 2010, 12:37 PM	#69
Dan2010 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: South Carolina Watch: Panerai 914 Posts: 6,540	I am going to get some NATO straps once I reaquire my 14060M. I think they look great!

17 December 2010, 01:30 PM	#71
radinc "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: SF Posts: 59	agree with the zulu strap recommendation -- the natos I like too but they have a good bit of "extra" strap that I don't need/like. If you have to put it over a wetsuit all the time you may need the extra play.

2 February 2011, 09:10 PM	#74
tiff72 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Tim Location: Ross on Wye Watch: Rolex Sub Posts: 4	Hi Guys, I have read all the post with a lot of interest. I must admit to being a fan of the NATO strap for many years. I find the bracelet on my non date sub is a little uncomfortable. Rolex UK can supply what they term as the Admiralty strap and its part number is #6. It runs out currently at £40 Inc VAT. It is the Rolex strap supplied to the UK forces for the milsubs. Its dear but then authentic if you are into 100% authenticity. It has to be ordered via your Rolex AD. I am waiting for a return call from my AD and will post a pic as soon as I have the strap

2 February 2011, 09:28 PM	#76
pdrion "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Pacsal Location: brussels,belgium Watch: rolex 1680 Posts: 3	hi guys I love NATO strap. Where can I find very colorful ones in 20mm? best

3 February 2011, 02:29 AM	#80
jeremyam Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Jeremy Location: Toronto, Ontario Watch: 16610 V Posts: 511	nato straps are really secure, if the material is fused together vs. sewn, i cannot think of a more secure fixture... they are comfortable, nylon dries in a matter of minutes and you'll find more micro-adjustments available. straps can all be washed in a number of manners, from dishwashers to washing machines to handsoap... low-key and low profile, perfect for travels, activities or a laid back, comfortable watch wearing experience... i like the feel of cold steel against my wrist, reminds me of... one time at...

3 February 2011, 03:02 AM	#84
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Perhaps one point that is often overlooked is the historical side of the strap. There was, once upon a time, Rolex watches issued to select military units. Some of these imployed welded spring bars as added insurance against loss. The use of a strap was nessary as the watch could not be fit with a bracelet. Added to that the tactical advantage of something that didn't flash, the NATO (actually refered to as the G-10-named after the requistion form it appeared) had a lot of advantages besides being cheap to replace.

3 February 2011, 03:24 AM	#85
STEELINOX 2024 ROLEX DATE-JUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Sink-O! Location: a praire in AZ Watch: ROLEX-less atm... Posts: 14,007	Oh, and some of us just make natos look so damn good, lol err, waitasec, its the other way around - doh ! __________________ *Positive Waves Baby* Lug Hole Loyalist / Chamfer Line Inspector INFORTHE WIN 274

3 February 2011, 03:36 AM	#86
jmsrolls Banned Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 3,185	It's amazing to me that cheap nylon straps (NATO, ZULU, etc.) are so popular among Rolex owners. I would much rather have something in leather or skin: If you insist upon wearing nylon, be sure to protect your case back with a strip of clear tape. Otherwise, you risk dirt and grit damaging the back of your watch. Fr. John†

3 February 2011, 04:25 AM	#88
dbarberic Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 50	I still want to know what the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has to do with a watch strap.

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