NATO vs Perlon question

[stockjock1975]

Hello everyone here on TRF! Recently I've taken a liking to the NATO & perlon type of straps for my watches. Generally, I try to stay away from the nato straps for two reasons. First, I don't like the look of the extra material bunched up as it wraps around the buckle. And secondly, I get nervous of scratches and abrasions on the case back.

But....I love the different looks and color options that NATO straps offer than perlon' do not. Unless I'm missing something, it seems that the 2 piece perlon straps are mostly solid colors whereas the NATO straps have multiple pattern and color combinations (I.e the "James bond" look, etc).

So I would love to know why perlon straps can't be made with multiple colors and patters like their NATO brethren. Any thoughts and insight would be much appreciated!


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[ELLimon]

I think the fact that perlon is woven.

I prefer Perlon.

[Hub6152]

Perlons are made from criss-crossed interwoven flat filaments so a striped type pattern isn’t possible in the way it is with the regular cloth type weave of a NATO. There are Perlons with a speckled type colouring that gives them a less flat look.

[toxicavenger]

^^What he said. The Natos that have a lot of colors usually have the colors printed on the nylon. Which means they will fade.

They make 2 piece natos also. Most perlon's are abrasive on the wrist. The only good ones are the Eulit versions.

Kind of weird you are worried about a nylon strap being abrasive against stainless steel.

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

Kind of weird you are worried about a nylon strap being abrasive against stainless steel.

Actually a legit concern in that they can leave marks on casebacks that can’t be simply wiped off. Probably because they absorb sweat and the constant application of that through the fabric can etch into the steel.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

Actually a legit concern in that they can leave marks on casebacks that can’t be simply wiped off. Probably because they absorb sweat and the constant application of that through the fabric can etch into the steel.

I guess I am different because I clean my straps. There is no dirt in between my case and my strap. On top of it my strap does not move in a sawing motion to grind anything into my watch case.

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

I guess I am different because I clean my straps. There is no dirt in between my case and my strap. On top of it my strap does not move in a sawing motion to grind anything into my watch case.

It’s not so much that they grind anything into the metal - often you’ll see an imprint of the actual weave of the strap so my best guess is it’s some kind of galvanic type reaction through the salts in sweat?

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

It’s not so much that they grind anything into the metal - often you’ll see an imprint of the actual weave of the strap so my best guess is it’s some kind of galvanic type reaction through the salts in sweat?

I do not know. I have not had this issue. But you might be right. I change out my straps daily and I have yet to see this. Not even on my dlc watch. And I was my straps frequently. So no salt built up on my straps.

If someone is worried about etching on a caseback then they can put some clear plastic on it to prevent it.

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

I do not know. I have not had this issue. But you might be right. I change out my straps daily and I have yet to see this. Not even on my dlc watch. And I was my straps frequently. So no salt built up on my straps.

If someone is worried about etching on a caseback then they can put some clear plastic on it to prevent it.

This is the type of thing I sometimes see in my shop (this photo from another thread about this very thing from many years ago!!).

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

This is the type of thing I sometimes see in my shop (this photo from another thread about this very thing from many years ago!!).

That's weird. What did the strap look like?

Thanks for the info.

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by toxicavenger

That's weird. What did the strap look like?



Thanks for the info.

Just realised the original post from a few years back (2011) is by Jason71 (who’s a regular here and on WUS). He didn’t show the strap but said it was a regular NATO which would be one of the cheaper nylon polyester types that are the most common and exactly what we sell in my shop.

Here’s another of his photos I’ve cropped a bit closer.

[waterman1]

Hey, I’ve experienced the same on my old 16600 sea dweller many years ago. I wore it almost exclusively on a nato (quality ordered from UK) and some on Zulu from triple aught gear back in the day. It left a permanent discoloration on caseback similar to this photo. It didnt bother me however.

[toxicavenger]

Originally Posted by waterman1

Hey, I’ve experienced the same on my old 16600 sea dweller many years ago. I wore it almost exclusively on a nato (quality ordered from UK) and some on Zulu from triple aught gear back in the day. It left a permanent discoloration on caseback similar to this photo. It didnt bother me however.

Curious, did you change your strap regularly or keep it clean?

[cardiel]

you can buy nylon straps that are not nato - in that they are a single piece like the Perlon. I prefer them.

[waterman1]

Kept it pretty clean...actually very clean. I’m anal about it! Always removed strap after being in ocean and soaked watch in tap water. Washed strap too.