NATO Strap, what is so special about it?

[thesmallwave]

Hi guys, i realised that more and more Sub or SD owners replace the steel bracelet with a Nato strap.
Why do you like it, and do you swim with your watch on a Nato strap?
Cheers,

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by thesmallwave

Hi guys, i realised that more and more Sub or SD owners replace the steel bracelet with a Nato strap.
Why do you like it, and do you swim with your watch on a Nato strap?
Cheers,

Levi,
Waterproof [so yes, great for swimming], inexpensive, many colors to choose from, and it saves the bracelets from excessive wear & tear.
dP

[Kokyuryoku]

What's not to like?

[alphamale2012]

Some people just prefer the look. Non of my watches have steel bracelet as I just don't like the feel of it on my skin.

[SaddleSC]

I wear my Sea Dweller 16600 on NATO quite frequently for the the following reasons:
1) For underwater activities, it is more secure because it can survive one springbar failure and will not result in loss of the watch head.
2) It is more comfortable to use at the office because I am not constantly banging the bracelet into the wrist rest on my laptop or the desk.
3) I find it to be more comfortable and quickly adjustable on the wrist.
4) I like being able to change the look of the watch quickly/cheaply and I have enough straps that I can match them to what I am wearing.
5) I think NATO straps look pretty darn cool.
6) I think it is great way to personalize the watch and add your own unique touch. (I have gotten comments on my SD on numerous occasions from other WIS when the watch is on NATO simply because it is different than what most people are accustomed to seeing).
7) Did I mention that it looks cool?

[Numismatist]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

I wear my Sea Dweller 16600 on NATO quite frequently for the the following reasons:
1) For underwater activities, it is more secure because it can survive one springbar failure and will not result in loss of the watch head.
2) It is more comfortable to use at the office because I am not constantly banging the bracelet into the wrist rest on my laptop or the desk.
3) I find it to be more comfortable and quickly adjustable on the wrist.
4) I like being able to change the look of the watch quickly/cheaply and I have enough straps that I can match them to what I am wearing.
5) I think NATO straps look pretty darn cool.
6) I think it is great way to personalize the watch and add your own unique touch. (I have gotten comments on my SD on numerous occasions from other WIS when the watch is on NATO simply because it is different than what most people are accustomed to seeing).
7) Did I mention that it looks cool?

ALL OF THESE!!!

I have only ever been complimented on my seadweller by a stranger when it was on a NATO!

[thesmallwave]

Doesn't the Nato strap close with velcro?I lost once a Marlboro watch swimming for few hours, as the strap had velcro, and came loose becouse or the water and the watch sank.

[Dr. Robert]

My Rolex 14060 sub is on the stock SS bracelet....but my watches that came on rubber straps are on the woven nylon NATO strap, which I find more comfortable than rubber.

[Dan Pierce]

There are nylon straps from GasGasBones and Omega Nasa straps w/ velcro but the typical nato has no velcro.
dP

[dieseldragon]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Levi,
Waterproof [so yes, great for swimming], inexpensive, many colors to choose from, and it saves the bracelets from excessive wear & tear.
dP

What he said! plus they are a bit lighter. I never got the point of them, but once I tried it, I find they making a refreshing change.

[thesmallwave]

Does the Nato strap rotton if spends too long in water?Is it made of polyester, or nylon?

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by thesmallwave

Does the Nato strap rotton if spends too long in water?Is it made of polyester, or nylon?

Nylon, and no it won't rot.
dP

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by Numismatist

ALL OF THESE!!!I have only ever been complimented on my seadweller by a stranger when it was on a NATO!

That has been my experience exactly! I went to a watch show at Hyde Park a couple months back and one of the Blancpain reps actually wanted to try it on. I find it so amusing that the $1800 bracelet garners ZERO attention, but you put the watch on a $12 strap and people come out of the woodwork to talk about it.

[thesmallwave]

Thank you, Dan....Are there more types of Nato strap ?Are all made of nylon and wich are the best, more durable?

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by thesmallwave

Does the Nato strap rotton if spends too long in water?Is it made of polyester, or nylon?

It is made of nylon. The best advice is to just try it. For only $12 you cannot go wrong; then decide for yourself if NATO is for you. Warning...they are highly addictive and some people never turn back! I started with 3 and now I own 14 at last count.

[Kokyuryoku]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

It is made of nylon. The best advice is to just try it. For only $12 you cannot go wrong; then decide for yourself if NATO is for you. Warning...they are highly addictive and some people never turn back! I started with 3 and now I own 14 at last count.

X 2 I never got it either, but then I won a black one on another forum and loved it. Now I have 10 (see previous post)

[NMS75]

Both my Sub (date version) and GMTIIc are on their respective bracelets and I wouldn't take them off to replace with a NATO. HOWEVER, I would love to acquire a pre-owned non-date Sub and put a 'Bond' NATO on it - simply because it looks so cool :P

M

[NMS75]

Oh and I do have an MWC divers watch on a NATO which looks great

M

[Clay]

It's just cool and comfortable....

[thesmallwave]

Originally Posted by NMS75

Oh and I do have an MWC divers watch on a NATO which looks great

M

Let us see some pics...

[petesjag]

Not for me but looks fine on some models.......

[heresiarh]

I recently acquired a bunch of nato straps and switched out my bracelet for this one.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Levi,
Waterproof [so yes, great for swimming], inexpensive, many colors to choose from, and it saves the bracelets from excessive wear & tear.
dP

I always though stainless steel, gold & platinum were waterproof, too...

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

I always though stainless steel, gold & platinum were waterproof, too...

The op was asking about nylon.
dP

[TheCanadian]

Anyone have any recommendations on where I can order in Canada?

[Frogman4me]

I agree with all the reasons stated but it will only cost you 14.00 dollars to find out for yourself. I say go for it!

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

The op was asking about nylon.
dP

I thought he was asking why people replace their metal bands with nylon.

After re-reading his post I still think so.

[Dan Pierce]

I was answering his inquiry about swimming wearing a nato. It's waterproof, why not?
dP

[turbodiver]

Great perspectives on the NATO's guys.
I have never seen a NATO in the wild.

[Jason71]

A NATO is the perfect strap for diving.

1) Protection from loss of the watch in case of a spring-bar failure
2) Easy adjustment to fit over almost any thickness wetsuit
3) comfortable and lightweight
4) Can be brightly colored for easier visual spotting underwater just in case of accidental loss

The diver's extension on a typical dive bracelet is either too loose on a 3mm wetsuit or not large enough for a 7mm wetsuit.

I definitely prefer a NATO while diving