Rolex Explorer 1 224270 strap options

Okckdrw_NT · 2025-10-06T11:22:36-0400

Dear community,

I write to you all to understand more on the straps for the Explorer 40 mm. I am a big nato strap person, and I am curious to learn where I can find the 21 mm nato straps for the explorer. I ask here as I read numerous accounts where users discuss/mention their experiences of nato straps getting cut by the sharp lugs and the low tolerances on offer by the spring bars.

I have been looking around and found fluco straps - they seem solid : Nylon watch strap

Also, I looked at the curved spring bars - would love to hear your thoughts on its worthwhileness: Curved spring bars made of stainless steel – watch strap spare parts

And the normal quick release spring bars: Quick-change spring bars made of stainless steel – watch strap spare parts

Please guide. Products from continental Europe are the easiest for me to purchase.

Thanking you in advance,
N

PS - For further reference, I have been using Crown and Buckle’s single pass nato straps (20 mm) on my watches. I wouldn’t say that they are the best but they hold up well enough.

msa6712 · 2025-10-06T11:34:33-0400

I wear a 124270 36mm on various straps using curved springbars from Esslinger.

Esslinger Watchmakers Tools and Watch Parts

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www.esslinger.com

Okckdrw_NT · 2025-10-06T13:34:31-0400

Thank you for the response and the straps look rather cool! Have you faced any issues with the strap getting cut by the sharpness of the lugs? (Is that a 21 mm strap?)

5959HH · 2025-10-06T12:06:26-0400

Delugs sells very high quality straps with curved quick release spring bars.

Delugs 20mm strap with QR curved spring bars and Delugs deployant clasp on my 114270 Explorer.

Okckdrw_NT · 2025-10-06T13:36:26-0400

5959HH said:
Delugs sells very high quality straps with curved quick release spring bars.
View attachment 19339915 View attachment 19339920
View attachment 19339919
Delugs 20mm strap with QR curved spring bars and Delugs deployant clasp on my 114270 Explorer.

Thank you for the response. I am looking at 21 mm (rather oddball of a size). I have 20 mm straps and leave them mostly on my Cak859 or Sinn 556. I have looked at delugs but I am on the lookout for only nato’s.

Nokie · 2025-10-06T12:07:36-0400

Try looking on Etsy for LOTS of other options as well.

Okckdrw_NT · 2025-10-06T13:33:26-0400

Will do. Thank you. But I am looking at options that people have tried and tested on the Explorer 1s (21 mm)

TheLost · 2025-10-06T13:26:59-0400

IMHO.. the best NATO isn't a NATO.

Erica's Originals MN straps come in 21mm

https://erikasoriginals.com/

Okckdrw_NT · 2025-10-06T13:32:04-0400

I have heard about them! Are they that brilliant? Also how does one decide on the slider option?

TheLost · 2025-10-06T14:36:30-0400

If you are asking about the Erica's strap.. I just went with the standard slider.

Not an Explorer... but this is my 21mm Erica's Original on my Seamaster Heritage (21mm lugs)

TheLost · 2025-10-06T17:04:21-0400

doh.. duplicate

arpypat · 2025-10-07T11:09:37-0400

I like Crown and Buckle for NATOs. Have a bunch of their 20mm NATOs and they also have 21mm offerings.

Okckdrw_NT · 2025-10-07T11:43:54-0400

arpypat said:
I like Crown and Buckle for NATOs. Have a bunch of their 20mm NATOs and they also have 21mm offerings.

Hello, thank you for the response. I am cool with C&B but the main issue I face with their single passes (I much prefer them) is that I can never have them while I am working on a laptop (ironic, but reality). The buckle always scratches my MacBook - and that pains me 😂!

philipkarlevans · 2025-10-08T09:01:36-0400

put a rolex jubilee braclet on my 1964 explorer in 1968, a kind of sparkley up grade, now with grand son.

5959HH · 2025-10-11T21:36:33-0400

I just recently acquired this Uncle Seiko Executive (jubilee) bracelet for my 114270 Explorer. Uncle Seiko also makes a Senator (oyster) bracelet as well. Both have milled clasps rather than OEM pressed metal “beer can” clasps of which I have a personal dislike.

Rolex Explorer 1 224270 strap options

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