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Why are NATO straps so popular? I don't get it...

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74K views 97 replies 81 participants last post by  Carl.1  
#1 ·
Been wondering for some time now why NATO straps seem to be so popular, particularly the 5 ring NATOs. I have tried over and over again to put a few different ones on some of my watches and I just can't understand the appeal, I hate them. I hate the way the rings look around the watch face, I hate the way the buckle sits on the side of the wrist rather than the bottom, and I especially hate the way you have to fold the end of it up and through the ring which makes it look bunched up above the watch. I suppose the only positive is that you won't lose the watch if one of the spring bars breaks, but that is such a rare occurrence that it doesn't seem worth it to me. So why do you guys like the way they look? :think:
 
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#2 · (Edited)
To each its own and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Besides the obvious security reason and regardless of the trendiness they seem to have acquired. Natos look especially good on Divers/military influenced watches both new and old. Even big houses have started to pick up on this momentum (tudor, blancpain, omega, tag Heuer, etc) check out baselworld2015 latest...Oh and 5 rings? You're definitely referring to a Zulu strap not Nato. Google it up.

I'll add some of my watches that, to me, look good (be on nylon or rubber nato) and don't even get me started on perlon straps...:)

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#3 ·
I like the nato/zulu for the same reason THG said, security. I've had spring bars fail and even lost watches due to it. I agree though that they are a bit big and sometimes over power the watch in size, especially smaller watches or like me, smaller wrists. I usually modify my straps though so it fits my smaller wrists better and overall looks good to me.
 
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#86 ·
Saintom said:
I like the nato/zulu for the same reason THG said, security. I've had spring bars fail and even lost watches due to it. I agree though that they are a bit big and sometimes over power the watch in size, especially smaller watches or like me, smaller wrists. I usually modify my straps though so it fits my smaller wrists better and overall looks good to me.
View attachment 3424090
Click to expand...
I have never had a spring bar fail, ever.
 
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#5 · (Edited)
Well everyone has different view of it. Depends the style of the watch. I love nato strap. It is easy to slip on and off matter of few seconds. I have green nato strap because my sekonda 3017 is a chronograph military watch. I been wearing it for years and spring bars broke twice in the past due to me being little abit careless. My nato strap saved my watch twice prevent from hitting the ground and could end worse.

The nato strap is cheaper, durable and very comfortable to wear and of course it can save your watch anytime.

If you don't like nato strap because it is long and way it has bend in the loop. Here the video to how to shorten it.

 
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#7 ·
For one-piece straps I prefer the simpler 3-ring zulu style or just a plain style like the Hodinkee shell cordovan straps. Despite the security advantages of the nato style, I never warmed to the extra hardware and nylon layer. But even with the zulu straps the nylon irritated my wrist when worn snug, and if I loosened them for comfort then the straps looked strange, so I have given up on nylon altogether. However, I did get 2 cotton zulu straps from Suigeneric, and I really like them--very comfortable; most of their straps are nato style, but they released a few zulu straps in collaboration with Crown & Buckle. I am also waiting for a leather nato from Bulang & Sons which I am anxious to try; they use a thinner leather for less bulk, so maybe it will work out.
 
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#8 ·
1. Super secure. if a springbar goes, you wont lose your watch.
2. Durable. Generally made of material that doesnt mind getting wet or dirty.
3. affordable. Much cheaper than leather straps and bracelets. can get good quality ones for 10 quid.
4. choice of styles. you can get one to go with almost any watch or outfit. thousands of colors, styles, patterns etc.
5. taste. many people just like how they look , very utilitarian, spartan, functional.
 
#22 ·
I used to like them and still have a drawer full. However I never liked the way they lift the watch up which is a problem with watches with protruding backs already, e.g. Sub. Also I find all the extra loops and tucked in bits distract from the watch. Then I discovered Perlon straps, the real Eulit ones, and have never used a NATO since. The Perlons look classier, IMHO, are much less bulky, fit perfectly, whereas I am always struggling to find the right hole on a NATO, dry very quickly, unlike NATOs, and still have the double spring bar security.
 
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#24 ·
Theres obviously a huge market for them. I went to check out DW at Baselworld and didn't see their appeal myself. They use nato straps and are well known for it. the watches are pretty basic but the marketing and their demographic don't really care about the movement in a watch. They just want something that looks nice and minimal until they get bored and catch on to the next trend.

I agree with you though that Natos aren't the best option. i prefer suede or leather
 
#25 · (Edited)
gillmanjr said:
Been wondering for some time now why NATO straps seem to be so popular, particularly the 5 ring NATOs. I especially hate the way you have to fold the end of it up and through the ring which makes it look bunched up above the watch. I suppose the only positive is that you won't lose the watch if one of the spring bars breaks, but that is such a rare occurrence that it doesn't seem worth it to me. :think:
Click to expand...
About spring bars breaking: It happened to me once, and I almost lost a Glycine Strato because of it. I caught it with my foot before it landed.
You seem to have a nice collection - I hope that never happens to you. But when it does, you too will wish you had it on a NATO.

I get everything you hate about NATO's, but for me, they apply mostly to those fat ZULUs.
Those really are atrocious.
If a watch needs THAT much strap to withstand some unwanted force, I very much doubt your wrist is going to survive that kind of encounter too well, never mind the watch itself.

But those THIN ones? Especially in leather?
Wonderful: Comfy, convenient, and quickly changeable.

But more to the aesthetics: the sheer variety of colors and patterns can aid you, quickly, in discovering a watch's many personalities.

By all means, do cut them if you don't like them bunching up. I do.

And now, a pic... or two: :-!
 
#28 ·
I have to admit I just bought a sand colored 3 ring heavy duty nato/zulu from C&B for my Squale 20 and I really do love it! I saw a few photos of a Rolex sub on one of these NATOs and thought it was really attractive so gave it a try with my Squale, I'm pleased. Though it was a nightmare getting it on the watch because the spring bars sit so close to the case on the Squale the HD nato wouldn't fit through, I had to remove the bars and squeeze them on.

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