My latest on a range of straps

[andy tims]

Never liked NATO's but I got this lovely PRS 18 A in the week & whilst it seems to look pretty good on a range of straps, I've got to say it really does look fabulous on the NATO's IMHO

[andy tims]

Quinny said:

as for Nato straps, I think a piece of used string is just as functional, and slightly more stylish

I used to feel the same, but on some watches they just work well.

Won't catch my slipping my SD on one though. I'm not a complete pleb

[936ADL]

I quite like them if i'm honest.

On the right watch they look great.

[Bloobird]

The NATO gets my vote, got a black one on mine

[LukeBird]

Does look cool on a NATO.
I've never been that into them, but a Seiko 007 I bought came on one and I love it!
I'm thinking I may try my Submariner on one!

[Ikemi]

I've never really been a fan of NATO straps either, but I do agree that some watches look almost more purposeful with one fitted. I'm about to buy a grey NATO for my Ball, prompted by some photos from another owner ... I think the overall bulkiness of the watch suits the NATO strap

[Stuart]

That looks great on a NATO. It's entirely personal taste, but I've always been a big fan. There is something very utilitarian and no nonsense about the right watch on a NATO which I really like. My Sinn only ever sits on a NATO - it really doesn't suit the leather strap it came with. I don't often wear it on a NATO, but the Speedmaster looks great too, and if it was good enough for Buzz Aldrin then, well, you know...

All, naturally, just IMHO.

[andy_s]

NATOs are good - the main point of course is keeping the £2,000 watch on your wrist if the '£2 for 10' springbar breaks - hence the NASA velcro strap used by Aldrin and company. Gasgasbones (a one man band chap) makes the same strap to the NASA spec, incl. the extra long one they used for EVA (as it has to go around the outside of the suit). He's always a bit busy with stuff (shut for the moment) but occasionaly opens up shop - if you look at the Bremont straps you'll see they are a similar model which I believe he had some involvement with.
The only disadvantage is that if you're using them in rough water/surf the velcro comes undone slightly more easily, an ad-hoc elastic band keeper would sort that though. Very comfy to wear though, no buckles or deployants to scratch and be scratched.

NASA Spec:


On a Speedmaster (the little label is optional):


A few others:

Edited by andy_s on Saturday 8th May 10:49

[benny.c]

I appreciate the practical reasons for a NATO, but I just don't see the appeal myself. I've never seen a watch on a NATO that wouldn't have looked better on a leather/rubber/bracelet of some description. Quite like the Ball above, but I'm sure there'll be a better looking option.

Andy - I prefer yours on the leather. The NATO looks OK, but a bit weedy to me.

[Oily Nails]

Where did you get this one? rather nice

[andy tims]

Oily Nails said:

Where did you get this one? rather nice

Thanks

If you're referring to the watch, I got it via TZ-UK. Not sure where I picked up the strap, but it's a Hirsch Liberty

Edited by andy tims on Saturday 8th May 17:51

[Oily Nails]

andy tims said:

Oily Nails said:

Where did you get this one? rather nice

Thanks

If you're referring to the watch, I got it via TZ-UK. Not sure where I picked up the strap, but it's a Hirsch Liberty

Edited by andy tims on Saturday 8th May 17:51

I was referring to both ...but the strap is the only thing in my budget I suspect

Edited by Oily Nails on Saturday 8th May 19:12

[dutchgray]

I wear mine on a nice piece of leather usually

But when the summer properly arrives it will get a nato or 2 piece canvas as these are better when its warm.

[Stuart]

Of course, in all of this lovely discussion about NATO straps I now find myself hankering after a Precista of some description as well. Thanks chaps.

[andy_s]

They're v good value...

[Stuart]

Not helpful.

[Nick_F]

Matt finish cases seem to lend themselves to webbing straps.