Swiss Watch Company Nylon Straps - Initial Take
Let me start with, I want to like NATO straps, I do, but I simply do not like the look, the extra side bulk, and to me, they solve a problem they create; That is, the only spring bar failures I have ever encountered were as a result of NATO usage. Now, your experience may vary, but that is my truth as it relates to NATOs.
In 21 when the FXD launched, I loved that watch, but not enough to replace the original Pelagos, but it was enough to pique curiosity about their awesome new Velcro, I mean hook and loop, but I really mean Velcro, strap. It has a premium build quality, feels strong, and does not look like a traditional Velcro strap. That sent me down a rabbit hole of trying to find other Velcro straps. I tried several, with zero luck, so I gave up.
Then on a recent post, @swcusa mentioned they made Velcro straps Link here. These are $12.95 and anyone who has an Apple Watch, you'll be familiar with the style. While I cannot say these are a comparison to the FXD strap, they are an excellent NATO alternative. Plus, unlike a NATO, a perfect fit every time, all day.
Here is a close-up of the "Dark Blue Grey" version on the Oak & Oscar Humboldt:
And the "Khaki Green" on what else, a Khaki Field:
My initial take is they wear very comfortably, appear well-made, and have a secure fit to them. I am looking forward to putting them through the paces.
Hope you found this helpful and if you have any questions, fire away.
Note: I have zero affiliation with Swiss Watch Company. I paid for each of these out of pocket in an attempt to support a fellow Watch Crunch member.
Watch enthusiast who insists on the next watch being the last.
Will eventually try these out. They look good with the KF dude!
Love Uncle Seiko's Velcro, granted they are a single pass style, but very well made.
Also Haveston does a nice Velcro style too, but again single pass.
As always, YMMV, but I have had springbar failure with straps and bracelets during work stuff, so if I know I'm runnin and gunnin so to speak, I exclusively use single pass.
Only takes a few times of ones Helm Vanuatu bouncing down the runway to begin to always double check springbars before, or just go single pass...,,🫣🫠😭
Will eventually try these out. They look good with the KF dude!
Love Uncle Seiko's Velcro, granted they are a single pass style, but very well made.
Also Haveston does a nice Velcro style too, but again single pass.
As always, YMMV, but I have had springbar failure with straps and bracelets during work stuff, so if I know I'm runnin and gunnin so to speak, I exclusively use single pass.
Only takes a few times of ones Helm Vanuatu bouncing down the runway to begin to always double check springbars before, or just go single pass...,,🫣🫠😭
I have a Haveston. It is a very cool strap, but there is a lot of an open Velcro to look at. Thanks for he heads up on the others.
I Am currently doing battle with my desire to own one of the swc watches. I would likely try one of the bands that way. My concern is that regular use of the band will wear the strap out. #swcusa
velcro grabs a lot of different fabrics too and irritates skin the scratchy side touches. Its also a breakaway style without a metal buckle to hold it together. They give that to kids that can not figure out how to tie or buckle. At least you will hear the rip when you catch it on something that pulls it off.
velcro grabs a lot of different fabrics too and irritates skin the scratchy side touches. Its also a breakaway style without a metal buckle to hold it together. They give that to kids that can not figure out how to tie or buckle. At least you will hear the rip when you catch it on something that pulls it off.
These is not a traditional Velcro strap, if you look at the second photo I posted, they only “hook” portions are the five pads. The entire bracelet otherwise acts as a loop, leaving nothing to grab on fabrics and otherwise softer than a traditional NATO. Someone would have to forcibly pull it to remove it, so less worried about that. Again, Apple and other active smart watches have been using a similar style for several years now. I used a similar style on a Fenix for a full summer of beating the living day lights out of it, never came off.
True, that is an excellent point, but to me it takes away some of the utility of a pass through. Then there is still the issue with sizing, which many still tend to run long unless you find a custom maker.
I Am currently doing battle with my desire to own one of the swc watches. I would likely try one of the bands that way. My concern is that regular use of the band will wear the strap out. #swcusa
I have not held any of the watches, so I cannot speak to them. As far as wearing the strap out, I imagine it will be like all fabric based straps, eventually they will simply get gross, because as humans we’re gross and fabric soaks up everything. I imagine they’d hold up to laundry cycles, but again they cost very little, so easy to replace or switch out with different straps if you get sick of them.
These is not a traditional Velcro strap, if you look at the second photo I posted, they only “hook” portions are the five pads. The entire bracelet otherwise acts as a loop, leaving nothing to grab on fabrics and otherwise softer than a traditional NATO. Someone would have to forcibly pull it to remove it, so less worried about that. Again, Apple and other active smart watches have been using a similar style for several years now. I used a similar style on a Fenix for a full summer of beating the living day lights out of it, never came off.
We have two SWCs and extra straps…ATW is right the Velcro does not touch the skin and they are so cost effective replacement is an easy option at any time