No love for nato's.
I honestly can't see the appeal of nato's. They always seem big and bulky and too flimsy to firmly hold a watch rigid enough on the wrist. They always look like a "cheap" option, and downgrade a watch, a bit like hanging furry dice on your ferrari's mirror. A conventional buckled nylon strap is bad enough (i always think they belong on a kids novelty watch) but a big chunky nato with all that folded nylon in the way next to the watch face just seems ridiculous. Anybody else?
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Love NATOs
i was built for the soldier. i guess it was more practical than fashionable. it match with field watch i guess
Yep, they suck. I used to ask every defence force member I met if they used them or knew people who used them. Nup.
As a fashion item: yes/no (delete as applicable). Just depends on your own personal style and taste. IMO suits some watches and not others (but I could say that with literally any strap/material). In the event of springbar failure, it does add extra security to ensure the watch stays on your wrist. If your life was dependant on your watch, that could be an important feature to have
Elastic straps have taken the role of NATOs in most cases for me. They are casual but more comfortable and less bulky than traditional or single pass NATOs.
Nato's are ok with the right watch but I think the French military nationale elasticated straps are much better,more adjustable and so comfy 👍
NATOs (double pass) make the watch sit higher in the wrist and I hate that! 😂 I even bought a high end NATO from an Omega boutique in the past, but not even that one is for me
I guess it depends on the thickness/stiffness of the strap. I only opt for ones that don't add additional bulk. In fact, they trim it down. Regular "ballistic" nylon NATOs with wide nylon keepers and thinner or softer leather options work well. Also, I don't allow the double strap pass underneath the case; the additional keeper strap gets cut off.
I agree that they way they raise the watch up off the wrist is a bummer in the fit/comfort department. The look is decent for the right watch, and I found the "Minimal" design from Watch Steward works really well.