NATO Junkie…
Out of nowhere I now have an addiction with nato straps. Canvas, Leather, etc. Completely changes the entire look of any watch, adds a different character & form of functionality. Where are all of my nato junkies? What do you like about them?
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Lei
Horology is a beautiful mystery…
Chicago, IL
Member since
Last active: 1 year ago
6.25” / 15.88 cm
That’s also another dynamic within the nato world that strap enthusiasts debate. Single pass or Traditional Natos? I find them both extremely comfortable...
Most companies are stuck into assembly line mode. There is very little care of quality with most of them. Make them, sell them then repeat. Very little to no quality control. I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect leather nato…
Thanks so much! Checking them out now!
I probably have over 30 between 20 and 22mm. So far my favorites are Crown and Buckle Premium for a casual, more rugged look, supreme for a more sophisticated look. I also like Zulu Diver Premium (more casual I think), and Moose Strap (more sophisticated, but thinner so not as durable with a heavier watch, I have found the head tends to flop around and the holes wear faster with a heavier watch). I wear NATO or rubber almost all summer, too hot for leather or bracelet.
I agree that they totally change the look of a watch, and there are varying levels of formality/sophistication depending on the way the fabric is woven and the colors/patterns on them.
I have a grey ribbed NATO on the way from Strap Tailor, I have heard good things.
I love how easy the strap changes are with NATOs. If I want a black strap one day and a brown the other day, it is just a quick pass through to have it better suit your taste/outfit for the day.
My problem is that I often end up between two holes on the strap, where one is too loose and the other is too tight. I have a perlon nato strap in the mail now that will hopefully allow for a better fit. Any other options for dialing in a perfect fit that I'm not aware of?
I probably have over 30 between 20 and 22mm. So far my favorites are Crown and Buckle Premium for a casual, more rugged look, supreme for a more sophisticated look. I also like Zulu Diver Premium (more casual I think), and Moose Strap (more sophisticated, but thinner so not as durable with a heavier watch, I have found the head tends to flop around and the holes wear faster with a heavier watch). I wear NATO or rubber almost all summer, too hot for leather or bracelet.
I agree that they totally change the look of a watch, and there are varying levels of formality/sophistication depending on the way the fabric is woven and the colors/patterns on them.
I have a grey ribbed NATO on the way from Strap Tailor, I have heard good things.
I agree. Please give a review on the nato you have coming from “Strap Tailor” I am always on the lookout for better quality straps & definitely could use more options…
I love how easy the strap changes are with NATOs. If I want a black strap one day and a brown the other day, it is just a quick pass through to have it better suit your taste/outfit for the day.
My problem is that I often end up between two holes on the strap, where one is too loose and the other is too tight. I have a perlon nato strap in the mail now that will hopefully allow for a better fit. Any other options for dialing in a perfect fit that I'm not aware of?
I’m in the beginning stages of this addiction. I honestly only have a handful of Nato straps at the moment. Reasons why I really like this site to be able to reach out & learn from the other watch enthusiasts here. Just sharing & learning what each other like, styles, etc. This is really cool…
I agree. Please give a review on the nato you have coming from “Strap Tailor” I am always on the lookout for better quality straps & definitely could use more options…
Will do!
I agree. Please give a review on the nato you have coming from “Strap Tailor” I am always on the lookout for better quality straps & definitely could use more options…
Getting back to you, it arrived in the mail, this is a grey 20mm and I threw it on my Steinhart. I have enough experience with NATOs to say that this is on the more durable side with a heavier watch, the stitching and hardware are solid too. It looks more on the "nicer" side, definitely a unique look to it as well with the way the light plays off the ribbed texture.
It is thick enough to be durable, not overly thick where it adds too much height to the watch on wrist, I'm really a fan. Got a coupon for 10% off another order, I'll probably order a few more.
The holes are just a bit further apart than I would have done, could be awkward if your wrist is between sizes, my wrist is 6.5 inches, if it was any bigger I'd have to tuck it back on the inside, not the outside like the pic below.
Getting back to you, it arrived in the mail, this is a grey 20mm and I threw it on my Steinhart. I have enough experience with NATOs to say that this is on the more durable side with a heavier watch, the stitching and hardware are solid too. It looks more on the "nicer" side, definitely a unique look to it as well with the way the light plays off the ribbed texture.
It is thick enough to be durable, not overly thick where it adds too much height to the watch on wrist, I'm really a fan. Got a coupon for 10% off another order, I'll probably order a few more.
The holes are just a bit further apart than I would have done, could be awkward if your wrist is between sizes, my wrist is 6.5 inches, if it was any bigger I'd have to tuck it back on the inside, not the outside like the pic below.
I’m glad you like it! What major factors that you consider when deciphering what’s a great nato & what isn’t?
I’m glad you like it! What major factors that you consider when deciphering what’s a great nato & what isn’t?
Generally, you get what you pay for. Most of the cheaper Amazon brands aren't great and too thick, some are durable though like if you just want it for a beater watch and don't care about the look.
The major factors are quality of fabric, hardware, and how easily it stretches. No stretch at all and it won't fit right unless you're lucky. Too much stretch, and if you like it on the tighter side, the buckle ends up tearing and ruining the hole you're wearing it on, especially with a heavier watch on there.
Generally, you get what you pay for. Most of the cheaper Amazon brands aren't great and too thick, some are durable though like if you just want it for a beater watch and don't care about the look.
The major factors are quality of fabric, hardware, and how easily it stretches. No stretch at all and it won't fit right unless you're lucky. Too much stretch, and if you like it on the tighter side, the buckle ends up tearing and ruining the hole you're wearing it on, especially with a heavier watch on there.
See, this is why I really like Watch crunch. To have other more experienced watch collectors that know about these things is such a great resource to have for us new enthusiasts. Thanks so much for sharing this with me…
See, this is why I really like Watch crunch. To have other more experienced watch collectors that know about these things is such a great resource to have for us new enthusiasts. Thanks so much for sharing this with me…
No problem, I'm glad it helps.