Nato Strap Playtime...
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Dan
Exploring this world and learning. Collecting automatic watches in the Tissot-to-Tudor quality range. Update: couldn’t resist a Moonwatch!
Austin, TX, USA
Member since
Last active: 2 days ago
17.15 cm
Very artistic display! 😉
Welcome to WatchCrunch Dan! If you are getting into nato style straps I would recommend checking out @Max Zero pass strap he invented. Here is the video https://youtu.be/SX7MmjxM9K8?feature=shared
Here is the web link https://www.anachronist.shop/pages/testimonials
I just placed an order and it was delivered today so I’m super excited to check them out. #anachronist
I look forward to seeing your future post of which straps you have decided on. I also recommend posting your daily watch in the WRUW section every day. You will thank me later when you get your WatchCrunch badge sooner than later 😉
All were cheap nylon from Amazon. My quick reviews:
"watchdives" - Middle horizontal with red stripe on the Oris. By far the softest and the finest weaved. Feels smooth. Matte metal parts look good, and clasp is nice and chunky. Unique to this band, the stripe is slightly raised so you can feel it. This is my favorite. $9.99.
Barton Watch Brand - Vertical left with orange stripe on the Hamilton Murph. Bought to support a local Austin company, but disappointed. Material is on the stiff side, but not bad. Stainless clasp is small with pins showing on the sides. Steel is polished/reflective. Wouldn't buy again. $5.99
Ritche Elite - Middle vertical ton on Tudor and top horizontal black on Laco. I like them. Not quite as supple as the watchdives, but second softest. Clasp quality is middle of the pack. Matte metal with pins showing on the sides. Best value--would buy again. $15.99 for a 4-pack.
BINLUN - Right vertical on Mido. A little on the stiffer side, and sightly thicker than the others. Texture is smooth, but not quite as smooth as the watchdives. Clasp is nice and chunky like the watchdives, and pin isn't showing on the sides. My second favorite--would buy again. $15.99.
Carty - Bottom horizontal on Hamilton Khaki Titanium. worst pick. Strap feels stuff and plastic-y, and has the flimsiest clasp. Would strongly recommend against. $17.99 for a 6-pack.
Oris Big Crown Pointer Date does look good on a NATO. Better than I expected to be honest. I like your case/dial combo a lot 👌
As far as cheap Amazon NATO's go I would recommend Hemsut. Soft seatbelt style (all 4 watches on the right). Good hardware, minimal fraying.
Archer (blue) is OK too.
Oris Big Crown Pointer Date does look good on a NATO. Better than I expected to be honest. I like your case/dial combo a lot 👌
Thanks! I wanted to find a nato that pulled out some of the red. The other I was pleasantly surprised by was the Tudor 1926 in the tan, for a "blond hair with blue eyes" look. The Oris is now back in the bracelet now, and happens to be what I chose to wear today.
As far as cheap Amazon NATO's go I would recommend Hemsut. Soft seatbelt style (all 4 watches on the right). Good hardware, minimal fraying.
Archer (blue) is OK too.
Cool--your photo?
I just ordered a Hemsut at only $15.99. It arrives tomorrow.
As you comment on fraying: I have to note that I have no idea how mine will hold up to actual wear. Maybe they'll all fall apart!
Welcome to WatchCrunch Dan! If you are getting into nato style straps I would recommend checking out @Max Zero pass strap he invented. Here is the video https://youtu.be/SX7MmjxM9K8?feature=shared
Here is the web link https://www.anachronist.shop/pages/testimonials
I just placed an order and it was delivered today so I’m super excited to check them out. #anachronist
I look forward to seeing your future post of which straps you have decided on. I also recommend posting your daily watch in the WRUW section every day. You will thank me later when you get your WatchCrunch badge sooner than later 😉
Cool. Picked up a nato there. I was curious how a more "premium" nato compares to the Amazon cheapos, so this allows me to test that while supporting a brand tied to WatchCrunch. I also picked up one of the leather ones because I'm really curious how "nato" leather would look. I think It might look great on a Hamilton Khaki.
2 more recommendations of nicer quality straps for your NATO rabbit hole. I Have not ordered yet but have heard great things from others.
Cool. Picked up a nato there. I was curious how a more "premium" nato compares to the Amazon cheapos, so this allows me to test that while supporting a brand tied to WatchCrunch. I also picked up one of the leather ones because I'm really curious how "nato" leather would look. I think It might look great on a Hamilton Khaki.
Yea when I picked up the cheaper ones from AE or AMZ I would type in seatbelt material with it so at least they would be soft 🤣
Nice! Yea I just slipped the leather on my Seagul 1963 and I think it looks dope. I put up a post of what it looks like and I’ll be also taking more photos for my upcoming WRUW Phots for the next few days. Let me know how you like your when you get them! Happy hunting
2 more recommendations of nicer quality straps for your NATO rabbit hole. I Have not ordered yet but have heard great things from others.
Hemsut strap arrived. Looks solid. I think the clasp isn’t quite as rugged or cooling looking as my favorites, but it’s close. Material is thick and really smooth. None of them haven gotten the humid sweat test.
I also picked up a quick-release strap from Hemsut because it was cheap and I liked the color…it’s garbage. Do NOT buy. The spring bars come right out with a light tug—so glad it didn’t result in dropping a watch! I triple checked that they’re supposed to be the right size. Will try to return them.
Had some more fun with the additional straps that arrived. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
I swapped out the Murph for a Tissot gentleman. All other watches are the same as original photo.
Welcome to WatchCrunch Dan! If you are getting into nato style straps I would recommend checking out @Max Zero pass strap he invented. Here is the video https://youtu.be/SX7MmjxM9K8?feature=shared
Here is the web link https://www.anachronist.shop/pages/testimonials
I just placed an order and it was delivered today so I’m super excited to check them out. #anachronist
I look forward to seeing your future post of which straps you have decided on. I also recommend posting your daily watch in the WRUW section every day. You will thank me later when you get your WatchCrunch badge sooner than later 😉
They arrived! Definitely unique. I love the feel of the leather, but the keeper is too small to hold it looped over, so it’s stuck like this (see photo). Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but I wouldn’t call it wearable. Suggestions? It’s a shame because the keepers on the nylon one are huge and I think they would have worked for the leather one. No complaints on the nylon strap—I just need to wear it and see how I like the “zero-pass” feel after a few days.
They arrived! Definitely unique. I love the feel of the leather, but the keeper is too small to hold it looped over, so it’s stuck like this (see photo). Maybe I’m doing something wrong, but I wouldn’t call it wearable. Suggestions? It’s a shame because the keepers on the nylon one are huge and I think they would have worked for the leather one. No complaints on the nylon strap—I just need to wear it and see how I like the “zero-pass” feel after a few days.
That’s strange. I definitely was able to fold the extra material back into the keeper on mine when I wore it on my seagull 1963
That’s strange. I definitely was able to fold the extra material back into the keeper on mine when I wore it on my seagull 1963
Wh okay. I think I’ve got it now. I just wasn’t determined enough! You can’t just stuff it in like a regular nato…there’s a technique. I LOVE this leather and I’m looking forward to wearing it.
Welcome 👋🏽beautiful watches and the picture looks great with the strap design
I'm finding myself back to dabbling with NATO's again. Went to them last summer when it gets warm around here. I've also just seen a couple new ways (on YouTube, of course) to route them. Very cool.
So, I ordered three more leather models last night from Zuludiver. I'll keep my nice leather straps on my dressier watches. But I wanted a summer alternative to plastic or (thin) nylon.
And the real beauty of this? Relatively speaking, they're inexpensive. So, I splurged a little bit.
FYI - I just threw this on yesterday. Like $17.00 from Amazon. Oxblood color.
I'm finding myself back to dabbling with NATO's again. Went to them last summer when it gets warm around here. I've also just seen a couple new ways (on YouTube, of course) to route them. Very cool.
So, I ordered three more leather models last night from Zuludiver. I'll keep my nice leather straps on my dressier watches. But I wanted a summer alternative to plastic or (thin) nylon.
And the real beauty of this? Relatively speaking, they're inexpensive. So, I splurged a little bit.
FYI - I just threw this on yesterday. Like $17.00 from Amazon. Oxblood color.
Have a link to that oxblood? I’m thinking of it on the Oris with red dial in the original photo I posted. Thoughts?
Have a link to that oxblood? I’m thinking of it on the Oris with red dial in the original photo I posted. Thoughts?
This is the Amazon header for it:
Benchmark Basics Leather Watch Band - Crazy Horse Oiled Leather One-Piece Watch Straps for Men & Women - Choice of Color & Width - 18mm, 20mm, 22mm or 24mm
Plus, full admission, I lied. They're $18.00.
Red on red? I suppose it will be about the two shades. Do they complement each other, or do they clash? BTW, I don't recall seeing your red Oris.
This is the Amazon header for it:
Benchmark Basics Leather Watch Band - Crazy Horse Oiled Leather One-Piece Watch Straps for Men & Women - Choice of Color & Width - 18mm, 20mm, 22mm or 24mm
Plus, full admission, I lied. They're $18.00.
Red on red? I suppose it will be about the two shades. Do they complement each other, or do they clash? BTW, I don't recall seeing your red Oris.
This one. Exactly…wondering if they’ll look awesome or clash…
Looks to me more like it would be really cool. Hey, $18.00. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? And certainly, better than the same old thing.
Welcome #watchfam!
Welcome! I’m also looking to invest in some nato straps. Looking forward to your reviews.
Which one is your favorite here?
Cool 😎
From another NATO lover, welcome!