No need to ✂️ that flap on your NATO

For all those who don’t like how uncomfortable that flap on your nato feels or how high it elevates your watch off your wrist, this little trick may solve your nato problem(s) without needing to snip it. Just fold it back, align the eyelet with the buckle and thread your strap through both. The flap is now out of the way of your watch and sits comfortably on the belly side of your wrist.

Below is a video by the IDGuy on YouTube, who goes through the whole process in detail.

https://youtu.be/LbKiWPF2ccs

Reply
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Yes, it’s a great way to tuck away that extra strap but I find this solution a bit bulky at the bottom/clasp/buckle end unfortunately, ultimately I think a single pass nato is the solution… for me anyways

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The whole purpose of the Nato is for protection from losing the watch if you pop a springbar while wearing it. Circumventing that second flap negates that feature.

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SurferJohn

The whole purpose of the Nato is for protection from losing the watch if you pop a springbar while wearing it. Circumventing that second flap negates that feature.

Oh, I am fully aware of the use of the flap, this trick is for those who don’t care and think they need to cut it off.

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Tried that. Keeper interferes with the buckle. Not comfortable.

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SurferJohn

The whole purpose of the Nato is for protection from losing the watch if you pop a springbar while wearing it. Circumventing that second flap negates that feature.

I don’t see how. There’s still the same amount of nylon present over the springbars either way. The “flap” with its keeper just keeps the watch from sliding around on the strap, no?

A single pass is just as safe. The security comes from the strap not being two separate pieces of material.

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SurferJohn

The whole purpose of the Nato is for protection from losing the watch if you pop a springbar while wearing it. Circumventing that second flap negates that feature.

The only way that spring bar claim makes sense is for the buckle spring bar. My hunch is that the underslung manner of wear, where the keeper actually leads to some level of security by having the watch circle the wrist in addition to the normal ligt friction of the excess tab through keepers is a tad more likely to keep the watch on wrist long enough to notice the failure before falling off.

I prefer the above manner, but bending back by the stitching does seem wrong.

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MrPsionic

I don’t see how. There’s still the same amount of nylon present over the springbars either way. The “flap” with its keeper just keeps the watch from sliding around on the strap, no?

A single pass is just as safe. The security comes from the strap not being two separate pieces of material.

See added video ☝️

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SurferJohn

The whole purpose of the Nato is for protection from losing the watch if you pop a springbar while wearing it. Circumventing that second flap negates that feature.

No. It works exactly the same.

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MrPsionic

I don’t see how. There’s still the same amount of nylon present over the springbars either way. The “flap” with its keeper just keeps the watch from sliding around on the strap, no?

A single pass is just as safe. The security comes from the strap not being two separate pieces of material.

Sorry I forgot to mention the keeper stops the watch from sliding off the strap when you remove it from your wrist.

I only buy the G10 thin nylon style Nato straps and I have no problem with excessive thickness at all. These are usually also the longest in length, come in the most color variations, and are the least expensive. Those fancier seat belt material Nato straps do tend to be too thick, shorter in length, and way more expensive.

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SurferJohn

Sorry I forgot to mention the keeper stops the watch from sliding off the strap when you remove it from your wrist.

I only buy the G10 thin nylon style Nato straps and I have no problem with excessive thickness at all. These are usually also the longest in length, come in the most color variations, and are the least expensive. Those fancier seat belt material Nato straps do tend to be too thick, shorter in length, and way more expensive.

🫡

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This is a good solution. But I'm still for snipping when needed for the perfect fit. I would love more single pass straps to get out on the market.

I have been leaning more and more towards MN-straps the last couple of years. So I don't actually own many NATOs any longer. I often sell them with the watch I bought them to match with

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Ichibunz

Yes, it’s a great way to tuck away that extra strap but I find this solution a bit bulky at the bottom/clasp/buckle end unfortunately, ultimately I think a single pass nato is the solution… for me anyways

I’ve ordered to Erika’s strap’s instead of a Nato style to use on my SPB147 62 MAS style watch & one for my SPB183 Willard style watch . Can’t wait to receive them and replace the Silicone rubber on the 147 and the bracelet on the 183 !

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Please check out https://hexagonwatchstraps.co.uk

We have several great single pass straps that will help resolve your issue ! Hope that helps .

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Hexagonwatchstraps

Please check out https://hexagonwatchstraps.co.uk

We have several great single pass straps that will help resolve your issue ! Hope that helps .

I highly recommed the Hexagon single pass straps. I bought three a few months ago and have been wearing them consistently on my Omega Seamaster, Seiko SPB 33J1 slim turtle and Hamilton Khaki Navy.... Super comfortable, great hardware and no sign of fraying. Craig is a stand-up guy and backs his products all the way.

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MrPsionic

Tried that. Keeper interferes with the buckle. Not comfortable.

It depends on the specific nato. Some versions of the nato have a flexible keeper and it works reasonably well, but in my experience, my

Omega natos don’t work at all because the keeper is sewn in a way that doesn’t allow it to rotate completely making it uncomfortable