Single pass straps
One of the first things that I did after receiving the good news that I had won the Longines Legend Diver giveaway is go strap shopping at cheapestnatostraps.com.
I wanted to get some straps to help with the wearing dimensions of the watch as I have a small 6.25” wrist (15.9 cm). NATOs help with the wearing dimensions from lug to lug, but I went a step further and got the single pass variety. This also helps the wearability when it comes to the height of the watch. I don’t consider these true NATOs as they don’t have the extra security that made them so famous to begin with.
I’m usually very cautious with my watches. I have a desk job over 1000 miles away from any ocean so the only diving this watch will ever do is desk diving. Should I be more concerned of spring bar failure just in case the worst case scenario should occur? Has anyone ever had a spring bar failure? If so, I’d be interested to hear the circumstances. Do any other small wristed watch fans go to these for the same reason as me?
I started this hobby in 2020. I have a humble 14 watch collection which ranges from Casio to Cartier.
I think these do put more pressure on the springbars but you still aren’t going to lose your watch if one fails.
I went a different direction with my LLD and I’m pretty happy with the result.
Toxic Nato which later became Ute had the absolute best single pass straps. Unfortunately the aren't made anymore.
A nice sweet of straps you've got, I went the same way with my legend,wouldn't worry too much about spring bar failure if the unfortunate happens to one bar the other will hold it on the strap, in 40 odd years of watch wearing only ever had one bar fail on me and that was at work when I pulled my hand out of a hole in some machinery and the watch got caught,but it was only a cheap casino and I don't think you'll be doing that with your legend (I know I wouldn't)
I have to agree single pass straps are better for larger watches when you have a skinny wrist. I learnt that while owning both the Tudor BB Red ETA + Pelagos. The normal NATOs will raise the watch head a bit.
I think these do put more pressure on the springbars but you still aren’t going to lose your watch if one fails.
I went a different direction with my LLD and I’m pretty happy with the result.
Thanks for your feedback. That combo looks great too!
Toxic Nato which later became Ute had the absolute best single pass straps. Unfortunately the aren't made anymore.
That’s too bad! I started with these cheapestnatostraps but once they get worn out I’ll probably upgrade to something with better hardware.
A nice sweet of straps you've got, I went the same way with my legend,wouldn't worry too much about spring bar failure if the unfortunate happens to one bar the other will hold it on the strap, in 40 odd years of watch wearing only ever had one bar fail on me and that was at work when I pulled my hand out of a hole in some machinery and the watch got caught,but it was only a cheap casino and I don't think you'll be doing that with your legend (I know I wouldn't)
This is the kind of feedback I was hoping to hear. Thanks very much for sharing. You’re correct, the only watch I’d wear in that scenario is a Casio (G Shock) as well.
I have to agree single pass straps are better for larger watches when you have a skinny wrist. I learnt that while owning both the Tudor BB Red ETA + Pelagos. The normal NATOs will raise the watch head a bit.
Those were my thoughts exactly, and it really is a noticeable difference. I tried the BB GMT on with the NATO and I didn’t like how tall it stood or it’s lug to lug distance.
I have no experience with them but the Haveston general service strap looks like it may be good.
I have no experience with them but the Haveston general service strap looks like it may be good.
I know what you’re talking about, but I don’t have exp with them either. Maybe I’ll check them out next time 🤔
Those were my thoughts exactly, and it really is a noticeable difference. I tried the BB GMT on with the NATO and I didn’t like how tall it stood or it’s lug to lug distance.
I am still waiting for a chance to try the BB Pro. Specs wise I guess it would be tall but won’t be overbearing on the wrist like wearing boots.
While springbar failure can happen, remember it would have to be a simultaneous DOUBLE springbar failure for the watch to come off the strap. I'd give odds of that happening, in normal circumstances, of virtually nil. So don't sweat that it doesn't have the extra protection of a Nato or Zulu. It'll be fine.
While springbar failure can happen, remember it would have to be a simultaneous DOUBLE springbar failure for the watch to come off the strap. I'd give odds of that happening, in normal circumstances, of virtually nil. So don't sweat that it doesn't have the extra protection of a Nato or Zulu. It'll be fine.
Thanks. This is very helpful.
I am still waiting for a chance to try the BB Pro. Specs wise I guess it would be tall but won’t be overbearing on the wrist like wearing boots.
I think (and hope) you’re correct. If I get tried of waiting for the GMT Master II I may also be looking at the BB Pro.
Congrats again on the watch. Crown and Buckle has some really nice matte and perlon straps you may try with this in different colors as well. I've worn them on a heavy Autavia chrono without issue so yours should be fine.