NATOs, Nylons, and Straps: IS IT SAFE

[DramaTurtle]

I have heard the tales of NATOs being bad for modern spring bars and no-holes cases as they were originally designed for milspec watches which had welded bars specifically for NATO attachment. And then of course: there is this excerpt from the well-respected guys over at Everest bands:

"First we looked at the Nato Straps – which come in many different colors and styles, but have many major negatives. Without the solid end link connection to the Rolex watch, a tremendous amount of pressure is applied to the spring bars, which can damage the lug holes of the Rolex watch. The Nato Strap could unintentionally damage the Rolex lugs and lug holes through continuous grinding and excessive jarring making them larger. In turn when you replace your Rolex bracelet after using a nato strap you could find it to be less snug and tight. We also realized that the Nato Strap or Nylon Straps, since being a nylon fabric based watch band, also took a tremendous amount of time to dry after being wet only momentarily. Eventually, we realized that we could not back this form of replacement watch band, as it was not up to the standards that Rolex owners expect their watch to perform at and could damage their Rolex."

I can't find my exact reference but I once read another convincing excerpt that made me steer clear of NATOs on my Rolexes despite hearing said NATOs calling for me to wear them. This one statement by Everest was just another wave hitting the already sinking ship.

So, assuming that NATOs indeed apply more multi-directional pressure on spring bars due to the way they hug the bars, and that solid endlinks are there to further support modern spring bars, where do straps come into the mix? I've been thinking about putting a Fifty Fathoms-type sailcloth strap on my sub and was wondering: IS IT SAFE?? I know how much we love to ask that around here, but this is no joke. I'll bring my watches anywhere; the only thing I'm ever afraid of being compromised is the weakest link of the watch: the spring bars.

Would love for some of that extensive TRF knowledge to be imparted unto me!

[Spoonage]

The only watch I have on a bracelet is my BLNR. All others (Rolex, Tudor, other brands) are on leather or NATO including my SubC, Tudor Sub, and BBN.

I've swam with them, been in the field for military training, camping, hiking, boating, travelling, beach, yard work, etc., etc. and they've all held up fine countless times for years.

[Thatguy]

I don't think you will get a definitive answer. My opinion is that it is fine to put it on a NATO and won't cause any harm. I don't buy the argument that the NATO protects against loss better due to the fact it allows the springbars to flex more. This can cause them to pop out of the lug holes.
This would apply to any strap that allows the bars to flex.



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[rootbeer7]

......yeah but they look great!

[Blue_Lume]

Light as a feather, dear.

Light as a feather!!!

[Blue_Lume]

And this one even lighter...

[waterman1]

hope to get this one in the ocean tomorrow

[UNCLE27]

I've worn different watches on NATO straps for over 30 years and in some tough conditions in my military life and diving. I have never had a single Spring bar failure. Ever.
They not only look cool, they are extremely comfortable and very practical.

Don't be put off by advertising speak for 'our strap is better than a NATO'.

[rootbeer7]

Originally Posted by UNCLE27

I've worn different watches on NATO straps for over 30 years and in some tough conditions in my military life and diving. I have never had a single Spring bar failure. Ever.
They not only look cool, they are extremely comfortable and very practical.

Don't be put off by advertising speak for 'our strap is better than a NATO'.

And here is your answer

[watchmavan]

Here's something interesting though. Both Oris and Omega use a springbar 1mm longer for non-bracelets. Or 1mm shorter for bracelets.


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[Rebel]

007.

[mrhy]

I have Had a gmt come off when a spring bar failed ,would not have happened if I had been wearing a NATO.


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