The NATO Tool thread (no JJ please)

[CPTL]

I want to seriously discuss the NATO strap's tool qualities. (Of course JJ is a tool because he doesn't like NATO straps. But that's not what I'm talking about.)

Seems to me the NATO could be far more secure than an Oyster bracelet. Oyster bracelet has 13 links, clasp, and the end links, each connected by pins of some variety. That's like 14 or 15 different possible failure points, any of which could send your watch to the bottom of the ocean.

NATO, on the other hand, has two connection points with pins. Both have to fail for you to lose your watch. Of course the steel is stronger than nylon, but you'll clearly notice when the nylon gets worn, while a worn pin may not be noticed until it's too late.

So, if you could secure the spring bars that hold the NATO strap on, you could have a very, very secure watch strap. One you could actually surf and waterski with. (Although I can't imagine why you'd need to waterski with a watch on, I would like to surf with it. Safer than leaving it on the beach in my shoe.)

What ideas do y'all have out there for securing the pins? I'm thinking about putting mine on a NATO--for good. I don't want to permanently weld a bar between the lugs, just in case I decide at some point that I want to sell it (unlikely) or put it back on a bracelet. But, I'm not planning to switch it back and forth between the bracelet regularly.

Basically, I want to remove the oyster bracelet and pins and put them in a box, and get some new springbars--the sturdiest ones I could find--to use with the NATO. Brainstorming options:

1. Anchor the spring bars into the lug holes with some sort of epoxy or resin. This would significantly reduce the liklihood of accidental compression or slippage. Would take some work to get the bars out, but could be done with some elbow grease and solvents.

2. Find a semi-permanent spring bar (or have one made) that doesn't compress in the middle, only at the tips. I may not be describing this correctly. Basically, the only way you could remove it would be to break it with cable cutters.

Those are pretty much what I've come up with. What do you think?

[problmchylde]

Well....you could put a drop of super glue into each end of the pin holes.this should secure it quite properly.When you sell, it can always be removed by applying a solvent.

But for me, I wouldn't do anything.The spring bars sit very snugly into the lug holes......so to me, it secure enough.

Just a shameless shot of my 5513......

[SPACE-DWELLER]

What about using a strap like this one instead?

Sorry, JJ!


(Original picture by Claus / "Remember2")

But seriously: It has the advantage that there is no tension on the pins. Besides that, having a velcro surface, you can adjust it to fit your wrist exactly and quickly re-adjust if your wrist swells in hot environment.

Claus / "Remember2" did give a link to the page where to get those straps from, but I couldn't find it (the link is in the bookmarks on my home PC). But you could PM him if you want the link. Otherwise I can add it later when I get home from work.

[Remember2]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

Claus / "Remember2" did give a link to the page where to get those straps from, but I couldn't find it (the link is in the bookmarks on my home PC). But you could PM him if you want the link. Otherwise I can add it later when I get home from work.

Here you go!
http://www.gasgasbones.com

I can add that these straps are absolutely great. Carl Evans makes them to each individual watch and wristsize. It's a perfect custom piece. You can also choose from a number of labels, most of them with relation to Nasa or Omega Speedmaster, but there is a few Rolex labels too (as you can see)...

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Thanks, Claus!

Cool straps, IMHO!

[YuppieKid]

Originally Posted by SPACE-DWELLER

What about using a strap like this one instead?

Sorry, JJ!


(Original picture by Claus / "Remember2")

But seriously: It has the advantage that there is no tension on the pins. Besides that, having a velcro surface, you can adjust it to fit your wrist exactly and quickly re-adjust if your wrist swells in hot environment.

Claus / "Remember2" did give a link to the page where to get those straps from, but I couldn't find it (the link is in the bookmarks on my home PC). But you could PM him if you want the link. Otherwise I can add it later when I get home from work.

on strap just to annoy ....

[YuppieKid]

Originally Posted by problmchylde

Well....you could put a drop of super glue into each end of the pin holes.this should secure it quite properly.When you sell, it can always be removed by applying a solvent.

But for me, I wouldn't do anything.The spring bars sit very snugly into the lug holes......so to me, it secure enough.

Just a shameless shot of my 5513......

Luv that Sub!! Awesome. I agree, my spring bars fit snugly as well, and I feel no compunction whatsoever to put in a drop of super glue or revert back to the bracelet because some folks insist that it is "the only way" to wear a Rolex.

Fooey!

[CPTL]

Thanks for the info on the straps. Still, I'm concerned about the spring bars. Too many stories about watches coming off in the water.

Any thoughts on how to secure the spring bars? Is it possible to get heavy duty spring bars?

[eb641]

Why do the Nato straps have all those metal mousetraps? Must one fold up the strap in a complicated way to make it secure? Why not just have a strap of a certain length that fits thru the spring bars with a keeper made of the same material as the strap..Instead we've got about ten bear traps on the Nato and even more giant rings on the Zulu!