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Keeperoftime · 16 February 2012, 11:25 PM

So, a buddy of mine asked me a question the other day. "Do NATO straps rub between the lugs and wear down the serial and model engraving? While, I know a NATO can rub the case-back a bit, I've never noticed them to rub between the lugs. The watch in question is a vintage 5513, the serial is already a bit worn, hence the concern.

Thanks in advance.

Dan Pierce · 16 February 2012, 11:25 PM

No worries.
dP

Michael M. · 16 February 2012, 11:26 PM

Ive worn my 5513 on a NATO & the band only rubs below the serial & the ref near the case back

dddrees · 16 February 2012, 11:37 PM

From looking at mine, I doesn't even appear as the Nato strap even touches that location.

buffy · 17 February 2012, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dddrees

from looking at mine, i doesn't even appear as the nato strap even touches that location.

+1

linesiders · 17 February 2012, 12:26 AM

Not even close ;)

Scary Hat · 17 February 2012, 05:35 PM

Nato straps are a good, functional, and utilitarian way to go.

I can't see it causing any harm to your watch in any way.

Tom

Andad · 17 February 2012, 05:38 PM

Didn't one of our Forum 'experts' once post that nothing softer than stainless could scratch stainless?

Keeperoftime · 18 February 2012, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

Didn't one of our Forum 'experts' once post that nothing softer than stainless could scratch stainless?

Maybe this is true in theory, but alot of old watches that were worn on leather bands have worn down serials.

swish77 · 18 February 2012, 01:00 AM

NATOs do indeed scratch cases over time, usually on the back because they wrap around and grit and dirt can get under there. If they can scratch the back, they can scratch the areas where the numbers are between the lugs, but only if they touch that area, of course, and I don't think they do. Still, keep in mind that not all NATOs are the same. The Zulus are super thick and do touch a little. I once had a NATO on my old 5513 for a couple of years before a realized that the width of the band was etched like a shadow onto the caseback. (I was able to remove the marks with a Scotchbrite pad.) My solution was to get the two-piece Zulu, which gives the NATO look but doesn't wrap around.

Jason71 · 18 February 2012, 02:07 PM

This is my Z-serial 14060m. It has exclusively lived on a NATO strap for the last 3 years. I use this watch for diving approximately 50-75 dives per year. A NATO will definitely Mar the caseback with very superficial marks that could easily be buffed-out with little effort. I don't mind the marks. I will probably never get the battle scars on this watch removed

As far as between the lugs on the Serial Number and model number........I haven't noticed any appreciable difference on the engraved numbers/letters. I don't think a NATO will rub your numbers at all, but that is JMHO.

RC2 · 19 February 2012, 09:53 AM

My springbars don't move with my Nato. The serial number is still there and I love my no date sub On a NATO

16 February 2012, 11:25 PM	#1
Keeperoftime "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Jeremy Location: Louisiana Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,732	NATO Strap Question. So, a buddy of mine asked me a question the other day. "Do NATO straps rub between the lugs and wear down the serial and model engraving? While, I know a NATO can rub the case-back a bit, I've never noticed them to rub between the lugs. The watch in question is a vintage 5513, the serial is already a bit worn, hence the concern. Thanks in advance. __________________ As a man is, so he sees. As the eye is formed, such are its powers. William Blake

16 February 2012, 11:25 PM	#2
Dan Pierce "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,346	No worries. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

16 February 2012, 11:37 PM	#4
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,258	From looking at mine, I doesn't even appear as the Nato strap even touches that location. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

17 February 2012, 12:26 AM	#6
linesiders 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: RedSox Nation Watch: U Talkn Bout Wilis Posts: 5,522	Not even close ;) __________________ I'm a sailor peg. And I've lost my leg. Climbing up the top sails. I've lost my leg!

17 February 2012, 05:38 PM	#8
Andad 2025 TitaniumYM Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,752	Didn't one of our Forum 'experts' once post that nothing softer than stainless could scratch stainless? __________________ E

16 February 2012, 11:26 PM	#3
Michael M. Banned Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 8,391	Ive worn my 5513 on a NATO & the band only rubs below the serial & the ref near the case back

17 February 2012, 05:35 PM	#7
Scary Hat "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 262	Nato straps are a good, functional, and utilitarian way to go. I can't see it causing any harm to your watch in any way. Tom

18 February 2012, 01:00 AM	#10
swish77 2025 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Aaron Location: CT/NYC Watch: ing the time! Posts: 7,089	NATOs do indeed scratch cases over time, usually on the back because they wrap around and grit and dirt can get under there. If they can scratch the back, they can scratch the areas where the numbers are between the lugs, but only if they touch that area, of course, and I don't think they do. Still, keep in mind that not all NATOs are the same. The Zulus are super thick and do touch a little. I once had a NATO on my old 5513 for a couple of years before a realized that the width of the band was etched like a shadow onto the caseback. (I was able to remove the marks with a Scotchbrite pad.) My solution was to get the two-piece Zulu, which gives the NATO look but doesn't wrap around.

18 February 2012, 02:07 PM	#11
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	This is my Z-serial 14060m. It has exclusively lived on a NATO strap for the last 3 years. I use this watch for diving approximately 50-75 dives per year. A NATO will definitely Mar the caseback with very superficial marks that could easily be buffed-out with little effort. I don't mind the marks. I will probably never get the battle scars on this watch removed As far as between the lugs on the Serial Number and model number........I haven't noticed any appreciable difference on the engraved numbers/letters. I don't think a NATO will rub your numbers at all, but that is JMHO. __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

19 February 2012, 09:53 AM	#12
RC2 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Rich Location: NC Watch: Rolex 1675 Posts: 2,359	My springbars don't move with my Nato. The serial number is still there and I love my no date sub On a NATO __________________ Rich Member of Nylon Nation Red Sox Nation Instagram watchguy97

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