Question for the NATO lovers...

[cdweller]

I've got a question for all you NATO strap lovers and members of the "nylon nation." I know a guy who has a sub who recently put it on a NATO. Unfortunately, this greatly upset his wife, who earnestly protested that a $6k watch has no place on a $15 nylon band. What are your reasons for using a NATO on your sub? Feel free to include some pics in your response... I personally love the NATO look/comfort/history!

[Passionata]

1.save the extremely pricey bracelet.
2.looks perfect imho.
3.having my wife s approval.

[karmatp]

I like Nato's and have owned many watches with fixed lugs, that is what Nato's are made for. Sometimes they are nice when I go camping, skiing or something like that, but just hanging around the city, I like the bracelet.

The coolest thing about Nato's or G10's is that it gives the watch that military look, which again is what Nato's were made for. That is what is cool to me, the history of the old milsubs and all the old military watches that had no other option other than a nato strap because they had fixed lugs.

[psv]

Comfort in humid climate or extra safety when boating.

[Jason71]

For me, it is simple. While diving, it would require two sprinbars to fail simultaneously to lose the watch. If wearing the bracelet while diving, a bracelet failure or if one springbar failed then the diver would likely lose the watch. It would probably not be noticed since my watch is secured on the outside of my wetsuit, and the loss would not be felt.

Also, it is easier to adjust the fit for securing on the outside of the wetsuit. I don't care for the diver's extension because the watch is too loose and flops around on the outside of a 3mm and a 5mm wetsuit.

[Grumpy Badger]

All of the above...

[Cabaiguan]

I like the ability to quickly swap out straps. They are more secure and very comfy. What's not to like? Besides, as was mentioned already, the G10 brings out the connection between Rolex and it's military heritage.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/3b97a4f8.jpg

[HL65]

All of the above as well and a great change of pace!!

[DrewWatson]

I use them simply because it's a quick way to change the complete look and feel of the watch. Besides, most leather straps look really out of place on Sub's...so your favorite flavor of nylon is one of the few options if you want to get away from the bracelet for a while.

It's just a nice change of pace...

Drew

[JJL]

For me, the Nato (I actually prefer the Zulu more but anyways) is perfect for so many reasons:

1. It dresses down the watch which is nice for certain occasions. For example, my "style" is sort of causal and sporty. Jeans, shorts, Hoodies, t-shirts, north face jackets, track jackets, sneakers. I can also wear it to the gym without the look of a stainless, shiny watch.

2. Safety - if one spring bar goes, it's still on your wrist and not on the pavement, bottom of the ocean or in a sewer drain. Plus it's never going to rip or anything like that.

3. Change - As mentioned in 1, it gives your watch a completely different look from the SS, allows for several different color options, and is also very quick and easy to change on the fly!

4. Cheap! They are so cheap it is almost fun to buy, with no regrets even if you don't like it.

5. Preserves your bracelet. With the Nato/Zulu, I don't mind desk diving. Also, I bought my watch with the arrival of my first child (son) and I plan to give him this watch if he wants it at a certain point in his life. It is going to be nice to keep the oyster bracelet in good shape for when I give it to him.

6. One size fits all, you could always swap watches with your friends for a day without having to re-size the bracelet!

7. It is VERY comfortable!!

8. You could always EASILY go back to the classic look of the oyster/jubilee bracelet if you need to or want to. It's not permanent by any means.

I think that is it off the top of my head :)

[terrenceterrence]

it just look so sweet and cool... what else of a better reason do u need?

just like a change of clothes or shoes

[Hammer]

All of the above, plus if your visiting an area where your watch might attract a bit of unwanted attention, a nato strap will help it fly under the radar.

[srgriff]

Originally Posted by Hammer

All of the above, plus if your visiting an area where your watch might attract a bit of unwanted attention, a nato strap will help it fly under the radar.

Ah, now thats a really good reason!

[mjclark32]

Agree with the above.

[speedo]

don't have a rolex on nato yet but use one for my omega speedmaster and love it. can't really wear leather so i tried velcro but nato is just the best.
comfortable, cheap, easily changeable however i am not considering swaping the bracelet on my subc.
here is a picture:

and btw, this is the velcro i used previously:

[CPTL]

My wife has no problem with the NATO option.

[usbzoso]

Holy $hit is that a pink NATO? Exp II looks great on her! Need to get that one for my gf.

Originally Posted by CPTL

My wife has no problem with the NATO option.

[CPTL]

Originally Posted by usbzoso

Holy $hit is that a pink NATO? Exp II looks great on her! Need to get that one for my gf.

Certainly helps the wife understand having multiple $5k watches when she gets to share in the fun. Got that one at gnomonwatches.com.

[srgriff]

Originally Posted by cdweller

I've got a question for all you NATO strap lovers and members of the "nylon nation." I know a guy who has a sub who recently put it on a NATO. Unfortunately, this greatly upset his wife, who earnestly protested that a $6k watch has no place on a $15 nylon band. What are your reasons for using a NATO on your sub? Feel free to include some pics in your response... I personally love the NATO look/comfort/history!

I purchased a $10 Nato strap and wore it for a couple of weeks. I liked it but not enough to leave my SS bracelet in the drawer.

[globalmedia33]

Feel extremely comfortable.

[JJL]

Originally Posted by globalmedia33

Feel extremely comfortable.

Is that a black Zulu, or charcoal gray?

[rolexertion]

Originally Posted by cdweller

I know a guy who has a sub who recently put it on a NATO. Unfortunately, this greatly upset his wife, who earnestly protested that a $6k watch has no place on a $15 nylon band.

Lol, it's really a $4K watch with a $2K bracelet.

[stockae92]

You can always get a $25 NATO .. i don't know if that's going to make a difference :-)

I think everybody pretty much covers all the reason to wear a Sub with NATO

Sometimes, I have a feeling that the Sub ND was designed specification to be worn with NATO (type) strap because it just works so well.

I also do it from time to time because Sub ND + NATO flies under the radar very well. There are times when I want to wear a Rolex without people noticing that I am wearing a Rolex