Whats your take on Nato Straps for Rolex Watches

[TurgonJ]

I’ve been thinking about swapping out the bracelet on my Rolex with a NATO strap to give it a more laid-back, versatile look. I know some purists might argue that Rolexes belong on their original bracelets, but there’s something about a NATO strap that gives a watch a unique personality, especially on models like the Sub or Explorer.

What I love most about NATO straps is the range of colors and materials that can completely change up the look of your watch. They add a casual and sporty vibe, and they’re also super comfortable, especially in warmer weather. Plus, if you’re worried about scratching your bracelet during more active wear, a NATO is a perfect alternative.

Has anyone here tried a NATO on their Rolex? If so, what styles or colors would you recommend? Would love to hear if anyone has any favorites or tips on what pairs best!

[rmlovett1]

I think they’re good to change up the look. The bracelet Rolex puts on from the factory is always best IMO, but changing straps or bracelets every once in a while can be fun. For me personally though…probably only on a vintage submariner or Exp for a nato strap.

[inadeje]

The vintage subs don’t look bad on nato but I find modern iterations look tacky. Just my honest opinion.

Here’s my 5513 on a Nato

[1William]

I like NATO straps and in limited situations on Rolex watches but typically only five digit or older watches. Rolex makes the best bracelets in the game and with the Glide Lock clasp and Easy Link System they ensure a perfect fit every time. Many modern Rolex watches on a NATO will be top heavy in my experience and require you to wear the NATO strap tightly on your wrist or the watch will roll over. Why not pick up an older Tudor Black Bay in either the 41mm or the 39mm and go to town with the straps. My thoughts.

[padi56]

Not a fan of NATO straps on Rolex watches.

[jmgorman]

I wear a 16750 on a maratac nato as my evening and weekend watch.

[Harry-57]

Your watch, your choice. If you think it looks good then it looks good.

I don't get on with NATOs because on my wrist, for a good fit that doesn't have the watch head flopping about, the strap needs to be tight. I prefer a close fit but not tight. A rubber band suits me better because it grips without being done up too tight.

[Talon84]

I never understood the desire to take off, what is one of the best bracelets around so you can throw on a cheap piece of nylon.

But then i think the same thing about aftermarket rubber straps too.

[JRell]

Older ones I get. Newer ones it cheapens them.

[StanCho]

Why not... green/olive and black fit the new ones well.







And something different:

[Krash]

Originally Posted by padi56

Not a fan of NATO straps on Rolex watches.

I’m not a fan of NATO straps on any watch. I like the colors and the fabric. They’re appealing from that perspective, but I don’t like how the one piece NATO straps fit on a watch. They always look bulky to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[S’portEye]

Nato is just okay on a modern 6 digit sub. I much prefer the look of a sailcloth strap. I like changing things up periodically.

[PenDelicate]

Nothing wrong with a little bracelet-swapping funsies.

[Ravager135]

Just my opinion, but newer Rolex watches just don't look good on NATO straps. The newest models are just really divorced from their tool watch roots and tend to look "forced" when thrown on a NATO.

A NATO, like any other strap, looks best on a Rolex when the watch is so old the bracelet is no longer reliable. It's one of those things where if it looks good you will know it when you see it.

[spellmanski]

immediately no.

[GST15]

Originally Posted by padi56

not a fan of nato straps on rolex watches.

+1

[Copasetic]

Not for me

[Tocker]

I love nato straps, don’t get me wrong, but they just don’t look right on a Rolex in my limited opinion.

A RubberB on the other hand is different gravy.

[Giovannibravo]

I don't like the idea of a NATO on modern Rolex. The bracelet is so much of the design these days. I bought a Tudor purely for Fabric Strap. I have the camo and black fabric straps.

[opawlows]

Love the look of a nato on a 5-digit sports model. My 16600 pretty much lives exclusively on a nato.

Tried a nato and perlon on my 116610LV but just didn't have the same feel on the wrist. Found it much top heavier without its bracelet.

[996marty]

NATO straps look great on older watches

[rootbeer7]

Worn nato on various Subs, Sea Dwellers, GMT and even a vintage Day Date. Currently using admiralty grey Phoenix on this 1950s Tudor.

[nighthawk77]

I think the only model in the current line up which works is the Exp2

Older 5 digit ones work better in my opinion

[inadeje]

I just remembered that I had this 5 digit on a Nato for a while too

[rolexjackson]

Originally Posted by StanCho

Why not... green/olive and black fit the new ones well.







And something different:

This last one is FANTASTIC! Where can I get one like that???


Life is short buy the watch-

[0nly5iv3Digits]

Nato's and Rolex are made for each other... if Bond could pull one off on a 6538, that's all you need to know. US military, Royal Navy, Italian Navy and countless others' wore milsubs on nato straps.

Personally, I love them.

[mpkRolex]

Nato strap - my eyes like the look but my skin doesn’t like the feeling


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ArtNouveau]

I love straps on watches but have never warmed up to the look of NATOs. Rubber or some sort of canvas/sailcloth would look great on a Sub or Explorer.

[brandrea]

Imli,e tne look of them on 4 digits, not so much on 6 digits

[Old Geezer]

I like the look on older watches but personally don't care for the additional thickness imparted by adding a layer of fabric between the watch and my wrist or having to wear it tighter to maintain a heavy watch head centered.
For me, factory bracelet > rubber > nato. A nato is not a huge investment so trying one should be pretty easy. The availability of colors and materials is nearly endless.