Help Needed with end links & tight NATO

[Watchflair]

So I think I am missing something here. I have a pair of end links for my Explorer II. I can't seem to get the strap to attach. Seems just too tight. I am also experiencing this with trying to put a NATO strap on a Seiko bullhead that I have(minus the end links). Am I missing something here? Any tricks or hints? I can't be the only one that has experienced this.....

[Watchflair]

[Starbucksboss]

Originally Posted by Watchflair

So I think I am missing something here. I have a pair of end links for my Explorer II. I can't seem to get the strap to attach. Seems just too tight. I am also experiencing this with trying to put a NATO strap on a Seiko bullhead that I have(minus the end links). Am I missing something here? Any tricks or hints? I can't be the only one that has experienced this.....

My hint would be...leave it on the bracelet its meant to be on and chuck the nato's

....I just don't care for them at all...good luck.

[Friar]

Not much of a NATO fan but that orange edged black leather strap will look great with the Exp II. How does it look without the after market end links?

[mtb]

You might want to file down the strap side slowly... It took me awhile last time :)

[Watchflair]

So you filed down the end link itself ?

[Dan Pierce]

Some straps are just too thick to fit with end links. You could try thinner spring bars, which might help with the bullhead as well. Typically leather natos are thicker than nylon.
dP

[Friar]

What is the make of the black/orange leather strap? Is it 21mm?

Thanks.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Some straps are just too thick to fit with end links. You could try thinner spring bars, which might help with the bullhead as well. Typically leather natos are thicker than nylon.
dP

Just seems really difficult. I'm going to order some more spring bars and will see if that helps. Thanks for the info though.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by Friar

What is the make of the black/orange leather strap? Is it 21mm?

Thanks.

It's 20mm. From eBay, not sure of the manufacturer but seems to be decent quality. Price was approx $35.

[77T]

The thing to remember is the clearance the strap maker expected you to have. Most people use a strap without custom end links.

If you get thinner spring bars, keep in mind you'll need the shouldered ones to use with lugs having no holes. And the prime cause of watch loss is spring bar failure - so get some high quality ones for that beauty.

[Dr. Robert]

IMHO....NATO straps should be made of woven nylon only.
As for the OP's ex2......check out the Di Modell rallye strap.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by 77T

The thing to remember is the clearance the strap maker expected you to have. Most people use a strap without custom end links.

If you get thinner spring bars, keep in mind you'll need the shouldered ones to use with lugs having no holes. And the prime cause of watch loss is spring bar failure - so get some high quality ones for that beauty.

My concern is exactly this, loss. I want something that will still make the watch secure. I see pictures of watches with the straps attached. I'm just not sure how to get it to work on my end. Seems to be just a really tight fit. See pics below of a bullhead from Instagram :

[Watchflair]