14060M spring bar gap

[Hansch99]

I love my 14060M and think it's one of the last in the line of the great Rolex tool watches. One of the things that really drew me to it was the lug holes and the ease with which I could switch out the bracelet for a NATO (which I have done on many occasions).

However, there's a bit of a problem..........

If I use the OEM springbar with my NATOs, even standard-thickness NATOs rub pretty hard betweem the springbar and the case. I really have to give them a tug to get them through, whereas with other watches NATO bands would effortlessly slide on. If I do it too quickly, I sometimes fray the NATO a bit.

Is there a reason for this design? It seems like the watch, which most resembles the old Rolexes with fixed spring bars that were made to be on a NATO, would be a little more NATO friendly. Anyone else had the same experience? Are other Subs like this?