Stupid NATO strap questions.

[masterdinh]

Stupid questions but I am seriously considering a dssd with the intent to use a NATO strap.

1) Where do you buy them?
2) How hard is it to install?
3) What tools do you need and where do you buy the tools?

[dddrees]

I have bought a few from www.gnomonwatches.com and there are a number of other places as well.

Once you have the bracelet off it's a piece of cake putting them on and taking Nato straps off. In fact that is one of the great things of using Nato Straps. It's real easy to change them and get a number of different looks real easy because they don't cost very much either.

I personally have not needed a tool because the only watch I have used a Nato strap on so far has lug holes. You however will need to use something as a DSSD will not have lug holes. I will let others advise you on this.

[RC2]

If u have lug holes just pop the bracelet off and put the spring bars on and slide the nato on. Pretty easy.

[gmtm2]

it's a good alternative to oyster bracelet.

[Nalk7]

As others have stated above it's super simple to install, as for a tool I would highly recommend the bergeon 6767-F If I remember correctly I bought mine from here http://www.jewelerssupplies.com/product1122.html

[Danand]

I have read conflicting reports on whether or not NATOs are truly safer on watches with spring bars-any thoughts ?

[Nalk7]

Well the argument is that watches without lug holes have a higher chance of having the springbar pop out because of the design of the springbar itself. now from personal experience, I've been wearing my watches on NATO style straps for over three years and putting them though anything you can imagine and I've never had a problem. The spring bar issue is supposed to affect any type of strap, be that leather or whatever, but at least the NATO will "save" your watch by still holding on to the other springbar. The only way you can really lose your watch would be if the two springbars fail at the same time, and I don't really see that being possible

[globalmedia33]

I love it.

[Danand]

Anoher stupid question-do they come in different sizes for large and small wrists?

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by nalk7

well the argument is that watches without lug holes have a higher chance of having the springbar pop out because of the design of the springbar itself. Now from personal experience, i've been wearing my watches on nato style straps for over three years and putting them though anything you can imagine and i've never had a problem. The spring bar issue is supposed to affect any type of strap, be that leather or whatever, but at least the nato will "save" your watch by still holding on to the other springbar. The only way you can really lose your watch would be if the two springbars fail at the same time, and i don't really see that being possible

x2

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Danand

Anoher stupid question-do they come in different sizes for large and small wrists?

I haven't seen any place yet that sells them in different sizes. Besides you can place them on any hole whether you have a small or large wrist. Your wrist would have to be quite large not to have enough strap, if small you tuck the extra strap anyway.

[(DMB)]

If it is just too long or if you don't want the "tail" that requires tucking in the keepers, you can clamp it between two quarters and trim off the excess with a razor knife. The quarters will give you the symmetrical "curve" on the end. Then, use a heat gun or soldering iron to melt the edge (while still clamped between the quarters). I doubt you'd need to do this unless you have really small wrists.

[Bruno C]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCQQFsTMjpU

[Dr. Robert]

Doesn't the DSSD have a 21mm lug width??????
The NATO & ZULU type straps come in even widths....20 & 22mm.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Doesn't the DSSD have a 21mm lug width??????
The NATO & ZULU type straps come in even widths....20 & 22mm.

Looks like you right, good catch Dr Bob. I completely missed that. I guess he would have to wear 20mm which may not look all that good. I do believe there are a few on the forum who have put there DSSD on Natos though.

[SALTY]

Originally Posted by Nalk7

The spring bar issue is supposed to affect any type of strap, be that leather or whatever, but at least the NATO will "save" your watch by still holding on to the other springbar. The only way you can really lose your watch would be if the two springbars fail at the same time, and I don't really see that being possible

Exactly!

[drockadam]

NATO's a really cool looking! I've ordered one for my Invicta, a bond strap. Should look like this, once recieved.

[cbusjer]

Natos are definitely a fun and different look...

[Dr. Robert]

A 20mm NATO/ZULU would be o.k., a 1/2 mm gap, on either side....better than taking a chance on a 22mm one, maybe bunching up, maybe not so got for spring bar stress?