Are NATO straps really safe on non-drilled lugs?

[drdenn]

On one of my previous threads I was asking about putting NATO straps on my new sub C. one of the responses i got was that many previous posts have indicated that putting a NATO strap on non-drilled lug models is risky business, as strap can somehow catch on the teeth of the spring bars and cause them to come out. This would pretty much suck if it resulted in my tool watch making me the tool who lost it! Does anyone else have experience or additional thoughts on this matter?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by drdenn

On one of my previous threads I was asking about putting NATO straps on my new sub C. one of the responses i got was that many previous posts have indicated that putting a NATO strap on non-drilled lug models is risky business, as strap can somehow catch on the teeth of the spring bars and cause them to come out. This would pretty much suck if it resulted in my tool watch making me the tool who lost it! Does anyone else have experience or additional thoughts on this matter?

Like all watches whether they got lug holes or not, the spring-bars are the weakest link.Now NATO straps are designed foremost to be worn with watches that have solid welded non removable bars.While the Subc uses different spring bars they are slightly thicker than other Rolex models and have larger lug holes.No matter what strap,Nato, or bracelet those spring-bars are still the weakest link but still a very very reliable system with very little failure.

[dieseldragon]

and if one spring bar fails, you wont loose the watch, if its on a nato.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by padi56

Like all watches whether they got lug holes or not, the spring-bars are the weakest link.Now NATO straps are designed foremost to be worn with watches that have solid welded non removable bars.While the Subc uses different spring bars they are slightly thicker than other Rolex models and have larger lug holes.No matter what strap,Nato, or bracelet those spring-bars are still the weakest link but still a very very reliable system with very little failure.

I agree with Peter. ....I think.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by dieseldragon

and if one spring bar fails, you wont loose the watch, if its on a nato.

I agree with Ian.

[TurboWatch]

Originally Posted by padi56

Like all watches whether they got lug holes or not, the spring-bars are the weakest link.Now NATO straps are designed foremost to be worn with watches that have solid welded non removable bars.While the Subc uses different spring bars they are slightly thicker than other Rolex models and have larger lug holes.No matter what strap,Nato, or bracelet those spring-bars are still the weakest link but still a very very reliable system with very little failure.

++

I have found that the nato/zulu leaves the spring bars exposed and unsupported on my M serial SD. One of the bar has failed on several occasions when the strap was a little too tight . I suspect that the strap pushes the middle of the bar and bends it.

I now use the tubes like that of Panerai when I wear nato, and have not had any problems.

[swatty]

I agree with Eddie

[Grumpy Badger]

Originally Posted by Killer B

If NATO where the safest option then why does Rolex not offer them? And honestly, how many reported instances of spring bar failure have there been on this site? It is just a crafted reason people use so they can look like the worlds great spy.

The truth is a steel band can not fray and will last a lifetime is properly cared for.

Remember a NATO band is the easiest way to make an expensive watch look cheap.

Rolex DO offer them. They are called Admiralty Straps and they are dark grey. They are the same as were issued to the British military for use on MilSubs.

I'd say the reason they are not often seen is that the vast majority of Rolex owners don't want to use it as a tool watch and actually don't view it as a tool watch. They see a Rolex as a high end luxury.

I HAVE had a spring bar fail (ok under extreme circumstances, I was kicked by a horse and it broke my arm!) but it was lucky I kept my wits about me since my watch was on a bracelet at the time and did fall off.

A NATO may fray but that wear is clearly visible before failure occurs. Any wear to the pins of a steel bracelet wont show until it fails.

Don't get me wrong, I love the oyster bracelet but there are reasons for wearing a NATO...

[Passionata]

nato is great and looks fine, however i wouldn t recommend with shouldered springbars which are on watches w/o lugholes.

[SALTY]

+1 on the fact that even if a s[ring bar failes - the other will keep you from losing the watch.

Does anyone know an on-line source for Rolex Submariner spring bars?

[Andad]

nato is great and looks fine, however i wouldn t recommend with shouldered springbars which are on watches w/o lugholes. __________________

Why not George?

[xjeeunitx]

I've never had issues on any of my Rolex or Omega watches whether the case had holes or not.

And that is with OEM spring bars.

[padi56]

Myself would not recommend any watch with spring-bars to be worn with a Nato. The simple fact Nato straps were designed for military type watches with fixed bars but any spring-bar failure is very rare with any strap/Nato/bracelet etc.Most Nato watch straps today are based on the ones issued by by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD).One of the main reasons it got its NATO name is because the strap had originally a NSN or NATO Stock number.And then the actual military spec strap came in only one colour and that was Admiralty Grey the buckles were then just plated brass now most are S.steel.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by dieseldragon

and if one spring bar fails, you wont loose the watch, if its on a nato.

Absolutely, and how often does one fail?

The nato strap is just another option is all. For me I have only worn them so far with my Red Sub. I save wear and tear on the original bracelet and I think its a great combo with this watch. They are real easy to switch out and I get a slightly different look with all the various straps that I have.

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by directioneng

nato is great and looks fine, however i wouldn t recommend with shouldered springbars which are on watches w/o lugholes. __________________

Why not George?

The strap can grab the shoulder and pull out the SB .

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Killer B

If NATO where the safest option then why does Rolex not offer them? And honestly, how many reported instances of spring bar failure have there been on this site? It is just a crafted reason people use so they can look like the worlds great spy.

The truth is a steel band can not fray and will last a lifetime is properly cared for.

Remember a NATO band is the easiest way to make an expensive watch look cheap.

Being new here, it is not too smart to come on this website and talk about things in which you have not researched the information. There have been plenty of reported springbar failures on this forum, but like the Grumpy Badger says, most people treat their Rolex as a luxury item and not the tool watch for which it was designed.

There are several of us that use a NATO for the pure utilitarian aspect. Facts are that a watch bracelet fits poorly over a 5mm wetsuit, and a decent NATO is safer, and a better fit.

[Hansch99]

In terms of security, fixed spring bars are more secure for using a NATO than drilled lugs, which are more secure than non-drilled lugs. But I think it goes way too far to say that a NATO on non-drilled lugs is unsafe.

[ExpII]

Originally Posted by Nimrod

+1 on the fact that even if a s[ring bar failes - the other will keep you from losing the watch.

Does anyone know an on-line source for Rolex Submariner spring bars?

I'm not sure about online, but you can buy them from most ADs though they may require you to buy the bag of five (I had to). It's worth the $30 bucks.

I don't know how they mix and match but have two extra if you wanted to buy them. They were purchased for a 14060 Submariner.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Killer B

And it is not to smart to assume a persons knowledge on a certain topic. I’m well aware of your bias towards nato bands, we see them attached to your Seadweller many times in your photo reviews.

Perhaps you would be kind enough to find a couple of spring bar failure topics and we can divide those by the total number of post within this forum (presently 63,708). Again my point stands that spring bar failure is very very very minute occurrence.

FYI I have been here a considerable amount of time despite what my “Join date” indicates. My favourite post of yours was when you took your daughter on her first dive despite her not yet understating or being able to control her underwater breathing … bravo!

Bet you're the life of every party. Now we know what the B stands for.

I've had a springbar failure, not that it matters. I've also lost a watch w/ a metal bracelet that's now at the bottom of Lake Cumberland.
dP

[SaddleSC]

Originally Posted by Killer B

FYI I have been here a considerable amount of time despite what my “Join date” indicates. My favourite post of yours was when you took your daughter on her first dive despite her not yet understating or being able to control her underwater breathing … bravo!

Regardless of your opinions about spring bars, on TRF we do not personally attack other members of the forum because they have a different viewpoint.

I think your post was very disrespectful, and my guess is that your stay on TRF may be fairly short.

[ExpII]

Breath easy folks, no one needs to be salty. Come on, it's Saturday ::

[ecsub44]

I had my NATO pull a spring bar off my 14060 (with lug holes). Fortunately, due to the design of the NATO, I didn't lose my watch. I would guess that you have a slightly higher chance of that happening with the SubC. But again, unless both spring bars fail at the same time, you'll be in good shape!

[Dr. Robert]

I have never had NATO/spring bar failure in the field.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Originally Posted by TurboWatch

++

I have found that the nato/zulu leaves the spring bars exposed and unsupported on my M serial SD. One of the bar has failed on several occasions when the strap was a little too tight . I suspect that the strap pushes the middle of the bar and bends it.

I now use the tubes like that of Panerai when I wear nato, and have not had any problems.

What do you mean by "the tubes"?

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by Killer B

And it is not to smart to assume a persons knowledge on a certain topic. I’m well aware of your bias towards nato bands, we see them attached to your Seadweller many times in your photo reviews.

Perhaps you would be kind enough to find a couple of spring bar failure topics and we can divide those by the total number of post within this forum (presently 63,708). Again my point stands that spring bar failure is very very very minute occurrence.

FYI I have been here a considerable amount of time despite what my “Join date” indicates. My favourite post of yours was when you took your daughter on her first dive despite her not yet understating or being able to control her underwater breathing … bravo!

You know nothing of my daughter and her abilities. It would do you well to not disrespect me or my daughter by speaking of something you know nothing about.

[ExpII]

Originally Posted by mrbill2mrbill2

What do you mean by "the tubes"?

That's a neat idea - get one end of each lug threaded and you can screw in a bar (that joke writes itself). Not sure how you'd ever go back to the bracelet without an insert though.

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by ExpII

That's a neat idea - get one end of each lug threaded and you can screw in a bar (that joke writes itself). Not sure how you'd ever go back to the bracelet without an insert though.

Or just loctite the whole stuff on yr wrist;-)

[wyattearp]

Originally Posted by ExpII

Breath easy folks, no one needs to be salty. Come on, it's Saturday ::

+1


I personally have never had a spring bar failure and I wore my omega 2254 on one constantly (non drilled) and never had a problem. My 16760 generally sits on one as well and I do feel safer with the drilled holes, but this wasn't only until recently when a non-wis buddy of mine experienced several failures in a week on his steinhart ocean1 (may not be a rolex but perfectly formidable and well made). As everyone has said, if one goes you'll still have it attached to you. If you're REALLY concerned about losing sb's just order a bunch of extras and maybe bring some with you if you're planning on wearing a nato.

[dethswatch]

Originally Posted by dieseldragon

and if one spring bar fails, you wont loose the watch, if its on a nato.

I must misunderstand- loop through both spring bars (as I understand it- it not, edumacate me)- this would imply that both springbars have to get pulled out before the case falls off the strap.

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by dethswatch

I must misunderstand- loop through both spring bars (as I understand it- it not, edumacate me)- this would imply that both springbars have to get pulled out before the case falls off the strap.

That's exactly what you quoted. If only one spring bar fails you WON'T lose your watch. BOTH would have to fail. So you're both right!