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aleiberman · 20 January 2012, 02:04 PM

Am I the only one who cuts the "keeper strap" off NATO's. I find it less bulky and more comfortable, that is why I do it. I know it's technically not as secure though.

Dan Pierce · 20 January 2012, 02:11 PM

It should be just as secure with or without the keeper strap, you still have 2 spring bars holding the watch. I have and wear both styles but haven't removed a keeper strap.
Whichever works.

dP

ecsub44 · 20 January 2012, 02:12 PM

Never done it. Never thought about it.

I suppose if I didn't want the keeper, I'd buy a plain Maratac-type nylon strap. The reason I buy the "NATO" is because I like the look/fee/security of the keeper.

STEELINOX · 20 January 2012, 02:36 PM

I've done it once, and prolly wont ever do it again...

Grumpy Badger · 20 January 2012, 07:18 PM

With keeper - NATO G10

Sans keeper - RAF Pattern

I just buy the style I want rather than cutting one up. Do you not find the cut edge rubs if you sweat or get dirt under it? I always find cut edges on nylon either fray terribly or, if you heat seal them, chaff like hell.

wokafu · 20 January 2012, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecsub44

Never done it. Never thought about it.

I suppose if I didn't want the keeper, I'd buy a plain Maratac-type nylon strap. The reason I buy the "NATO" is because I like the look/fee/security of the keeper.

Andad · 20 January 2012, 09:07 PM

Absolutely,

I chop off the keeper strap, sometimes the extra strap retainer, shorten the strap to size with scissors and seal the ends with a flame.

Way to go.

bigwatchman · 20 January 2012, 10:19 PM

Looks good to me. Almost did it last night to one.

Onikage · 20 January 2012, 10:49 PM

Look extremely comfortable and more "breathable" to me. Awsome.

Onikage · 20 January 2012, 10:49 PM

Look extremely comfortable and more "breathable" to me. Awsome.

Onikage · 20 January 2012, 10:50 PM

Look extremely comfortable and more "breathable" to me. Awsome.
*Double post, sorry.

P2725TMB · 20 January 2012, 10:56 PM

I recently bought two NATO straps for my DSSD, one a single thicknes and the other double. Whilst I quite like the double thickness, I don't like the "James Bond" which is single (to reduce thickness of material under watch case) as the watch "wobbles" on my wrist - I think the DSSD case is simply too heavy for it.

This strap is the G10 RAF Pattern on the Time Factors website (http://www.timefactors.com/nato.htm) in 22mm width and if anyone in the UK would like this strap free, gratis and for nothing PM me with your address and I will post it to you. Its not been worn, just tried on! I think it will only work on a lighter watch like a Sub though, not Deep Sea.

masterserg · 20 January 2012, 11:24 PM

I cut it so I can move the watch and center the buckle on my wrist ... I tried the one piece zulu w/out the retainer but it is too thick to the point where I have to remove one end of the springbar to slide it and then force it back in.

I don't see how the retainer makes it any more or less secure.

dieseldragon · 20 January 2012, 11:46 PM

I cut it off a Maratac nato as it was quite thick, I actually find the cheaper, lower quality straps to be more comfortable as the material is thinner and more compliant, although they do start looking a bit scruffy after a couple of months, wheras the Maratac still looks great 6 months in.

aleiberman · 20 January 2012, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldragon

I cut it off a Maratac nato as it was quite thick, I actually find the cheaper, lower quality straps to be more comfortable as the material is thinner and more compliant, although they do start looking a bit scruffy after a couple of months, wheras the Maratac still looks great 6 months in.

I think Maratac has one of the best quality. The ones at Gnomonwatches.com you may like also. They seem to be very soft material compared to Maratac.

masterserg · 20 January 2012, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieseldragon

I cut it off a Maratac nato as it was quite thick, I actually find the cheaper, lower quality straps to be more comfortable as the material is thinner and more compliant, although they do start looking a bit scruffy after a couple of months, wheras the Maratac still looks great 6 months in.

Question: Do you mean the Maratac NATO or the ZULU? I have both and the NATO is pretty thin while the ZULU is too thick ... I wish there was something in between ...

aleiberman · 21 January 2012, 12:08 AM

I meant NATO. But the ZULU's from gnomonwatches.com will be more in between. They are also very soft and durable. Completly different feel compared to Maratac.

azguy · 21 January 2012, 12:09 AM

Good idea guys

Lion · 21 January 2012, 12:15 AM

you guys have me ready to change off the steel bracelet on my GMT.....

aleiberman · 21 January 2012, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lion

you guys have me ready to change off the steel bracelet on my GMT.....

The best thing about NATO's is you can wear them however you want.

However, on a GMT I prefer the bracelet all day long.

20 January 2012, 02:04 PM	#1
aleiberman "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Aaron Location: MA Watch: Rolex Posts: 501	Who else cannibalizes their NATO's? Am I the only one who cuts the "keeper strap" off NATO's. I find it less bulky and more comfortable, that is why I do it. I know it's technically not as secure though.

20 January 2012, 02:11 PM	#2
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,216	It should be just as secure with or without the keeper strap, you still have 2 spring bars holding the watch. I have and wear both styles but haven't removed a keeper strap. Whichever works. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

20 January 2012, 02:12 PM	#3
ecsub44 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: US Watch: Sub Posts: 3,175	Never done it. Never thought about it. I suppose if I didn't want the keeper, I'd buy a plain Maratac-type nylon strap. The reason I buy the "NATO" is because I like the look/fee/security of the keeper. __________________ *侘寂 -- wabi-sabi --* acceptance of transience and imperfection by finding beauty in that which is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete Commissioner of WEIRD POLICE , Badge # ecsub44

20 January 2012, 02:36 PM	#4
STEELINOX 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Real Name: Sink-O! Location: a praire in AZ Watch: ROLEX-less atm... Posts: 14,021	I've done it once, and prolly wont ever do it again... __________________ *Positive Waves Baby* Lug Hole Loyalist / Chamfer Line Inspector INFORTHE WIN SUB-MAH-REEEN-ER ~ !

20 January 2012, 07:18 PM	#5
Grumpy Badger "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Mark Location: Bonny Scotland Watch: 14060M Sub (cosc) Posts: 5,280	With keeper - NATO G10 Sans keeper - RAF Pattern I just buy the style I want rather than cutting one up. Do you not find the cut edge rubs if you sweat or get dirt under it? I always find cut edges on nylon either fray terribly or, if you heat seal them, chaff like hell. __________________ Don't mind me. I'm full of scotch, bitterness and impure thoughts! "You have enemies? Good! That means you stood up for something, sometime in your life." Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill KG, OM, CH, TD, PC, DL, FRS.

20 January 2012, 09:07 PM	#7
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,533	Absolutely, I chop off the keeper strap, sometimes the extra strap retainer, shorten the strap to size with scissors and seal the ends with a flame. Way to go. Attached Images __________________ E

20 January 2012, 10:19 PM	#8
bigwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: Scott Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,307	Looks good to me. Almost did it last night to one.

20 January 2012, 10:49 PM	#9
Onikage "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: England Watch: 16710, 16628 Posts: 7,757	Look extremely comfortable and more "breathable" to me. Awsome. __________________ GMT II 16710 TRADITIONAL ( D- Serial #) ROLEXFANBOY P-Club Member #4

20 January 2012, 10:50 PM	#11
Onikage "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: England Watch: 16710, 16628 Posts: 7,757	Look extremely comfortable and more "breathable" to me. Awsome. *Double post, sorry. __________________ GMT II 16710 TRADITIONAL ( D- Serial #) ROLEXFANBOY P-Club Member #4

20 January 2012, 10:56 PM	#12
P2725TMB 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: UK Watch: AP, Rolex, Omega Posts: 1,369	I recently bought two NATO straps for my DSSD, one a single thicknes and the other double. Whilst I quite like the double thickness, I don't like the "James Bond" which is single (to reduce thickness of material under watch case) as the watch "wobbles" on my wrist - I think the DSSD case is simply too heavy for it. This strap is the G10 RAF Pattern on the Time Factors website (http://www.timefactors.com/nato.htm) in 22mm width and if anyone in the UK would like this strap free, gratis and for nothing PM me with your address and I will post it to you. Its not been worn, just tried on! I think it will only work on a lighter watch like a Sub though, not Deep Sea.

20 January 2012, 11:24 PM	#13
masterserg "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Real Name: Serg Location: US of A Watch: AP Posts: 7,437	I cut it so I can move the watch and center the buckle on my wrist ... I tried the one piece zulu w/out the retainer but it is too thick to the point where I have to remove one end of the springbar to slide it and then force it back in. I don't see how the retainer makes it any more or less secure. __________________ How can you have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat????

20 January 2012, 11:46 PM	#14
dieseldragon "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Ian Location: Spain Watch: Ω & ♛ Posts: 1,321	I cut it off a Maratac nato as it was quite thick, I actually find the cheaper, lower quality straps to be more comfortable as the material is thinner and more compliant, although they do start looking a bit scruffy after a couple of months, wheras the Maratac still looks great 6 months in. __________________ Rolex GMT, Zenith Chronomaster Sport, Zenith Pilot type 20 40mm, IWC mkXVI, Tudor BB58, Glashütte Original SeaQ 39. 5

21 January 2012, 12:08 AM	#17
aleiberman "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Aaron Location: MA Watch: Rolex Posts: 501	I meant NATO. But the ZULU's from gnomonwatches.com will be more in between. They are also very soft and durable. Completly different feel compared to Maratac.

21 January 2012, 12:09 AM	#18
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	Good idea guys

21 January 2012, 12:15 AM	#19
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	you guys have me ready to change off the steel bracelet on my GMT..... __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

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