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Old 30 July 2012, 03:03 PM   #1
elam
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NATO strap replacement procedure

Hello everyone!

I just bought a new Submariner 116610. I've seen pictures of the Sub with NATO straps and it is growing on me. I'd like to give that a try.

I have 2 questions:

1) I found this video on how to remove the steel band:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIewnx5djEA
Any recommendation on the right tool to get or just use any pin pusher?

2) When I purchase NATO straps, should I go for 18mm or 20mm widths?

Thanks!
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Old 30 July 2012, 11:00 PM   #2
slcbbrown
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Most Rolex for guys are 20mm, and the Sub definitely is.
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Old 30 July 2012, 11:27 PM   #3
77T
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20 mm is the fitment.
18 mm is the Bond way.
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Old 30 July 2012, 11:53 PM   #4
77T
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Oh BTW paperclip works fine.

Edit: Oops , my bad. You got no lugholes
Springbar tool with FF (Fine Forks) is what you'll need.
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Old 31 July 2012, 12:08 AM   #5
mjclark32
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I have a bergeon tool for removing the bracelet, don't know the model number.
20mm strap and you'll be good to go!
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Old 31 July 2012, 12:23 AM   #6
SaddleSC
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Bergeon 6111
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Old 31 July 2012, 01:27 AM   #7
elam
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Thanks all for your advice!
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Old 11 August 2012, 08:22 AM   #8
4vCoupe
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Just put my NATO strap on my 16610. Not sure if I like it yet. What spring bars is everyone using? I bought some seiko fatbars but had a tough time routing the strap due to limited space between bar and case. I also have concerns about how good these spring bars are. Any input?
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Old 11 August 2012, 10:14 AM   #9
ecsub44
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Why wouldn't you use the springbars that were already on your Sub Date?

Strap looks great! Try tucking the tail inward towards the rest of the strap for a tidier look.
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Old 11 August 2012, 11:57 AM   #10
Shamus
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Finally got my Bond strap on

Using a Bergeon 6767 and 6111...one in each hand, pushing inward at the same time.

What do ya think?

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Old 11 August 2012, 12:51 PM   #11
cdweller
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Looks great! Very comfortable
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Old 11 August 2012, 12:57 PM   #12
herbalt
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Shamus View Post
Using a Bergeon 6767 and 6111...one in each hand, pushing inward at the same time.

What do ya think?

Attachment 304338
Shamus, where did you get that NATO strap? Looks awesome.
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Old 11 August 2012, 01:02 PM   #13
Mickey®
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4vCoupe View Post
Just put my NATO strap on my 16610. Not sure if I like it yet. What spring bars is everyone using? I bought some seiko fatbars but had a tough time routing the strap due to limited space between bar and case. I also have concerns about how good these spring bars are. Any input?
Attachment 304309
Attachment 304310
Wouldn't use those!!!!!!!

Even the original ones aren't perfect!!!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=248473
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Old 11 August 2012, 01:57 PM   #14
Ed Rooney
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I hate NATO and ZULU straps. The best nylon straps are the old fashioned mil straps without all of the rings and hardware. Imagine a web belt made of nylon. Now shrink it to fit your watch.
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Old 11 August 2012, 02:55 PM   #15
Shamus
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Quote:
Originally Posted by herbalt View Post
Shamus, where did you get that NATO strap? Looks awesome.
I tried to find where I got it from, but I couldn't. I know that there was a thread on here a while back where people were recommending places to buy them and I ran across an excellent website that had this Bond strap.

If I find it, I'll let you know.
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Old 11 August 2012, 02:56 PM   #16
Shamus
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Quote:
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I hate NATO and ZULU straps. The best nylon straps are the old fashioned mil straps without all of the rings and hardware. Imagine a web belt made of nylon. Now shrink it to fit your watch.
I'd be interested in those too. Anywhere you know of to buy those?
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Old 11 August 2012, 02:59 PM   #17
Shamus
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By the way, I'm loving using this strap instead of the bracelet for the weekend. My anxiety level is down since I don't have to worry about scuffing the bracelet every 5 seconds. And I got some good compliments on how it looked tonight with the strap.
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Old 11 August 2012, 11:07 PM   #18
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Let's keep talking straps!

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Old 12 August 2012, 01:31 AM   #19
4vCoupe
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Quote:
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Wouldn't use those!!!!!!!

Even the original ones aren't perfect!!!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=248473
I didn't use the original spring bars because I read a few times that they can pop off from the strap rubbing on the shoulder and disengaging it. I have no lug holes on my sub. Are the spring bars listed on the other thread Rolex spring bars for a watch with the lug holes?
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Old 12 August 2012, 04:15 AM   #20
Cabaiguan
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Quote:
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I'd be interested in those too. Anywhere you know of to buy those?
Look at broadarrow.net

The Maratac "Mil Series" are the ones that you are looking for. They have a nylon keeper and the only metal part is the buckle. They are awesome and VERY comfy.
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Old 12 August 2012, 07:57 AM   #21
Ed Rooney
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Look at broadarrow.net

The Maratac "Mil Series" are the ones that you are looking for. They have a nylon keeper and the only metal part is the buckle. They are awesome and VERY comfy.
Exactly. I have a bunch in all sizes or new arrival watches. They even have the Bond pattern now, which is really the correct strap.

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Old 12 August 2012, 07:59 AM   #22
Mickey®
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Quote:
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Exactly. I have a bunch in all sizes or new arrival watches. They even have the Bond pattern now, which is really the correct strap.

Attachment 304573
Attachment 304574
Attachment 304576
I don't like them too thick...that is why I can't use my Zulu's anymore...
These look thick?

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Old 12 August 2012, 08:17 AM   #23
Ed Rooney
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I don't like them too thick...that is why I can't use my Zulu's anymore...
These look thick?

No, they are thinner and very supple.
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Old 12 August 2012, 08:18 AM   #24
Mickey®
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No, they are thinner and very supple.
Oh definitely can't have supple the wife says....
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