NATO or steel ?

[Nsx_23]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

I think we often forget around here that Rolex themselves used to offer a rubber strap option in lieu of the bracelet. I believe they stopped in the late 90s.

Either way, I don't see changing a watch's bracelet/strap as being much different than deciding on a different set of tires. A bunch of guys much cooler than me have no problem with it.

Indeed. I think its fun to experiment with straps - its a great way to add a little colour and contrast as well as making a watch fun to wear for a long time.

I think the bund straps work really well with certain models, especially vintage pieces.

[Quicksilver]

The classic Oyster bracelet is elegant and masculine and matches Rolex sports watches down to a tee - particularly the classic Subs. But NATO straps look fantastic as well and certainly suit Rolex sport watches - they are easy to change and cheap to buy so you can give your watch a completely different appearance every day. Whats not to like:thumbs:

One of each is the best solution -

[Rebel]

Bracelet (Tudor Submariner, 75090, Black).

[1William]

On the metal for me.

[sutats]

From your pictures, I prefer the stainless steel bracelet. However for MilSubs/MNs it'll have to be NATO in preserving their essence.

[JimSnyder]

Both look great but I would choose the bracelet

[JimSnyder]

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by Ruud Van Driver

I'm biased because I do not like NATO straps in any shape, colour or material. To each his own but for me it has to be OEM bracelet or strap.

However, I have seen some Rolex divers look pretty cool on a RubberB

Totally agree. One only needs to look at the OP picture of the watch on the NATO strap to notice how absurd it looks, and how uncomfortable it must be. The leather NATO strap in particular looks like having your pants' belt wrapped around your wrist.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by Juantxo

Totally agree. One only needs to look at the OP picture of the watch on the NATO strap to notice how absurd it looks, and how uncomfortable it must be. The leather NATO strap in particular looks like having your pants' belt wrapped around your wrist.

Well I would'nt describe it as "absurd" but I don't like a leather NATO. The problem with leather NATO's is the thickness which causes the material to bunch up in that way. But with a good nylon strap the material is thin and tucks away quite unobtrusively. I still prefer the steel Oyster but a good NATO strap makes a very nice change.

[osamu]

I love NATOs, but not particularly a fan of the one posted by the OP. Not sure why, never like too many leather NATOs, and the color doesn't seem vintage enough to match the watch.

I wear most of my daily watches on NATO and my 16570 on Rubber B so definitely not a sticker for the bracelet.

[kilyung]

Gold for me

[Guitarfan]

For non-ceramic watches it's NATOs for me. The old tin can bracelets don't go small enough for my skinny wrists, and I'm not removing a permanent link from a Rolex bracelet.

For ceramic models, with the improved bracelets, it's Oyster all the way.

[andrewr]

I quite like this "vintage" leather NATO on my Explorer 2:

[tifosi]

Steel. Then steel. Then after that probably steel.

[tkerrmd]

Steel for sure!

[OmegaJJH]

100% Steel for me.

2nd choice would be PM

[mjclark32]

I've got a ton of nato's, rubber, leather, but they don't usually last too long. Always find my way back to the oyster

[uansari1]

Both..depends on my mood and what I'm planning to do. When I go rafting with my Rolex, it goes on a NATO.

[Scout77]

Awesome responses people . Thank you . It really is down to whatever rocks your boat I guess . I like the NATO for every day at work , no one notices the watch on the NATO strap really . I like to put the steel bracelet on if I'm doing something important or going somewhere nice . Mix it up , and enjoy it how you enjoy it . However you wear it it's still a Rolex :)


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[Splash]

The only thing the watch "belongs on" is what you prefer!

[Nsx_23]

Indeed....no right or wrong. Its just a watch at the end of the day.

[vman]

Originally Posted by padi56

what the was was designed for the oyster bracelet.

+1

[illusionest]

Submariner, Sea Dweller, Deep Sea = all belong on oyster bracelet, its just perfection.

HOWEVER.... I think the older subs are really unique on NATOs. But new ones, gotta be oyster bracelet, nothing like it. (heck, nobody makes alloys like Rolex.)

Edit: i do have a rubber-B on my Explorer 2, but Rolex divers, gotta be bracelet.

[Nsx_23]

Here's my sub on its usual everest. I quiet like this combo since the sub is my "active" watch.

The older dive watches have a certain charm on leather straps though, especially distressed leather.

[Scapegoat]

How about PCLs? Hahahah

[ajas]

Nato


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[airchitect]

Bunch of boring people......I'd put it on whatever I felt like at the moment. They are right, the oyster bracelet is o e of the most perfect bracelets that exist, but if you wanna strap it to yourself with a NATO, bailing twine, 16ga wire, or hemp, then who are we to tell you not to. And btw, a Rolex sport watch looks damn fine on a NATO.

[Scout77]

Originally Posted by airchitect

Bunch of boring people......I'd put it on whatever I felt like at the moment. They are right, the oyster bracelet is o e of the most perfect bracelets that exist, but if you wanna strap it to yourself with a NATO, bailing twine, 16ga wire, or hemp, then who are we to tell you not to. And btw, a Rolex sport watch looks damn fine on a NATO.

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[Limey-]

Nato all the way.

[Ragna]

Originally Posted by Jason71

[...]I guess this one is on a NATO all the time since it has welded bars [...]

wow