NATO and thank you Rolex...

[Juantxo]

I have a really hard time understanding why would anyone want to wear a strap that has left over material all over the place, and which you must fold on the side of your wrist where it protrudes horribly. To add insult to injury, now there are leather NATO-style straps which are even bulkier than the regular nylon ones. I don't mean to offend anyone but I just can't find any virtue whatever to the NATO straps.

Thankfully, Rolex watches are all delivered with great bracelets which reduces the temptation to go NATO to a minimum. As a matter of fact, in the case of Patek Philippe, Blancpain and other watches which are worn with straps, I usually order custom Rousseau straps for a better fit.

All opinions or efforts to enlighten me are welcome, hateful or not.

[Rt0203]

Options, colors, personalizing your watch, comfort. Sometimes complacency sets in and you just want to try something different. I'm more a fan of bracelets also but do swap to NATO straps from time to time on my speedy and BBN.

[KBM]

Well, different strokes, I guess. Natos are a great alternative to change things up or if you want a purpose built strap to minimize certain risks. Oyster bracelets are fantastic, but it's always nice to have options.

[zdeckich]

I have a nato and zulu for my Seiko SKX. I wear it in the summer time because it doesn't make me sweat as much as the metal bracelet. Plus I like to have the option to change the looks of the watch. I love the bracelet on my Rolex 114300 and would never put a nato on it.

[m1911a1]

Agree....and from my perspective....

1) I love the heavy duty Stainless Steel Rolex Bracelets as a PERFECT companion to the Watch and sticking with it's original design.

2) I wear Rolex Watches because they are rugged and I get them wet many times per day. My Steel Bracelets are ALWAYS clean because I shower everyday with one on.
Leather & Nylon can get pretty gross.
(And no, I'm not going to wear rubber either)

[cda555]

I keep my planet ocean on a NATO for comfort. The bracelet that came with it, in conjunction with the large case, makes the watch heavy. Plus, the NATO is a little more secure, which I like for my daily wearer. If it's good enough for Bond, it's good enough for me

[watchwatcher]

I can identify...I'm more of a bracelet guy myself. But, to each his own.

[Sandblaster]

I have at least 50 straps between Nato, Leather Nato and Perlon. I also have half a dozen Rolex Sport Watches and I rotate al the time.

It's a look.

The extra material on a Nato? I dig it. Make sure there is enough material too, not some flimsy half you-know-whatted fold over. Perlon you adjust the buckle so that's not an issue.

The last time I put my watch on a Nato strap I was horseback riding on the beach.
The last time I had it on a leather nato strap I was in a casino (same vacation).
When I went to dinner I matched my havaianas with a neon orange perlon strap.
See what I did there?

I like to mix it up and for that vacation I brought one watch (polar white explorer 2 40mm) and a handful of straps.

Right now I have 4 watches on Everest (red, blue, black, green), 1 on Rubber b and one on Brushed Oyster.

When summer is over only 2 will remain on rubber. The LV sub and the RG daytona.

So... that's why?

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by Sandblaster

I have at least 50 straps between Nato, Leather Nato and Perlon. I also have half a dozen Rolex Sport Watches and I rotate al the time.

It's a look.

The extra material on a Nato? I dig it. Make sure there is enough material too, not some flimsy half you-know-whatted fold over. Perlon you adjust the buckle so that's not an issue.

The last time I put my watch on a Nato strap I was horseback riding on the beach.
The last time I had it on a leather nato strap I was in a casino (same vacation).
When I went to dinner I matched my havaianas with a neon orange perlon strap.
See what I did there?

I like to mix it up and for that vacation I brought one watch (polar white explorer 2 40mm) and a handful of straps.

Right now I have 4 watches on Everest (red, blue, black, green), 1 on Rubber b and one on Brushed Oyster.

When summer is over only 2 will remain on rubber. The LV sub and the RG daytona.

So... that's why?

[jdmi32]

It's not as if we throw away the bracelet when we change over to a NATO. Most of us do put the bracelet back on, eventually. I do it simply because I like the look and it feels more comfortable, especially during the hot summer months.

What I do find disturbing is the lack of pictures on this thread.

[clock]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

It's not as if we throw away the bracelet when we change over to a NATO. Most of us do put the bracelet back on, eventually. I do it simply because I like the look and it feels more comfortable, especially during the hot summer months.

What I do find disturbing is the lack of pictures on this thread.

Nice shoes (Panerai enthusiasts name for straps).

[openwheelracing]

Nato straps are great! Especially with a vintage Sub. It is extremely comfortable and secure. There is a thread in open forums where a Rolex owner lost his timepiece. If only he put it on a Nato...

I used to hate the look, never understood. Until I tried one. I still hate the bulky "fold back" so I simply trim the excess so it does not fold back.

[Dan Pierce]

Different strokes, pal. Simple as that. No reason to over think it.
dP

[rmlovett1]

I switch up my explorer with different straps. Just to change the look sometimes, leather always a nice option, different colors, etc....as for extra material...I cut it off. I don't like the folded over, extra strap look.

[rmlovett1]

[rmlovett1]

[ronin_ph]

Immensely comfortable and utilitarian. Perfect go-to casual weekend watch(es).


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

It's not as if we throw away the bracelet when we change over to a NATO. Most of us do put the bracelet back on, eventually. I do it simply because I like the look and it feels more comfortable, especially during the hot summer months.

What I do find disturbing is the lack of pictures on this thread.

[leftnose]

I'm not a big fan of NATOs for the same reasons that they're bulky and look inelegant with all the extra folded over.

That said, I'm a big fan of 3-ring ZULUs and Perlon and have more of my watches on one form of these or another than any other style/material of strap/bracelet. Very comfortable, light, breathable, easy to change, and cheap to replace.

Here's today's watch.



In the 80 and 90 degree weather that's common here in summer, the breathability and adjustability for wrist swelling is key.

[Gerry62]

NATO Milit Sub

[superstarmar]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I can identify...I'm more of a bracelet guy myself. But, to each his own.

Agreed ... Unless it's a leather strap with
Deployment buckle and it actually looks nice and
matches / fits the watch / case ....

[sutats]

Just in case you ever feel like it, you can always order Rolex's own Admiralty NATO strap.

[Golden Ellipse]

Originally Posted by jdmi32

it's not as if we throw away the bracelet when we change over to a nato. Most of us do put the bracelet back on, eventually. I do it simply because i like the look and it feels more comfortable, especially during the hot summer months.

What i do find disturbing is the lack of pictures on this thread.

beautiful 1680

[Ravager135]

I think a lot of people tend to over utilize NATO straps. Let's be perfectly honest, if Bond didn't use one I think we would see a lot less of them on people's wrists. That's not to say that they don't look good in some combinations. I think they shine on simple watches preferably somewhat vintage. Just my two cents.

[Tique DDS]

Natos are made for moments like this:




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[ref1655]

Originally Posted by sutats

Just in case you ever feel like it, you can always order Rolex's own Admiralty NATO strap.

if you've ever seen one...those things are uglier than sin & way overpriced. the various/countless aftermarket offerings far exceed them in terms of visual aesthetics & overall pricing.

[Charlie_pace]

I love the way NATO straps look in pictures
I love the way NATO straps look on people
I hate wearing NATO straps

I just think Rolex bracelets are more comfortable/cool then any strap (NATO or not) I've ever worn.

[wisguy]

NATOs are acquired taste.

I used to wear a Speedmaster on them exclusively, so comfortable and light. And you can completely change the look of a watch in all of 15 seconds.

[Benjo74]

Just a cool casual different option. Nothing more - i like to mix it up with them now and again. Especially on vacation, as someone else covered earlier.


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[joe100]

I was getting worried because we hadn't had this discussion this week. I can sleep easily tonight