You probably all know about this, but, for some who don't, I just came across a somewhat modified way to wear NATO straps that leads to a neater fit. Basically one just puts one's wrists inside the loop that is normally just under the watch - but here is a u-tube video that explains the approach :-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbKiWPF2ccs
That's great! Thanks for posting!
Well it beats converting them to RAF pattern by cutting off the bit underneath in my opinion.
Ive just tried it and it works!
Feels very comfy.
Thanks for the link!
Ye tried both ways before - still liked the original aesthetic more tho tbh.
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It's a very useful way of fitting a Nato if you're trying a different colour or pattern and might want to sell if not happy, without removing the "extra" piece. However for a strap that's being kept I usually remove this piece. I have a deluxe type in the post and it'll be interesting to see how this works with a thicker strap, and also if the extra piece can be successfully removed (if need be) without affecting the woven strip along the edges.
F.T.F.A.
As someone noted above, you get a different aesthetic with the two ways of wearing a NATO so if you cut off the 'extra' piece you lose an option.Originally Posted by magirus
I like that idea. I still prefer the original way of wearing it though.
Did anyone else notice he had arms like. 7yr old child?
Oh, man, to be seven again!!
With 7.25” wrists lol
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Nothing to do with aesthetics for me, it's comfort and fit. The RAF style obviously sits the watch lower and avoids the sometimes cumbersome bulge where the strap is tucked back under, and you can position the buckle where you wish. Regardless of this subjective matter, any style keeps the main purpose ie. being able be fitted to fixed bars. Also with springbars, should one fail the watch head is still attached, you just have to hope you notice in time before the added strain pops the other one off! Of course every time you take scissors to a Nato, after a little work you get the free matching keyring fob as supplied . . .
Interesting variation.
Although I have to say that anyone with large mits and sizeable wrists will find it a bit of a faff.
OK for our smaller Mukkers, or our 710's
The real answer of course is to fit a Eulit Perlon
Stupidest thing I've ever seen. The whole point of that extra loop is to stop the watch sliding off the strap when lifted up by the buckle end. By doing this it totally defeats it's purpose. If you don't like it and think the watch rides too high then simply cut it off.
I can't say that I have ever lifted a watch by the strap buckle, but if I ever do I shall remember your point!
He does have it wrong, the back flap is to stop the watch sliding off the end of the strap, not to prevent the watch leaving in the event of springbar failure.
However, I convert mine to RAF style, and have never had a watch slide off the strap. Even with skinny perlons.
I quite like his technique, it saves cutting it.
Thanks
Dave
A bit strong.
Nothing to lose in giving it a go.
"Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."
'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.
...or, pull the strap out from the bottom lug, and then pass the strap end through the bottom keeper and back through the bottom lug. Still stops the watch sliding off, but hides the keeper.
Edit- if worried about out scratching your case back, put a strip of tape (clear or black) over the bottom keeper.
Like this:
Last edited by bobbee; 20th April 2018 at 09:54. Reason: Added pic.
Not sure that’s its purpose? I’ve got many a NATO fitted to various watches and the way they weave over the bar, under the case and over the other bar means they’d never slip down when holding them up. It actually takes quite a lot of force to remove my watches from a NATO when removing them so not sure what straps you’re using? Maybe a thin silk NATO on an Invicta
It is. The military issued various watches. They were of varying sizes and weights. In the 1980s i managed the wrangle the issue of a G10 watch which came with the NATO strap. These straps were not thick and were of one width, the watch though was light and when fitted did not slip. A friend though of years later who worked on the Ark Royal had been issued a Rolex, he had exactly the same strap issued and as the watch was heavier it did slip on the strap if this keeper was not in place.Not sure that’s its purpose? I’ve got many a NATO fitted to various watches and the way they weave over the bar, under the case and over the other bar means they’d never slip down when holding them up. It actually takes quite a lot of force to remove my watches from a NATO when removing them so not sure what straps you’re using? Maybe a thin silk NATO on an Invicta
I did not see a military watch on any other strap so i presume they had the one issue strap for all.
Today the straps you buy are so much better than what i had, i sadly no longer have the watch but still use the strap on a light Pulsar ana digital.
I like it! With the strap weight underneath rather than on the far side it feels a lot more balanced
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Yes - I've been trying it this morning and I agree that the watch sits more comfortably and in a more settled way. Possibly this depends on one's wrist shape. The folded over strap underneath one's wrist also seems to sit very neatly. All positives for anyone who wishes to try more dressy watches with NATOs [not something I do very often!].
Have to say this works well especially on my Seiko Turtle and a thicker Steveo NATO. Before there was a large fold-under on one side of my wrist but now it's under my wrist and a lot more comfortable
looks quite a good idea to me - although, it did look a bit faffy!
It is an interesting idea, I will have to try that. I tend to cut that strap off for the most part. The everest looks great on a nato either way. I am wearing it like this at the moment while I wait to get hold of a perlon for the summer. IMG_20180422_112540.jpgIMG_20180422_112516.jpg
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Just tried it, works well!
Cheers..
Jase
I really like this, definitely has a place for me
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looks good to me
Thanks for this. I'll definitely give it a try
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Wow - this does look good. I've always hated that turned over top bit - so yesterday ordered one of these Erika's Originals for my PRS-10. Shame I didn't come across this thread beforehand as I might have saved myself some money - oh well.
I think the traditional way of doubling back any excess NATO adds to the charm, look & characteristics of wearing a nato. If I wanted to lose this I'd rather trim it down or probably just buy a strap in a like for like material.
I'm put-off wearing natos day-to-day with my suit and shirt due to how they wear... I'll try this and see if it looks a bit slicker!
Try a Haveston, a slimmer fit with no bulky tuck under on the side due to the sliding keeper.
Works for me. I went off NATOS as I found that the balance was off, and the watch head dragged the strap around with it. This has eliminated that- trying a Monster, and works really well!
Method works for me. NATO fits well on SMPc.
I love the idea of a NATO strap. I’ve tried to wear one many times on many different watches - but it’s no use. In pictures they look incredibly cool, and people talk about comfort and how great they are. Then I try one on, fiddle doing them up, find they stretch when they get damp from even enthusiastic hand washing, and have an air of ‘millets nerd’ as opposed to ‘military cool’. And now every watch company fits them to their £50 quartz cheapie, they’ve jumped the shark imho!
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Much better than "millets nerd" IMHO
Do excuse the non-aligned bezel
Last edited by andy tims; 8th January 2019 at 15:25.
Andy
Wanted - Damasko DC57
I tried an Omega NATO at their Bond Street boutique but it won't wear like this - too fat. Fortunately there was an assistant on hand to tell me that I was doing it wrong. I told him I wasn't, it was a different way to wear a NATO. He told me again I was wrong so I beat a hasty retreat! I much prefer wearing NATOs this way round, shame it's not going to be an Omega one.
"A man of little significance"
Never dawned on me that you could do this. Just tried it and think it looks good.
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