Looking for some very study NATO straps for my watch. Going to be taking them through some very rough times so I don't particularly want to risk it with $1 straps off eBay/Aliexpress.
Best NATO Straps
frowny on 01/08/2016 - 18:39
Comments
Problem with leather or steel is that if a lug breaks the whole watch comes off your wrist. With a NATO, if a lug breaks it still hangs on.
Umm, no.
NATO straps do not have lugs.If you meant the Spring Bars, yes, they both use it.
If the Spring Bar breaks on either a steel or leather watch band, the watch comes off your wrist.
If it breaks on the NATO strap? The watch also comes off your wrist.
I'm typing this with a Casio watch on my wrist and a NATO strap.In fact, you could argue that since the Spring Bar is more exposed on a NATO strap… it is more prone to breaking. When compared to a watch band like a steel or leather one.
I'm saying, that shouldn't be your reasoning to choosing an expensive NATO strap.
Or rather, go with either a silicone watch band…. since that's what G-Shock's utilise and they're the most "heavy duty" focused timepieces out there (Casio's done their research on this one).That's what I meant, if a spring bar comes off a lug, or if a lug breaks off, the watch will not fall off your wrist, because if worn properly, the NATO should create a band around your wrist. The watch will be hanging off of the remaining spring bar instead of simply falling off your wrist.
Another problem with silicone or leather or metal is that they are not breathable at all as well, nor as easy to wash and maintain.
EDIT: For image: https://s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/images.natozulu.com/…
Imagine if a spring bar or lug broke off, the watch would still be hanging off your wrist on the other spring bar.@smileymiwo:
Ah, yes I see what you mean about the other Spring bar holding the watch.
But do you know, that your watch will be constantly flailing and hitting things in that situation?
I wouldn't want my good timepieces to be in that situation as they definitely will be damaged badly.
In that situation, I would take the other watch and band off, and keep in my pocket until I get home.
…
…But just remember that situation is likely to happen with NATO straps. Again, the straps offer no protection to the Spring Bars, so the Spring Bars will rust and get damaged far quicker than on regular bands. So over time, they weaken and are prone to failure. You wouldn't have this problem exaggerated with a full band (but they too wear out, slowly).Okay, so by "breathable" do you mean in terms of "allowing sweat to not build up" ?
If that's what you mean, then let me say "Silicone".
They are great in terms of breathability, but it matters alot in terms of the design.
I have the Seiko Z22 divers silicone strap, and I can see it can get sweaty for some people.
I also have a G-Shock which has a silicone strap, and its SUPER breathable.
Its not just the materials, but the design matters too.But if you want to go all-out, there are alternatives such as Milanese bands, Perlon straps, and Corkscrew watch bands.
Go google them for reference. Availability might be static, and some are pricey.Just to be clear on my stance:
I have several watches. I have several straps. I like the variety.
I like NATO straps, but they're for affordability, and plenty of customisations.
Any enthusiast will tell you; silicone is the best for sturdy wear for those rough days (in your OP).
But leather and steel links are good alternatives.
Other luxury choices from lesser known materials do exist but its impossible to know if they're suitable for you without you buying one and testing it out for yourself.
10 pcs for US15.93 delivered from aliexpress
if i was selling NATO bands in aus then I'd be buying these and selling them each for $30
each will last for 12 months at least. how long are you going to have the watch?
Thanks for a suggestiom, not really a NATO, looking for a strap that does a whole look around my wrist to ensure I don't lose the whole watch if a lug breaks
lol good luck getting $30 each. Maybe $10 each is achievable but there would already be huge competition for them. That said, I have been very happy with my cheap Chinese ones from eBay which were about $1 each delivered. Came quickly too (less than two weeks) and still holding up well after 12 months of regular use.
OP, do not get shitty NATO straps. I've had one and it wore out in less than a month. I thought I was supporting a fellow Aussie by buying from a local seller on eBay and all I got in return was a piece of junk. Regardless of what you hear, I can swear that quality does matter.
I would suggest you get proper ones from the states. I ordered from here a few years ago: http://www.westcoastime.com/zulu.html Shipping cost about $4.5 per band.
Yes, was gonna suggest this. Bought the multi pack ages ago and it's still very good.
jumping on this post. wondering if anybody had any experience with some of the black buckle nato straps from ebay… wondering if the black color of the buckle is paint and scratches off easy.
Also looking for recommendation for places to get nato straps besides aliexp and the previous links above.
Thanks
They're all made out of the cheap material, and that's what makes NATO straps appealing.
Plenty of styles, all affordable.
But of course, there are some NATO straps made out of woven astronaut parachute cord you can find online in the >$80 segment.
I'd personally spend that much on a watch strap that is steel, or at least a leather cuff.
But the choice is yours.