Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions

NATO Straps

more_vert
I get that NATO straps are usually inexpensive and easy to change. Beyond that, I don't see the appeal. Looking at 100s of "Wrist Checks" and have yet to see one where a NATO enhanced the appearance over a quality leather strap or metal bracelet. If it's on a $49 beater who cares? But on a vintage Omega? Just no.
Vote
9
mclose
582

search
close
CeeBass
2209
Oct 13, 2020
This particular Glycine Combat Sub has been on countless leather straps, a Milanese bracelet as well as the original Glycine bracelet but I think it looks best on a NATO type strap (MN strap). The added comfort is just a bonus.
search

(Edited)
RayF
22218
Oct 12, 2020
Here; hold my beer...
search

search

search

search

search

search

search

search

search

search

search

search

search

search


mclose
582
Oct 12, 2020
If I go into the military, end up in prison, climb K2, spear Piranha in the Amazon, bungee jump in New Zealand, or G-d forbid, get a SUV, I'll definitely give one a try. As I head into my 70th year next month as a big city office guy, the sportiest I'm likely to get is ostrich on my JLC Reverso (for those watching the Liberty Mutual ads featuring an emu, it's worth noting the the ostrich weighs ~4X as much and should not be trifled with). Seriously, I appreciate the utility of the NATO/ZULU as well as the huge variety and low cost. But too much of a good thing is just too much.
RayF
22218
Oct 12, 2020
mclose So I’ve heard ;- )
A community member
Oct 11, 2020
Depends whether you wear a watch purely for appearance or also for function. I wear my automatic watches on my kayak, sometimes when hiking, cycling etc If I had an Omega I would do the same. I'd be pretty bummed if the pin on the strap broke whilst kayaking and I didn't have a NATO strap fitted.....
mclose
582
Oct 12, 2020
I wear a watch to, surpise, tell time. That's its function. If it looks nice, a bonus. I'm sure there are other fantasy scenarios where NATO saves the day, but if I was kayaking a lot I'd probably have a SS bracelet on an Omega rather than a strap. I would never do this with a vintage watch.
A community member
Oct 12, 2020
mclose'fantasy scenarios'? You're clearly not an outdoor guy. I've broken a few pins on watches over the years. I get it that you don't like NATO straps, and perhaps see them as an affectation, but they aren't useless for everyone. Now you have your answer, you don't have to like it, but this is why some people use NATO straps.
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in More Community Picks