advice on Nato's please

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stefs
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advice on Nato's please

Post by stefs »

Hi all
I have a victorinox military chrono that I fancy taking on hols as the day watch. It is 100m wr but currently with the supplied leather strap so not much good for jumping into the pool! Thought about changing to something more water friendly so was wondering about a nato. Not really waterproof I suppose but should dry out quickly.
Never tried one before so couple of questions..The lug width of the victorinox is an awkward 23mm so do i go 22 or 24? Also whats the difference between a nato G10 and a zulu?
Thanks for any help.
Cheers now, Paul
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Re: advice on Nato's please

Post by Aifo »

I will go for 24 mm. As to differences, Nato is "two pieces" while Zulu is one piece, not sure how to describe it properly but most ppl goes with Nato as it feels sturdier.
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Re: advice on Nato's please

Post by stefs »

Aifo wrote:I will go for 24 mm. As to differences, Nato is "two pieces" while Zulu is one piece, not sure how to describe it properly but most ppl goes with Nato as it feels sturdier.
Ah ha. does that mean nato fixes the same as a normal strap and zulu passes around the pins across the back of the watch?
Thanks for your response by the way.
Cheers now, Paul
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Re: advice on Nato's please

Post by footycrazy »

stefs wrote:
Ah ha. does that mean nato fixes the same as a normal strap and zulu passes around the pins across the back of the watch?
Thanks for your response by the way.

NO :lol:

PM,d you mate.
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Re: advice on Nato's please

Post by ianblyth »

NATO style but with tang buckle so it looks more "normal". Double thick though.

Image

Standard NATO
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This really shows you how a NATO is put on a watch
http://pugwash.info/articles/nato/ and http://www.gnomonwatches.com/wear_nato_strap.asp

Here is an article covering a number of suppliers and a link to a video that goes through NATO straps and shows it being fitted.
http://wornandwound.com/2011/10/17/watc ... ry-straps/

Also TimeFactors do some really nice NATO straps as do TSS.
http://www.timefactors.com/nato.htm
http://www.watchworx.co.uk/pages/lwb/NatoG10.htm

According to Gnomon
Slightly thicker than NATO straps means ZULU Straps fit the thickest and biggest of all watches. The ZULU straps are straight through with no extra flap underneath. Due to the material used, ZULU straps are more resistant to water and dries faster.
And here are some comaprisons from Broadarrow

Image
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Re: advice on Nato's please

Post by ianblyth »

By the way on NATOs there is a discussion on whether to tuck the tail bit in or out of the first metal hoop. I tend to tuck it out.

It does leave a lump sometimes but you get used to it.
Image

On this particular strap I cut the extra and used a small flame to seal the end. It now just reaches the 2nd ring and no tucking in needed. You can just see the end touching the metal hoop in this photo.

Image

As they are cheap it is easy to experiment with.

As for waterproofing
NATO watch straps are inexpensive because they are usually made from a type of nylon or polyester woven textile (although leather NATO straps can also be found). The woven material is tough and highly resistant to mold, so a NATO strap is an excellent choice for diving, wet weather or tropical use. They have a unique design that will hold a watch even if one springbar is broken, which is a definite plus for diving and rough use.
From http://www.webwatchworld.com/nato-straps/
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Re: advice on Nato's please

Post by stefs »

Ian
Thanks very much for your help. excellent reply and much appreciated.
paul
Cheers now, Paul
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advice on Nato's please

Post by Mr Kirk »

Rather than start a new thread, does anyone know of anywhere that provides a "design your own NATO" service?
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Re: advice on Nato's please

Post by ianblyth »

Mr Kirk wrote:Rather than start a new thread, does anyone know of anywhere that provides a "design your own NATO" service?
Well if you are willing to buy 1000 these guys will do it.
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/58081 ... traps.html
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Re: advice on Nato's please

Post by stefs »

Well thanks for pointing mein the direction of rlt ian. Got a 24mm in sand which didnt look great and was really too tight in the lugs and this in a 22mmwhich has a slight gap in the lugs but i think i get away with it. Pretty pleased with the overall look and now i have another holiday swimming pool watch!
Thanks all
Image
Cheers now, Paul
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