New to NATO watch straps…

[Pnut]

I decided to give NATO watch straps a try. I ordered a 22mm wide strap for my Casio Duro but it was a really tight fit. The watch lugs ar 22mm but the strap measured 23mm wide.

I came up with my own technique to handle the tag end… first pic. After doing some research, I discovered the proper way to store the tag end is to tuck it under itself… second pic.
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[Trooper224]

Ditch the NATO now. Given single pass nylon straps, such as the Chevron by Crown & Buckle a try. They're not the only ones offering such, just one example. They achieve the same purpose without extraneous fabric and hardware.

[T Smith]

Tried to like NATO straps but just couldn't. Here's where I get single pass straps - https://cnswatchbands.com/collections/adjustable-single-pass-straps

[Pnut]

I did notice that the watch sits really high off my wrist with the two layers under the watch. Another annoyance I found was that the buckle sits on the side of my wrist, but on the bottom like a regular strap. I’ll wear it for now, but I’ve placed an order for a single piece straps. Thanks for the heads up!

[theJanitor]

Single pass is the way

[Pnut]

After doing some research, I found another name for single pass straps… some call them ZULU STRAPS.

[vcdgrips]

I have more than one NATO and have purchased a few based on their low price/colorways from CNS.

Having said that, J and he others are right, is the way and I do not intend to buy any more NATOS going forward.

[Default.mp3]

After doing some research, I found another name for single pass straps… some call them ZULU STRAPS.Zulu straps are usually single pass, use round hardware, and use a thicker material. NATO straps are usually two layer, use rectangular hardware, and use a thinner material. Some flux in the definitions, but that's what I've typically seen.

The original strap you posted is arguably a hybrid of the two, with the two layer design of a NATO, but the round hardware and thicker webbing of a Zulu.

While I personally prefer the Zulu over the NATO, that's more a function of the fact that my watches tend to be heavy divers, which the Zulu's thicker material does better with. I've since moved to an MN strap on my Sinn.

[theJanitor]

This PDW strap has transformed my Panerai. It wears so well and I'm not worried about dropping the watch. A few years ago i realized the factory rubber strap had cracked at the springbar, and I was a mm away from dropping the watch off my wrist. The replacement band (without buckle) was $170. This PDW strap is so much better

https://prometheusdesignwerx.com/collections/accessories/products/ti-mnpara-strap-24mm-black?variant=44305579966751

https://prometheusdesignwerx.com/cdn/shop/products/ti-mnpara-24mm-blk_grande.jpg?v=1675051890

[Pnut]

Zulu straps are usually single pass, use round hardware, and use a thicker material. NATO straps are usually two layer, use rectangular hardware, and use a thinner material. Some flux in the definitions, but that's what I've typically seen.

The original strap you posted is arguably a hybrid of the two, with the two layer design of a NATO, but the round hardware and thicker webbing of a Zulu.

While I personally prefer the Zulu over the NATO, that's more a function of the fact that my watches tend to be heavy divers, which the Zulu's thicker material does better with. I've since moved to an MN strap on my Sinn.

What is a MN strap?

[Default.mp3]

What is a MN strap?Marine Nationale strap. Originally made with parachute elastic, they're basically a heavy duty elastic strap, so a bit more give and adjustment than a NATO or Zulu. I have an Erika's Original, who popularized it in recent years, but there are lots of alternatives, many that are cheaper, such as the aforementioned PDW, or NDC (a clone of the original design that the Marine Nationale had used), Nick Mankey Designs, etc.

[Sig_Fiend]

If you dislike how bulky some NATO straps can be, these are a slim single pass option that work great:

Titanium "Mil Series" Bands by Maratac (https://countycomm.com/collections/watch-bands/products/titanium-mil-series-bands-by-maratac)
"Mil Series" Bands by Maratac (https://countycomm.com/collections/watch-bands/products/maratac-mil-series-bands)

As an aside, if you want a cheap beater watch CountyComm's custom Casios (https://countycomm.com/collections/digital-watches) are the best deal in one I've found.

[Pnut]

Thanks everybody that recommended the single pass straps. I picked up a Zulu strap and like it much better than the NATO. My watch sits lower to my wrist, a lot less bulk, and I can position it so the buckle is centered on my wrist!

Now I’m tempted to give the MN strap a try!!!

[Spartan1980]

The single pass strap is the way to go on any watch over 12mm thickness. For 12mm and under I actually prefer the double pass NATO, but I also generally prefer automatic mechanical watches and getting down to 12mm is a "heavy lift" it seems in about any auto.

[Le Français]

Perlon straps are single-pass, very light, dry quickly, and are so thin that they barely add to the height of the watch above the wrist.