My problem with NATO straps isn't that they ARE too cheap - it's that they LOOK too cheap. They look like you lost/broke the original strap or bracelet and couldn't afford a proper replacement. I've never seen a NATO strap that I thought looked proper for the watch.
@@chuckschillingvideos Natos are worn for practicality and durability on the field not to parade around the street and look pretty. I like nato's cause they will last as long as my watch and it's cheap to replace them if they ever do get destroyed.
@@dredgewalker By some, perhaps. But I certainly see plenty of posts here on youtube and on watch forums where it's clear that they are being worn primarily as fashion accessories.
True. Wearing the proper Connery era Bond RAF requires you to leave the spring bars slightly exposed. Not a look I like, but it's just how it shows up in Goldfinger. Check it out... grail-watch.com/2018/04/19/the-real-james-bond-watch-strap-resurrected/ And this tip is great - a much cleaner look.
@@bxctvillalba4390 The complete "true to celluloid" Connery era Bond look would also include either a two - or a three piece Anthony Sinclair suit, a selection of Oxfords, Derbys, loafers and leather boots and of course the indispensible hairpiece.
It amazes me how i’ve been in the watch world for so long and had not heard of this NATO strap technique… thank you so much! It is super useful when dealing with thick watches, as you’re essentially shaving off a good 1-2mm by only having the nato strap pass under the case once
The watch stays on the strap if one springbar breaks regardless of whether there’s an “underside” piece there or not. The one and only purpose of the “underside” is to keep the watch from sliding up or down the strap.
My thought also Paco. Yes the watch stays on the strap, but with the NATO in the standard config, it stays in the correct area on top of the wrist rather than sliding underneath. As a soldier, you're more likely to be able to jerry-rig something if the watch is at least in the correct area and you're not trying to correct two issues.
You are the main reason I even bought and tried a couple of nato’s, as I just couldn’t stand the look of the big blob of extra strap at the top side of the watch. I love this idea and thank you for this slice of genius!
Well done. I tell my grandkids it's my job to learn something every day. Done! This is a good option for getting more usage out of my NATO straps. Thanks.
It's actually genius. On a smaller watch, say a SARB035, a conventional wearing of a NATO might look a bit odd. I just popped one on my 035 with your method and it looks amazing.
I've been wearing my Nato straps like this ever since I first caught your video a year ago. Great look and feel over the traditional method and lets your watch remain the prominent feature on the wrist.
Today my first NATO strap arrived in the mail, and the instructions were very vague and when i put it on my wrist something seemed off. After watching your video, I made the same adjustments and the function and fit is absolutely amazing. Thanks!
mate.. you are a genius! i’ve worn natos for years now and i never thought to do this! you’re right, the bottom is so much more comfortable with this method. Thank you!
Yeah for real. I was saw pictures of people wearing the watch rigjt before i was going to pay for the NATO and i looked so "ugly" and i was starting to reconsider. And then suddenly..... i come across your video and i was feeling blessed🙏🏼😇
The NATO has always annoyed me for the very reasons you stated. Your solution is superb. I never thought there was a solution to these straps. Excellent. Thanks
Wow this is absolutely mindboggling!! I would have never thought about this in a million years!!! I'll never wear my NATO the "traditional" way again! Thank you so much! :)
Sweet! Thank you I've just installed my first Nato on my 1971 Bulova 666 Surfboard Chrono, using the Down Under Method. I was never a fan of the other method. This is brilliant!
Stumbled across this video by accident when researching for my first NATO, and it's been invaluable. Prefer this method a thousand times over conventional way. Had to use a clothes shaver to wear away a sharp edge that was digging into my skin but after that it's been flawless. Thank you for your wisdom.
I’ve just discovered this technique and love it, but I’ve had the same issue with a sharp edge digging in. I don’t have a clothes shaver, do you think a nail file would work?
I just bought myself my first field watch on a NATO strap and I must say, this was something of a revelation to me haha thanks mate. I know it’s super old this vid but hey, if it works, it works! Thanks!
This is a game changer for me! I’ve never been a huge fan of nato straps but I this has changed my mind! I have several natos and was actually putting my orient ray 2 and Casio duro on a nato strap and THIS will be how I wear them!
The added benifit of this way is that while it no longer keeps the watch on the strap if held by the buckle, it does protect against buckle failure in a way the normal way does not. If the buckle fails it should bind up and not fall off. Additionally it lowers the height of the watch on the wrist and makes it less prone to snags.
Brilliant. I never cared much for the extra bulk of NATO straps but just tried this with my new CWC diver (fixed bars) and absolutely love it. It wears completely different. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing it! The traditional setup makes the strap look so bulky. With this alternative setup, it looks much better and it's just as comfortable! I'm rocking my Seiko SKX007 with the black and grey NATO :D This combination is awesome!
I brought my first nato about a month ago. I was actually already using this method without seeing a tutorial. The ways shown on youtube often has the excess bunching on the sides of the wrist. I don't like that look. But this video did show me how to hide that extra buckle better underneath my wrist. Thank you.
Very well presented and useful video, well done sir. Mine NATO just dropped in the post and installed using the default method and hated it, far too bulky. Yours was the 3rd video I watched and your stroke of genius has saved the day. It is now very comfortable to wear and looks great. Many thanks indeed for taking the time do this.
I live for comments like this! Thank you so, so, much, Sam. This brought a smile to my face today. Happy to have helped and I'm so glad this configuration made the difference!
Awesome! I just came upon this video, and I love it. I have a number of NATO straps but hate the fact that the watch sits so high on my 7.45” wrist. This technique lowers it by 50%! Thank you for making my NATO collection more appealing again.
What a simple but great idea! Thank you for explaining. I’ve always disliked NATO straps because of the bulk of the end of the strap being tucked back on itself. I’m tempted now to buy a NATO just to try it out!
Thank you so much for this video! I have a 6 1/4” wrist and like wearing larger divers on NATO but they always look and feel top heavy. Just tried this and it’s perfect! Super comfortable!
As I am currently awaiting delivery of my first watch to come with a NATO band, this video caught my eye. This simple technique will solve the "problem" I saw with the way most wear this type of band, without permanently shortening the band. Thank you!
Also I’ve just discovered that with a bit of coaxing you can slide the watch face to get it right in the middle of your wrist by feeding a bit of strap either way as desired, also it won’t move out of place on its own. Again such a simple idea 💡 but works better in so many other ways
There's another reason why they have the double layer, it stops the watch sliding up or down, but also, it keeps the watch away from your skin, which in the original purpose of a NATO strap with the British was for RAF pilots, in cold cockpits who wouldn't want cold metal touching their skin.
Game changer! I have never been able to get over how awkward the nato strap looks with the tucked portion of the tail visible. I will be trying this method from now on. Many thanks for the tip!!
I’ve been wearing and loving NATO straps for ever but have never seen that method of turning a standard double nato into a single strap nato. I usually like the extra strap and keeper showing but you are right there are times when a more sleek profile is called for. Well done!
ID, these are BOTH Bond straps. The black/olive/red pattern was worn by Connery (on a Sub) in Goldfinger. The black/gray was worn by Craig (on a Seamaster) in Spectre. I wear both. I highly endorse Gekota straps; a very good product.
Hey man, sorry, I should've clarified better. The Grey NATO has become an "official" bond NATO after being used in Spectre, but the original lead to the grey design that was the "unofficial" strap for years ;)
Michael Powell. Sorry Michael; the strap worn by Connery in Goldfinger was a normal nylon strap that was popular in the 60's. NATO or G10 straps were only issued to the British Military in grey until the mid 80's and were not sold commercially until then. Craig's strap was as you say, a Bond strap, or a commercially available copy.
Chin, you are correct in that Connery was not wearing a NATO. But it was not a ZULU either (it didn't have the ZULU-style hardware). What Connery wore was a one-piece nylon dive strap with a standard tang and buckle.,
So much more comfortable, as soon as I did it it felt so much better, just hope it works just as well for guys with a smaller wrist, 10/10. also I’ve been in the uk 🇬🇧 army for 20 years n never heard of this method, it just feels so much better, well for me at least.
Thank you sir. I've used the NATO strap a few times and did find that looks great and function very well on my dives, but kind of lopsided when you strap it the traditional way. On dives especially. I tried your way on my Orietal and, not only does it work way better, it looks awesome too. Thank you
I also was a NATO/ZULU strap hater with relish but now after getting into mechanical and automatic watches, namely Seiko and Orient i have become a bit of a NATO/ZULU connoisseur if there is such a thing
Thank you very much for a great tip. Most watches will look better without the extra fixing strap under the case, and most don’t need it. But also, the second, fixing strap serves a purpose under the buckle, adding comfort by giving a smooth surface and extra distance to the metal. And hey, if you know you’ll be operating in areas of risk, like on a boat or something, you can even eliminate the risk of buckle pin failure by simply folding strap end back from the buckle and under the fixing strap loop! Looks a bit strange, but it works! Just try and simulate pin failure, and the buckle will give a little and lock against the fixing strap loop.
Thank you, Eirik. I was speaking with a bit of inexperience at the time (and also ad-libbed most of it) But I fully agree with the point you made. I hope you get to enjoy this method and that it makes your strap wearing experience all the better. All the best!
Man... I wore my Seagull 1963 on a classic NATO star with classic way of strapping for years...and this...this - your way... is much better and more comfortable!!! This was the most useful YT clip this year. Thanks!
Magnificent!!! Very sneaky. I suppose in theory the nato under this method serves as a zulu strap as well. All I have are nato so I guess I have options now....a ZuNat if you like😬😬😬😬
WHY DID CZcams JUST RECOMMENDED ME THIS NOW? I WEAR NATO STRAP ALL THE TIME BUT THIS NEVER CROSS MY MIND AT ALL, U JUST BLEW MY MIND AND SAVE ME 5MM OF WRIST BULK, THANK YOU!
you can just cut that underside piece off as well. But as others have said that section is generally to keep the watch from sliding off the strap. This only really happens if the watch rather freely moves along the strap. If it doesn't really freely move, the space between the case and springbar is tight enough to hold the watch in place anyway, then it's fine to cut that underside section off. Makes the whole thing thinner.
I was thinking of fitting a Nato to my Seiko flightmaster (The metal bracelet that came with it is suck cheep quality) but I also disliked the way the strap "Bunched up" and looked just plain ugly as it did in your vid. I have now tried your method and find it is a lot more ascetically leasing and doesn't compromise the bands ability to safeguard the watch in case of a pin failure. Thanks for the tip!
The under strap keep the watch from sliding off the strap when off your wrist you can then hang it off your bunk as a wall clock it also aids it from sliding around on your wrist if you wear it loose great vidio by the way
this just turns a nato into a 3 ring zulu. The purpose of the extra strap on the nato is to stop the watch moving around and dangling off the underside of your wrist if the springbar breaks. The advantage of not having the extra strap piece under the watch is that large heavy watches aren't elevated too much off the wrist
Appreciate the comment, man. Since I do these video's on the fly, I can't always turn a phrase that well haha! Very nicely explained about the function of the securing part of the strap.
Perfectly explained. Makes perfect sense what your saying. Imagine a soldier in the heat of battle having his watch dangling off, if his spring bar was to break. That would be a most undesirable occurrence for him. So yes, it makes perfect sense what your saying Adrian that the extra strap would prevent this happening to a commercial user like you and l . I also agree with your other comment about this method of not having the extra strap piece underneath the watch makes heavier watches less elevated off the wrist.
The watch is still only secured by the 2 springbars. If one breaks, the watch will still hang off as it doesn't matter how many layers of strap are beneath, the watch is ONLY held by the bars... In the '70s I owned a super wide strap which mounted the watch on top - yet still, the only more secure method to secure the watch is 1. Solder the springbar or 2. Contain the watch and view through a window.
I've been wearing all my natos the proper double under way for a while. I tried this style out, and it's way more comfortable! Def going to do this often ty for uploading
I use this video as a reference whenever I forget the steps towards your wearing style which is my only option to wear a NATO. As you said, IT'S MIND BLOWING!
One of the very best nato strap tips I've seen on CZcams. This video has finally persuaded me to get a few. I also love the trivia. A very informative and entertaining vid. Thanks! Another subscriber here.
IDGuy - nah, you had it correct. The reason the nylon replaced leather in practical use is so that the watch could be retained if a bar broke and for better durability when wet. Once you have the watch buckled on your wrist, it won't slide around, even without the 2nd flap. Try it. Incidentally, there is another method of wearing a nato that involves just that, bypassing the 2nd flap so the watch sits lower on the wrist, but keeps the extra "tail" in the standard position (instead of under the wrist as in your vid), but this wear method, as with single flap "zulu" style straps negates the extra retention insurance.
Close, the under strap is there to keep the watch from sliding all the way down the strap and completely off and onto the floor. This can happen easily happen if the distance between the springbar and the case is too big. Usually occurs when taking the watch off or putting it on.
This is completely correct. The 'under strap' is merely there to keep the watch from sliding off the strap and possibly dropping onto the floor when you take the watch off. It provides absolutely zero 'extra security' if one of the spring bars were to let go.
I love it. I just bought my first good watch ( good by me anyway ) and a nato strap with it. I don’t like the way it looks mounted on the side. Your way of mounting the strap is much more balanced “feels” better than others I’ve seen. Thanks 👍
I have an Omega Nato strap and this method doesn't work as well as it should due to the strap holder being Square. It can't re-position itself to fit snugly with the buckle.
If you think NATO-straps are too cheap, Omega has got you covered!
My problem with NATO straps isn't that they ARE too cheap - it's that they LOOK too cheap. They look like you lost/broke the original strap or bracelet and couldn't afford a proper replacement. I've never seen a NATO strap that I thought looked proper for the watch.
chuckschilling f91w with nato straps can never go wrong
@@chuckschillingvideos Have you ever looked at leather ones? I think they look rather good, especially compared to the fabric ones.
@@chuckschillingvideos Natos are worn for practicality and durability on the field not to parade around the street and look pretty. I like nato's cause they will last as long as my watch and it's cheap to replace them if they ever do get destroyed.
@@dredgewalker By some, perhaps. But I certainly see plenty of posts here on youtube and on watch forums where it's clear that they are being worn primarily as fashion accessories.
This blew my mind. Today is the first day of the rest of my life.
Lol. Never knew that babies can speak full sentences right from the start.
Stevie, is that you?
im watching now in 2021 and you say exact what i was thinking
.
Believe in Jesus and you will be saved ❤
Daniel Craig wearing the “wrong” one makes it also a Bond NATO. So in the end now both are Bond NATOs
True. Wearing the proper Connery era Bond RAF requires you to leave the spring bars slightly exposed. Not a look I like, but it's just how it shows up in Goldfinger. Check it out... grail-watch.com/2018/04/19/the-real-james-bond-watch-strap-resurrected/ And this tip is great - a much cleaner look.
@@bxctvillalba4390 The complete "true to celluloid" Connery era Bond look would also include either a two - or a three piece Anthony Sinclair suit, a selection of Oxfords, Derbys, loafers and leather boots and of course the indispensible hairpiece.
That is right. Connery used a 16 mm nato 5 colours ( red, green and black) on a 20 mm Rolex Submariner 6538
Daniel Craig's black and grey was the only "Bond" NATO strap. Connery never wore a NATO strap - they weren't invented until 1973!
Hey! Your technique fixed all the irritations that I had with my strap. Thank you!
I really appreciate that, Chirag. I hope you enjoy this method for years to come! Kind Regards
It amazes me how i’ve been in the watch world for so long and had not heard of this NATO strap technique… thank you so much! It is super useful when dealing with thick watches, as you’re essentially shaving off a good 1-2mm by only having the nato strap pass under the case once
The watch stays on the strap if one springbar breaks regardless of whether there’s an “underside” piece there or not. The one and only purpose of the “underside” is to keep the watch from sliding up or down the strap.
Yes, but also because the watch is higher, you avoid lug pins tension by the wrist or hand movemend.
My thought also Paco. Yes the watch stays on the strap, but with the NATO in the standard config, it stays in the correct area on top of the wrist rather than sliding underneath. As a soldier, you're more likely to be able to jerry-rig something if the watch is at least in the correct area and you're not trying to correct two issues.
You are the main reason I even bought and tried a couple of nato’s, as I just couldn’t stand the look of the big blob of extra strap at the top side of the watch. I love this idea and thank you for this slice of genius!
Yup, that extra flap is to prevent the watch head from sliding off the strap when you take it off your wrist, especially for watches with longer lugs.
Obviously.
Every Summer when I go into NATO mode, I find myself re-watching this video to remind myself how to do it - thanks!
Well done. I tell my grandkids it's my job to learn something every day. Done! This is a good option for getting more usage out of my NATO straps. Thanks.
Haha! I really appreciate that, George. I hope you're wearing your Nato's in good health and enjoy using this method! Best Wishes
OMFG, this was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. I can finally rest knowing my life is now complete. Thank you.
It's actually genius. On a smaller watch, say a SARB035, a conventional wearing of a NATO might look a bit odd. I just popped one on my 035 with your method and it looks amazing.
Now why haven’t I thought of that? I tried your idea and I loved it. Thks a mil. You’re a genius.
I've been wearing my Nato straps like this ever since I first caught your video a year ago. Great look and feel over the traditional method and lets your watch remain the prominent feature on the wrist.
Today my first NATO strap arrived in the mail, and the instructions were very vague and when i put it on my wrist something seemed off. After watching your video, I made the same adjustments and the function and fit is absolutely amazing. Thanks!
Blow my mind. Been wearing my NATO's more since I watched your video. Thanks for the great tip.
This is the only way I’ll wear a nato strap. Extremely comfortable.
mate.. you are a genius! i’ve worn natos for years now and i never thought to do this! you’re right, the bottom is so much more comfortable with this method. Thank you!
Thankyou for this I just got a cheap Ebay NATO and this solution means i can still use the strap!!! Thanks
Such a pleasure, man! I'm so glad that this helped you!
Yeah for real. I was saw pictures of people wearing the watch rigjt before i was going to pay for the NATO and i looked so "ugly" and i was starting to reconsider. And then suddenly..... i come across your video and i was feeling blessed🙏🏼😇
The NATO has always annoyed me for the very reasons you stated. Your solution is superb. I never thought there was a solution to these straps. Excellent. Thanks
Wow this is absolutely mindboggling!! I would have never thought about this in a million years!!! I'll never wear my NATO the "traditional" way again! Thank you so much! :)
Sweet! Thank you I've just installed my first Nato on my 1971 Bulova 666 Surfboard Chrono, using the Down Under Method. I was never a fan of the other method. This is brilliant!
Great idea! Thanks for the tip! It certainly looks a lot more symmetrical! All the best, Rob
Stumbled across this video by accident when researching for my first NATO, and it's been invaluable. Prefer this method a thousand times over conventional way. Had to use a clothes shaver to wear away a sharp edge that was digging into my skin but after that it's been flawless. Thank you for your wisdom.
I’ve just discovered this technique and love it, but I’ve had the same issue with a sharp edge digging in. I don’t have a clothes shaver, do you think a nail file would work?
I’m so glad that you’ve told people about the Bond NATO I’ve had so many arguments regarding this it’s unbelievable !!!!!!
Genius! Really love how it changes the profile of the watch on my wrist.
I just bought myself my first field watch on a NATO strap and I must say, this was something of a revelation to me haha thanks mate. I know it’s super old this vid but hey, if it works, it works! Thanks!
Thank you for this! I'm new to Nato straps, and love this.
This is a game changer for me! I’ve never been a huge fan of nato straps but I this has changed my mind! I have several natos and was actually putting my orient ray 2 and Casio duro on a nato strap and THIS will be how I wear them!
Brilliant! You have restored my interest in the 5 ring NATO.
Peace.
Just received a Watch Gecko NATO, and of all the ways to configure the strap your idea fits better and is far more comfortable. THANK YOU.
Such a pleasure, Jim!
The added benifit of this way is that while it no longer keeps the watch on the strap if held by the buckle, it does protect against buckle failure in a way the normal way does not. If the buckle fails it should bind up and not fall off. Additionally it lowers the height of the watch on the wrist and makes it less prone to snags.
Wow!!! You just blew my mind. Been using them for over 10 years now and only one way to wear it. Thanks so much for the tip!
Brilliant. I never cared much for the extra bulk of NATO straps but just tried this with my new CWC diver (fixed bars) and absolutely love it. It wears completely different. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing it! The traditional setup makes the strap look so bulky. With this alternative setup, it looks much better and it's just as comfortable! I'm rocking my Seiko SKX007 with the black and grey NATO :D This combination is awesome!
I love this, looks so slick and discreet on my arm, thanks 🙂
You saved my watch that I currently have with a NATO. Magic indeed sir!
I brought my first nato about a month ago. I was actually already using this method without seeing a tutorial. The ways shown on youtube often has the excess bunching on the sides of the wrist. I don't like that look. But this video did show me how to hide that extra buckle better underneath my wrist. Thank you.
Your way is genius sir! You got yourself a subscriber!!! Thank you.
I really, really appreciate it. Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this new method of Nato wearing well into the future. Best wishes!
Very well presented and useful video, well done sir. Mine NATO just dropped in the post and installed using the default method and hated it, far too bulky. Yours was the 3rd video I watched and your stroke of genius has saved the day. It is now very comfortable to wear and looks great. Many thanks indeed for taking the time do this.
I live for comments like this! Thank you so, so, much, Sam. This brought a smile to my face today. Happy to have helped and I'm so glad this configuration made the difference!
Buy a Phoenix (royal navy supplier) NATO strap. They are very thin, yet tough. Bulk is not a problem, and you get the best NATO strap.
I prefer this way, thank you. Got my first NATO today and just tried it. The strap looks so much better your way.
Awesome! I just came upon this video, and I love it. I have a number of NATO straps but hate the fact that the watch sits so high on my 7.45” wrist. This technique lowers it by 50%! Thank you for making my NATO collection more appealing again.
What a simple but great idea! Thank you for explaining. I’ve always disliked NATO straps because of the bulk of the end of the strap being tucked back on itself. I’m tempted now to buy a NATO just to try it out!
Thank you so much for this video! I have a 6 1/4” wrist and like wearing larger divers on NATO but they always look and feel top heavy. Just tried this and it’s perfect! Super comfortable!
As I am currently awaiting delivery of my first watch to come with a NATO band, this video caught my eye. This simple technique will solve the "problem" I saw with the way most wear this type of band, without permanently shortening the band. Thank you!
Just swapped the one on my wrist around while watching this video. I'll run it for a while and see how it goes! Thanks for the tip!
Also I’ve just discovered that with a bit of coaxing you can slide the watch face to get it right in the middle of your wrist by feeding a bit of strap either way as desired, also it won’t move out of place on its own. Again such a simple idea 💡 but works better in so many other ways
There's another reason why they have the double layer, it stops the watch sliding up or down, but also, it keeps the watch away from your skin, which in the original purpose of a NATO strap with the British was for RAF pilots, in cold cockpits who wouldn't want cold metal touching their skin.
Game changer! I have never been able to get over how awkward the nato strap looks with the tucked portion of the tail visible. I will be trying this method from now on. Many thanks for the tip!!
That was revolutionary.. Thank you for the great idea !
I never dreamed that how a watch band was routed could be so important. I'm going to do it differently just because I'm a rebel.
Hell yeah, that was my number one pet peave and this totally solves it, thank God for you, Sir!
I like your approach to wearing the NATO that way, Makes a huge amount of sense, Video 1 down, and many more to watch!
Where has this video been my whole NATO life? Love this. Thanks!
Thanks for this tip. I'm wearing my first NATO on my new Vostok Amphibia.
You sir, are a freaking genius! Thanks!
Charles Smith That's a absolutely Fantabulous Top comment ☑️💯🙏👍🇳🇿
These comments make me smile. Thank you, Charles, It really means a lot!
IDGuy homie!!!!
Thank you. You came up when I searched for installing a NATO strap and I love the hack.
I’ve been wearing and loving NATO straps for ever but have never seen that method of turning a standard double nato into a single strap nato. I usually like the extra strap and keeper showing but you are right there are times when a more sleek profile is called for. Well done!
ID, these are BOTH Bond straps. The black/olive/red pattern was worn by Connery (on a Sub) in Goldfinger. The black/gray was worn by Craig (on a Seamaster) in Spectre. I wear both. I highly endorse Gekota straps; a very good product.
Hey man, sorry, I should've clarified better. The Grey NATO has become an "official" bond NATO after being used in Spectre, but the original lead to the grey design that was the "unofficial" strap for years ;)
I know it's a pretty late reply but I think the Goldfinger watch was ZULU, quite similar but just a single strap.
Michael Powell. Sorry Michael; the strap worn by Connery in Goldfinger was a normal nylon strap that was popular in the 60's. NATO or G10 straps were only issued to the British Military in grey until the mid 80's and were not sold commercially until then. Craig's strap was as you say, a Bond strap, or a commercially available copy.
sapper steve : I think it was as one piece strap rather than a "normal" 2 piece strap. (?).
And so Craig was ignorant of the real Bond colours. Shame.
Chin, you are correct in that Connery was not wearing a NATO. But it was not a ZULU either (it didn't have the ZULU-style hardware). What Connery wore was a one-piece nylon dive strap with a standard tang and buckle.,
My mind was blown, thanks a lot. This looks great. :)
Thank you, Marco. I hope you've been enjoying the technique ever since
Great tip! I just bought my first nato strap and have been viewing different ways to put on. Really like this sleek solution! Thanks!
Genius! Thank you so much you’ve changed the way I wear a nato from now on.
this is game changer, thank you for this :D
So much more comfortable, as soon as I did it it felt so much better, just hope it works just as well for guys with a smaller wrist, 10/10. also I’ve been in the uk 🇬🇧 army for 20 years n never heard of this method, it just feels so much better, well for me at least.
I like to learn something new every day, and thanks to you, I did. I tried it on my watch, and now I have a new way of wearing my watch. Thank you.
Bro, you're a genius ! I was always like erk I don't like to see those buckles up and down my watch... You got the solution !
Thank you sir. I've used the NATO strap a few times and did find that looks great and function very well on my dives, but kind of lopsided when you strap it the traditional way. On dives especially. I tried your way on my Orietal and, not only does it work way better, it looks awesome too. Thank you
It's a pleasure @Planet Dad , I hope you've been enjoying wearing the straps in good health
Wow, that's great actually. Fits much better to my wrist.
Really cool trick. I'm stoked to see how my Natos wear differently for it. Thank you!
Oh my God! You are a genius! I was trying to wear it the first way you showed, but this new trick makes the strap look so much better. Thank you! 🙌⌚️
Pure genius! 💡👏
I also was a NATO/ZULU strap hater with relish but now after getting into mechanical and automatic watches, namely Seiko and Orient i have become a bit of a NATO/ZULU connoisseur if there is such a thing
I've liked putting my Alpinist and my SARW019 on NATOs, with the field watch aesthetic they really suit the look.
This has changed the game. Thank you kind sir!
And to think that nobody at any Omega shops has ever mentioned this!!! Way to go! Bravo!!!
Thank you very much for a great tip. Most watches will look better without the extra fixing strap under the case, and most don’t need it. But also, the second, fixing strap serves a purpose under the buckle, adding comfort by giving a smooth surface and extra distance to the metal. And hey, if you know you’ll be operating in areas of risk, like on a boat or something, you can even eliminate the risk of buckle pin failure by simply folding strap end back from the buckle and under the fixing strap loop! Looks a bit strange, but it works! Just try and simulate pin failure, and the buckle will give a little and lock against the fixing strap loop.
Thank you, Eirik. I was speaking with a bit of inexperience at the time (and also ad-libbed most of it) But I fully agree with the point you made. I hope you get to enjoy this method and that it makes your strap wearing experience all the better. All the best!
Thanks for the technique! My Vostok fits much better now.
That is really clever! I very much like it and intend on trying this with my NATO straps! Appreciate the video!
Man... I wore my Seagull 1963 on a classic NATO star with classic way of strapping for years...and this...this - your way... is much better and more comfortable!!! This was the most useful YT clip this year. Thanks!
OK your trick did blow my mind and I had to rewind a couple times to fully how it's being done. I love this. Good job!
Same here! I didn't really understand that it went through the main clasp!
Magnificent!!! Very sneaky. I suppose in theory the nato under this method serves as a zulu strap as well. All I have are nato so I guess I have options now....a ZuNat if you like😬😬😬😬
ashley butterworth I think the nato has the second strap and the Zulu doesn't...
WHY DID CZcams JUST RECOMMENDED ME THIS NOW? I WEAR NATO STRAP ALL THE TIME BUT THIS NEVER CROSS MY MIND AT ALL, U JUST BLEW MY MIND AND SAVE ME 5MM OF WRIST BULK, THANK YOU!
Thanks... I gave up on Nato straps, just tried your method, it works & looks great, thanks for sharing
you can just cut that underside piece off as well. But as others have said that section is generally to keep the watch from sliding off the strap. This only really happens if the watch rather freely moves along the strap. If it doesn't really freely move, the space between the case and springbar is tight enough to hold the watch in place anyway, then it's fine to cut that underside section off. Makes the whole thing thinner.
@foxglove true but then you don't get the extra padding on your wrist!
I was thinking of fitting a Nato to my Seiko flightmaster (The metal bracelet that came with it is suck cheep quality) but I also disliked the way the strap "Bunched up" and looked just plain ugly as it did in your vid. I have now tried your method and find it is a lot more ascetically leasing and doesn't compromise the bands ability to safeguard the watch in case of a pin failure. Thanks for the tip!
A first class presentation. Thank you for demonstration and your time.
Fantastic! thanks NATOs are so versatile, and great history lesson.
The under strap keep the watch from sliding off the strap when off your wrist you can then hang it off your bunk as a wall clock it also aids it from sliding around on your wrist if you wear it loose great vidio by the way
Thank you for the added info, Mark, I really appreciate it!
this just turns a nato into a 3 ring zulu. The purpose of the extra strap on the nato is to stop the watch moving around and dangling off the underside of your wrist if the springbar breaks. The advantage of not having the extra strap piece under the watch is that large heavy watches aren't elevated too much off the wrist
Appreciate the comment, man. Since I do these video's on the fly, I can't always turn a phrase that well haha! Very nicely explained about the function of the securing part of the strap.
Perfectly explained. Makes perfect sense what your saying. Imagine a soldier in the heat of battle having his watch dangling off, if his spring bar was to break. That would be a most undesirable occurrence for him. So yes, it makes perfect sense what your saying Adrian that the extra strap would prevent this happening to a commercial user like you and l . I also agree with your other comment about this method of not having the extra strap piece underneath the watch makes heavier watches less elevated off the wrist.
The watch is still only secured by the 2 springbars. If one breaks, the watch will still hang off as it doesn't matter how many layers of strap are beneath, the watch is ONLY held by the bars...
In the '70s I owned a super wide strap which mounted the watch on top - yet still, the only more secure method to secure the watch is 1. Solder the springbar or 2. Contain the watch and view through a window.
Dude... this is friggin amazing...I love my Nato now... that 2nd demo was everthing
I've been wearing all my natos the proper double under way for a while. I tried this style out, and it's way more comfortable! Def going to do this often ty for uploading
A-frickin’-MAZING,
How to make a NATO fit better?
Where it like a zulu.
I use this video as a reference whenever I forget the steps towards your wearing style which is my only option to wear a NATO.
As you said, IT'S MIND BLOWING!
One of the very best nato strap tips I've seen on CZcams. This video has finally persuaded me to get a few. I also love the trivia. A very informative and entertaining vid. Thanks! Another subscriber here.
The under strap is there to keep the watch in place so it doesn't slide all over the strap, not in case one of the pins fails. But nice video :)
Thanks man, I should've been a bit more observant when "explaining" the function of the under strap.
IDGuy - nah, you had it correct. The reason the nylon replaced leather in practical use is so that the watch could be retained if a bar broke and for better durability when wet.
Once you have the watch buckled on your wrist, it won't slide around, even without the 2nd flap. Try it.
Incidentally, there is another method of wearing a nato that involves just that, bypassing the 2nd flap so the watch sits lower on the wrist, but keeps the extra "tail" in the standard position (instead of under the wrist as in your vid), but this wear method, as with single flap "zulu" style straps negates the extra retention insurance.
Tx240 : I thought the reason was so it doesn't fall off when it is off your wrist. Which can happen on a thin NATO.
Close, the under strap is there to keep the watch from sliding all the way down the strap and completely off and onto the floor. This can happen easily happen if the distance between the springbar and the case is too big. Usually occurs when taking the watch off or putting it on.
This is completely correct. The 'under strap' is merely there to keep the watch from sliding off the strap and possibly dropping onto the floor when you take the watch off. It provides absolutely zero 'extra security' if one of the spring bars were to let go.
mind blown....
Nice! Always good to see another method. Thanks!!
I love it. I just bought my first good watch ( good by me anyway ) and a nato strap with it. I don’t like the way it looks mounted on the side. Your way of mounting the strap is much more balanced “feels” better than others I’ve seen. Thanks 👍
I have an Omega Nato strap and this method doesn't work as well as it should due to the strap holder being Square. It can't re-position itself to fit snugly with the buckle.
any "man" that is concerned about his watch being too big or "shouty" is definitely British.
Except the guy has a clear South African accent.
He's South African or Rhodesian. Nothing like the pommies trust me.
Damn. More comfy and sits much better. Medal for that man!
Great content. Today I wore my 1st nato strap thanks to this video. Thanks