Watch straps 101: NATO vs Zulu vs RAF aka nylon straps
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- čas přidán 24. 08. 2024
- Here's a brief video trying to explain the actual differences between modern nylon straps.
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I always thought the difference was a NATO had a keeper and the Zulu does not. Learn something new every day.
Chester thanks for the comment. I am glad it gave you some good info.
Zulu 3-ring one piece strap is the most comfortable in my opinion
Nato 3-ring is my favorite.
Ute watch Co Rogues are the best then Shiznits. The texture and the smaller hardware make a killer combo. I have over 19 straps from T.N. and just ordered my first Ute. I hope I still get the candy.
Rey thanks for your continued support! Oh and the candy is always included!!! LOL take care brother and stay safe!
What a load of poppycock. I've actually contacted one of the major manufacturers of Zulu straps (CountyComm which owns Maratac) and ask them what defines a Zulu. And this is what I was told, "The Zulu watch strap consist of large keepers and a single strap whereas a NATO has smaller keepers and is of a multi-strap configuration". Now if a watch has multi-straps regardless of the size of the keepers it is still a NATO or a Zulu-inspired NATO. If it is a two-piece then it is called a Zulu "style" watch strap. This is why if you go to the County Comm website and look up watch bands, it doesn't say it's a two piece Zulu it just says it's a two-piece watch band doesn't even have Zulu in the title.
The original design of the Zulu strap consisted of larger hardware (round/oval) design. But like all things there is a evolution of designs. So if the exact style of hardware is used on a single layer or two layer it is still considered a Zulu. Due to that hardware, and usually thicker nylon it is common referred to as a Zulu due to those traits. There is different views/opinions on all things. If you do not agree with mine then no worries. EDIT: And check this out CountyComm list their 2 layer strap as a zulu because of the hardware countycomm.com/collections/watch-bands/products/zulu-four-buckle-watch-straps It does not say "inspired
Thank you for this video! Helped me a lot.
Great!
Good summary! Thanks
Hell my kids and grand kids give me crap about wearing a "old Schol"
Hahaha so true. Thanks for the comments. Take care
These straps scratch the back of the watch.
Not exactly. Dirt will get in between the watch and the strap which will cause scratches.
Hi Terry, really enjoyed your interview on Love N Watches podcast. I had not realized you do watch repair also!
Dean thanks for the compliment. We do service watch movements. I think we have been offering this service for about 2 years now. Thanks bro!
Look up the original nato strap, Phoenix g10 is the original nato strap used for British military to better secure the watch to its soldiers wrist and still be weatherproof. The reason the backing went through a second loop, it still holds the watch onto the wrist even if one of the spring bars failed.
I have owned quite a few of the Phoenix straps in the past. The extra layer was mentioned in other articles that the soldiers used it to hang their watches from the head board on their bed. I do not know if it true. The blogs all tend to put their spin on the history so it is super convoluted. In this blog it says Phoenix was not the original manufacturer. They were the second one. gearpatrol.com/2017/12/06/icon-nato-strap/
I can say for a fact the extra nylon does not keep the watch on the wrist if a spring bar fails. It doesn't even go thru the spring bars. The main part of the nylon is the only part that weaves in between the spring bars. I believe it keeps the head of the watch from moving up and down on the wrist when work lose.
Thanks for your comments.
Terry
@@utewatchco1468 So it seems that Cabot Watch Company (CWC) manufactured the first NATO's before Phoenix took over. I actually bought some Zulus from them and I'm looking forward to it now that I know the history. I figured it would be more period correct for my Timex mk1 even though the original was issued in the 80s
@@TheEpicProjects300K for years it has been reported that Phoenix was the original manufacturer. From what I know CWC has stuff made with their branding. If I recall they use Phoenix for those products. At one time they were decent straps. I am not so sure anymore.
County comm Not country comm, Get your comm’s in order lol
Same, same. LOL