Best Watch Straps Of All Time! - 5 Reasons Why You Should Try Nato & Zulu Straps + Inside Patek HQ!

It is often joked that I put everything on a Nato strap and with the exception of dress watches, I pretty much do! I love tool and sports watches mostly, so for me it only makes sense, however there is a lot more to it then mere style and comfort. In todays video I share my top 5 reasons why everyone should enjoy or at least consider a classic G10 Nato or Zulu strap for their watches. I also share a great little article I recently came across from Bloomberg Pursuits that takes a rare and interesting peak inside the exclusive headquarters of the ultra prestigious luxury watchmakers Philipe Patek in Geneva:
www.bloomberg....
For more information and to get your horological questions answered, join our community on the Facebook group: / 1503241666636531
Instagram: / theurbangentrychannel
TGV's Tumblr: / tgv83
To contact me please email: [e-mail]
I do not use the messaging system on KZbin, Facebook or Instagram, thank you.

[@willdclarke33]

I work in a hospital every day with my Orient Mako. My watch lives on a NATO. End of the week, throw it in the washing pile, put a new one on, it's clean and looks good.

[@Connor-wv6ln]

what I love about the NATO strap is how easy it is to switch them on and off to change colors. Also, in my opinion, they make some watches look much more expensive than they really are

[@cirian75]

Every time I watch a tgv video my wallet groans, this time I swear I heard it breath a sigh of relief

[@petesjk]

I spend many hours outdoors in the sun, so having a strap that insulates my skin from the metal helps keep things comfortable. I like Zulu straps for their simplicity, but it looks like nato straps have more material to protect skin.

[@gammondog]

I use the bezel on my divers to time my laundry. ;-) I recently got my first nato. In addition to being more comfortable than the bracelet it seems to cut the weight of the watch in half. I learned about them watching you channel. Thanks.

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

William Albert I use my bezel to time my laundry too lol. Talking of laundry, another good thing about NATOs is that they are easy to care for. Loop the strap through a belt loop of a pair of jeans and throw it in the washing machine.

[@rickevans6898]

I never used Nato's before I started watching you but I agree they are AWESOME!!! I especially switch them on my SKX to match my outfit, mood, or whatever. Switching bands like switching SOCKS gets me excited about watches I hadn't worn in a while and ones I wear every day. I am also a huge Silicon fan especially in the summer as well as all year round. I am constantly in the water and swim for excercise. Been using my SKX wth a Nato to time my swim. Thank you so much for the videos and the insight on very cool things.

[@theurbangentry]

So glad to hear, thank you Rick Best regards, TGV

[@ZesPak]

Same here, love em.

[@Apex820]

I love my nato straps. I wear them a lot in my rotation. I like the way it can make one watch look like different.

[@theurbangentry]

Absolutely, you hit the nail on the head. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@TheoJay615]

I just started using Nato straps. They are wonderful! My favorite part is dressing down higher end watches, but still keeping personality in the form of the may colors you can pick!

[@trouxa952]

Great vid as usual. I myself prefer the Zulu, especially ones that have nylon hoops instead of the metal hoops, I really like that it never bangs or drags while working at my desk or computer.

[@UDX-340]

Nato straps are default when you cant fit a stainless over big hands to small wrists, nobody ever talks about that predicament.great vid.

[@TheArditra]

I just bought mine from Daiso for a dollar and man, I have no idea that it was such a fashion icon and that it has quite a history in the British military. A very well put and informative video you've made there and I thank you for making me even prouder with my one buck nato strap strapped with my Casio Classic MTP1239D-1A.

[@AstroVanTribe]

So many people think the difference between NATO and Zulu are the buckles and so many videos continue to say just that - Happy to find this video (6 years after published)

[@martinharrison4245]

I'm 56 and I have never worn a NATO strap. Until this year, so I've got to blame you for keep banging on about them. Just purchased a tan hand made leather nato from cozy in Singapore for my green captain cook and it looks awesome together. It's got a real macho feel to the design , and it really compliments the vintage inspired design of the cook . It's really changed this watch for me , as I was not quite bonding with it. So thanks for the inspiration !!!

[@davidmichienzi101]

Totally agree TGV, NATO straps are the best way to go. Both summer or winter.👍🏻👍🏻🇮🇹🇮🇹

[@ivanhart6675]

I just purchased a Timex Weekender and it came with a brown leather NATO and a spare nylon navy blue strap .I really think they are great watch straps.

[@0017Bulldog]

Love my first NATO strap. Just got it 5 days ago. I'm a fan for life. I put it on a 22mm lug and it turned a blah watch to a cool piece. Thank you once again my man.

[@macmeier1]

I am new to this whole watch thing, but those straps are awesome.

[@dapperbutler2899]

Since I started using nato they've become my favorite kind of strap. Mainly because of the comfort but also because of the versatility when it comes to styling. Btw I really liked the way you matched the jacket and the watch.

[@scotie690]

I've about a 20 or more NATO, Zulu straps. Beside the comfort and security, being able to match a huge array of colors is my definitive reason. It's also like if you were using a new timepiece when you add a new strap. For those who have second thoughts try it and will not regret it.

[@rennyssroblox5597]

I have a nato on my hamilton diver .Soon I'll be getting the hamilton khaki field I will put a nato on it and my sky 007. I've leaned alot from youer videos keep them coming.Thank you for putting out such informative videos.

[@boutchmanz]

I'd always hated NATO straps passionately...until I started watching your videos. I'm a convert! When my favorite watch was just too heavy for summer wear on a bracelet I tried my first nato and have even bought a few more since!

[@johnviano2312]

Hi TGV - you turned me on to Nato straps about a year ago and my collection now fills a desk drawer! They are comfortable, secure, and provide a different look to every watch in a collection. They make a collection more versatile and they are fun to match to both watches and wardrobe. I enjoy them immensely! Many thanks! Best Regards, John

[@theurbangentry]

LOL, fantastic! I too have a draw nato-dedicated now. Fantastic comment as always and I could not agree more. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@CigarSmokerUK]

I've only been watching your channel since Christmas but I've found it a wealth of info. I've purchased two nato straps and really enjoyed changing the look of my watch. The Seiko SNK809 looks so much better on a nato than the strap it comes with.

[@vincentdoran1148]

Hi TGV, great video, as always. I originally thought NATO straps were ugly, but after watching your vids, I decided to buy one for an old beater watch that I wear doing yard work, housework, etc.(the watch has a cracked crystal). I bought a red and blue NATO, and it really makes the old girl pop. It looks so good now, I am considering replacing the crystal and incorporating it into my regular collection! I am now a believer, and I spend considerable time on the net looking for cool straps. Thanks, and cheers.

[@alfredsfunvideos4270]

I agree, NATO and ZULU straps can literally change your perspective on a watch. Super comfy and with endless possibilities!!! Great video TGV

[@richardmcginnis5344]

i just started getting into watches a friend traded me one of my knives - much easier to collect and a lot less expensive, he thought it was an over wound bulova but it was an accutron from the mid 1970s so i went got a battery put in it and off it went with its angry scream, so a few weeks later he saw it on my wrist and wanted it back so i traded up and got a bulova marine star stainless case with a blue dial and 3 sub-dials and i started to look into straps, i heard about nato straps and thought swatch watch from the 1980s so i wasn't interested until i saw one on a casio duro and asked about it. now i have a casio duro with a black dial black and and a black and grey nato strap and i have another a deep blue strap on the way for my tommy bahama watch it came with a nice quick release leather strap and according to the page the japanese movement watches from tommy bahama come with rubber straps because they're more sport watch and the leather banded watches are swiss made and a little more for the money

[@maitrehg]

The main reason I wear nato straps is safety. Then, I appreciate the fact of being able to change them quickly, without tools and without damaging the watch. I have several nato straps in nylon and leather. I stock up at WCWC and Cheapest Nato Straps.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you my friend. Just out of interest how does WCWC compare to Cheapest? Best regards, TGV

[@maitrehg]

The Urban Gentry There are many more varieties at Cheapest but I find the NATO straps of WCWC softer for the skin so more comfortable. I also bought leather bands from WCWC which have excellent value for money. Like many other things, I discovered WCWC by watching your videos.

[@KDL917]

Another benefit of wearing a watch on a NATO: It doesn't get cold if you take it off your wrist, unlike something on a bracelet, haha! Great video, TGV. I absolutely love my NATOs and zulus. Can't have too many.

[@theurbangentry]

Absolutely spot on Katrina, Thank you :D Hope you are well. Best regards, TGV

[@generalpatton272]

Great episode! I had no interest in natos until I saw your vids. I love the different colors and textures. Leather, rubber, nylon. Easy to switch out also. No tools required.

[@seanpollard4844]

Another great point about NATO/Zulu straps is how fast you can change the straps. Once the spring bars are set in the head of the watch you can slide straps back and forth very quickly and get a feel for how it looks and wears without having to fiddle with springbars like on a bracelet. Perlon straps work very well in this fashion too. What is also neat is that if you look around carefully you can find Zulu hardware on some NATO straps and vice versa. I even like to match brushed or polished hardware with a brushed or polished case. I like leather straps but they can get smelly and dirty and you have to be careful with water. I love hand washing the NATO strap and putting in on a after it hang dries and how nice is feels and smells freshly cleaned. Thanks for the video.

[@theurbangentry]

Excellent point!!! Totally agree, makes normal straps seem so complicated, plus you don't need tools! Great comment, Thank you Sean, Best regards, TGV

[@labnew6616]

Very well siad ...i just bought a nato for a shelved watch i had and it instantly became my favourite ...amazing

[@TheFiendRacer]

I love NATO straps too I have like 10 I rotate through. When they were new it was stiff, I put them in the washer with fabric softener and now they soft and good.

[@davidcoleman2463]

In the summer I put my Hamilton field automatic on a Bond . It looks great . The bond looks great on my small Seiko SKX also when I go boating or go to the beach.

[@rickewilde]

I'm convinced...you have now got me browsing for NATO straps for my Rotary dive design watch.i really think it will enhance it's look.thank you.

[@josephjordan521]

I own a few Nato's and I love each and every one of them. In fact, I find that I can't stand metal bracelets. The comfort of the Nato is unreal, and once you go Nato, you really don't go back! Great video TGV!

[@theurbangentry]

Absolutely, I could not agree more! Enjoy Joseph, Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@stu632]

Well you got me on to nato's and zulu's around 6 years ago. Usually prefer zulu, but love both esp if the length is right. Love switching them out. Erika's originals are good and comfortable.

[@cab1024]

Urban Gentry, I love you! Even my wife finds you entertaining. You're the only watch video maker I can watch when I'm not by myself. And that's a good thing! Well I've forgotten what my question is. But i hope you'll answer when I write again?

[@theurbangentry]

So glad to hear, I truly appreciate that. Did you send me an email on gmail? Please resend it, I get awfully behind it trying to reply to everyone, please bear with me. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@reverselee3218]

I currently only own 1 nato strap and it is for my flightmaster. After you get used to the material it becomes so soft and comfortable that you want to wear it all day. VIVA nato straps!!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you RL, Viva indeed!!! Best regards, TGV

[@StaticRome]

The Urban Gentry I'm looking to install a nato on my SNA411 too. What Nato strap thickness works best for the Flightmaster? I've read that the spring bar clearance is too small. Instead of slipping the strap underneath the spring-bars, do we need to remove them completely and fit them over the strap?? Or do we need a work-around for this such as replacing the fat spring-bars??? Thanks for the help!

[@misteragb7558]

I wear my Seiko cocktail time (sprb41j1) on a leather nato in combination with suits and I think it absolutely looks the business.

[@SantiagoAyoso]

I only dress Nato straps on my Vostok watches. Defenly the best wrist band for divers. Of course this os my humble opinión. Thanks for the video

[@forallthingsblack]

Nato's are life, I'm with you there my friend! I have a nato on all my watches except for my IWC Portuguese (sometimes I am tempted to put a nato on it too...lol) !! Anyways, fantastic video as usual Tristano! Best, Matt H.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Matt :D Enjoy the Portuguese, PURE CLASS! Best regards, TGV

[@Andromahlius]

Depends on the watch. my SKX has a metal Oyster bracelet that stays there because it's a pain to change it, and because the steel/black combination goes with nearly everything. I do use Zulus on my hamilton Khaki though, because I wear it when using specific outfits, I do wear military gear in summer so it fits.

[@dark_antihero]

i put everything on a nato

[@theurbangentry]

I like your style ;-) Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@cathb4114]

NATO straps all day,every day..

[@xKnight21x]

Nato straps are very comfortable to wear. Im actually wearing a blue & grey striped one now on my Orient Ray II blue dial, and it looks great :) Do wish the nato was a tad thicker. Might have to try out a zulu strap in the future

[@GeordsYouTube]

My order of straps from dress down to full casual would be, quality leather, steel, perlon, Zulu, NATO then rubber. Obviously variations of each help mix it up, for example a rubber lined leather strap would be great for a hot summers day when the dress code is smart casual. A leather NATO is fantastic for the vintage watches, dark perlon straps are also great for vintage. The one thing I would say about NATO and Zulu is always add a really bright colour to your strap collection, a colour outside what you would normally go for. The pop of colour on your wrist gets more reactions than any timepiece, even people who are not blessed with the watch obsession will complement your choice.

[@danielchin5847]

100% agree. The ability to overhaul the look of the watch in seconds 👍

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Daniel, hear hear! Best regards, TGV

[@JavierDiaz-zm1qd]

I personally always liked the metal bands but I gave it a try and bought from Strapco on eBay 4 Zulu vintage distress leather black, red, brown, and green. You are right what comfort and style. During the week I rather use rubber, resin or metal because it's easy to clean especially in the medical field. During my days off I see myself changing my Zulu midday because it's so easy and fun. Thanks.

[@nukedam12]

I really love how NATO/Zulu strap looks so a few months ago a bought a bond NATO strap from wcwc (thanks to you T. ;) but when I received it and put it on my watch I knew it wasn't for me... I was kinda sad because I thought I was in love with NATO strap but I was felling awkward wearing it... so I just put my watch back on the leather strap (which I love the felling)... A few weeks later (few weeks before the holiday season) i was scrambling on the internet and i found out about Marine Nationale strap and even if it was on the pricy side, I just love it! It got a similar feeling to a NATO/Zulu; both of them secure the watch in a nice way but I don't know what I just like it more! Maybe it's just me but even if they are very similar , I prefer it and watches is all about having fun and I'm having a ton whit my daily combo (Hamilton khaki field 38mm and the marine matinale strap). Anyways this comment is way to long so I end it here :) As always great video and we'll see you in 2 days for the next one /on the facebook group Damien

[@jdhammer138]

Thank you, TGV, for yet another thoughtful discussion. I have a much better understanding now of the advantages of Nato and Zulu straps.

[@marktuyet]

Put my vintage Date Just champagne dial on a Colareb green Venezia today and it looks great and I'll be wearing the watch much more often now . It really adds a more casual feel to a 2 tone or gold watch . Thanks TVG for many good ideas .

[@misterpearl]

Can't say I was much of a fan of Geneva, but the Patek Philippe Museum there was a highlight of my recent Europe trip....

[@zzyzxzee6374]

Good info, i like the nato because sometimes metal against my skin can sometimes irritate. I also like the fact that you have 2 secure points on the nato so if one fails,you still have your watch attached.

[@samuraijack9956]

I love Nato straps and i put 6 of my watches on NATOs almost permanently... even gifted some last year 👍👍 NATOs compliment some of my whacky dials on some vintages and i wear 2 of them with sports coats too (Bond grey and navy) TGV, your fondness for them is contagious🙂 Thanks Sir.

[@theurbangentry]

Fantastic to hear, great idea to gift them too!!! Greatly appreciated comment, thank you :D Best regards, TGV

[@RobertGeez]

I have a vintage Admiralty Grey 18mm on my Sub 16610. Absolutely looks awesome.

[@RondelayAOK]

oh don't forget finding lost springbars in odd corners in your office!

[@sog6841]

RondelayAOK every time I look for the springbar I just shot across the room I find the one I lost the time before. I never find the one I just lost.

[@kraftyw1999]

Great video, TGV! I love my NATOs. This video, paired with a post I saw in the Facebook group today about favourite fragrances, gave me an idea for an episode I'd really enjoy: TGV fashion rules and tips (watch pairing with outfits, watch strap/bracelet pairing with outfits, perfume/cologne+outfit and watch pairing, or even your own fashion rules; you're always dressed well!). Hope you are well!

[@theurbangentry]

Great idea, love it! I will certainly think about it. Thank you so much for the kind words, very well thank you. I hope you are too. Best regards, TGV

[@lshin80]

To me NATOs are mandatory during hot sultry Italian summers. Even for dress watches, because leather straps are too warm on my skin, and metal bracelets are a costant torture for my hair. So I usually alternate between leather in winter and NATOs in summer for dress watches, while for my first diver, the blue dial Promaster NY0040, I've decided to go NATO the whole year (currently it has the very same bue / grey strap as your Squale), since to me divers + NATOs is a match made in heaven.

[@stevenbennett3922]

Just put a Sniper Bay NATO on a Dan Henry 1972. That was fun. Those spring bars are close to the case.

[@MB-jr8ef]

I've had spring bar breaking during my time white water kayaking and cycling so I can testify to them keeping the watch attached to my wrist when I have done a section of rapids or mountain bike decent to find my watch hanging on one spring bar perfectly find but it makes you jump when you first see it.

[@DrDennis]

I buy the five rings and cut off the short straps. Works beautifully and many available. ❤

[@lanceuppercut7436]

Just the video I needed Tristano. I'm very tempted to purchase a couple of Nato and Zulu straps for my new watches I'm buying. In fact, I recon you've sold me on the idea sir! 🙏🏻

[@foyorama]

You are right I own two of each and I love how easy they are to change and comfortable, thx for the video

[@johnprice909]

You know, it was you and your enthusiasm for NATOs that got me to try them. Nice video, some great reasons. Ciao, John

[@theurbangentry]

haha, glad to hear, thank you John :D Thank you :D Best regards, TGV

[@skaynekurtis]

Love this edition - keep coming back to it... & today especially since I'm wearing a cool Bond nato made by the folks at WatchGecko -- a British company if I have that right. Dark navy, moss green & burgundy -- sweet combo. Looks great on my econo-Sea Urchin pepsi... Seiko 5. Aloha braddah! Keep up the fantastic horology content!

[@D__Lee]

I only have one watch, but I've got 8 Zulu watchbands. They're all one-piece 3-ring nylon which I prefer over the NATO. Although the option of quickly changing the strap to get a new look is nice, the most important feature for me is the comfort. It's so comfortable that I sometimes forget that I'm wearing a watch.

[@theurbangentry]

That is what it is all about! Keep enjoying them my friend. Best regards, TGV

[@colinrafferty4697]

I have used a G10 NATO strap since the early 90s when I bought a CWC G10 watch from Silvermans in East London UK .I wore the watch daily for work for about 7 years with the same strap although it look a little frayed was ok ,and have put them on every watch I have used since the since then. The best ones I have found are the originals from CWC & Phoenix very durable .

[@jimattrill8933]

I have a CWC G10 watch on a NATO strap. You can find the MOD specification of the watch on the internet. Notably the bars are not spring bars but are soldered into the lugs as per the spec. So it is impossible for the watch to fall off your wrist.

[@catlady8324]

I love it how the Hugo Dinosaur has even more of a Brit accent! Very posh in deed. Quite so, mate. Quite so. 🇬🇧

[@bdcochran01]

Perhaps, I am old school. Although I have watches with NATO straps, watches with features out the cazoo, my favorite watches which are always appropriate for any social occasion are quartz powered, used retirement watches with numbers and possibly (prefer not) with a date display. They have leather bands.

[@Possumfly1]

I got a zulu from Wrist Candy that was cheap and flimsy, and the holes wore out in less than two months. I replaced it with one from Perfit which is sturdy, looks great, and is still inexpensive at under $15.

[@Ericbbbb]

I wear natos almost every day. I wear them backwards, with the loop on the inside of the wrist. I am on a laptop every work day, and this has been the sole reason I wear a watch while working.

[@G1NZOU]

I love wearing my Alpinist on NATO straps, currently got it on a RAF colour NATO and although there's a lot of colours with the green and gold of the dial with the burgundy, sky blue and navy of the strap, it actually kind of works.

[@Wolferine07]

To add to #1, you can further show off your team's colors on game day. Really proud of the navy and yellow (i.e. maize and blue) strap I just bought from Gnomon. Go Blue!

[@gallolocoparisien]

I discovered Nato straps with my Daniel Wellington (yeah, shoot me for this!). Anyway, I got like 10 different styles now and it goes with everything. Sporty and casual class.

[@theurbangentry]

If you love it and it works for you, heck, why not! Enjoy William, I respect you style and honesty. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@randomdroyd3098]

So far I've ordered 2 straps (1 NATO, and 1 ZULU) and I have to say that I prefer a ZULU as of right now. The durability of the strap seems so wicked. Whilst these straps seem to showcase the elegance of a watch even more-so (something subjective, so to each their own if you don't agree), the sheer durability coupled with a more durable-esque watch (think similar to G-Shock/etc.) might just end up being a pair for the ages! That being said, I'm not sure if it's just me, but when I swapped out the leather strap on my Tissot T-Complication Squelette for said ZULU, the watch seems to sit much better/lower on the wrist as opposed to it being raised slightly on the leather strap. I think this is because the leather strap is still fairly new/stiff and thus the edges of the strap carry some height as they haven't settled into a good shape just yet...So yet another plus for a NATO/ZULU!

[@theurbangentry]

I love it when you find the perfect pairing of watch and nato! Enjoy the watches my friend, thank you for sharing. Best regards, TGV

[@randomdroyd3098]

Thank you, and no worries. Best regards to you as well.

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

Region plays its part in strap preferences. In colder climates leather might offer the most comfort and bracelets wear well with sleeved clothing. But in warmer climates when perspiration is a factor, the G10 is ideal. They're combat ready for outdoor activities, they wick moisture away even beneath the case, the bright color choices accessorize well with tan arms and short sleeves. (tattoos, etc.) and they're washable. If someone would add enough material between the first and second retainer to center the buckle on the wrist, and keep the price under $20, it just may be the perfect strap.

[@James-iy8tq]

another great video very informative and knowledgeable. thanks to your videos ive just purchased a SEIKO 5 CUSTOM DAGAZ CALIFORNIA DIAL AUTO WATCH SNKK27. havent owned a Seiko in 20yrs but you've convinced me it can sit proudly next to my OMEGA seamaster 007 spectra. keep up the great work.

[@Stallionfragrancereviews]

I agree with all points. I really like the comfort of them in the fact that they don't scratch!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Matt! Best regards, TGV

[@Stallionfragrancereviews]

Yw :)

[@claytonpulley4947]

Great videos, very informative. I am a big fan of the NATO's, they can be changed to match your clothing or mood and really modify the look of the watch as well. Carry on Mate.

[@BootsWalken]

I prefer the hardware of NATO's over Zulu, but I don't like the added thickness of the extra strap, so I always cut it off and they fit great. What I do is take hemostats and cinch them up as high as possible on the extra strap, cut it with very sharp scissors, then singe it using a lighter with the hemostats in place to prevent fraying...Also for anyone looking for a good way to store NATO straps, check out the Flambeau 3009 Tuff Tainer. It is intended as a tackle box but is the perfect size to neatly store the straps laying flat.

[@ChrisBHP]

Great idea, I only really wear nato's in summer so it's not that big of an issue but I remember thinking last year that although I like the comfort and fit of nato's, I wasn't a huge fan of how tall it made the watch case appear. I think you may have solved the problem.TY. I feel a bit daft for not thinking of the solution myself lol. Before I double team my nato strap with blade and fire can you confrim that the watch still holds steady on the wrist? I don't want the watch head sliding up and down the strap. Thanks

[@ChrisBHP]

It works! May I say what a masterful job I did of it too. Surgical snip and singed to perfection!

[@BootsWalken]

Cool! Glad it worked well for you my friend. I've never had a problem keeping the watch in place without it, so I think you'll be good. Another added benefit is that the watch can now be positioned anywhere on the strap, on some of mine I position it closer to the holes so that the buckle is more on the bottom of my wrist like a traditional strap.

[@ChrisBHP]

yup, well chuffed with that little hack. Like you say, you can now position the buckle and strap folds underneath (or anywhere) for a cleaner look. It's nice and symmetrical now when I go for a quick wrist watch check haha! thanks again!

[@Legionnaire7777]

Try a genuine Perlon strap by Eulit very good quality and comfortable too.

[@meepcheep314]

I got a chromexcel leather zulu strap from crown and buckle, and it is so comfortable!

[@sog6841]

The only NATO straps I really like are black leather. I've got them on all my field watches. Two Wengers, Black Night and a white face field watch that came on a black rubber. I also put my Luminox Sentry and Seiko SUN057 on it also. The white face Wenger on a black leather NATO made it look 100% better than the rubber strap.

[@boogiejeff1]

I agree with all you say about NATO straps, so my only problem is a very personal one. I'm a Brit like TGV and I remember as a boy, my friends and I had snake buckle belts holdng up our short trousers (pants if you are American) and they all had different coloured stripe designs just like many of the nato straps. So when I see a striped NATO, no matter how macho or James Bond like anyone is or how high end or rugged the watch, for me , it has that element of a seven year old wearing it which I can't get out of my head! I'm not asking for agreement here, as I said, it's just a personal observation.

[@jamesbuckingham77]

I was always brought up with the idea that if you're wearing a dress watch it should be thin enough to slip under a cuff, tank shape and be worn on a leather strap. Anything else, go for it, it's fun! It's like buying purple cushions for your cream sofa - accessorise to change the look of something with a splash of colour. Also, like you say sometimes you don't want to wear a big heavy bracelet and natos are so comfy and always fit perfectly no matter if it's hot or cold. Oh and you just had to get that damn squale in again!

[@wasilqayyum]

Great summary! Just got a Certina DS Action Diver and planning to pair it with the Bond Nato strap!

[@hellrzr45]

I have a huge Fossil Nate Q watch which is an important gift, so I have to wear it, it is big and the strap is thick and uncomfy, once I switched it to a NATO strap it made a World of difference. NATO strap is the most comfy ever. Also James Bond wears one, good enough for me.

[@mikemantho9426]

Love the NATOs; comfortable and practical, secure and tons of choices. Just put my Flighty on a black NATO, looks great, tight fit under the spring bars though.

[@mmorgado1]

Love your channel and contents! Thank you! 🙏😀

[@MOsesIcan]

Also reason #6 Extremely utilitarian as with the extra length of a proper strap can be worn, with watch suited to extreme conditions, on the outside of your garb AKA your rain/snow jacket, wet suit, hazmat suit etc... for those times when you really don’t want to pull your sleeve back ;)

[@jakobphipps1036]

I'm missing my nato now, I'm going to put my Seiko monster back on its nato. Thanks for the video as always TGV.

[@theurbangentry]

Always a pleasure, aaah yes, a Monster on a nato, pure class! ;-) Thank you Jakob, Best regards, TGV

[@ChrisCarries_EDC]

They are also very easy to switch out. You don't need to fiddle around with the spring bars when changing from one nato to another nato.

[@theurbangentry]

Very true indeed!!!! Spot on. Thank you. Best regards, TGV

[@anonym_b3058]

I love NATO steaks however the fist one I bought was horrible. It’s really hard and it isn’t comfortable to wear. But my other two (ones a Zulu) are very comfortable and good. Other than that 1thing (Which isn’t even really a problem of all of the NATO’s just that one) i love NATO’s and zulus!

[@patrickfulmer9596]

I just ordered my first Nato strap upon your recommendation. I can't wait to try it.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Patrick, enjoy! Best regards, TGV

[@Allangulon]

I needed spring bars for my 95 Seiko chrono so I visited a watch seller/jeweler and not only did they want $30 AU the guy said he'd fit the strap he proclaimed "Oh, it's one of those"! The putz thought the strap beneath him. Other than a very nice leather strap you can't beat a Nato for comfort and accessorising, what a putz! I declined the deal and bought online!

[@timemachineeddie1146]

Great video. Bought way to many Nato straps you reviewed even the Black one with the flowers/Plants for my CG Mod Artic Seiko Monster. They arte amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@yoavrachman2347]

I like that it's very easy to cycle constantly between straps when using nato's. Being able to switch straps without dealing with spring bars is a huge benefit for myself and others who frequently change straps. I have to say that the best aspect of NATO straps for me is the ease of switching between them.

[@jamiehull7238]

Love a NATO strap, very comfortable and versatile!

[@MrSoccerGK]

That article was written by Stephen Pulvirent, Hodinkee Editor. He also worked for bloomberg for a while so that probably explains it, cheers :)

[@KRW628]

I am a strap FLOOZIE - The Flighty is currently on an NDC Nato. And half of my watches are now on Strapcode bracelets.

[@sblantipodi]

I love NATOs too. I have dozens of straps of every dimensions and colours. I have some ZULUs but I generally tend to avoid them because they are ticker than NATOs and pretty bulky.

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Davide, Best regards, TGV