I have read that NATO straps can be bad for engraved watch backs as they can rub the backs down?
Could this be true?

 

That watch above used to belong to a former USAF Colonel, bought by him in the late 60's when station in England, worn on nato strap due to its fixed bars.

My advice is to take out such a strap from time to time to remove the dust and other abrasive particles ... and you should have no marks.

Hope it helps

Best regards - Fred

 

So it is true then, I assume it has been attempted to remove this mark?
I will certainly be more careful now with my Speedo

 

Removing them .... certainly not. Battle scars aren't meant to be wiped out

 

Of course, my mistake.

 

If you plan to put a good watch on NATO straps over time I would recommend to put a generic caseback sticker (the round ones) on it. Any watch parts supplier sells them at almost no money at all.
I know some use them also with regular straps and bracelets in order to protect whatever is engraved on the caseback, but personally this gets too much for me. WIth a NATO strap you do not have skin contact with the caseback anyway.

 

No offense taken

 

I assume the NATO strap will do more damage than your skin chemicals?

 

I am more concerned about wearing comfort ! Yeah, I know.... Shame on me!

 

Worn on Nato for many many years in rough condition...



... not even a scratch on casebacks

I think your quite safe with yours

edit: and nato are very comfy strap mr northernman

 

I knew I should've collected stamps instead of watches!

 

I know. Only advice was that IF someone is worried that they will mark their loved watches, than a plastic sticker on the caseback will ensure they still can sleep well at night:

 

Didn't we discuss a Constellation that had a mangled medallion because of a NATO strap?

 

I know Anders . I was teasing you

Nice collection of nato... errrr... chronographs BTW

And that Omega ... I should have pulled the trigger when I have the chance

 

Is derailing a topic against the rules also now? When did that happen??

 

wearing military grade watches in rough conditions...... who would have thought of such a thing!

Its nice to know someone wears these things as intended, I've always felt sorry for those who were afraid to wear or use "vintage" equipment because it might get scratched!

Kind of like those people who trailer their classic bikes and cars around to keep them perfect...... they'll never know the fun of running them!

 

Love a Nato, not just on "Military"
A dearly departed -

 

When did I say that? Anyone can hijack a thread at any time for any reason!

 

If you really fancy wearing nato, why not put it on a leather nato? Defintely going to be lesser damage than from a nylon one.