Hi Everyone!

I am planning to buy a Nato Strap for my 42mm PO. As you know, OMEGA has 2 sizes NATOS, 19~20mm and 21-22mm which means both these fits the corresponded Lugs. But i have been told that, the 19mm will be not a great fit on a 20mm lug where a part of the spring bar will show off.

I would be happy if anyone has the 19mm installed on a 20mm lug and post some photos.

CHeers

 

My 2 cents. The PO on NATO is not the smartest idea. It's a tall watch and NATO straps make it stand even taller due to the double layer of nylon under the watch. Try a blue shark NATO first to see if you like it. Spend 20-30 before you spend 150.

There is a reason you almost never see a PO on a NATO. The only diver I run on this style of strap is an SKX and even then it's a single strap Zulu with one layer of thin leather under it.

 

I believe they shipped the Spectre 300mc with curved lugs to help accommodate the width of the Nato strap so I think you're better off with the 19/20 strap.


*not my pic

 

Curved springbars would match the larger strap not the smaller one.

Edit oh wait we might be saying the same thing.

If I got the strap from omega I'd go bigger and have them throw in the curved springbars as it gives better options. I'd err towards the bigger strap.

 

To clarify the 300mc has 21mm lugs, not 20mm like the PO. I'm wearing my 300 now on a Omega NATO and I don't think it would fit 20mm lugs very well.

If no one else chimes in I can try the larger strap on the Speedmasters 20mm lugs when I get home.

 

So to clarify all the above regarding Omega Nylon Natos:
-They come in two widths - 19.5mm wide to accommodate 19mm and 20mm wide lugs, and 21.5mm to accommodate 21mm and 22m wide lugs.
-Omega suggests using curved springbars with all nylon natos - not 100% sure why but theories range from decreasing springbar tension, improved clearance between the edge of the case and strap, to sizing flexibility (ie used regular straight springbars to fit up, curved to fit down).
-Every OB I've been to has supplied FREE curved springbars if asked nicely while wearing an Omega Nato or watch. Was wearing the black Nato with my Camaro and they gladly obliged, and it helped the clearance between the case and strap and the bunch on the sides considerably. Even installed them although I insisted I could do it myself.
-If using a 19.5mm on a 20mm lug watch with straight springbars that leaves .25mm of gap on each side, roughly 3-4 human hairs. Hardly noticeable, and possibly even less than .25mm as the strap might spread a bit when worn snug on the wrist.
-I always use curved springbars when using an Omega Nato on my Speedy Pros, and the increased gap is hardly noticeable vs straight springbars. However as above the increased gap between the strap and case helps with fit and comfort, as the tops of the Nato aren't pulled up as much. IMHO the tradeoff is worth it.
-As stated by @Foo2rama natos add a good amount of thickness due to the 2-ply nature when mounted, and Omega Natos are a bit thicker than most so the added height is more significant. Definitely an acquired taste.

 

So what i have understood is, a curved spring bar is a must if planning to go for NATO. Right?

What size of curved spring bar i should get to fit on 20mm PO lug?

 

No but my understanding is that when you go a size larger it minimizes the bunching. Or 20mm lugs with the 20.5mm 20/21 strap. I've got the 20/21 on my speedy pro and it looks fine on a normal straight spring bar.

 

Can you post some phots of ur speedy?

Also i have checked the straps size at our OB and there no such a: 20.5. They come pure 19mm and 21mm..

I really want to see how the 19mm look like on a 20mm lug either with straigh or curved sprung bar..

 

My understanding that's the 20 mm for 20/21 which I thought was 20.5.

 

Thanks for the photos. Is the first photo of the speedy having 19mm nato on 20mm lug?

 

No, zoom in that is a reflection from the ridge not the springbar. The strap fully extends to each lug.
20mm and 20mm

 

Well, today i visited the OB and tried the 19mm on the 20 lug, and sadly to say that, an obvious section of the Spring bar can be seen....

i have decided to go for the 21mm NATO Size with (20mm curved lug spring bar) which i think will do the job greatly!

 

Anyone here is using a 21mm Nato on a 42mm (20mm lug) watch?....would love to see photos if possible

 

Just to emphasize a few earlier posts:
As stated before, the Omega nylon natos are sized at 19.5mm and 21.5mm. See the pic below of my black Speedmaster Pro nato, sized at 19.5mm for fitting on a 20mm lug width:

Are you certain you didn't measure and fit one of the leather or Coated Nylon natos? Those DO come in exact 19, 20, 21 and 22mm sizes.

And just to check for gaps, I fitted my Omega Nato to my Speedy Pro with straight and curved springbars. While I didn't take pics I can report that with straight springbars the gap is there but almost imperceptible, with very small slivers of springbar reflection - as stated, .25mm is the width of 3-4 human hairs. With the curved springbars the gap was more noticeable.

And from a WuS post, the response direct from Omega customer service reads:
We thank you for your request of December 16th, 2015 and are pleased to to learn that you recently purchased an OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch, serial number ............ We take the opportunity to thank you for your confidence in our brand.
Following your message, we have taken note that you have doubts about the width of the black "Nato" strap which was delivered with your newly purchased watch.
Referring to the attached picture, we assume that you were provided with the correct black "Nato" strap 19.5mm, foreseen for your model.

If you REALLY MUST fill in every gap of your 20mm lug width PO then get the 21.5mm nylon nato and be prepared for a lot of bunching even when using curved springbars.

 

Just to make it clear. I am talking about the 5 strips Nato ( Black-Gray ). This comes in only 2 sizes: 19mm and 21mm.

The Coated Nylon Version is not of my interest.

Thanks

 

Not to batter you but you're incorrect - the grey and black "Bond" nato is 19.5mm and 21.5mm. I've handled, worn, and sold both sizes of the "Bond" straps and they are the EXACT same widths as the other Omega regular nylon natos.

 

I did measure the strap at the OB and it is indeed a pure 19mm...

Maybe the one you are talking about are the old versions cos i came across that Omega has made a new tupes: 19mm and 21mm

 

Thanks..is this 21mm nato on 20 lug?...looks great