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Is there a way to reduce the lug width of a watch?

  1. Dor_42 Jan 1, 2019

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    Hi all,

    I wanted to fit an Omega NATO on my PloProf 600.

    The lug width on this watch is 24mm and the widest Omega NATO is 22mm wide.
    I saw some posts online where people warned from using a narrow strap on a wider spring bar because the movement of the strap could cause the spring bar to pop out and as a result the watch could fall from the strap - something I wouldn't want to happen.

    I know I can get many other NATO straps that will come in 24mm but I want the Omega one, so, what I am asking is- is there an adapter that can reduce the lug width from 24mm to 22mm?

    I have a friend with a 3D printer and a father in-law that can fabricate small metal parts for me, if there is no solution out there I thought about creating a 3D model to print, test on the watch and later fabricate it (using some kind of light metal), if you have any suggestions to what shape could work best or if I should go for spacers instead of an adapter I'd love to hear your opinion.

    (When I say adapter I mean some piece that will connect to the watch as if it was a strap on one end and have a 22mm lug at the other end)

    Thanks!
     
  2. Darlinboy Pratts! Will I B******S!!! Jan 1, 2019

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    You can probably fabricate spacers, but I doubt that will be an attractive solution. Buy the right size strap or just use the smaller one.

    The chances of a spring bar popping off are slim. Even if one does, a NATO strap, by design, will not allow the watch to fall off your wrist. You'd have to lose both spring bars at the same time - even less likely.

    And anyway... if a too-small NATO strap was good enough for Bond - James Bond, then it should be good enough for you!:whipped:

    bond-goldfinger-strap-small.jpg
     
    citizenrich, Traveler and Dor_42 like this.
  3. VintageWatchIta Jan 1, 2019

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    I think that a NATO 22mm could fit well a PloProf, also on my Moonwatch I use a slightly smaller NATO, no problems at all.
    When the difference is too high (> 4 mm) the effect is not that nice, but for 2mm I would try ;)
     
    Dor_42 likes this.
  4. Paedipod Jan 1, 2019

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    I have used tiny (1mm wide) rubber o-rings to centre the strap(one on each end of the spring bar).....works to stabilize the strap and does not really show on a hidden lug case like a ploprof/flightmaster style.
     
    marco, kyle L, Dor_42 and 1 other person like this.
  5. Dan S Jan 1, 2019

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    I would suggest a high-quality non-Omega NATO strap. Don't drink the Kool-aid, there are several manufacturers making "seatbelt" straps now.
     
    Traveler, ext1, Lucasssssss and 2 others like this.
  6. new_heuer Jan 1, 2019

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    What about using shoulderless spring bars and cutting them out with pliers when finished.
     
    Vercingetorix likes this.
  7. haqq777 Jan 1, 2019

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    I really doubt Omega NATO has magical material. Some very nice non-OEM NATO straps out there. Definitely check them out. My $0.02.
     
  8. Dor_42 Jan 1, 2019

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    I think I’ll go for it, now I just need to pick which one...

    Thanks all!
     
    VintageWatchIta likes this.
  9. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Jan 1, 2019

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    NATO and ploprof... that’s going to one high riding watch... if I did it I’d use a single strap 3 ring custom made... it’s what I use on my SKX.

    Honestly shark mesh and rubber is the way to go.
     
    kingsrider likes this.
  10. quito No, my first name is NOT Mos. Jan 1, 2019

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    If James Bond could wear an 18 mm on a 20 mm Rolex, you can wear a 22 mm on a 24 mm Ploprof.
     
  11. STANDY schizophrenic pizza orderer and watch collector Jan 1, 2019

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    Your entering Panerai territory with 24mm. Man they have some cool straps, how you could settle for Omega once your in that pool.......:whistling:
     
  12. Reddy_Kilowatt Jan 1, 2019

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    Hammer?
     
  13. Steve88M3 Jan 2, 2019

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    Send it to Omega.


    ...
     
  14. KingCrouchy Jan 2, 2019

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    1.) Put you watch sideways on, fix it with some small stones
    2.) Drive carefully with your car over it.
    3.) Repeat until happy with the result
     
    marco likes this.
  15. 3nicewatches $100 well spent Jan 2, 2019

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    That might also increase the lug width, to infinity...;)
     
  16. Alpha Kilt Owner, Beagle Parent, Omega Collector Jan 2, 2019

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  17. Tire-comedon First Globemaster Jan 2, 2019

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    Seriously? It's a Ploprof. Might damage the car….
     
    ConElPueblo, Paedipod, Vitezi and 3 others like this.
  18. KingCrouchy Jan 3, 2019

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    Then you need to adapt the Car to the watch. I think a M1 Abrahams would fit well.
     
    Tire-comedon likes this.
  19. ConElPueblo Jan 3, 2019

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    A 24mm wide NATO IS a seatbelt :D

    Seriously though, the special type of springbars used on the PloProf ought to be able to stand the extra stress from the slightly more narrow 22mm band.
     
  20. Dor_42 Jan 3, 2019

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    Now the question is which one?
    New Project.jpg
     
    DesignerV likes this.