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!
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!
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
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.
I would suggest a high-quality non-Omega NATO strap. Don't drink the Kool-aid, there are several manufacturers making "seatbelt" straps now.
I really doubt Omega NATO has magical material. Some very nice non-OEM NATO straps out there. Definitely check them out. My $0.02.
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.
Your entering Panerai territory with 24mm. Man they have some cool straps, how you could settle for Omega once your in that pool.......
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
A 24mm wide NATO IS a seatbelt 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.