NATO strap on 18mm lugs...

My first quality watch, a Seamaster mid-size 2551.80.00 from 1997 is losing wrist time and needs a refresh. Would the smallest new NATO strap fit between its slender 18mm lugs? Anyone tried?

If your talking about Omega original then I believe they come in 2 sizes. The 19/20 will go down through an 18mm lug but would look tight against the case with about 1mm or pinch. Should not detract from overall look.
However I would buy a cheap one that looks similar for material and thickness to try before spending £140.
The Omega straps are excellent quality. I own a few of them currently.

If you go for it I would fit it differently in that instead of putting the spring bars in and pulling the strap through I would have the strap in place on the case and put the 12 o’clock spring bar in and then smooth the strap down the case back and between the 6 o’clock lug before inserting the last spring bar.
This will prevent the edges of the strap being pulled tight through a gap not intended.

I would simply buy one of the many high quality, off-brand nato straps that are available.

Give one of these a try and never look back....

https://www.cwcwatch.com/collections/cwc-nato-watch-straps/products/cwc-nato-watch-strap

Is that 250 US $?
OMG