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Nato straps similar to Omega Polyester Strap?

  1. Skrv Feb 5, 2019

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    Ordered a dark brown polyester Nato strap from Omega recently for my rail master and this probably is the softest Nato strap I have used. They are very comfortable and very expensive :). Wanted to check if other members have ordered similar polyester straps from other sources cheaper? Cheap nylon nato straps scratch the inside of the lugs and the back so was wondering if I can get some softer natos at a little cheaper price.

    Strap in question

    https://www.omegawatches.com/en-us/omega-nato-straps-031cwz007566w

    Wrist shot with the strap
     
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  2. duc Feb 5, 2019

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  3. yinzerniner Feb 5, 2019

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    The softness of the Nato strap has nothing to do with "scratching" the lugs and back of a watch.

    If you wash your Nato straps regularly then they don't scratch the watch. The dust, grime, sand, etc that embeds itself into the strap are the abrasive compound that creates the marks on the watch, NOT the strap material itself. That is unless the strap material is higher on the Mohs scale than stainless steel.

    While there are cases where a much softer material can create wear/scratches/abrasions on harder materials, that is usually due to excessive force/movement/friction applied over a very long and/or continuous period. However the interface between the strap and watch case is not such a situation, unless you're constantly moving the watch up and down the nato.

    That being said, the closest in feel to the soft polysester Natos from Omega would actually be something made from cotton like these below:
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Stitc...id=1549389284&sr=1-13&nodeID=7141123011&psd=1
    https://www.watchgecko.com/vintage-canvas-nato-by-zuludiver.php
    http://kellotarvike.com/product/rhein-fils-cotton-nato-strap

    Mind you, it's NOT the best material for everyday wear as it'll absorb dirt, grime, dust, sweat, etc like no other and require a lot of cleaning. But it'll be comfortable.

    Phenomenato, BluShark, Toxic, Moose Strap Co, and other premium natos are more the "seat belt" style fabric which is found on the polyamide nylon Omega natos from the first generation. Not as soft in pliability, but a very nice smooth finish which feels soft on the skin.
     
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  4. Skrv Feb 5, 2019

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    THanks @duc. Will check them out
     
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  5. Skrv Feb 5, 2019

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    Thanks @yinzerniner . Makes sense on the material. Was under the wrong impression that the nylon strap was causing the scratches. Usually wear the nato straps and just wipe them with wet cloth. Will try the cotton straps. Thanks again for taking the time.
     
  6. elmar2001 Feb 5, 2019

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    To avoid scratches at the caseback, I always put a clear watchmaker sticker on it and change it every few days to avoid accumulating bacteria.

    http://www.misterchrono.com/en/watc...er-35-mm-for-glasses-bottom-of-the-cases.html

    Cost a few cents and it works with metal bracelets too because they can cause scratches easier.

    Thanks for the links, I will try the watchgecko and phenomenato straps, too. I buy my straps at www.miros-time.de. Good quality, sizes for large wrists available, delivery in Germany from one day to the next and prices from 10-15 Euro - you can change and exchange them, if they are dirty at almost no costs.
     
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  7. hungdangnguyen23 Feb 5, 2019

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  8. Skrv Feb 6, 2019

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  9. Skrv Feb 6, 2019

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    Thanks @elmar2001.
     
  10. redzer007 Feb 6, 2019

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    Make sure you watch the instruction video of how to put on. Its different to every other strap I have used, but once set up correctly super comfortable
     
  11. hungdangnguyen23 Feb 6, 2019

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    Hey @Skrv just a heads up - if you like to wear your buckle to the side of your wrist like the extra portion of a NATO strap, order a size up (you can still modify your order if you email Erika). For example, I have a 6.25 inch wrist so I ordered a 165mm long strap for a 6.5 inch wrist, otherwise the buckle would sit directly square in the middle of my wrist and this creates a tighter loop for your wrist to squeeze through. Also, the doubled part of the strap runs along the entire underside of my wrist, which I also find more comfortable.

    Here's a picture of the green/red one I'm wearing now:

    51429105_879068059105467_2735045026747777024_n.jpg

    51297161_406865233419122_5918427687931609088_n.jpg
     
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  12. Skrv Feb 6, 2019

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    Thanks @hungdangnguyen23 . I also have a 6.25 in wrist and ordered a 175 mm strap for 7 in wrist. Saw the video as you suggested and saw you could shorten it to the right fit I think your fit looks right. Will email Erika to change the size to 165mm. Again really appreciate you taking the time to follow up. Thanks again
     
  13. Lbreak Feb 7, 2019

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    Try the AlphaShark Premier from Blushark. I have NATOs from each of their fabric type, and the AlphaShark Premier is the softest and the most comfortable you can get. ToxiNATOs straps are kinda stiff imo.
     
  14. Skrv Feb 7, 2019

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    Thank you. Tried Blushark and somehow find it very rigid. Will try to dig them up again and try running them through a dryer cycle as some have suggested :)
     
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  15. Lbreak Feb 7, 2019

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    If you are referring to the regular AlphaShark, then, yes, they are kinda stiff. The Permier version I was referring to is a lot softer :)
     
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  16. Skrv Feb 7, 2019

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    Thank you. This looks lot thinner and softer. Looking to order the black :).
     
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  17. wouter van wijk Feb 8, 2019

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    Pretty soon I will launch some really great seatbelts ATMO. I have developed a model that uses the best practise looking at all the straps that are currently available.
     
  18. Skrv Feb 8, 2019

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    Can’t wait to try. Please let us know and would be happy to order
     
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  19. Skrv Feb 19, 2019

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    Just got the straps yesterday. You are right.. these are probably the most comfortable straps I have worn. The only issue is getting the buckle to hook into the centerline. The best option seems to be get the hook in first and then tighten it once its on the wrist. Strap is great though. Ordering one more for my railmaster.
     
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