New 19mm Straps for the Ed White (Nato...)

Around ths time of year I usually remove the 7912 and pop on a Nato or vintage leather. Up to now, in the absence of much in the way of 19mm Nato straps, I've just borrowed one of my 20mm straps that I use on the 1680.

With the exception of the black Timefactors example, all the other 20mm Nato's look pinched between the lugs. It's only slight, and entirely to be expected given the lug size, but it bothers me nonetheless, to the extent that the only one I use now is the black TF one. I've tried an 18mm Nato from my 30T2 but that looks a bit weedy on the Ed White, so for a while now I've been on the look out for some quality 19mm Nato's, to really do the watch justice.

Well, the other day I came across Crown & Buckle, and to my pleasant surprise they had quite a few 19mm straps, including a good range of Nato's, both premium and standard. According to C&B, the premium has a superior weave and stitched thread construction (over ultrasonic welding), so I ordered two premiums, one grey, the other Khaki, and one standard in navy / yellow... I know, perhaps not very 105.003, but I was feeling a little adventurous that day, and besides for $12, It's no biggie if it looks completely ghastly.

First pic is on the 20mm Timefactors, of which I have half a dozen I suppose, and am very fond of:



Next is the Navy / lemon... I quite like it, well I think I do, might start to grate after a while...



Next is the Khaki, slightly different colour in real life, but you get the idea. I like it.



And finally the grey, which I really like and is what I've left on for the time being, well at least until I get bored with it and want a different look. Ahh... the joy of Nato's!!!



And just a close up of the lugs. No pinching... Hooray! Thank you to Thomas at Crown & Buckle, very helpful & polite, would thoroughly recommend them, whether you love or hate Nato's!

poor caseback :cry: ..

Why don't you try a nice vintage leather strap? just to preserve this beauty..

Fost... don't cry please...!!! It has a case back protector. And, remember, a man can never have too many straps! Variety is the spice of life...

Apart from the 7912, I also have a 1039 for it, a black and a tan leather, and now these... I know Nato's can be a bit love or hate, but I really quite like them, and I really appreciate the extra security they provide. I'm going to order a matt / satin black leather racing strap for it, and then call it a day for a while, and just enjoying mixing it up a bit as the mood takes me.

I feel better! Thanks so much you save my day 👍

Yeah... I'm still undecided on the blue/yellow. One minute I like it, the next... And, I'm naturally quite a restrained guy, like my watches subtle... not sure it's quite me. Well, she's on the grey now, really liking this one, gives it more of a tool watch look IMO, (in a military / milsub sort of way). I'll throw the blue/yellow in the strap bag for the time being, and re-visit in a couple of weeks or so.

Nice watch indeed!

I thought it was more common to wear metal bracelet daring summer months and leather in colder months.

Have I been doing it wrong?

😀

I don't think there's any right or wrong way, so to speak. When things get a bit more 'sticky', I prefer to wear it on a nato, so I can just throw them in the washing machine every few weeks or so. Keep the 7912 for the cooler months.

Getting my first Ed next week, thanks for the strap show 👍, @skipper !

I think the blue and yellow strap on yours would be perfect if you matched it to the blue and yellow of the bezel and lume, respectively.

Also, as a physician, you should get that mole on your forearm checked out. #watchfam

Beautiful watch, really like the chirpy blue bezel.
Another vote for leather nato straps!
Probably pricey compared to the C&B ones, but I think the leather nato straps from Bulang&Sons will match nicely with your beautiful watch.

that blue bezel looks amazing; especially with the matching nato strap

Ahantel - I already have & all good (luckily!), I appreciate your concern, you can never be too careful...

Have a look on yellowdogwatchstrap on the net.
Alex has a lot of marvellous nato leather. I think reasonable price and huge quality.
Here is mine😉

@skipper - just ordered a few crown and buckle natos for my new Ed and my 5512 (it needed one of the James Bond black/green/red ones) - I'll post some pictures when they get in!

I think that blue bezel is holding back your fashion options. Send it to me and I will adjust it to the proper color. 😒

I like the look of those yellow dog leather nato's, like the fact they're less than 2.0mm, always worried that a leather NATO would wear too 'thick' on the wrist / be too inflexible.

I've got one of the blk/red/gold/green bond nato's in 20mm that I occasionally wear on the Ed White, but due to slight pinching at the lugs I tend to use it mainly on the 1680 now. Looks great IMO.

I know there are many fans of the NATO strap. However, I feel these straps are too casual looking for a higher end sports watch like the Speedy. I think a leather strap like Torquemada's is a good compromise between sophistication and sportiness.

If it (NATO) was the only strap I had, then I'd be inclined to agree with you. But I wear mine on NATO, leather & bracelet and select accordingly, so if I'm out to dinner and the ed white is currently on a NATO, I'll just take something else that's on leather or bracelet.

Or use a leather nato..😉