Omega NATO | What a pain in the wrist!

My issue with Omega NATO straps is that they're TOO well made. There is a stiffness and thickness to the material that makes them inflexible and bulky. A "cheaper" NATO strap will be more form-fitting on the wrist.

My issue in general with almost all NATO straps is buckle placement. Maybe I'm just deformed, but the buckle always seems to sit on the side of my wrist. I find it uncomfortable and unnatural. No bueno.

The design of running the extra strappage up the side of the band and into a keeper is a potential problem. It adds bulk to the otherwise sleek look at the top of the assemblage. To my eye it looks unfinished. Plus it provides a potential snagging point to be caught on anything you brush past. I think a closure system like the deployant clasp would solve all my issues. Until that happens I'm just not a NATO strap user.

I love the concept of the NATO strap and the durability. If one spring bar gives out the watch doesn't immediately fall to the ground, instead hanging on by that second spring bar. I also like simple and industrial looking design of this strap. I just can't square the issues I have with the benefits.

I haven’t had comfort issues with the keepers but have had issues with the fabric around the buckle. It’s very itchy. I have shaved down some of the extra fabric but still find it itchy from time to time.

I haven’t, perhaps I’ll give that a go

I have the exact same issue with the Omega Nato. I had a Phenomenato Strap on my last Tudor, the quality is similar and the retainer doesn’t sit on your skin. Maybe give that a try. I have just ordered another one since the Tudor hat a different lug width.
P.S. What drives me nuts about the Omega Stap is that the retainer is already held in place by the band but they added a second bridge under the strap to the retainer.

I agree with OP's findings.
That's why I have completely redone the "sliding keeper" (no idea how to properly call it):

AFTER TRYING MANY WAYS OF USING IT, I FINALLY CUT THE LOWER PART (LOST THE OMEGA LOGO RING) OF IT, FOLD THE TAIL AND MOVE UP THE FREE RING

Have the same exact strap as OP. NO issues here.