Is the shorter ones for easier installation? Would it be safe to use the mentioned shorter ones on the bracelet?

 

One of mine came with a straight set and a curved set. Don't know why. I haven't used the curved set yet. Perhaps the curved set will make the strap ends a little curved?

 

because the size of the bars tends to be above and below the strap. Strap is 21, bars are 22 and 20 etc.

 

The curved bars are recommended for easier nato strap insert, the straight set needs a little love but with the curved one is 10 times easier.

the official omega nato manual recommends them also:

 

Actually, the (nylon) straps are 19.5 and 21.5. The first is for lug widths of 19 and 20 and the second for lug widths of 21 and 22. The curved spring bars are for an easier fit in 19 and 21 lugs as you will be sold the slightly broader strap.

 

They didn’t use to include the curved. You had to ask.

 

the curved bars are required for the Omega leather NATO straps — using the straight bars will mar the leather. Ask me how I know?

 

First I ever heard that. Are you sure it’s not because you have a 21mm strap on a 20mm lug??

 

nope. The leather Barenia leather straps are enough thicker than the nylon that it is a really tight fit with a straight strap - too tight, and will scrape the leather and leave a mark.. I purchased my first Barenia NATO (pictured in my avatar) from an Omega boutique. The leather straps are sized exactly to the lug widths (19, 20, 21, etc) and they were adamant that it required curved bars or it would mark the leather.

a few months later, I lost one (went flying when I took it off previously) so decided to use a straight bar. Guess what? Put a big scratch in the leather, which would not come out. Not fun with a $240 strap. Luckily, over time, the scratch has faded, it I still see it to remind me — always use a curved bar with the leather NATO!

 

What's the curved bar part number? Mine is the current gen 300m.

 

So curved bars only for the leather nato correct? No need for OEM leather or alligator?

 

nothing wrong with using curved bars on the nylon NATOs either — it makes it easier for them to go on and off as well.

have no idea what that second question is about.

 

My guess is whether he needs to use curved springbars for straps as well, which to me would depend on whether those straps have a curved end or not.

 

Yes I have OEM semi curved alligator straps for my speedy. Haven’t used it yet but I’m sure that part of it will rub on the case. Do you guys know if the strap will thin out due to the rubbing? This is why I’m asking or curved spring bars would help.

 

Normal straps are used with regular straight spring bars in 99.9% of cases. Nothing to worry about.

 

I read somewhere else on the forum that Omega now sells 21mm exact spec NATOs. Whereas old style was between the sizes (21.5mm). When I picked up my new 300MC from an OB a few weeks ago I was given 21.5mm strap gratis. When I later enquired about buying another NATO I was shown one marked 21mm, which seems to line up with this.

I find the 21.5mm fits fine but it does create some minor friction while threading through the bars. It could fray if you're a frequent strap-changer. If possible I'd prefer an exact 21mm for this reason on a future purchase (assuming this is possible and it isn't simply a case of Omega changing the label on the strap wrapper!). For £140 an exact fit would be my expectation....

 

You guys are getting spring bars?! I purchased my NATO in OB in Dubai Mall. I just got the strap in a plastic bag ...

 

I ordered a carbon strap with pin buckle for my X-33 gen 2 at an AD in Holland and they included spring bars gratis, so it depends on the specific OB/AD.

 

You must be thinking about the leather NATO straps. Omega has always sold those in exact widths (19, 20, 21, and 22mm); all nylon are sold as the 19.5 and 21.5 sizes.

 

" value for maney "