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Will 19mm NATO strap fit between 18mm lugs?

  1. hotwheels Feb 28, 2019

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    I’m looking for a genuine omega NATO strap for a ladies seamaster with 18mm lugs but the NATO straps on the omega site are 19mm-20mm?
     
    Graemega likes this.
  2. Wetworks Feb 28, 2019

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    Most likely no. The two ranges offered by Omega (19/20 & 21/22) are made for the bigger lug widths listed, with the idea that the 1mm of bunching will be imperceptible. I would think the smaller strap with an 18 lug width watch wouldn't look great, and would possibly be uncomfortable.
     
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  3. hotwheels Feb 28, 2019

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    That’s a shame, didn’t want to put an aftermarket strap on.
     
  4. 89-0 Feb 28, 2019

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    Would curved spring bars help the OP?
     
  5. OWa Feb 28, 2019

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    The 19 mm fits on a speedy reduced with 18mm lug width. You could try it on at an OB. They would assist you.
     
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  6. many Feb 28, 2019

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    I wear 20mm Natos on my 19mm FOIS. You can't really tell.
     
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  7. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Feb 28, 2019

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    Curved spring bars and you should be perfect.
     
    EauTerre, harbwe5, 89-0 and 1 other person like this.
  8. harbwe5 Mar 1, 2019

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    Exactly. I wear multiple 20mm Omega OEM natos on my 60th anniversary Speedmaster (19mm lugs) and they fit perfectly with the curved spring bars, which the OB should give you for free.
     
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  9. Wetworks Mar 1, 2019

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    Yes, but those are only 1mm differences. I've no experience with going to 2mm, so I defer to anyone have knows better
     
  10. OWa Mar 2, 2019

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    As I wrote before the Nato will fit on Speedy Reduced (18 mm). It would probably be an even better fit with curved springbars.
    Evidence:
    53DC2F89-6CEA-4606-8C1C-473B926CB1B9.jpeg
    19243E56-9FB3-40E6-9AD3-E54A985D4FEE.jpeg
    Cheers
     
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  11. Linzer Mar 2, 2019

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    Omega has 18mm NATO straps. I'm sure an OB or AD can get it for you.
    Screenshot 2019-03-02 at 11.41.56.png Screenshot 2019-03-02 at 11.42.13.png Screenshot 2019-03-02 at 11.42.27.png Screenshot 2019-03-02 at 11.42.43.png
     
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  12. hbombkid Mar 2, 2019

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    It should fit might just be a little tight but talking a nato not a strap so will have more play in it. Curved spring bars should definitely make it fit easier though.
     
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  13. hotwheels Mar 2, 2019

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    Graemega and NotYoSpeedy like this.
  14. NotYoSpeedy Jan 2, 2020

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    Agreed, there are a few NATO Straps that are 20mm + and not available in 19. Sadly, it seems they are the most desirable..... Just ordered the green/black striped and will try it on my 18mm Day Date. Hoping it will come with the curved springs.
     
  15. Dan S Jan 2, 2020

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    There are plenty of great 18mm NATO straps available, of equal or better quality than Omega-branded straps, and at a lower price point. Why let Omega ream you for a friggin' piece of nylon.
     
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  16. NotYoSpeedy Jan 2, 2020

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    There are, I have a hodinkee leather strap, however I still like the feel and quality of an Omega NATO nylon (My brother's 20mm strap on his Seamaster feels unbelievable). You got any favorite places to get a 18mm nylon strap? The few I have purchased (Amazon, Crown & Buckle) haven't been to my liking.
     
  17. VetPsychWars Wants to be in the club! Jan 2, 2020

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    Look specifically for "seat belt material". That's the soft and silky one.
    Also, wash your existing strap in some Dawn dish soap, rinse well, press it flat to dry. Some of them will loosen up and get softer afterwards.

    I dislike the Omega straps because they ignored the MOD specification, therefore the loops are in ridiculous places, and so forth.

    Tom
     
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  18. Matt87 Jan 5, 2020

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    In My opinion it depends... Depend which nato strap are you going to buy: i can tell you that the 19/20mm nato are actually 19.5mm in width so i will reccomend to buy an omega nato available in 18mm.
     
  19. imranbecks Jan 6, 2020

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    The nato strap I use on my Seamaster which has a lug width of 21mm is 22mm. Yes I measured it and its 22mm. 1mm bigger isn't much of a squeeze but it's better than going 1mm smaller than the lug width as the springbars will show on the smaller width strap. Wouldn't recommend it.
     
  20. NotYoSpeedy Jan 6, 2020

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    just got the strap in and it does seem to go 19.5. Unfortunately Omega did NOT send the curved pins, in fact I had to use the flat pins from my steel bracelet to fit the strap. There is a bit of a bend at the edges but it’s not unsightly (Maybe due to the end straps being black, it blends in better)
     
    1208D7D4-C4EB-45DD-A31A-D4D38BE48290.jpeg B4748354-7329-4657-8426-6C2A345359BE.jpeg