Last summer I was inner tubing with friends when my NATO strap saved my watch. We were travelling at high speeds, and doing our best to flip the other inner tube next to us (some of my other friends). I had grabbed the side so that my partner could climb on our neighbors inner tube to try and yank them off, and to try and prevent us from doing this, they started kicking at my arm to get me to let go. One of the blows landed right on my wrist, knocking against my Seiko PADI. When the smoke had cleared, my watch was hanging by only one spring bar, the other having ripped out from the impact. Now, if I had been wearing my watch on a bracelet or two piece strap, my PADI would be at the bottom of a lake. You never know when the unexpected might happen, so it counts to have security. Great video as always TGV, keep it up, see you at 200k subs!
Nothing tougher,more rugged,more reliable and more able to handle the rigours of the field than NATO's, it's not even a debateable topic,they are,for me, the ULTIMATE watch strap.
You can combine the "slim tuck" and "underside tuck" methods on a standard nato to seat the buckle under your wrist for a cleaner, more comfortable fit.
This is what I do with my Orient Small Seconds (RA-AP0005B10B). It's great for a "dressy" watch! I burned off 5 cm of the NATO, so it fits even better.
Old video but for a Nato I like to cut it sometimes. When cutting the extra loop I often get close to the edge, then burn the hell out of it creating a nice charred surface, then finely sand it down for a flush, comfortable fit. I also burn any loose threads, but the biggest thing I do is put a very small ring around my most used setting, usually 4 or 5 holes up. This helps keep it secure and strong. I also like avoiding cutting by doing the slim tuck and putting the excess strap toward the bottom of the wrist. Same as the way the zulu was folded on the bottom, but the extra loop is under there as well. Great video, thanks TGV.
Thank you!!!! Never really got how to wear these and before this didn’t find very good instructions anywhere. You covered everything!! Now I get it - put an Alphashark back on my diver and voila! Thanks to your video no longer have the ghastly folded lump on one side! I’ve also noticed that while you are correct that the NATO in standard position doesn’t allow the watch to be repositioned, if you invert so the hardware is inside, then you can in fact reposition quite easily.. which is how I ended up in the end. Plus this way you lose the fold over near the one end of the watch and makes a very clean appearance
I have been a fan of your channel for many years. I must have seen all your uploads. But this upload somehow escaped me! This is the first time I am learning how to wear Nato/Zulus differently! I am now wearing my beautiful Oris artix, with the underside option! Kudos to you!
Cool! TGV, Thanks again for a very informative video! I got back into watches after finding your channel, and I'm glad I did. It kind of reminds me of a toy windup airplane we used to play with as a kid, we used to say "wind it up and let it go"! Now it applies to watches! Thanks again, Steve M.
@TGV First off, I must say, excellent channel, it is actually the ONLY channel I am or have ever been subscribed to. My wife wasn’t too happy to hear I’m not subscribed to hers.... Anyways, I had an addition to this that MAY have already been added in comments but I simply didn’t have the time to read through every comment (yet). I wanted to touch on the “5-ring nato” which kind of changes the game altogether in wearing because you put it through both loops at the end of the under strap, then double back through the bottom loop which actually cinches the tension on the spring bars. This is functional for diving as well as daily wear because if the strap gets caught on something, the additional force is distributed to the strap and NOT to the spring bars, the tension on the spring bars always will remain constant. Just my two cents, and actually it made me really appreciate the 5 ring after realizing what it was utilized for.
Enlightening video, TGV. It took me long enough to figure out how to use a NATO in the first instance. So, it's fantastic that you did a video on the other ways to use both NATO and Zulu. It has been much appreciated.
You can slide the watch head further down on a nato and get the same effect you got with the extra material on the bottom as you did with the Zulu. Thanks for posting. Keep at it!
I did find this useful. I just order a NATO strap for a watch that I was going to get rid of. I like the watch but I was just tired of it. Maybe this will spark that love for the watch I originally had. Once again, thanks.
This video came just in time as I have just purchased my first automatic watch. I've taken many of UGWC suggestions and grabbed a 007. Love Love. Thanks for being a wonderful steward to horology, Cheers!
I never thought about these style straps paired with these type of watches till I saw a few of your videos. I like the look it gives the watches and adds versatility in terms of style. Thank you for the advise on how to wear these. Cheers, RLH IV
Great tips and NATO attachment/fit methods. I don't have many Zulus, I think I only have 1 Zulu, so the NATO methods would be what I'd use more. The "standard" or "normal" methods are generally fine and I got used to, but glad to learn of various ways to possibly get a better fit and/or look. It is sort of amazing how just 1 layer of strap material can make a difference in how the watch looks and lifts off the wrist. The only method I foresee using is a combination of your "Slim Tuck" for NATO and "Underside Tuck" for Zulu.. Call it the "Slim Underside Tuck"? What this does is you can get the slimmer profile with the "Slim Tuck", but that leaves some asymmetry if you try and secure it similar to how you would for "standard" or "normal". The outer will have more bulk because of strap material and keeper hardware and the inner side will be slim and low profile. So, just move the watch head down towards the holes or closer to center of strap like you did for your "Underside Tuck" on the Zulu, then run the strap through like the "Slim Tuck". That way, all the bulk will be on the underside and the outer and inner sides of the strap, when viewed from the watch front, will appear the same. Thanks again!
My first watch (timex weekender) came with a leather nato, and to the day I find it way more comfortable than the steel bracelets because of my small wrist.
Hi. I tried the method where you "bypass" the third ring and associated nylon. It worked well the only problem was that the third ring ended up directly under the buckle. This was a HadleyRoma strap. I'm happy to say that this inspired me to come up with another method. I threaded the third ring before I attached the watch and doubled up the nylon. An added bonus was that the end of the strap was fitting perfectly under the third ring, now next to one of the lugs. This of course depends on wrist and strap size. Thank you very much for all the great information and inspiration throughout (almost:-?) all of your videos. All the best. Eirik from Norway Post scripture: looking forward to a lot of videos from you Switzerland tour
And all this time, I thought there was only one way to Nato. I'm definitely going to try some of these out. I especially like your Zulu "Underside Tuck"! I might actually end up with my first Zulu. Bravo, TGV!
Hello TVG, I have a Rotary Vintage Dive Automatic, which I bought a NATO Strap for because I see you love them. I’ve been able to purchase one to match the colour of my watch face I’d love to show you if you’re interested in seeing? Also I love the Timex Marlin. I’ve added a few reminders on some auction sites so I get notified when new ones are put up, but they’re getting expensive now. Anyway back to the straps and the positions. I really like the Underside position of the Zulu strap. I thought it’s a bit of a shame you can’t do that with the Nato strap, but you can! If you use the Folded back tuck on the Nato strap it enables you to move the watch closer towards the strap holes enabling you to have the Underside position of the Zulu strap with a Nato strap. Keep up the good work! Love the videos just wish I had the funds to build a collection! JT
Extra Bonus Tip: Cut the extra flap off the NATO for a very slim fit! Just cut it very close to the stitching, then burn the frayed end with a lighter to seal the ends of the threads so it doesn't unravel. Very comfortable and thin if done properly.
Doing this also allows you to were the strap in what TGV refers to the "under tuck." It essentially turns the NATO into a thin Zulu, I have done this to several NATOs and it is very comfortable. Works best if your strap is stitched and not the press-glued/"welded" style.
A fifth way that I discovered by mistake, but the way I like to ware it for every day life: thread the strap end from top of watch till you hits first d ring. Than just simply strap it on your wrist. The watch rides low and buckle is on the underside. Plus I don’t have to tuck the band back around. Very comfortable.
All very interesting. I bought a Seiko Sports 100 in 1971 ( digital). I removed the bracelet and wore it with a Velcro band. I guess you would call that a Zulu. I thought swimming and did a lot of sailing. I wore it constantly. A great watch and band.
I got a new watch a few days ago. Of course I changed the bracelet with a black NATO strap 22 mm wide. I'm so satisfied. It's very comfortable and looks very good. I'm so sory that I'd not heard about NATO strap before. But tha NATO is exactly that what will fit in my life style very good. Also I think that the regular way of wearing is the best. For my personal taste other ways are not good. I plan to buy several Blushark straps because I prefer those than others.
Great video. I replaced, two of my old large Invicta watches that were hiding in the back of the drawer with Zulu Straps. Wow! What a difference. No more bulky Invicta bracelet. The monster got tamed a few notches.
Awesome. TGV, honestly I had trouble wearing my skx007. The standard jubilee didn't last a decade and fell apart. So I got a two piece, mil-green zulu for it. The skx can be a bit thick, only compounded with the thick zulu. I stopped wearing my skx007 because I wasn't happy with it. Then I seen this video. Long story, short... I can now wear my skx. No longer the regular position! Slim tuck mixed with underside tuck. It's great. Thanks.
Just what ive been looking for for my mudmaster 2000. The under slung method really makes an already large watch sit really comfortably on my wrist.. Cheers 😉
Hi TGV Ohh, thank you so much. Never knew that! I'm now wearing my Seamaster slim tuck, inverted positioned. It makes it sit much more tight on the wrist, more aesthetically pleasing... As always with good ideas there's a downside to it, though. Certain things has come into the daylight - my nato obviously need a good wash. I've better get going, then 😆 Keep up the good work👍
Haha, FANTASTIC!!!! If I can get just a few people to enjoy their watches more, my job is done. As for a mucky strap, between you and me, I kinda like them like that ;-) Terrible, I know, thank you Kjeld, Best regards, TGV
Definitely good for a thumbs up and a save. Very informative and shows a lot more versatility to both straps that I probably wouldn't have otherwise even looked into.
Thought slim tuck is a weird way to wear a nato.... just tried it on my sinn u1 and it just became amazingly more comfortable. Great instructional video
A complete WOW! and Thanks! So my daily watch of choice is a Pulsar G10 field watch. Ridiculously legible, no faff, lovely font, not big or fat, GREAT lume, showerproof and very thin and lightweight.... love it... but it has fixed pins and so I HAVE to use a nato strap. I have tried a gazillion different ones and was never satisfied with various types of leather and material until I tried a Page & Cooper rubber one. I like it because ... a. It's a lovely VERY dark grey/black, matching the dial b. It doesn't hold onto water after the shower, like nylon does. c. It seems to "flow" and grip your wrist somehow. When you lift the spare end, it sort of snaps back... d. It is grooved (for pleasure) ...no.. but it makes the hardware sort of grip on, making it feel more secure e. The hardware is brushed, matching my watch f. It's cheap (enough) g. The hardware loops don't have spare space to get your arm snagged on things. But, as you say, the extra bit of the strap on the NATO does make it sit higher... and on a thinner wrist, slightly ungainly and uncomfortable. YOUR SLIM TUCK TIP at 6:04 is flippin' genius. Why didn't I think of this? It has made a great strap and watch combo 100% better.
I just bought a Sarb017, and now I'm looking for my first nato or zulu, and i think I'm going for the Zulu with underside tuck, looks like it'll be something i'd appreciate more than the other ways :P Thanks!
You were the one that got me interested in nato straps TGV and now I love them. So comfortable and they do liven up your wrist and increase the fun factor, which it’s all about isn’t it 😁. I’m going to try the variations you’ve demonstrated. More watch band fun👍🏻. All the best mate.
You actually can wear the NATO with a down under tuck like your last zulu position. Slide it down near the holes just as you did and send strap through both rings. This doubles up the extra strap ring with the main ring. I wear it this way and love it. It keeps it slim on the wrist and the bulk is underneath which I prefer.
Thank you for the ideas. I will try the slim tuck when I get home from work later today. I also dislike how high a nato makes the watch sit and I have a few nato which are the same material as your zulu.
I wear a nato with the slim tuck but done with the exra underneath like you did with the zulu last one .a bit of a mix i find it more secured and comfortable that way i dont like tje extra to be showing on the left or right of the wrist as there normally worn hopefully someone might find this useful if they are finding natos not to there likeing as i did and iv found this way its growing on me iv not worn one for a while as i gave my dad the only nato i had so iv ordered more to try them again and ill see how it goes .grate video tgv as always.
Looks so much more comfortable and expressive than a bracelet, let alone personal styling. You seem to have such skills in finding the unique watches TGV. I've been attempting to locate a piece that stands alone, something that has a safety green dial with phospherpus orange hands in a diver or chronograph. Eye catching colors. Either vintage or current, something very unique. Suggestions Sir? Best regards.
Thanks for the great tutorial. Apart from the security aspect of not losing the watch if one lug fails, I find the most useful reason for wearing these NATO watchbands is hygiene. They can be conveniently thrown in with your regular wash cycle, especially if you practice sports or frequent the gym. Leather straps are smart but unsuitable for sports recreation. They become saturated with sweat and can begin to smell unpleasant. Metal is generally too heavy, complex and therefore more difficult to clean. These NATO straps fit the bill perfectly, so easy and quick to remove. They can even be trimmed so long as you seal the cut end (safely) with a lighter flame. And as I have several of these NATO straps, I never tire of the endless colour combinations.
Hello T. You should try a Haveston NATO strap. It takes it to a whole new level since the last keeper slides to hold the tail without any tuck. Also softer than other brands. And great history behind the design colors. And the best for last, they are Brits!
i use the inverted single pass style with my nato strap then i just move the extra below the wrist. very symmetrical from top view and it's really comfortable
Tristano a really useful cheerful informative video! I am new to the Straps and the extra length bugs me. I just take the length under the watch again. It does not show looks really neat. It works with adopters, not sure if it would without. Cheers
U are the governor, best illustrations of the way to handle the NATO. Inverted position snaps on belt, jacket pockets etc. So not my fav. However the inverted is for me the absolutly best position for a NATO. Killer video 🤘👍👍
I tried all the ways to tuck as mentioned but I always now just cut the loop off my natos and burn the end with a lighter. It wears better than any of the methods. I tried, and was nervous about mutilating my straps at first, but it truly feels the best. Otherwise, I'd just never bother wearing unmodified natos.
Classic Tgv “...I’ve been meaning to do for absolutely donkeys...” we say that over here in Oz but might be over out transatlantic friends’ heads. Cheers old mate
I'm not really a fan of the *slim tuck...* I've had it suggested to me to cut down on the thickness, but at that point: buy a Zulu. At any rate, thank you for the illustrations here! Great stuff as usual.
An refinement of the "slim tuck" (also called the "down-under") is to slide the watch down the strap so that the length of the 12-o'clock end is great enough to allow the buckle to come under the wrist directly beneath the watch-head. This means that the excess is under the wrist rather than on the side of the wrist. I wear my NATO straps this way all the time now. Until I learnt this method I just couldn't understand the appeal of a NATO strap.
Yeah I accidentally stumbled upon this myself and it definitely enhances the appeal of a NATO by hiding the excess. But I suppose it's less secure given that the redundant extra bit is no longer directly holding onto the watch.
True, but the extra loop really adds no security: any one-piece strap will hold the watch on your wrist if one spring bar fails. If both spring bars fail, then the extra loop will do nothing to stop the watch falling off your wrist. I think it's meant to stop the watch sliding on the strap, but how would that happen? It's never happened to me. Unless divers need that security loop, I can't imagine how it helps. A three-ring Zulu doesn't have it, but Zulus are thicker, and make the watch sit too high. I don't want to cut off the extra loop lest the cut edge irritate my skin; the "down-under" method solves all these problems.
I run mine back thru the buckle and buckle pin. Use the first keeper, fold the excess back toward the buckle. Lift the pin and use the first hole of the strap and run in in the opposite way
Right on time is your video as 6 straps are on their way for my GMT. I tried one Nato already and I just can’t take it off. What a beautiful and simple invention this type of straps really is. Thanks for posting. PS: I remember a video where the bloggers showed the same way of wearing the nato as you did with the zulu in the last example.
Hello at the end you mentioned you can’t to the underside tuck on a nato, well you can if you position the case like you did on the underside tuck then thread the strap like the slim tuck. That’s how I use mine, all the bulk is on the bottom.
One thing I have found with NATO straps and noticed a military guys do is to wear it in the regular style but also use it to hold their wedding ring when they can’t wear it for safety reasons. Before tucking the long end through the keeper ring they feed it through the wedding ring and then it is held in place and can also be tucked under the watch too. The keeper ring and it’s strap then holds the wedding ring against the longer strap and stops the wedding ring from moving about.
There are nato straps without the extra piece, just like a zulu but much more thinner. I ordered mine from timefactors, called nato deluxe on their site. There are two types of every nato strap, one of them is the "zulu way" but with the same material as the nato. I'm using my bond one piece nato from them with my SKX007 with the last method you showed and the result is just absolutely perfect. No extra bulk on the sides, the buckle is at the bottom, very comfortable and very slim. I thought I was the only one who wear a one piece strap like this :)
love the channel. love the vid. love the lion shark. can't really love the nato. on my thin wrist, there's so much leftover strap. surely someone makes bespoke straps to your wrist size to eliminate this issue!? if not, there's a business idea peeps
Nice! Majority of the time my watches are on NATO straps, especially my divers. Been contemplating adding some Zulu straps specifically for the option of under-tucking; Crown & Buckle has some leather versions I've considered along with the OG, burgundy/olive green Bond strap. Still, I also kind of like having the NATO strap hold the watch even off my wrist as I recently realized after having my GMT slide off my new perlon strap due to force of habit of holding just the top of the strap, lol
Many thanks for this. Just bought a CWC G10 field watch on a nato strap. Love the watch but it's rather uncomfortable. Having watched this and changed the strap fitting to "slim tuck" it's much better plus I punched in extra hole between standard spacings which also helped. Love the channel . Nice one chap!
That's why I prefer the Zulu.. you can always get the buckle opposite the watch. I don't like asymmetry like NATOs have. I'll also trim the straps if they are longer than I need. I have found another way of folding the nato. Put it one like the first way but instead of folding the strap through the same loop it just came through, fold it AROUND that loop and back through the first toward the buckle so any excess is opposite the watch. This normally takes all the excess though and makes it a perfect fit.
Ciao. I believe there are two types of ZULU straps. The 3 rings whcih is the simple one strap piece (like the olive color you are showing in the video) and the 5 rings which is like the NATO with the under-watch additional strap, making a double strap passing under the watch. Correct me if I am wrong.
If you have a thicker nato strap (a leather one, for example) you can just take an x-acto knife or a pair of sharp scissors and carefully cut off the extra flap, effectively turning it into a zulu . i've done it with my leather nato, since i didn't like how tall my snzh55 looked on it and i could't be happier with the results. of course if you don't want to tamper with your presumably luxury leather strap, you can always do "the slim tuck" but i still feel that with thicker straps you are not actually removing the bulk, but you are just moving it to a different place. of course with nylon its a whole different story, and i feel that TGV has covered that area pretty well.
Last summer I was inner tubing with friends when my NATO strap saved my watch. We were travelling at high speeds, and doing our best to flip the other inner tube next to us (some of my other friends). I had grabbed the side so that my partner could climb on our neighbors inner tube to try and yank them off, and to try and prevent us from doing this, they started kicking at my arm to get me to let go. One of the blows landed right on my wrist, knocking against my Seiko PADI. When the smoke had cleared, my watch was hanging by only one spring bar, the other having ripped out from the impact.
Now, if I had been wearing my watch on a bracelet or two piece strap, my PADI would be at the bottom of a lake. You never know when the unexpected might happen, so it counts to have security. Great video as always TGV, keep it up, see you at 200k subs!
Nothing tougher,more rugged,more reliable and more able to handle the rigours of the field than NATO's, it's not even a debateable topic,they are,for me, the ULTIMATE watch strap.
Great point. The Zulu/nato is the best way to go to keep your watch safe when out living life.
You can combine the "slim tuck" and "underside tuck" methods on a standard nato to seat the buckle under your wrist for a cleaner, more comfortable fit.
Just noticed that while trying out the slim tuck. So much better.
went with that option. great!
Yep, cleanest look and no more side lump!
Thanks! Wanted my watch to sit lower since its already quite thick and i disliked the extra bulk at the outer side this made it perfect
This is what I do with my Orient Small Seconds (RA-AP0005B10B). It's great for a "dressy" watch! I burned off 5 cm of the NATO, so it fits even better.
Old video but for a Nato I like to cut it sometimes. When cutting the extra loop I often get close to the edge, then burn the hell out of it creating a nice charred surface, then finely sand it down for a flush, comfortable fit. I also burn any loose threads, but the biggest thing I do is put a very small ring around my most used setting, usually 4 or 5 holes up. This helps keep it secure and strong. I also like avoiding cutting by doing the slim tuck and putting the excess strap toward the bottom of the wrist. Same as the way the zulu was folded on the bottom, but the extra loop is under there as well. Great video, thanks TGV.
Had no idea there was so many ways to wear those straps. Great video once again.
Of COURSE, you’d be the vlogger who has the secrets for my first NATO strap. Thanks for the help! Again!
Perfect timing! I’ve just got my first NATO strap from Amazon. It’s a black and grey 22mm to try on my Omega planet ocean. 👍
So glad I could help.
A PO on a nato, PURE CLASS! ;-)
Enjoy Gary, thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Great choice, man. I bet it will look fantastic, and it will make the watch feel super light.
The most informative zulu and nato strap difference and ways to wear video I saw in TH-cam so far. Thumbs up well deserved.
I remember when Buffalo Bill did the "folded back tuck" in Silence of the Lambs. Good times I say.
😂
32768 vibrations a second, and he was still an angry man!
Good one. You deserve a nice Chianti.
@@jsmith1649 Don't forget the fava beans.
Strange I don't seem to remember him wearing a watch......
Thank you!!!! Never really got how to wear these and before this didn’t find very good instructions anywhere. You covered everything!! Now I get it - put an Alphashark back on my diver and voila! Thanks to your video no longer have the ghastly folded lump on one side!
I’ve also noticed that while you are correct that the NATO in standard position doesn’t allow the watch to be repositioned, if you invert so the hardware is inside, then you can in fact reposition quite easily.. which is how I ended up in the end. Plus this way you lose the fold over near the one end of the watch and makes a very clean appearance
When your back looking for watch videos and you saw the end of the Urban Gentry...legend forever. Thank you.
I have been a fan of your channel for many years. I must have seen all your uploads. But this upload somehow escaped me! This is the first time I am learning how to wear Nato/Zulus differently! I am now wearing my beautiful Oris artix, with the underside option! Kudos to you!
Was about to go to bed. I guess sleep can wait 10 more minutes.
Thank you and good night! :D
Best regards,
TGV
Thank you TGV.i was never sure of the right or wrong way to wear these straps but now I can wear it as is most comfortable without fear of criticism.
So glad to hear! Have no fear my friend.
Wear and enjoy!
Thank you Rick,
Best regards,
TGV
Cool! TGV, Thanks again for a very informative video! I got back into watches after finding your channel, and I'm glad I did. It kind of reminds me of a toy windup airplane we used to play with as a kid, we used to say "wind it up and let it go"! Now it applies to watches! Thanks again, Steve M.
Thanks. I just got a Zulu strap today, and you gave me a good wearing solution for it.
You sir are a genius, gentleman, scholar and philosopher warrior. This video was brilliant!
@TGV First off, I must say, excellent channel, it is actually the ONLY channel I am or have ever been subscribed to. My wife wasn’t too happy to hear I’m not subscribed to hers.... Anyways, I had an addition to this that MAY have already been added in comments but I simply didn’t have the time to read through every comment (yet). I wanted to touch on the “5-ring nato” which kind of changes the game altogether in wearing because you put it through both loops at the end of the under strap, then double back through the bottom loop which actually cinches the tension on the spring bars. This is functional for diving as well as daily wear because if the strap gets caught on something, the additional force is distributed to the strap and NOT to the spring bars, the tension on the spring bars always will remain constant. Just my two cents, and actually it made me really appreciate the 5 ring after realizing what it was utilized for.
Been wearing natos for years and never thought of the slim tuck... love it. Thank you, sir!
In my book, the last Zulu strap with the 'underside tuck' wins hands down over all the rest. Fine work, TGV.
Enlightening video, TGV. It took me long enough to figure out how to use a NATO in the first instance. So, it's fantastic that you did a video on the other ways to use both NATO and Zulu. It has been much appreciated.
Can you do a thorough perlon breakdown please? Brands, weaves, buckles etc
Great idea.
Thank you Hamish,
Best regards,
TGV
You can slide the watch head further down on a nato and get the same effect you got with the extra material on the bottom as you did with the Zulu. Thanks for posting. Keep at it!
I don’t know how I missed this video from years ago but I’ve found it immensely helpful and informative! Thank you! 🥃
I did find this useful. I just order a NATO strap for a watch that I was going to get rid of. I like the watch but I was just tired of it. Maybe this will spark that love for the watch I originally had.
Once again, thanks.
This video came just in time as I have just purchased my first automatic watch. I've taken many of UGWC suggestions and grabbed a 007. Love Love. Thanks for being a wonderful steward to horology, Cheers!
Just got a nato for my first G-shock, this video was very helpful thanks!
Excellent vid! Hated how tall Nato's sat on my wrist so you just opened up a whole new world for me! Cheers and keep up the good work!
I never thought about these style straps paired with these type of watches till I saw a few of your videos. I like the look it gives the watches and adds versatility in terms of style. Thank you for the advise on how to wear these.
Cheers,
RLH IV
So glad I could help, I will be doing more of them too.
Thank you RLH!
Best regards,
TGV
This is becoming one of my absolute favorite youtube channels. Keep on posting such great content.
Great tips and NATO attachment/fit methods. I don't have many Zulus, I think I only have 1 Zulu, so the NATO methods would be what I'd use more.
The "standard" or "normal" methods are generally fine and I got used to, but glad to learn of various ways to possibly get a better fit and/or look.
It is sort of amazing how just 1 layer of strap material can make a difference in how the watch looks and lifts off the wrist.
The only method I foresee using is a combination of your "Slim Tuck" for NATO and "Underside Tuck" for Zulu.. Call it the "Slim Underside Tuck"?
What this does is you can get the slimmer profile with the "Slim Tuck", but that leaves some asymmetry if you try and secure it similar to how you would for "standard" or "normal". The outer will have more bulk because of strap material and keeper hardware and the inner side will be slim and low profile.
So, just move the watch head down towards the holes or closer to center of strap like you did for your "Underside Tuck" on the Zulu, then run the strap through like the "Slim Tuck". That way, all the bulk will be on the underside and the outer and inner sides of the strap, when viewed from the watch front, will appear the same.
Thanks again!
My first watch (timex weekender) came with a leather nato, and to the day I find it way more comfortable than the steel bracelets because of my small wrist.
Same ! Watching thsi because im planning on gettig some more straps for it.
Hi. I tried the method where you "bypass" the third ring and associated nylon. It worked well the only problem was that the third ring ended up directly under the buckle. This was a HadleyRoma strap. I'm happy to say that this inspired me to come up with another method. I threaded the third ring before I attached the watch and doubled up the nylon. An added bonus was that the end of the strap was fitting perfectly under the third ring, now next to one of the lugs. This of course depends on wrist and strap size.
Thank you very much for all the great information and inspiration throughout (almost:-?) all of your videos.
All the best.
Eirik from Norway
Post scripture: looking forward to a lot of videos from you Switzerland tour
Thank you Erik,
I adore Norway btw, travel there twice, amazing country and culture!
Best regards,
TGV
Good video ! Particularly the last Zulu strap, its simplicity ! 👍🏼
And all this time, I thought there was only one way to Nato. I'm definitely going to try some of these out. I especially like your Zulu "Underside Tuck"! I might actually end up with my first Zulu. Bravo, TGV!
I wished I'd seen this when it came out! Another gem from TGV. Very helpful.
Hello TVG,
I have a Rotary Vintage Dive Automatic, which I bought a NATO Strap for because I see you love them. I’ve been able to purchase one to match the colour of my watch face I’d love to show you if you’re interested in seeing?
Also I love the Timex Marlin. I’ve added a few reminders on some auction sites so I get notified when new ones are put up, but they’re getting expensive now.
Anyway back to the straps and the positions. I really like the Underside position of the Zulu strap. I thought it’s a bit of a shame you can’t do that with the Nato strap, but you can! If you use the Folded back tuck on the Nato strap it enables you to move the watch closer towards the strap holes enabling you to have the Underside position of the Zulu strap with a Nato strap.
Keep up the good work! Love the videos just wish I had the funds to build a collection!
JT
Extra Bonus Tip: Cut the extra flap off the NATO for a very slim fit! Just cut it very close to the stitching, then burn the frayed end with a lighter to seal the ends of the threads so it doesn't unravel. Very comfortable and thin if done properly.
Excellent tip triple zero!
Thank you sir.
Best regards,
TGV
TheStig ZeroZeroZero uuugh...
You alright, there?
I've done this for all my Nato's ,they look much better with perfect & nothing extra.
Doing this also allows you to were the strap in what TGV refers to the "under tuck." It essentially turns the NATO into a thin Zulu, I have done this to several NATOs and it is very comfortable. Works best if your strap is stitched and not the press-glued/"welded" style.
The Date/Day Tudor is a very elegant watch for a gent.
A fifth way that I discovered by mistake, but the way I like to ware it for every day life: thread the strap end from top of watch till you hits first d ring. Than just simply strap it on your wrist. The watch rides low and buckle is on the underside. Plus I don’t have to tuck the band back around. Very comfortable.
All very interesting. I bought a Seiko Sports 100 in 1971 ( digital). I removed the bracelet and wore it with a Velcro band. I guess you would call that a Zulu. I thought swimming and did a lot of sailing. I wore it constantly. A great watch and band.
The slim tuck is brilliant ! Thanks TGV
I got a new watch a few days ago. Of course I changed the bracelet with a black NATO strap 22 mm wide. I'm so satisfied. It's very comfortable and looks very good. I'm so sory that I'd not heard about NATO strap before. But tha NATO is exactly that what will fit in my life style very good. Also I think that the regular way of wearing is the best. For my personal taste other ways are not good. I plan to buy several Blushark straps because I prefer those than others.
I love your channel. I watch every video you post lol. You are the main reason I have become addicted to watches!
Great video. I replaced, two of my old large Invicta watches that were hiding in the back of the drawer with Zulu Straps. Wow! What a difference. No more bulky Invicta bracelet.
The monster got tamed a few notches.
Awesome.
TGV, honestly I had trouble wearing my skx007. The standard jubilee didn't last a decade and fell apart. So I got a two piece, mil-green zulu for it. The skx can be a bit thick, only compounded with the thick zulu. I stopped wearing my skx007 because I wasn't happy with it.
Then I seen this video. Long story, short... I can now wear my skx. No longer the regular position! Slim tuck mixed with underside tuck. It's great. Thanks.
That intro was... chillingly beautiful.
Just what ive been looking for for my mudmaster 2000. The under slung method really makes an already large watch sit really comfortably on my wrist..
Cheers 😉
Hi TGV
Ohh, thank you so much. Never knew that! I'm now wearing my Seamaster slim tuck, inverted positioned. It makes it sit much more tight on the wrist, more aesthetically pleasing...
As always with good ideas there's a downside to it, though. Certain things has come into the daylight - my nato obviously need a good wash. I've better get going, then 😆
Keep up the good work👍
Haha, FANTASTIC!!!!
If I can get just a few people to enjoy their watches more, my job is done.
As for a mucky strap, between you and me, I kinda like them like that ;-)
Terrible, I know, thank you Kjeld,
Best regards,
TGV
This video was very relaxing and enjoyable. I got my first nato in the mail today
Definitely good for a thumbs up and a save. Very informative and shows a lot more versatility to both straps that I probably wouldn't have otherwise even looked into.
Thought slim tuck is a weird way to wear a nato....
just tried it on my sinn u1 and it just became amazingly more comfortable.
Great instructional video
Woohoo, a TGV video to watch when I get home. 👍⌚️⏱
A complete WOW! and Thanks!
So my daily watch of choice is a Pulsar G10 field watch. Ridiculously legible, no faff, lovely font, not big or fat, GREAT lume, showerproof and very thin and lightweight.... love it... but it has fixed pins and so I HAVE to use a nato strap. I have tried a gazillion different ones and was never satisfied with various types of leather and material until I tried a Page & Cooper rubber one. I like it because ...
a. It's a lovely VERY dark grey/black, matching the dial
b. It doesn't hold onto water after the shower, like nylon does.
c. It seems to "flow" and grip your wrist somehow. When you lift the spare end, it sort of snaps back...
d. It is grooved (for pleasure) ...no.. but it makes the hardware sort of grip on, making it feel more secure
e. The hardware is brushed, matching my watch
f. It's cheap (enough)
g. The hardware loops don't have spare space to get your arm snagged on things.
But, as you say, the extra bit of the strap on the NATO does make it sit higher... and on a thinner wrist, slightly ungainly and uncomfortable.
YOUR SLIM TUCK TIP at 6:04 is flippin' genius. Why didn't I think of this? It has made a great strap and watch combo 100% better.
Excellent video as always TGV!
I just bought a Sarb017, and now I'm looking for my first nato or zulu, and i think I'm going for the Zulu with underside tuck, looks like it'll be something i'd appreciate more than the other ways :P Thanks!
Nice.. i use a lil bit modification from this..its an "inverted underside slim tuck" , not bulky, reaaally simple , and the most comfortable for me..
Hi Tristano. I am watching this tutorial again. I just love it. Thank you again. Greetings, Robert
Hi Robert, always lovely to hear from you.
Thank you my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry Thank you for you lovely words, man. Take care. R
You were the one that got me interested in nato straps TGV and now I love them. So comfortable and they do liven up your wrist and increase the fun factor, which it’s all about isn’t it 😁. I’m going to try the variations you’ve demonstrated. More watch band fun👍🏻. All the best mate.
Great video! Interesting to see so many different ways of wearing a NATO strap on a watch! It's just like seeing different ways of knotting a tie!
The slim tuck is fantastic. I never thought of that. I wear my Zulu underside tuck as well. Excellent video as always.
Thank you Steve! :D
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry love the NATO on your Lion Shark. Mine should be in the end of the week from LIW. Sooooo excited. What an Excellent design.
You actually can wear the NATO with a down under tuck like your last zulu position. Slide it down near the holes just as you did and send strap through both rings. This doubles up the extra strap ring with the main ring. I wear it this way and love it. It keeps it slim on the wrist and the bulk is underneath which I prefer.
I used to be unsure of NATO straps. But now, I have converted to absolutely adore them.
Never a fan of NATO,but I've come around.can't wait till I try them on my SARB033. TGV another stellar vid....
I have a lot of NATOs so that video is very helpful for me thank you 😊!
Your intros never fail to impress; fantastic!
I own 2 Nato straps and I love them. My favorite one is the all black nylon with black pvd hardware
Thank you for the ideas. I will try the slim tuck when I get home from work later today. I also dislike how high a nato makes the watch sit and I have a few nato which are the same material as your zulu.
I wear a nato with the slim tuck but done with the exra underneath like you did with the zulu last one .a bit of a mix i find it more secured and comfortable that way i dont like tje extra to be showing on the left or right of the wrist as there normally worn hopefully someone might find this useful if they are finding natos not to there likeing as i did and iv found this way its growing on me iv not worn one for a while as i gave my dad the only nato i had so iv ordered more to try them again and ill see how it goes .grate video tgv as always.
Looks so much more comfortable and expressive than a bracelet, let alone personal styling. You seem to have such skills in finding the unique watches TGV. I've been attempting to locate a piece that stands alone, something that has a safety green dial with phospherpus orange hands in a diver or chronograph. Eye catching colors. Either vintage or current, something very unique. Suggestions Sir? Best regards.
Thanks for the great tutorial. Apart from the security aspect of not losing the watch if one lug fails, I find the most useful reason for wearing these NATO watchbands is hygiene. They can be conveniently thrown in with your regular wash cycle, especially if you practice sports or frequent the gym. Leather straps are smart but unsuitable for sports recreation. They become saturated with sweat and can begin to smell unpleasant. Metal is generally too heavy, complex and therefore more difficult to clean. These NATO straps fit the bill perfectly, so easy and quick to remove. They can even be trimmed so long as you seal the cut end (safely) with a lighter flame. And as I have several of these NATO straps, I never tire of the endless colour combinations.
Hello T.
You should try a Haveston NATO strap. It takes it to a whole new level since the last keeper slides to hold the tail without any tuck. Also softer than other brands. And great history behind the design colors. And the best for last, they are Brits!
Super informative video. Thanks TGV!
i use the inverted single pass style with my nato strap then i just move the extra below the wrist. very symmetrical from top view and it's really comfortable
Tristano a really useful cheerful informative video! I am new to the Straps and the extra length bugs me. I just take the length under the watch again. It does not show looks really neat. It works with adopters, not sure if it would without. Cheers
So glad to hear, good point about adapters,
Thank you Panos,
Best regards,
TGV
Slim tuck made a huge difference
Thanks for making this video
U are the governor, best illustrations of the way to handle the NATO. Inverted position snaps on belt, jacket pockets etc. So not my fav. However the inverted is for me the absolutly best position for a NATO. Killer video 🤘👍👍
What a great Video TGV ! I love the fact you put so much thought and organization into this! Bravo Zulo! Ahem,,,
I tried all the ways to tuck as mentioned but I always now just cut the loop off my natos and burn the end with a lighter. It wears better than any of the methods. I tried, and was nervous about mutilating my straps at first, but it truly feels the best. Otherwise, I'd just never bother wearing unmodified natos.
Classic Tgv “...I’ve been meaning to do for absolutely donkeys...”
we say that over here in Oz but might be over out transatlantic friends’ heads. Cheers old mate
That Squale strap is so fine! Just the color I was looking for.
I'm not really a fan of the *slim tuck...* I've had it suggested to me to cut down on the thickness, but at that point: buy a Zulu. At any rate, thank you for the illustrations here! Great stuff as usual.
An refinement of the "slim tuck" (also called the "down-under") is to slide the watch down the strap so that the length of the 12-o'clock end is great enough to allow the buckle to come under the wrist directly beneath the watch-head. This means that the excess is under the wrist rather than on the side of the wrist. I wear my NATO straps this way all the time now. Until I learnt this method I just couldn't understand the appeal of a NATO strap.
Yeah I accidentally stumbled upon this myself and it definitely enhances the appeal of a NATO by hiding the excess. But I suppose it's less secure given that the redundant extra bit is no longer directly holding onto the watch.
True, but the extra loop really adds no security: any one-piece strap will hold the watch on your wrist if one spring bar fails. If both spring bars fail, then the extra loop will do nothing to stop the watch falling off your wrist. I think it's meant to stop the watch sliding on the strap, but how would that happen? It's never happened to me. Unless divers need that security loop, I can't imagine how it helps. A three-ring Zulu doesn't have it, but Zulus are thicker, and make the watch sit too high. I don't want to cut off the extra loop lest the cut edge irritate my skin; the "down-under" method solves all these problems.
Yeah, kinda defeats the purpose behind the NATO.
I run mine back thru the buckle and buckle pin. Use the first keeper, fold the excess back toward the buckle. Lift the pin and use the first hole of the strap and run in in the opposite way
HENRY MK. II IS BEAUTIFUL!! Perfect with the Jubilee. And thanks for the zulu underside tuck, have to try that soon!
Right on time is your video as 6 straps are on their way for my GMT. I tried one Nato already and I just can’t take it off. What a beautiful and simple invention this type of straps really is. Thanks for posting.
PS: I remember a video where the bloggers showed the same way of wearing the nato as you did with the zulu in the last example.
I have a leather nato strap on my Longines and honestly it’s the best strap I’ve ever worn.
Thanks TGV I’m learn something every day.
THAT makes it all worth it to hear.
Thank you so much John, very gracious of you to say.
Best regards,
TGV
Hello at the end you mentioned you can’t to the underside tuck on a nato, well you can if you position the case like you did on the underside tuck then thread the strap like the slim tuck. That’s how I use mine, all the bulk is on the bottom.
How interesting, I will have to try it.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
The Urban Gentry my pleasure, I saw it from this video a long time ago, it's only 50 seconds, worth a look.
th-cam.com/video/iGo-Xixr6WU/w-d-xo.html
One thing I have found with NATO straps and noticed a military guys do is to wear it in the regular style but also use it to hold their wedding ring when they can’t wear it for safety reasons. Before tucking the long end through the keeper ring they feed it through the wedding ring and then it is held in place and can also be tucked under the watch too. The keeper ring and it’s strap then holds the wedding ring against the longer strap and stops the wedding ring from moving about.
There are nato straps without the extra piece, just like a zulu but much more thinner. I ordered mine from timefactors, called nato deluxe on their site. There are two types of every nato strap, one of them is the "zulu way" but with the same material as the nato. I'm using my bond one piece nato from them with my SKX007 with the last method you showed and the result is just absolutely perfect. No extra bulk on the sides, the buckle is at the bottom, very comfortable and very slim. I thought I was the only one who wear a one piece strap like this :)
A beautiful Tudor. Looks great on the jubilee bracelet.
love the channel. love the vid. love the lion shark. can't really love the nato. on my thin wrist, there's so much leftover strap. surely someone makes bespoke straps to your wrist size to eliminate this issue!? if not, there's a business idea peeps
Nice! Majority of the time my watches are on NATO straps, especially my divers. Been contemplating adding some Zulu straps specifically for the option of under-tucking; Crown & Buckle has some leather versions I've considered along with the OG, burgundy/olive green Bond strap.
Still, I also kind of like having the NATO strap hold the watch even off my wrist as I recently realized after having my GMT slide off my new perlon strap due to force of habit of holding just the top of the strap, lol
Many thanks for this. Just bought a CWC G10 field watch on a nato strap. Love the watch but it's rather uncomfortable. Having watched this and changed the strap fitting to "slim tuck" it's much better plus I punched in extra hole between standard spacings which also helped. Love the channel . Nice one chap!
That's why I prefer the Zulu.. you can always get the buckle opposite the watch. I don't like asymmetry like NATOs have. I'll also trim the straps if they are longer than I need. I have found another way of folding the nato. Put it one like the first way but instead of folding the strap through the same loop it just came through, fold it AROUND that loop and back through the first toward the buckle so any excess is opposite the watch. This normally takes all the excess though and makes it a perfect fit.
With the nylon keeper nato reverse method that puts keeper on the inside, such a unique look!! Great tip, Tks
Ciao. I believe there are two types of ZULU straps. The 3 rings whcih is the simple one strap piece (like the olive color you are showing in the video) and the 5 rings which is like the NATO with the under-watch additional strap, making a double strap passing under the watch. Correct me if I am wrong.
If you have a thicker nato strap (a leather one, for example) you can just take an x-acto knife or a pair of sharp scissors and carefully cut off the extra flap, effectively turning it into a zulu . i've done it with my leather nato, since i didn't like how tall my snzh55 looked on it and i could't be happier with the results. of course if you don't want to tamper with your presumably luxury leather strap, you can always do "the slim tuck" but i still feel that with thicker straps you are not actually removing the bulk, but you are just moving it to a different place. of course with nylon its a whole different story, and i feel that TGV has covered that area pretty well.
I had never seen a Citizen Windsurfing LCD Digital Watch before. Cool!
Great video! I know you have done a video on affordable watches but could you do a video on Bering???? Thank you -Russell
Just got a NATO strap for my Casio Duro about a week ago. That slim tuck is looking like something I’m going to do from here on out.
Cracking watch, congrats on the pick up.
Enjoy!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV