Right...what you showed were (quite beautiful) 5-ring Zulu straps, not the G10 “NATO” pattern straps. The extra rings in the 5-ring Zulu are used to lock in the watch to keep stress off the spring bars. To make it easier: NATO straps have 4 pieces of flat metal hardware including the clasp and the extra piece of strap. Zulu straps have either 3 pieces of round metal hardware including the clasp and no extra piece of strap or have 5 pieces of round metal hardware including the clasp and an extra piece of strap which has two of the hardware pieces on its end to lock in the strap to keep stress off the spring bars as an added measure of robustness. Just look up how to properly wear a 5-ring Zulu strap. Doesn’t mean you can’t wear them like a nato strap but you aren’t making the most of the Zulu strap then...and tbh the unused extra 5th ring looks odd in that case, at least to me. Here is a video on how to “properly” wear a 5-ring Zulu strap (well, as it is supposed to at least). ruclips.net/video/EaKyBTcGIUQ/видео.html
You are correct in all of this, but unfortunately missing what we're doing here. Since a traditional NATO strap would never be made of leather, our approach is based more on aesthetics for leather enthusiasts, and not so much a technical approach. We make a simple thick leather strap that for the most part appears as a NATO and offers the security of one. We can argue about the terms NATO and ZULU and shape of the rings, but we would rather leave that to the purists on the watch forums :) - Thanks for the input, as we do appreciate it. I'm sure plenty of folks will find it helpful in furthering their education on the technical aspects of watch straps. Cheers.
@@craftnlore I see! But I reckon in that case you might be able to make do with 4 pieces of hardware since the leather probably is too sturdy and robust to properly lock in. Or since you make the straps you could opt to offer that option as a choice, if practicable.
@@-----REDACTED----- We specifically chose the number of rings for the aesthetic, and find the timepiece is well locked in place with our method. Which is all we were ever really after in this design. We appreciate that not everyone will like this strap, and so we do hope to offer more varieties in the future. Thanks.
The only NATO straps in this video are the ones in the Bond clips and old pics...the ones being sold here are ZULU straps (beefy round rings), not NATO (flat rings).
If you're after a legit NATO, then yes a thin nylon strap will easily pull through. If you're after a novelty leather "NATO" and want it sturdy and long lasting, you won't mind some spring bar work.
@@craftnlore Cheap imports? That's a little insulting to the countless skilled workers Asia has to offer. If you think everything made outside of the U.S. with cheaper labor is low quality then you're either delusional...or more likely using "made in U.S.A." as an excuse to charge exorbitant prices.
@@jaredmcclelland1368 I got to agree with craft and lore you mentioned both cheaper and imported in your comment. A cheaper imported product would be a cheap import. Or did something go over my head 🤔.
@@jaredmcclelland1368 that's exactly what they're doing. I've seen plenty of good quality leather NATO straps in EU for $40-50 and they look better than these...
Just ordered one!!! LOVE CRAFT AND LORE 👍🏻
Right...what you showed were (quite beautiful) 5-ring Zulu straps, not the G10 “NATO” pattern straps.
The extra rings in the 5-ring Zulu are used to lock in the watch to keep stress off the spring bars.
To make it easier:
NATO straps have 4 pieces of flat metal hardware including the clasp and the extra piece of strap.
Zulu straps have either 3 pieces of round metal hardware including the clasp and no extra piece of strap or have 5 pieces of round metal hardware including the clasp and an extra piece of strap which has two of the hardware pieces on its end to lock in the strap to keep stress off the spring bars as an added measure of robustness.
Just look up how to properly wear a 5-ring Zulu strap. Doesn’t mean you can’t wear them like a nato strap but you aren’t making the most of the Zulu strap then...and tbh the unused extra 5th ring looks odd in that case, at least to me.
Here is a video on how to “properly” wear a 5-ring Zulu strap (well, as it is supposed to at least).
ruclips.net/video/EaKyBTcGIUQ/видео.html
You are correct in all of this, but unfortunately missing what we're doing here. Since a traditional NATO strap would never be made of leather, our approach is based more on aesthetics for leather enthusiasts, and not so much a technical approach. We make a simple thick leather strap that for the most part appears as a NATO and offers the security of one. We can argue about the terms NATO and ZULU and shape of the rings, but we would rather leave that to the purists on the watch forums :) - Thanks for the input, as we do appreciate it. I'm sure plenty of folks will find it helpful in furthering their education on the technical aspects of watch straps. Cheers.
@@craftnlore
I see! But I reckon in that case you might be able to make do with 4 pieces of hardware since the leather probably is too sturdy and robust to properly lock in. Or since you make the straps you could opt to offer that option as a choice, if practicable.
@@-----REDACTED----- We specifically chose the number of rings for the aesthetic, and find the timepiece is well locked in place with our method. Which is all we were ever really after in this design. We appreciate that not everyone will like this strap, and so we do hope to offer more varieties in the future. Thanks.
Man, I need to get a nice watch to pair with one of these straps. Very Nice 👌🏼
You should cruise watchrecon.com as a good starter place for used nice watches.
Super cool video man👌
Question: Isn't it easier to just slide the strap in and out without removing the springbar? Is it because of the type of watch?
It is because of the type of watch and how thick our strap is. Some watches can slip it through.
@@craftnlore Wow. Thanks. I learned something new today.
The only NATO straps in this video are the ones in the Bond clips and old pics...the ones being sold here are ZULU straps (beefy round rings), not NATO (flat rings).
May I know the model no of this watch please ?
Should i buy $10 strap ?
Its ya boy 🥵
What kind of watches were those? I'm not too knowledgeable on models or anything but I know which styles I like if that makes sense ?
Check out the brands Helberg, Steinhart and Armida
Isn't one of the selling points of a NATO being that you DON'T have to remove the spring bars??
If you're after a legit NATO, then yes a thin nylon strap will easily pull through. If you're after a novelty leather "NATO" and want it sturdy and long lasting, you won't mind some spring bar work.
SIR I WANT 2 NATO WATCH STRAPS, HOW MUCH PRICE?.... TAN, BLACK COLOR 20 MM...
Is it durable and waterproof?
It's durable. This full grain leather has some water resistance based on its tanning process, but it's not waterproof.
What watches are yal wearing??
$110 for a leather watch strap? You guys really need to start manufacturing overseas, that price is ridiculous.
We're not here for cheap imports, so you are probably at the wrong place. Check your local megamart.
@@craftnlore Cheap imports? That's a little insulting to the countless skilled workers Asia has to offer.
If you think everything made outside of the U.S. with cheaper labor is low quality then you're either delusional...or more likely using "made in U.S.A." as an excuse to charge exorbitant prices.
@@jaredmcclelland1368 I got to agree with craft and lore you mentioned both cheaper and imported in your comment. A cheaper imported product would be a cheap import. Or did something go over my head 🤔.
@@jaredmcclelland1368 that's exactly what they're doing. I've seen plenty of good quality leather NATO straps in EU for $40-50 and they look better than these...