I really appreciate that! This one has been a long time coming. Really hoping for the best! Any and all support is much appreciated 🙏

If you followed the amount of design and labor that Nick puts into these straps, you wouldn't be comparing them to $5 generic NATOs that don't offer the same comfort, functionality, adjustability, or appearance as his Hook straps. They're expensive for a reason, and honestly compared to factory NATOs from any major watch brand, they're actually not expensive at all.

...what? How does a grown adult make this kind of clueless argument. A Duro is a 50 dollar whatever Casio. Nothing wrong with that watch, but to use a cheapo watch as a price point comparison makes zero sense. Quality things cost money. You're only giving this input to make yourself feel better, otherwise it's useless. Wake up, old man.

$5 natos are fine and work, but they are incomparable to NM or Watch Steward elastic, and premium natos like Crown and Buckle or Bark and Jack. All of my $5 Natos sit in my draw never to be worn again. Nothing wrong with them, I've just come to appreciate quality at every part of the watch experience 👍

Me too! I've been dying to see how far I can take this system, and this really is one giant leap forward in terms of capabilities.

Awesome! That's going to be a sweet matchup. Look forward to seeing it!

Amazing! Thank you!

That's actually a pretty great comparison! While it's no Rene 41 super-alloy, it is certainly one heck of space-age upgrade for the Hook Strap line! I appreciate all the support and kind words ☺

🤠

Congrats on the weight loss! But this is the exact reason I've spent so much time and effort on the Chrono-Grip. The near infinite level of adjustment can easily accommodate these changes 👌

A much more ideal overall shape. Easier to manufacture. And the fact that it's Titanium is already a huge advantage over any previous CNC SS316 sliders I've produced!

My thoughts as well.

It might be possible. But these straps are cut a bit longer to take advantage of its ability to adjust to a greater degree. But if your straps are already too long, then that might just work. You might even be able to trim off the whole stitched area entirely! But this would all be handled at your own risk. Otherwise, I am happy to make any adjustments if you'd like to send them in!

@@nickmankeydesigns That sounds more than reasonable. I may try one of the older straps first and if I screw it up, I’ll take you up on your services for any others I have that are newer. Until then, good luck on your launch. I plan to participate in the Kickstarter and get some of the newer models as well. I love these straps. I also am impressed that Fortis is featuring some of your straps. I will have to sell some of my watch collection before I can get the one I want.

Big YES! The single layer of elastic can slide through just about any lug area you have! It's an ideal Fixed Bar watch strap 👌

Jokes aside, innovative solution indeed. Good job! I'm an engineer myself and I am impressed by your simple yet versatile design.

watch collectors can only dive 200M its genetics

It's on the stretch goal chart!

As is tradition with all of my releases, 1200 PDT!

A fair question, and there are a lot of factors that come to mind here. But if there's anything that I can attribute my growth to, both as a business owner and maker, it is that I am always trying to innovate. For example, the Hook Strap you currently own, and pretty much my entire operation, were born entirely from this drive to make something better than it currently is. And personally, the last thing I ever want to become is a stagnant, ground-out manufacturer of a singular item. It also helps that this new design is 2x as easy to assemble, which means 2x as fast, 2x less likely for errors to occur, 2x less wear and tear on my machines, etc. 😁 Reduced labor lost = more resources = more staff = shorter lead times.

@@davidb9531 for the first time ever, yes! That is the plan.

@@nickmankeydesigns looking forward to it just bought an fxd and these look the best option

I actually don't know what the exact effect would be. But if you are willing to personally test this, I would gladly replace your strap in the name of science! 😂

@@nickmankeydesigns good man! I shall get right on it and report my findings 👍 😜

Nope! All of my usual finish options are offered as stretch goals within the campaign (Blasted, Polished, Anodized Black).

Also worth mentioning that you can heat anodize Ti at home very easily for a splash of colour should you wish. I love the blue-purple colour you can get, and have done it to most of the titanium I have

@@peteg22397 I have seen this done! And having sand blasted and even painted my hardware in the past, I just don't have the time to make sure that it's done to a professional standard. I'll leave that to the finishing pros 😄

"More" in terms of cost? Material choice? Overall value? If you've never used one of my straps, you'll find that its qualities completely transcend its dollar value. And I would wager that a large portion of my customers pair them with their Rolexes, Grand Seikos, Pateks, Omegas, Tudors, etc. Have a look for yourself! nickmankeydesigns.com/customer-gallery-1

@@nickmankeydesigns I have tried several very expensive straps, the only Nato I found that suited a watch I own and didn't devalue was from Italy, I mean I actually picked it up in Italy and it was expensive. I doubt your straps are of the same quality honestly, if I am going to dive with my sub I'm using the extremely well-designed SS bracelet they supply the watch with, it adjusts better than any strap I have come across. I should add that I've been a diving instructor for over 30 years and I use a watch as my second device as backup.

​@@ragetobeDid you really come here just to shit on this guy's hard work and brag about your expensive watches and straps? I'm a Rolex/Omega/Grand Seiko/Breitling guy and I have a bunch of Nick's straps, including some custom ones he made for me years ago. Guess I should be ashamed at myself for "devaluing" my watches.

@@its_clean The wonders of KZfaq and its algorithm :) I didn't come here, I was directed. I didn't shit on anything, but putting a cheap ass strap on a 10-20k watch is ridiculous, maybe if you actually had something worth that you would understand. As for the rest of what you said, whatever, there are the haves and the have-nots, it's clear which camp you sit in. And you go devalue whatever you like, to me you are nobody and nothing, you don't ever exist and vice versa. Welcome to the internet where anything and everything is possible and impossible.

The path the elastic follows actually maintains a pre-grip on your wrist, and positions the attachment loop much closer to the Hook for much easier installation.

Not-o 😆