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!

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.

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.

The most informative zulu and nato strap difference and ways to wear video I saw in KZfaq so far. Thumbs up well deserved.

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.

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 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!

This is becoming one of my absolute favorite youtube channels. Keep on posting such great content.

Been wearing natos for years and never thought of the slim tuck... love it. Thank you, sir!

Thanks. I just got a Zulu strap today, and you gave me a good wearing solution for it.

Great video explaining the differences between the straps and how to wear them. Thank you. I'm more of a bracelet guy but, will try out some of these techniques!

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 really enjoy TGV's videos. Very positive even when pointing out drawbacks to watches, companies, straps, etc. I recently bought one of the recommendations - the Casio Duro entry level diver - and am very happy with it. I also had never worn a NATO or Zulu strap, despite being military for 21 years, so I bought some to go with the watch. I appreciated this video with options on how to wear them, and with this watch and strap, I am using the inverted method so that the "cleaner" side of the strap is more on display instead of the folded strap end. The strap I bought is black with a thin red line down the middle, which I think complements the red second hand on the watch. Thanks, and keep up the great videos.

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.

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.

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

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.

Was about to go to bed. I guess sleep can wait 10 more minutes.

When your back looking for watch videos and you saw the end of the Urban Gentry...legend forever. Thank you.

Of COURSE, you’d be the vlogger who has the secrets for my first NATO strap. Thanks for the help! Again!

Great video! Didn’t know of the other ways until now! I’m going to start doing some of these with my pieces. Especially with my SKX.

Had no idea there was so many ways to wear those straps. Great video once again.

Great Video Tristano! I’m going to try these options in the am ! Love the intro btw! Good to see you back

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!

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

You sir are a genius, gentleman, scholar and philosopher warrior. This video was brilliant!

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.

Super informative video. Thanks TGV!

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!

Slim tuck all the way! Thanks for this video, your channel is great. You’re a knowledgeable, non-snobbish, gent. And the accent makes even bargain reviews seem refined! Cheers!

I love your channel. I watch every video you post lol. You are the main reason I have become addicted to watches!

I wished I'd seen this when it came out! Another gem from TGV. Very helpful.

@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.

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.

Woohoo, a TGV video to watch when I get home. 👍⌚️⏱

I don’t know how I missed this video from years ago but I’ve found it immensely helpful and informative! Thank you! 🥃

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!

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.

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!

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

Excellent video as always TGV!

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. 👍

HENRY MK. II IS BEAUTIFUL!! Perfect with the Jubilee. And thanks for the zulu underside tuck, have to try that soon!

What a great Video TGV ! I love the fact you put so much thought and organization into this! Bravo Zulo! Ahem,,,

I have a lot of NATOs so that video is very helpful for me thank you 😊!

Nice video! I always wear NATOs the typical way, the loop facing outside. Also, I've been rocking my Messerschmitt ME-99S watch, 36mm size with white dial. Love this VERY affordable timepiece!

Great video, I will always were it in normal position but this was still interesting. Got to give credit where credit is due: I wear my Alpinist on the same sand-colored NATO from WCWC that TGV had it on in his duel with the Hamilton Khaki King - spot on! Thank you, sir!

Good video ! Particularly the last Zulu strap, its simplicity ! 👍🏼

Great video! Thanks for the sugestions! Cheers from Portugal!

This video was very relaxing and enjoyable. I got my first nato in the mail today

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 😉

Very informative learned a lot thanks!

Your intros never fail to impress; fantastic!

Excellent video... great information!! Thank you.

A beautiful Tudor. Looks great on the jubilee bracelet.

In my book, the last Zulu strap with the 'underside tuck' wins hands down over all the rest. Fine work, TGV.

Interesting video. I've never thought of the "slim tuck" - I'll have to give that one a try. Ciao, John

Just got a nato for my first G-shock, this video was very helpful thanks!

Great video. Very helpful and informative.

I remember when Buffalo Bill did the "folded back tuck" in Silence of the Lambs. Good times I say.

The slim tuck is brilliant ! Thanks 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!

With the nylon keeper nato reverse method that puts keeper on the inside, such a unique look!! Great tip, Tks

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👍

Never a fan of NATO,but I've come around.can't wait till I try them on my SARB033. TGV another stellar vid....

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.

Another brilliant 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 🤘👍👍

This was really helpful. Thank you.

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

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

a very usefull and creative way on putting on those straps sir. thank you for this video. :)

Awesome Tudor!!!

“Tristan”? I’m impressed. Great video-very helpful!👍

Can you do a thorough perlon breakdown please? Brands, weaves, buckles etc

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.

Great job TGV!

Slim tuck made a huge difference Thanks for making this video

Just found this. Great info!

Great topic, great review! Thank you!

Very informative Tristano, thank-you..!

Uh interesting I didn't know that there were different ways to wear a NATO or Zulu strap. As usual great video and I learned something new YAY!!!!! Sorry my bad spelling, I just got home from a 12 hour work day. Im a bit tired.

I just learned some new ways from this video. Good job

Thanks TGV I’m learn something every day.

Excellent video. Thanks!

Very useful. Thanks

I thought this video was going to suck. It turns out I was wrong! Great video! I learned something. This will come in very useful.

Love your work!

A verry good information 👍

Thanks for upload. Very useful

The slim tuck is fantastic. I never thought of that. I wear my Zulu underside tuck as well. Excellent video as always.

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 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.

Some very interesting ways, indeed. Thanks for that, TGV and greetings from the UK. ;0)

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!

That Squale strap is so fine! Just the color I was looking for.

Hi Tristano. I am watching this tutorial again. I just love it. Thank you again. Greetings, Robert

the second nato style is great! thanks!

Love the slim way !!! Tanks !

Great video. Very helpful. :)