This is probably the first uploaded video with an Omega Speedmaster without mentioning any word about how beautiful this watch is. Good video

The quality that allows it to stay on your wrist if a spring bar breaks is the fact that it's a single piece strap. Only two piece straps will fully fail if one spring bar fails. The other strap (bottom) is so you can hang the watch without fear that it will come off the strap and fall to the floor. It adds a little bit of utility... if you never intend to hang the watch you can take that bottom one off. I kinda like the extra metal loops that the bottom strap provides to the other side of the watch, it makes it feel more symmetrical and looks a little bit more hardcore, but that's just me.

I find that you don't have to cut it off. Place the strap in as usual, but when you put on the watch, put your hand in between the hole that's created and double back the extra band that's left. In other words, put your hand in between the two layers that would usually lie between the watch and wrist.

If you move watch towards the middle of the strap, the "excess" will move to the bottom middle of your wrist like a regular watch band.

Suggest buying "single pass nato" or even better IMO - RAF straps. Agree that single pass is better. Less height, less bulk. RAF straps use nylon as a keeper, less visible but also less likely to catch and grind your desk.

Another great benefit to the NATO is that even if one pin breaks or fails, the watch is still retained. I love NATO straps. Cheap, strong, secure, simple and easy. 99% of the time my watches are hanging from a NATO.

Marshall, I am a long time MtG player who is only just recently getting into watches after deciding to move on from my Apple Watch. After a bunch of watch videos online, the YT algorithm recommended your channel. And it was so pleasantly surreal to hear a voice that I know so well from years of PT coverage talking about disassembling and restoring a vintage watch! Nice Library art! And keep up the wonderful work on this channel!

On thinner NATOs I own, the watch will move around and slide off - if you're not wearing it that is. It happened to me while I was standing in the bathroom (of course it had to be a room with a hard floor)... the watch slipped off the strap and dropped about a meter onto the floor-tiles. Ouch! I own another NATO for that same watch and that one is made from seat-belt fabric and is much thicker. I'd never worry about slippage with that one. However: There's no real need to go around cutting those straps off. What I do with the thicker one is I simply wear it differently. You don't secure the 2nd strap as you're meant to, but instead you let it flop about and with the watch on your wrist, insert the loose end of the strap into the hoop at the end of the 2nd strap and *then* insert the loose end into the buckle and fasten the strap. It's kinda hard to describe, but it's super easy when you do it. It removes the 2nd strap from under the watch and basically turns the NATO into a Zulu without having to cut off anything. Seeing how you seem to be a fellow lefty: You might want to try putting the NATO on upside-down, so that the buckle is on the 6oc side of the watch, not the 12. I find it easier to wear it that way, it moves the buckle to the center of my wrist's underside and it puts all the "excess strap" on the inside of your wrist. That, IMO, makes it less noticeable and somewhat more comfortable on your arm.

thank you for this advise. The first nato I bought did not have this extra loop. I often see your watchmaking videos, but this one is a plus; something EVERYONE can do and you see an inmediate improvement. You give that confidence needed to just do it! I did two straps. perfect every time!

I've been doing this for years and I've always wondered if anyone else did this. For anyone wondering why you couldn't just buy "single pass" natos or RAF straps, you can, but regular nato straps are found everywhere and have a greater selection of designs/colors.

Absolutely right. I’ve been doing this for years, too. There is a fun use for the spare tab. If you trim the corners off the end (so it’s not so blunt), take a lighter to it to stop it fraying, then melt a small hole through it using a nail, then you can thread a key ring onto it, to make a fun key fob.

I generally wear nato straps, some are now available as single pass straps (meaning you would not have to cut off that extra bit). Generally, I hate tucking the long end over so I also trim that extra off (the bit that goes way past the keeper) and sear the end with a lighter. also a fan of Barton nato straps, they use a cloth/nylon keeper.

Genius! I've been wearing my 5512 sub on a "Bond" nato on and off for years and this mod never occurred to me! I've even tried the natos that are actually 2 pieces that mount to springbars like a traditional strap but something was lost in that iteration and it just didn't suit. I did this mod on my strap and love it! That extra millimeter of watch closer to wrist makes a huge difference of the look and feel. And the good news is, if you hate it you're only out $20, tops. Thank you Marshall! Love your channel!

I discovered your videos a few months back and have watched tons of them. Always wondered what you looked like, then this one popped up. LoL Glad to put a face to the voice!

Great video! Totally agree with your mod of nato straps. I position the watch more in the middle of the strap so the buckle is directly on the bottom of my wrist.

Let me introduce you to 3 ring Zulu straps. You're welcome!

2 things: 1. The watch can move on the strap when you take it SCUBA diving. So that small strap really does serve a purpose. 2. If you don't like the keepers on the side of your wrist, lace the strap so that you create a loop with the two straps. This will move the keepers so that they are on the bottom of your wrist and the watch will not sit as high on your wrist. The following video, starting @2:23 explains the process: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fK9nitJil9PKdIk.html&ab_channel=40OverFashion

Thanks for the video. And thank you for making me know that I am not the only one who doesn’t like the additional part of the strap. Now my strap looks much better.

It has been a good many days since I first watched this video, and my mental struggling was great, cut or not cut? That is the question...and I finally did it! Just few minutes ago! and the result? A much better strap! It's so comfortable now without that extra bit, much lighter, less bulky. My watch has just born again.

This is my first time looking at some of your older stuff. I'd LOVE to see more videos like this in the future.

After a dive, I noticed a broken spring bar. My watch was just fine and still on my arm. A Nato strap is the only strap I've ever worn since. Also, Nato straps are much more gentle on a dry suit wrist seal.

I KNEW I RECOGNIZED YOUR VOICE. I just watched your restoration of the A&F Solunar and subscribed. Decided to check out the rest of your content this morning only to see its the MTG guy haha. Awesome channel!

This was super helpful. I just bought a NATO strap for the first time and after seeing your video, I snipped it and used a lighter. It's way more comfortable now and sits better on my wrist.

This makes the strap 1 million times better. I was really not liking my new seiko because of the thickness of the strap. Thank you!

Thank you for your time showing us!

I just got my "Bond" NATO strap yesterday and while it was sooooo comfortable to wear, it was just too bulky for my liking. And this is wearing it on a G Shock GM2100C. I tried other ways, they were all nice, but I ended up cutting, and it's GLORIOUS! All of the comfort and none of the bulk! I also just realized that I watched this video months before subscribing to the channel Marshall and now I see the face to go along with the tweezers and finger gloves😂 Thanks for sharing Marshall!

This hack has changed the way I view Natos. I had half a dozen that I never use. I just did this to them and they are WAY better. Thanks Marshall!

Since seeing this video, I have done this to all of the nylon slip-through straps I have gotten and it is sooooo much better. Had to come back to say thanks! It seems so intuitive now, but I would have just continued fussing with that extra flap had I not gotten this push.

Always interesting to see different ways to style a watch. Personally, I'm a 100% steel band gal... I've always worn mens watches, both dress & outdoor, and steel bands are the only ones I can wear literally everywhere. They don't absorb sweat or water, really easy to clean, the clasp is flush with the band so it doesn't catch on things... I've literally gotten my arms covered in brake dust & crud changing out a tyre on my way to work, rinsed off my watch when I got to the office & walked into a business meeting where I was randomly complimented on my watch by a colleague! LOL

Thank You. Makes it so much more comfortable.

This mod is a lifesaver for someone like me. I also hate how the double loop makes the watch sit taller and I like the seeing the full length of the the strap on the bottom side of the watch without that third ring around it. Great tutorial!

I should have done this A LOT sooner! Always was afraid to ruin the strap but now I’ve cut all of them and the wearing experience is like night and day!

I have wanted to do this on my straps but was too cowardly to do it. I’m glad it looks as good as it does. Thanks for doing this video. Now I feel safe making the modification myself.

The one strap was actually a Chevron strap from Crown & Buckle which is a good option if you don't like the extra layer of material or if you get the dig in your wrist from the loop side.

This is so helpful. I was having a similar problem with how the NATO straps seem bulky for my taste.

Yep! Just got my first nato, hated it then did this and now love it. Do it! Thanks

Excellent, thanks for this!

That Chaos Orb just looking at you work. Nice

Pretty helpfull, I'll never was into natos because of its look, but now I'll try it.

I love the cut at 7:51! Super natural and made your video feel much higher quality! Definitely recommend doing more of that style of editing! Love the video, Marshall!

Absolutely brilliant! Immediately preformed the S on a nato following watching your video. I have always loved the look and hated the feel of NATO's. They always sit too high, affect the feel of the watch and on heavier divers you have to cinch em down so much they strangle your wrist. Now my watch sits closer and is SO much more comfortable. Thanks much!

Been loving the channel Marshall. Can't believe my favorite MTG content creator is making content for my other hobby (who knew there were other magic playing amateur watchmakers?). Have you noticed added stress/failures to your spring bars with this modification? I always thought the "point" of a NATO strap was not losing the watch if a spring bar failed, and the loop that you cut is there to move the tensioning point away from the spring bars. All of that said, great tip for daily casual wear, gonna try it out!

I just tried this on a 210 euro Omega Nato for my Speedmaster. I was never a fan of NATO's for this exact reason - it used to sit too high. This is amazing, thank you!

I’ve always stayed away from NATO straps for the one reason of the bulky look. Now that I’ve seen this; I may give one a try! Thanks!!

It definitely looks sleeker on the wrist and feels a bit more comfortable with the watch case closer to skin. But as others have noted, you lose the security of the original NATO strap design when the watch is off the wrist. Without the extra loop, the watch can slip off the strap if you're not careful. With that said, the cheapo NATO that came with my cheapo Timex Weekender chrono already has several kinks by the spring bars, so it doesn't readily slip even without the extra strap.

I still have a timex expedition watch with a G1098 strap somewhere in the house long since forgotten until now. Thanks for reminding me.

The lighter part was a great idea! Thank you for sharing!

Literally just put my first nato strap on and immediately was like, yeah this is too much bulk, sits too high etc… this is exactly the video I was looking for!

I use a lot of NATOs, but my main gripe with them is that the buckle end is usually not long enough, so the buckle sits to the side of my wrist rather than in the centre. This mod will help that, I’ll have to try it 👍.

Thanks; works really well.

I use NATO straps on most of my watches; six out of seven and even the last one is on its metal bracelet because I think it looks better that way. I love the variety and versatility of NATOs

All my straps are nato now after watching this modification. Thank you.

I was wearing a Speedmaster on a NATO in Italy last month without cutting the bottom strap, and it wore a little high. The bottom strap is there to prevent the watch from moving around, but mine keeps perfectly in place nonetheless. Thanks for reminding me of burning to avoid shredding.

Way back in time (late 1960`s early 1970s) they sold nylon watch straps in all the colours of the rainbow some still appear on eBay from time to time. you may find if your Nato straps have 2 rows of stitching one behind the buckle, cutting there and removing the flap by undoing the second row of stitching, cutting loose the steel loops for strap control, the strap will have less bulk and fit more snuggly. Looking forward to many more videos, keep up the good work Marshall. ................... Dave.

What a great idea 💡 👏👏👏

Very helpful. Thanks.

That extra piece your cutting off is what is locking your watch case in place, that is a secrety feature nato straps are very popular for by the way. I have the other problem though, the excessive length flap I have to tuck in at the end of the strap, it makes it look ugly.

This was a really great tip! I got small wrists and the nato sits so much better when cutting the extra strap.

Two other ways to seal the cut nylon end is to use a hot knife or a soldering iron. I use this on snare drum straps and they work great!

Wait what?! I was just watching limited resources and started searching for watch videos and here you are again! Had no clue you had this channel or this hobby.

There are also leather straps that are one piece i.e. go around the spring bars and under the watch continuously. And many of them don't have that annoying metal loop for the extra flap after the buckle, just a leather loop to hold the flap. Also velcro-attached textile straps (instead of buckle and having to handle the extra flap), either one or two piece, are an option.

Fab video, thank you!

Great Marshall and thanks for share with us!!! You solve the main concern to use Nato strap in my watches. Great greetings from Saudi Arabia!!!!

I have a Nato strap recently, I had never used one but I liked it a lot and I had been thinking about cutting that extra part out of it, I am glad to know that I am not the only one who thinks it is unnecessary. Sure, it's a matter of taste but I feel like it's better without it.

I just did one after watching you and what a difference...! I'm going to do it to all of my NATO's...! Thanks, GG...IN

Great idea and nice video. Thanks

Super helpful. I think I watched this video some years ago when I modified my first NATO. Just got some new straps so time to mod again. I’ve spent a lot of hours watching your wristwatch revival videos - absolutely awesome content. And now it’s SUPER COOL to have a face to go with your voice. The content and production quality of your videos are amazing but I think your voice and delivery on narration is what sets you apart in my book. You’re a natural. Thanks for all of it.

There's ways to wear it where all the excess bulk is at the bottom of your wrist, I like it for a little extra comfort and "padding" on my wrist. But I myself have cut up so many NATOs lol. It also helps to burn the hell out of it then finely sand the edge if you're interested in that.

I swapped my stainless bracelet on my Breitling Headwind to a blue rubber. Made it more casual and great for when I'm out on the boat. Now I need the Nato strap for my Omega Seamaster 007.

I like the extra height from the double pass as it raises the crown away from the wrist and you can get away with wearing a larger watch without the crown pushing into the back of the and when doing certain tasks. I feel the extra bulk also gives a more premium aesthetic too

Just did this mod to my strap on my Seiko 5 - fits much better, less pressure on my wrist as well, so my chosen tightness is more comfortable

You should definitely look at Form-Function-Form. They make some pretty rad watch straps. “NATO” style with respect to the fact they are one piece and slide in and out just the way you demonstrated. The cool part is how they secure. There is a small adjustable stud closer to watch case so you don’t scrape your strap buckle all over.

Very cool.. Love the content. Subscribed!!

Just did this…thank you.

Thanks for that! Much better!

Nice tip mate. If you place the watch a bit further down the buckle will go underneath your wrist and it's not going to be visible on the side 👍

Ultimate hack! THANKS!

Whoah!! This is what Marshall looks like? Good to see your face, sir. I clearly have not watched all your videos yet, but I do enjoy them thoroughly. I take so many tips from you. Been watching Kalle a lot lately and it’s thanks to you mentioning him that I’ve learned so very much

Changing the strap is such a easy and nice way to change the look of your watch. I have 3 straps for some of my watches. I’m a leather strap guy myself to. Not to keen on steel bracelets.

I treat my NATO straps in a similar fashion, except that I remove all of those buckles, and make a new strap retainer out of the left over strap, which is then attached using contact adhesive. I have a few military watches that are using this set up. Works fine for me.

Great idea, thanks for sharing

I am going to take a shot at making my own Nato strap. Just ordered the Nylon and some triglides. Going to see how well a cinch style one would work

I just picked up a Nato strap for my Seiko dive watch and found the case to ride high on the top of the wrist which got me thinking how to modify it so I didn't have a double layer of nylon under it. Sooo...., I KZfaq and this was the first video I came across and BOOM, the answer to my dilemma. Took all of 2 minutes to alter and now it feels great on the wrist. 😀

Really enjoying your videos, and love the Speedmaster! Have you serviced it (and filmed it) yet, or are you still working up to watches with that many complications? Keep it up!

interesting solution. One thing to think about is that, as I understand from other videos, the additional strap is a design feature that ensures that if you are in the field and knock the watch and lose the lug, the watch will not fall off your wrist. If you notice, the watch remains on wrist with just one lug from either side. So something to consider in terms of what you use the watch for. Desk diving would not be an issue, but if you go hiking or do other outdoor activities, it may make sense to use it as designed.

Set the short stub to lay at the middle of the case back. Dont thread the main portion through that stub, but rather put the watch on, and allow the stub to come under your wrist and then loop the long part into the stub, then through the buckle. Takes all the loops to the underside of your wrist, and lowers the height of the watch. This was the directions provided to the British Forces during the issuance of the first NATO straps. Much better

Before bypassing or cutting off the extra piece, try dangling the strap by the buckle and jiggle it to be sure the watch head does not slide down. A heavy watch on a slightly undersized NATO can zip down the strap and away if you fumble putting it on or taking it off. This is why the NATO has the safety loop, a heavy dive watch on a wet strap can potentially be lost this way. It also allowed a watch to be hung on a hook or nail out of harms way if the wearer had to remove it for any reason.

There is a type of nylon watch strap called "RAF" strap, that does not have the extra flap, but has the rectangular buckle, and sometimes it has just a nylon loop instead of the additional rings. I tend to remove the flap and keep only one of the extra loops that's closest to the buckle, then put the watch on the strap upside down, so I can have the buckle on the inner edge of my wrist, right next to the watch, so the buckle doesn't touch the laptop or desk or whatever happens to be under my wrist. I've found that to be the ultimate watch strap wisdom, so now I must spread the truth.

Oh, so you’re Marshall! I have watched so many of your recent videos and have never seen your face! Nice to meet you. Great channel with a fantastic host. I have told many people I know that they should subscribe to you.

Omega Speedmaster Pro is my very fav watch!

Love the vid, thought I was the only one who immediately cut the keeper. I'd I e is hesitant to cut a brand new strap, you could also fold the keeper even with the buckle and pass the end through both the keeper hardware and the buckle simultaneously. It's a less permanent way to try before you cut. Like the vid, I 💯 recommend the cut. Wears much better.

I've watched seemingly all of your videos and I'm just now seeing your face lol. Love your videos Marshall, keep up the good work!

Thanks for this video....the fit is 10 times better!

Hey man thanks for the tip. Really easy mod.

We get to actually see Marshall on camera. Cool.

Looking 👀 good with that green one nice

Love the fact you used a Help for Heroes strap there... the 'cool colours' that NATO straps come in are (at least in the UK) generally Army Corps colours and match up with the stable belts... the issue that I have with them is that there's a right way and a wrong way up to wear them if they have Corps colours, which is really annoying if your wear your watch on your right wrist because you have to basically fasten it backwards in order to have the strap the right way up.

NATO straps are fantastic to give a different look to every single watch you own at minimal cost. With your suggestion.... it may work on thinner wrists, but mine being 8 inch or those with even larger wrists in circumference, all your suggestion does is cause the little metal clip on that extra piece of NATO strap to dig into the wrist as I still have to buckle the strap on the side of my wrist. Only solution I found is buying single piece NATO straps, but they are a bit more limited in colors.

Thank you very much 👌👍

I hate "breaking" something I just bought, but I must admit this is genuinely better, especially if the watch is a bit thick and the strap is also thick. Thanks for the tip!