Great idea! It sounds like it would also be possible to get all the way around to the sides for a more even sealing because the clamp was in the way before. Not to mention that since the clamp isn't there anymore, there's no chance of melting the pads if you concentrate on one area for just a little too long.
Just the tip I needed, I have this problem. I'm on it now. I am going more towards nylon straps these days, they are easy on the wrist. I do enjoy the watch and learn videos. Thank you for your time.
Excellent. What I learned. 1. Always use a Harbor Freight clamp. 2. Pay up your fire insurance. 3. Keep a box of Band-Aids (TM?) nearby. Fill up 9 times at Texaco, with the 10th you get a company watch. 😉 Thanks for a useful video.
Long Island Watch Hi Marc that’s my issue. I could use a bit more length, a thinner tapered end or a slightly deeper metal keeper. My nato is on a Hamilton Automatic Chronograph. It’s a tall watch with short/ stubby tall lugs; so it eats up a lot of strap length.
Hey, Mark. This worked like a charm. Great pro tip! Thank you. I just learned about your channel after watching you guest on The Urban Gentry. You do a nice job reviewing watches and don't come off like a snob like some other RU-vidrs. Keep up the great work.
I use a mini torch in the process rather than a lighter. It flash-fuses the end and gives a nice smooth glossy surface, and it doesn’t EVER fray. Not so great for a light coloured strap, but great on anything darker than grey.
I always thought the straps are folded under the keepers for additional protection if the buckle fails. If the buckle fails for any reason, the tension of the fold would keep your watch in place and save you from losing your watch, at least right away. The strap would simply suddenly feel loose.
I also like it folded under, because then the end of the strap can't get pulled out of the keeper. I hate it on some of my other straps when I notice the strap is just flopping around outside the keeper.
Keep in mind that in a properly designed and built NATO strap, it is ludicrously unlikely that the buckle is going to fail. I was looking at NATO straps last night on Amazon and most of them that I saw it had buckles that were attached to the strap with a spring bar. This is not how they're supposed to be built.
Thanks Marc. Great video again. Personal taste, but I prefer to take all the metal ‘rings’ on a NATO around to the back of the strap. As you know, there are a couple of ways that you can set up and wear a NATO and prefer them all out of sight at the back.
Thanks for advice Mark. Just encountered that problem today and wasn’t sure what would be best way to shorten strap without leaving frayed edge. All perfect now. Fergal Dublin Ireland
I became addicted to your channel after watching your review on the Marathon watches (just got my TSAR in the mail from you guys today) Thanks for the info because I do have NATO straps on the way for this watch too
You can use metal washers too, since depending on the width of the strap, the radius of the cut will vary and washers come in a range of sizes and are available for pennies.
Cool watch sir. What is that? I like NATO straps because of the ease of replacement. Never had to trim though because i tuck the excess back into the retainers. And since i have a small wrist a good length of the strap is neatly tucked away.
Great tip. I personally think Nato straps look bulky and rather sloppy with the excess strap folded back under the keeper. This is a great way to streamline the fit and look.
Hi Mark, this may be a weird question, but since you know so much about watches I would still like to ask it. Is it possible for a magnet to bend the hands on a watch? Thank you so much!
He Marc, any advice to reduce length of a rubber strap similarly? I've got the Orient one for my Ray II but the legth is too long, probably for the diving suit, which I don't need.
That's pretty clever, using the quarters to border the heat. Wondering if you could do a video about how to put the spring pins back into the lugs w/o using a watchband to hold them. (For example before adding a nato band) Half the time they jump out into the room and I can rarely find them. Thanks.
A possible alternative to using the lighter is to weld the ends of the cut end with a loctite-based glue, which should be spread carefully using a toothpick. It is a very fast glue and easy to find even in supermarkets and it's generally known as 'super glue' or 'super attak'.
That way is not bad but it does tend to make the burnt end a bit proud - Much better way l found is to heat up a sharp old penknife tip red hot and trace cut round around a washer or coin.
I mean come on Mark? I have built half my collection around some of your videos unique functional an example of every category of watch. I like me precious… I need my precious… Yeah I know better temp doing lords of the ring character
HAHA you loose the knife. I'll be at work and like where did I put my cutters then i'm like duh they are still in my hand. Also do I need my parents permission before I can do this?
