00/24 WatchWorld

With Spring on the way we want to know where you stand on bracelets vs. straps in all kinds of materials. Lookes before practicallity or is it the other way around for you? So please tell us on Facebook if you prefer your watch on a sturdy bracelet, a traditional leather strap, a more sporty rubber strap or maybe an easy to swap NATO strap?

There is something about these 37-mm Rolex Submariners that just screams my name. Not only are they the early birds, telling the story where it all began. They also represent the coolest Bond (Sean Connery) and looks better on a NATO strap than on a bracelet. They are not for eveyone, I know that. Some find these early Subs too small for their manly wrists. Which is why they seem to enjoy a vintage life below the radar.

When I looked at these pictures of a stunning Rolex ref. 16570 from the 1990's. Just LOOK at the wnderful dark patinaned tritium against the squeaky white dial. Oh why of why did I sell this wonderful critter? Confused about the NATO-strap? Don't be. I just like to wear 16-18 mm NATO straps as bracelets. No watch attached.

Many of you are probably away on vacation enjoying sandy beaches, endless glasses of cooling liquids and perhaps an ice cream from the land of Rai Uno, Panerai and Ferraris. In that sentiment I recently purchased a NATO strap for my ref. 1655 Rolex Explorer II Freccione. 

James Bond wore them. So did many soldiers, hence the name of these colourful textile straps, aka NATO straps. Today many Rolex collectors embrace them, pimping up their vintage critters with regimental colours (even though many of them never saw much other action besides the online bidding wars). I too like these soft straps.