Help need re: fitting NATO strap to a 14060M

[ds99]

I am trying to fit a NATO strap to a submariner The problem I am having is there doesn't seem to be enough distance between the spring bars and the watch case. The strap is 1.5mm thick. I can't seem to get the other end of the spring bar into the hole. If I fit the spring bars and try to thread the strap through, the strap will not go between the gap between the bars and the watch case.

This is the strap:

Nylon Watch Strap NATO G10 "Strong" Black 20mm | eBay

I am using the standard Rolex spring bars that came with the watch/bracelet.

Do I need to get "thinner" spring bars? Or do I have to accept that I need to fit a "thinner" NATO strap?

The thing is, the 2mm thick NATO one I have is really nice and feels much nicer quality than the other 1mm thick ones.

Has anyone else had this issue?

[daveenty]

I have a few NATOs, though they're all the thinner ones. (Just checked one and it's about 1.25mm) These fit my Explorer II, and I'm assuming a Sub would have the same case spacing.

If I were you I'd just get some standard 20mm spring bars and use them instead of the thicker ones designed for the bracelet, especially if you like your strap.

[David Woo]

very common issue, you have to use thinner straps.

[martin_blank]

ive gotten the thicker Maratacs to work but its a stressful exercise and I wouldnt risk the damage, unless its a nicely worn case..

[Doug507]

That's a ZULU strap, not a NATO. The Maratac NATOs will fit but not the ZULUs.

[David Woo]

on some rolex forums there's a guy who sells thinner zulu's intended for wear on a sub:I bought a few last year and they work. Can't recall his name or what forum, but it's probably not hard to find.

[Dr. Robert]

Use the NATO straps made by Phoenix, thinner fabric vs. Maratac's

[poppydog]

Use the NATO straps made by Phoenix, thinner fabric vs. Maratac's

+1 The genuine article

[David Woo]

on some rolex forums there's a guy who sells thinner zulu's intended for wear on a sub:I bought a few last year and they work. Can't recall his name or what forum, but it's probably not hard to find.

After a couple of requests, I looked around and found Mark's ebay store:
moelarrycu | eBay
hope this is ok to post?
The nylon material is thinner so it fits a sub.

[Naturally]

Timefactors Nato work fine on my Milgause: Time Factors Quality Watches On The Net Since 1996, the quality is very good.

Their Rhino (similar to Zulu) will not fit.

Back in 2009, I posted some poor quality pics of the various combinations if you are interested: Milgauss with different Nato's (Pics)