What is the best watch Strap?

NATO straps: they have the extra layer to secure the watch from sliding too far on the strap. In practical terms, the second layer is for looks, as I've never seen a watch slide around on the strap. This second layer can easily be cut off with any pair of scissors, and then sealed with a lighter on the cut edge. NATOs also have smaller hardware than a Zulu, and this can be a consideration with smaller watches.

Zulu straps: they only have one layer of nylon, use a slightly heavier/thicker weave of nylon, and have larger hardware that is brushed. Again, the hardware preference can depend on the watch that it is going on.

5-ring straps: these are a combination of a NATO and a Zulu. They have two layers of nylon and an extra set of rings just like a NATO. However, they use the same nylon as a Zulu, as well as the larger, brushed hardware.

Sabre wrote:I've had a NATO style strap but only a cheap one on a Timex watch I once had. I found that it absorbed a lot of sweat and started to pong so required washing regularly , maybe it was just me! As I say it was only a cheap one, the more expensive ones are probably much better quality.