Finding an OEM bracelet/band for Casio watch in local stores here is always a hassle - and a rip-off if you actually manage to find it. So this temporary solution became permanent. Woven nylon band is rugged enough to withstand daily abuse and it should last longer than the original resin (PUR) one.
Casio W-800 has a lug width of exactly 18mm, but it doesn't support thick straps since its spring bars are placed very close to the watch case: try a tight-woven strap any thicker than 1mm and you won't be able to reinstall the spring bars without putting extra strain on the (plastic) lugs. I might try to swap my W-800 for a Dad's F-91W and see if this strap fits.
NATO Watch Strap Maintenance
As for the hygienic aspect of EDC-ing a textile strap, a monthly wash-up with Perwoll Wool & Silk (or similar) mild liquid detergent dissolved in a lukewarm water is just fine. Let the strap soak for 10 minutes, then gently scrub with an old, preferably soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly and remove excess moisture with a kitchen paper towel (don't rub, just press). You can then leave the strap overnight to dry on air. I don't even bother to remove the watch while washing the strap, and sometimes I use hair dryer for final drying. Check out the water resistance guidelines for your watch before doing this, and bear in mind that electronic components can be damaged by excessive heat. Some straps may heat-shrink, depending on material used!
If you notice signs of fraying on the strap (this particular one seems to be resistant - so far) you can use any butane cigarette lighter to remove those unruly fibers, but take care not to melt the strap or make it uncomfortable to wear: apply small flame for a VERY short time (just a pass!) and solely on the outer side of the strap - never do this on the side which goes next to the skin! You can also use fabric shaver (fuzz shaver) for this purpose, but again don't use it on the inner side of the strap, since remaining fiber stubble can cause skin discomfort and rash. If fraying appears around the hole(s), which is a frequent occurrence on low-end nylon straps, you can heat a piece of 1mm-gauge steel or copper wire over the flame, push the wire tip carefully through the hole and melt the surrounding fibers, hopefully stopping the further damage. Never touch the nylon surface with wire glowing from heat! It is better to try several times, making gradual temperature increases, than to literally burn through the webbing and irreversibly enlarge the hole. These tips mainly serve the aesthetic purpose - if your strap is badly worn or damaged, it is better to replace it with a new one than risk losing a watch.
Casio W-800 has a lug width of exactly 18mm, but it doesn't support thick straps since its spring bars are placed very close to the watch case: try a tight-woven strap any thicker than 1mm and you won't be able to reinstall the spring bars without putting extra strain on the (plastic) lugs. I might try to swap my W-800 for a Dad's F-91W and see if this strap fits.
NATO Watch Strap Maintenance
As for the hygienic aspect of EDC-ing a textile strap, a monthly wash-up with Perwoll Wool & Silk (or similar) mild liquid detergent dissolved in a lukewarm water is just fine. Let the strap soak for 10 minutes, then gently scrub with an old, preferably soft toothbrush, rinse thoroughly and remove excess moisture with a kitchen paper towel (don't rub, just press). You can then leave the strap overnight to dry on air. I don't even bother to remove the watch while washing the strap, and sometimes I use hair dryer for final drying. Check out the water resistance guidelines for your watch before doing this, and bear in mind that electronic components can be damaged by excessive heat. Some straps may heat-shrink, depending on material used!
If you notice signs of fraying on the strap (this particular one seems to be resistant - so far) you can use any butane cigarette lighter to remove those unruly fibers, but take care not to melt the strap or make it uncomfortable to wear: apply small flame for a VERY short time (just a pass!) and solely on the outer side of the strap - never do this on the side which goes next to the skin! You can also use fabric shaver (fuzz shaver) for this purpose, but again don't use it on the inner side of the strap, since remaining fiber stubble can cause skin discomfort and rash. If fraying appears around the hole(s), which is a frequent occurrence on low-end nylon straps, you can heat a piece of 1mm-gauge steel or copper wire over the flame, push the wire tip carefully through the hole and melt the surrounding fibers, hopefully stopping the further damage. Never touch the nylon surface with wire glowing from heat! It is better to try several times, making gradual temperature increases, than to literally burn through the webbing and irreversibly enlarge the hole. These tips mainly serve the aesthetic purpose - if your strap is badly worn or damaged, it is better to replace it with a new one than risk losing a watch.
Black NATO 18x1mm strap w/ powder coat black buckle & rings from Aliexpress, US$6.46 shipping incl. (actually only a few stores offer these, aside from wholesalers).
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