Alternate bracelets for the 3861

[pbrob]

(Building off this thread: https://omegaforums.net/threads/first-omega-moonwatch-3861.145919/)

I wanted to not derail that other thread and create one for discussion of alternate bracelets for the current version Moonwatch.

I purchased my Hesalite moonwatch late last year. I liked the bracelet well enough until I purchased my Rising Sun. I think the fact that my clasp was slightly offset and the 3861 didn't well as comfortably as I liked is the first thing that got me to try the bracelet from the Tokyo Olympics version (STZ006272). It's stayed on the Moonwatch since then. I think I prefer the bulk/lack of taper/larger links, but the push button adjustment on the clasp is a definite plus.

 

[pbrob]

However, still looking for something better, I went to my local boutique this past weekend to see if the bracelets from the Apollo 11 50th (Ref 310.20.42.50.01.001) orSpeedmaster '57 (Ref 332.10.41.51.01.001) would fit as I really like the look for the Ed White 321 but 1)I'm not ready to add another Speedmaster and 2)They're really not available at retail.

The employee had a bracelet from the Apollo 11th, and while they were able to fit it to the case, it wasn't a secure fit. They believe the Speedmaster '57 will work and have ordered one. I will report back once I find out..

 

[mutanthands]

The Forstner Contemporary Flat Link Bracelet is pretty great for the price. It'll give your Speedy a nice nod towards the Ed White, too;
https://forstnerbands.com/collectio...rary-flat-link-bracelet-for-omega-speedmaster

 

[pbrob]

mutanthands

The Forstner Contemporary Flat Link Bracelet is pretty great for the price. It'll give your Speedy a nice nod towards the Ed White, too;
https://forstnerbands.com/collectio...rary-flat-link-bracelet-for-omega-speedmaster

Thank you. I had seen the other version and did not care for the spring links, but see that this one doesn't have that. If the '57 doesn't work, this may be next on my list.

 

[dsio]

While I agree the adjustable clasp is really nice, I hate those 1998 style bracelets in just about every way and felt they had been holding back the Speedmaster Pro for years as they looked too generic like a TAG Heuer Link or Grand Seiko and felt a bit uncomfortable especially with flexing my wrist. I found the 1171 through to 1450 we’re probably the most enjoyable to wear though still not that exciting but I do like the new one quite a lot.

For an OEM, the 1171 is still relatively cheap, light, strong, and super comfortable. I rate them quite a lot.

 

[pbrob]

Fratello has a story today on fitting the adjustable clasp from the Chronoscope on the 3861.

https://www.fratellowatches.com/strap-check-omega-speedmaster-chronoscope-clasp-on-moonwatch/

It includes the following :

But RJ has already alluded that an official upgrade with the PUSH button may be coming to the Moonwatch soon:

“…Omega will also come up with an upgraded clasp like this for the regular steel Speedmaster Professional watch. Current owners of that watch will be able to replace theirs as well with the new clasp. But all in due time — Omega could not give us a timeline for this upgrade.”

That would be welcome!

 

[7enderbender]

The bracelet was the reason I passed on the 3861. The watch itself might have been ok with the previous bracelet, but I was able to still get a 1861 and like it overall much better.
I would just try to get another previous generation bracelet for the 3861 if I had one of those. I don’t need the adjustable clasp but that’s an it option also as others had pointed out.

 

[OmegaFan503]

P pbrob

However, still looking for something better, I went to my local boutique this past weekend to see if the bracelets from the Apollo 11 50th (Ref 310.20.42.50.01.001) orSpeedmaster '57 (Ref 332.10.41.51.01.001) would fit as I really like the look for the Ed White 321 but 1)I'm not ready to add another Speedmaster and 2)They're really not available at retail.

The employee had a bracelet from the Apollo 11th, and while they were able to fit it to the case, it wasn't a secure fit. They believe the Speedmaster '57 will work and have ordered one. I will report back once I find out..

You need the Frostner 20mm (post-2021 Speedmaster) end links for the 50th bracelet. It works perfectly.

 

[joeshoup]

Anyone tried the Uncle Seiko flat link? I like the bracelet on my 3861 but I’d love to give it a vintage look from time to time.

 

[GoBlueJedi]

P pbrob

They believe the Speedmaster '57 will work and have ordered one. I will report back once I find out..

Looking forward to your update on the '57 bracelet.

 

[mutanthands]

joeshoup

Anyone tried the Uncle Seiko flat link? I like the bracelet on my 3861 but I’d love to give it a vintage look from time to time.

I haven’t tried the US flat link, but I have the “vintage” Forstner flat link with pressed clasp and stretch links. Feels good, has that nice slightly jangly (for lack of a better word) feel.

 

[savka]

joeshoup

Anyone tried the Uncle Seiko flat link? I like the bracelet on my 3861 but I’d love to give it a vintage look from time to time.

I have the US flat link on my 1861 right now. It’s great if you’re into vintage, jangly feeling bracelets. My main gripe with it is the somewhat crude finish/shape of the end links; they’re a little bit too straight across for my taste. From pictures, it appears the Forstner bracelet does a better job of making the center portion of the links shorter than the outer segments, which creates a better and more refined look. But it’s a minor enough thing that I don’t feel like spending $$$ on another aftermarket flat link.

Sounds like OP would probably prefer the contemporary Forstner flat link, which has thicker links, wider milled clasp, and an overall more robust feel. Here’s a couple of pics of the Uncle Seiko option on my 1861 and MoonSwatch (I know, I know… just focus on the bracelet):

Edited: May 20, 2022

 

[Alfista88]

pbrob - you are my hero 🥰

Thank you for sharing your results here. This has been on my mind since I got my 3861 over a year ago. Personally, I've always liked the bracelet, dial, and handset from the 3570, 3572, 3573 generation of Speedmaster that was then carried over in the big-box, long-number-convention 1861 Speedy pros. But I was disgusted by the accuracy of the 1861... always having to reset my watch every few days because of how fast it gained time on my Speedy Pro and FOIS. And that very sharp hippocampus protruding from 1861 Speedy Pro caseback that would scratch up my wrist <- which has completely been solved now, with the 3861's recessed hippocampus design.

My personal dream Speedmaster is just to have a 3861 movement + caseback transplant into the previous generation 1861 Speedy Pro. In lieu of that, I'd frequently contemplated installing a prior gen bracelet onto the current-gen 3861. I'm definitely in the minority, but I liked the way the bulkier bracelet looks. Especially when the watch is resting dial-up, on a table or on a stand.

But I was unsure how that older bracelet would look together with the smaller, shorter, triangular-shape of the chrono second hand counter balance. In my imagination, I kept thinking the bulkier bracelet is more congruent with the larger, trapezoidal shape of the 1861 chrono seconds hand base. But I see now through your pictures it looks just fine together. Many thanks for posting your experiment outcomes!

 

[nick_scap]

P pbrob

However, still looking for something better, I went to my local boutique this past weekend to see if the bracelets from the Apollo 11 50th (Ref 310.20.42.50.01.001) orSpeedmaster '57 (Ref 332.10.41.51.01.001) would fit as I really like the look for the Ed White 321 but 1)I'm not ready to add another Speedmaster and 2)They're really not available at retail.

The employee had a bracelet from the Apollo 11th, and while they were able to fit it to the case, it wasn't a secure fit. They believe the Speedmaster '57 will work and have ordered one. I will report back once I find out..

Appreciate the digging, can't wait to see if the new '57s bracelet works out. The bracelet is really the only gripe I have with the new model, and knowing there may be a modern OEM that fits is appealing. I am very curious to see if the 57s endlinks are longer or if it's just an illusion.

 

[pbrob]

So no updates yet, but I’m hoping to get a little information.

I’m probably going to go ahead and order some Forstner end links in case the ‘57 bracelet won’t fit. I assume it’s the polished/brushed options (rather than fully brushed).

Is this correct for the ‘57/Apollo 50th bracelet?

 

[YY77]

P pbrob

assume it’s the polished/brushed options (rather than fully brushed).

Is this correct for the ‘57/Apollo 50th bracelet?

Yes

 

[pbrob]

YY77

Yes

Great. Thank you.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

savka

I have the US flat link on my 1861 right now. It’s great if you’re into vintage, jangly feeling bracelets. My main gripe with it is the somewhat crude finish/shape of the end links; they’re a little bit too straight across for my taste. From pictures, it appears the Forstner bracelet does a better job

The US endlinks are almost identical to the Omega equivalents. They match the profile of the lugs far better. The Forstner endlinks have this really rounded off look that I felt looked terrible. Each to their own I guess.

 

[pbrob]

So the Speedmaster ‘57 bracelet fits perfectly. No third party endlinks required.

 

[pbrob]

More pictures