Alternate bracelets for the 3861

ErichPryde

You can use:
The apollo11 50th end links with a 1.6mm spring bar;
The Apollo 11 50th end links with a slight modification to the end link;
Uncle Seiko (hollow) 20mm end links
A Forstner solid end link (not sure which ones for the 1861 case)

I used the uncle seiko links for a while, they fit just fine but the finish was almost imperceptibly different. I decided that the downside to attempting a modification of the stock endlink was minimal since I wasn't using it anyway. The result is better than with either non-OEM link.

ErichPryde

Sorry; I just saw this message. I used a grinding wheel on a dremel at low speed, and plenty of painter's tape to mask the endlink. grind down only the raised lip, go slow, and test fit as you go. You'll want to remove burs with sandpaper as you go so as not to scratch the case during test fits.




This looks fantastic, was any modification of the endlink required? I assume the A11 50th case and 3861 case are not that dissimilar.

fskywalker

Bought the bracelet used, fitted with the provided springbars (which likely are 1.6 MM) without doing any modifications. May add later Forstner end links as people say provide the best fit.

0 0-60

nice! Do forstner sell the end links separately. Are they a good match?

0 0-60

I was at the omega service center today and it appears the part number for the bracelet is this…

fskywalker

020STZ011628

fskywalker

Yes that is correct

ErichPryde

I believe Omega's list is 790USD?

0 0-60

Ok great! Paid $659

fskywalker

Think list price for the 50th bracelet is $710, list price for the Speedmaster 57 is $790. You did good !

0 0-60

Cheers! Yeah I got a special discount and I think there’ll be more discount once it arrives

now I think I should order the Forstner end links in preparation lol which option would be correct for my Speedmaster? ref 31133423001001. Caliber 1861

https://forstnerbands.com/products/additional-end-links-for-forstner-flat-link-bracelet

fskywalker

Am looking to order the Speedmaster 57 bracelet, wonder if can find a place where can get a discount !

ErichPryde

Neither the 57 or Apollo 11 endlinks are a perfect fit to the 1861 case. The issue with the 57 is that the case is not the same size and the lug holes are not located the same as the 1861; the difference with the Apollo 11 is that the end link has two raised nubs instead of the tabs that sit underneath the case.

With the Apollo 11 bracelet, the easiest solution is to pick up a pair of Uncle Seiko hollow flat link endlinks. They fit perfectly with the bracelet and case. Another solution is to file the "nubs" off the end link, which also results in a perfect fit (but requires modification of the A11 end link same may not be comfortable with). The last solution, and the one I like the least, is to use a 1.5 mm spring bar. that 0.3mm difference allows the "nub" to fit against the case.

With the '57 bracelet the solution is to pick up a pair of forstner end links, but they still protrude past the case.