Hello All,

I am brand new to this forum and hoping this is the correct place to post this.

I recently purchased my first Speedmaster a 145.022-69 body only and I was looking at what options I had to add a bracelet to it. I believe the correct bracelet would be a 1039/516 or 1171/633. Browsing Chrono 24 and EBay I realized that the 1039s are expensive and most of them are in poor condition. I also understand that those were not very good quality bracelets to begin with. They are thin and fragile, even when brand new. 1171s can be ordered new from Omega with a back order with the laser etched logo or you can look to buy a vintage one with a stamped logo.

I am hoping to use the watch as a daily wearer and would like to have something robust enough for that. I was wondering if there are any aftermarket or even Omega bracelets that would give the similar vintage look but be of higher quality so they can be worn daily. I understand that some purists may scoff at the idea of having a non period or even non Omega bracelet but I just want something that I can wear without worrying to much about it falling apart.

Thanks in advance for any input you may have,

 

Plenty of options. Aftermarket, fake and OEM

Nowadays several newer models will fit, and apparently the 50th LE can be made to fit.

Several with more knowledge will be along soon.

 

It really depends on how much you want to spend. If I was in your position I'd go for the 1171. I have seen some aftermarket bracelets on eBay that would potentially fit but the quality would be a mystery. If you want to keep the cost down for now, why not use a leather strap? There are plenty of good quality ones at reasonable prices.

 

Welcome to the Speedy madness! I went through the same phase, plowing through countless bracelets and endlinks (original Omega or otherwise), filing and bending them. For aftermarket, you may wish to consider:

- Squinky: he is active on Chronotrader forum and Ebay.
- *General* Vintage: he is on Ebay, and also a member of this forum I believe.
- Uncle Seiko: google and you will find his website. He is also a member of this forum, and I believe he is coming up with Holzer and flat-link bracelets for the Speedy in 1-2 months time.

Have you considered pairing up your Speedy with a nice leather strap? You may want to give this a go too.

Have fun!


Chye

 

Thanks for the replies and info. I will take a closer look. I was clueless about the aftermarket bracelets made specifically for speedys.

I am leaning towards getting an 1171 and was trying to decide between a new one from an OB or a vintage one. The vintage ones seems to have huge price differences and I find it difficult to decipher the condition and how they will wear. Any advice would be appreciated.

For leather, do you have any suggestions? I would be looking for high quality, asthetically pleasing and comfortable. Since I paid so much for the body I would be willing to pay up accordingly for a quality strap.

Thanks again!

 

I got 1171/633 for my 69 Speedmaster, but I don’t like the look. Perhaps it’s because of the ghost bezel. Modern Speedy looks better with new black bezel. I am mostly using leather straps. Lately BandrBands straps and they are great. See my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wa666ou/

 

Have a look here for a reasonably priced alternative https://omegaforums.net/threads/forstner-bands-relaunched.102101/ . This’ll give you the late 60s astronaut look .

I think there’s one of the Forstner bracelets for sale on OF at the moment also.

 

Thanks for that. The Forstner looks great. I will order one once they have small size back in stock.

 

the forstner is a great option. I love mine

 

Also @Uncle Seiko is working on a few that should be out fairly soon. See:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/need-input-for-speedmaster-bracelet-design.100804/

He has a beads of rice bracelet available now.

https://www.uncleseiko.com/store/c20/Omega.html

 

Every now and then you see aftermarket flat link bracelets pop up on eBay. Didn't buy one personally but they look pretty good from the listing pictures.

 

Thanks, can’t wait so see his new releases. Should be nice.

 

You also have the alternative of picking a 1035 that I found less expensive than 1039. I don’t agree with what you said about 1039 bracelets being fragile and poor quality. I agree they are more fragile than 1171 but way more comfortable and still resistant as long as you don’t play tennis with your Speedy
I owned many of them (and still own some for 7/8 years) and when in decent conditions they do perfectly the job and look much better than 1171 or replicas... of course at a cost

 

Non-period or different style wouldn't bother me, but any other than OEM is blasphemy on such a nice watch.

 

If you find an 1175 bracelet with the right end-links, that would also be a good option. Sort of a semi-flatlink bracelet, and they wear very well IMO. I think they are also period-correct.

 

Picked up an Uncle Seiko beads of rice for my Speedmaster a while ago. Very happy with it. Hollow endlinks but EXCELLENT fit - no rattle at all

 

That looks actually not bad at all!

 

I have a 1175 on my 1976, much prefer it to the 1171. I terms of straps I cannot go past Jones In Tokyo on Etsy. Fantastic range, beautifully made, look great on the Speedy.
Good luck with your search.

 

That looks very nice. Thanks for the pic

 

Ok, I’ll keep my eyes open. I should probably try wearing the 1039 more often rather than base my judgement on comments found online. I will make a mental note not to wear it during tennis. Thanks.