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For those who hate Seamaster 300M OEM bracelet…

gearjockey
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For the record, I am not one who hates the OEM bracelet, but I also have the wonderful Forstner contemporary flat link, which works great with a speedmaster. All I did was order additional Forstner Seamaster endlinks, and voila a new look that fits the 300M.
What do ya think?

Bonus

Ordered a carrying case from Amazon about $8 USD. I really like this. If you carry an additional watch on the road, it’s a great and inexpensive way to keep it from rattling around.
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gbesq
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Looks quite similar to the Omega OEM flat link bracelet on my 300 Heritage.
upload_2023-7-21_18-48-9.jpeg
 
McKnife
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I like it, looks real nice!! How's the quality of the bracelet compared to the OEM? I really like it but I'm also looking at an alternative to change things up.
 
gearjockey
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McKnife McKnife
I like it, looks real nice!! How's the quality of the bracelet compared to the OEM? I really like it but I'm also looking at an alternative to change things up.

I would say for the money. It is a very good option. I spent around $100 on an EBAY Forstner contemporary flat link for pre-2021. Additionally, I purchased some Forstner Seamaster endlinks for post 2018 Seamster ($50).

It’s about 8.5/10 quality WRT OEM Omega Seamaster bracelet. I don’t have access to a flat link OEM like on current 321, so ’m not sure about that. The component which may seem less robust than OEM is the clasp. It is not on-the-fly adjustable. Other than that, it features screw links and a very nice weight, complementing the 300M to provide a great overall package. I also have a 1450 Forstner for Speedy which I really like as well.
I definitely recommend the bracelet.
Edited:
 
Annapolis
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Does it ever bother you—like on a psychological or emotional level—that you’re not wearing an OEM bracelet?

This probably sounds like such a silly question, but it’s one of the issues that’s prevented me from going back to a modern 300M pro. I loved the one I had but the OEM bracelet is a disaster, IMO: I had two clasps fail on me, and I never got used to the lack of taper. The rubber was ok, but not my style. I considered going third-party, but worried that I’d feel like I had adulterated or cheapened a nice watch by adding an inferior part. Of course, there’s nothing inferior about some of these aftermarket options, but they’re not Omega. They’re not sanctioned or official or whatever.

I love the way this looks. Gather what I’m describing here doesn’t bother you at all? Maybe I need to reconsider…
 
McKnife
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gearjockey gearjockey
I would say for the money. It is a very good option. I spent around $100 on an EBAY Forstner contemporary flat link for pre-2021. Additionally, I purchased some Forstner Seamaster endlinks for post 2018 Seamster ($50).

It’s about 8.5/10 quality WRT OEM Omega Seamaster bracelet. I don’t have access to a flat link OEM like on current 321, so ’m not sure about that. The component which may seem less robust than OEM is the clasp. It is not on-the-fly adjustable. Other than that, it features screw links and a very nice weight, complementing the 300M to provide a great overall package. I also have a 1450 Forstner for Speedy which I really like as well.
I definitely recommend the bracelet.
Thanks for the answer! That's exactly what I was looking for. I've done my research and it seems the general consensus is yours: quality is good, good weight to it. I feel that it's well made with screw links.

I might pull the trigger on this soon!
 
McKnife
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Annapolis Annapolis
Does it ever bother you—like on a psychological or emotional level—that you’re not wearing an OEM bracelet?

This probably sounds like such a silly question, but it’s one of the issues that’s prevented me from going back to a modern 300M pro. I loved the one I had but the OEM bracelet is a disaster, IMO: I had two clasps fail on me, and I never got used to the lack of taper. The rubber was ok, but not my style. I considered going third-party, but worried that I’d feel like I had adulterated or cheapened a nice watch by adding an inferior part. Of course, there’s nothing inferior about some of these aftermarket options, but they’re not Omega. They’re not sanctioned or official or whatever.

I love the way this looks. Gather what I’m describing here doesn’t bother you at all? Maybe I need to reconsider…
I get what you mean, it also bothers me that it would not be an officially branded Omega bracelet.

I however do like the OEM one, even if it doesn't taper. That's actually a selling point for me!
 
Sug
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I have the same bracelet on my blue SMP…just got it a week ago. It totally changes the way I feel about the watch. I’m not an OEM bracelet hater, but this one really compliments the blue dial. I also like the way it picks up on the polished/brushed surfaces on the watch, itself. I’m definitely a fan. Re: it not being Omega branded, it’s not an issue for me. I use various straps on many of my watches.
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YY77
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Does it ever bother you—like on a psychological or emotional level—that you’re not wearing an OEM bracelet?
I have a US flatlink on my Seamaster Trilogy which looks great and wear comfortably enough, non-taper and the bulky clasp on the OEM was the reason I prefer the US.
 
gearjockey
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1,685
Annapolis Annapolis
Does it ever bother you—like on a psychological or emotional level—that you’re not wearing an OEM bracelet?

This probably sounds like such a silly question, but it’s one of the issues that’s prevented me from going back to a modern 300M pro. I loved the one I had but the OEM bracelet is a disaster, IMO: I had two clasps fail on me, and I never got used to the lack of taper. The rubber was ok, but not my style. I considered going third-party, but worried that I’d feel like I had adulterated or cheapened a nice watch by adding an inferior part. Of course, there’s nothing inferior about some of these aftermarket options, but they’re not Omega. They’re not sanctioned or official or whatever.

I love the way this looks. Gather what I’m describing here doesn’t bother you at all? Maybe I need to reconsider…

I kind of know what you mean, like I’m wearing something that wasn’t designed for the watch, so I’m subtracting part of the value?
The answer is no, I don’t think think that, because it works so well (and I still like the OEM bracelet), I just have more options now. I am would posit that this particular flat-link bracelet is a better aesthetic design for the watch than the original. Anyway, Forstner (JB) has been involved with Omega since Nasa adopted Speedmaster in some way, shape or form. These aftermarket bracelets are absolutely designed to work extremely well with both Omega models. In fact, the end links for both models fit perfectly.
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