Forstner bands relaunched

Posts

173

Likes

662

Forstnerbands

·Sep 30, 2020

Pazzo

It might be that I'm not understanding you correctly so please forgive me if I am.

Don't we usually micro adjust the length on a bracelet from the other end of the clasp, leaving the part where we lift up to open on the furthest outer hole?

I think we may be saying the same thing. I’m talking about micro adjusting from the back of the clasp (i.e., the part that doesn’t click in) toward the front of the clasp (i.e. the part that clicks in). If you did so, the stretchy links would almost completely be hidden under the clasp, serving their purpose of making the fit comfortable but without being seen. Feel free to DM me if I’m still not making sense 😀

 

Posts

75

Likes

323

WiZARD

·Sep 30, 2020

I've received it today.
It looks great, but I hate those stretch links. They are ugly, I don't need them.
I can't get them out, only if I'd destroy them. I can't hide it under the clasp, as it "falls out" from there if I use the last hole...
I'm thinking on returning it, however I'd really like the bracelet if it were without those. 🙁

 

Posts

173

Likes

662

Forstnerbands

·Sep 30, 2020

WiZARD

I've received it today.
It looks great, but I hate those stretch links. They are ugly, I don't need them.
I can't get them out, only if I'd destroy them. I can't hide it under the clasp, as it "falls out" from there if I use the last hole...
I'm thinking on returning it, however I'd really like the bracelet if it were without those. 🙁

I’d say there are more positives than negatives. It makes the bracelet much more comfortable. If you ultimately still don’t like them you can remove them and use a 1.2mm spring bar in place of the first screw in the first solid link behind the clasp.

 

Posts

273

Likes

1,736

amphib44

·Sep 30, 2020

Received mine yesterday and slapped it on my 1969 Speedmaster. Looks great, and very comfortable.

 

J

Posts

5

Likes

2

jasonnolanreed

·Sep 30, 2020

amphib44

Received mine yesterday and slapped it on my 1969 Speedmaster. Looks great, and very comfortable.

I think we're going to need pictures for proof. 😀

 

Posts

273

Likes

1,736

amphib44

·Sep 30, 2020

Some proof!

 

Posts

31

Likes

179

eggsy

·Oct 1, 2020

Loving my new Forstner flat link

 

Posts

7

Likes

60

skyleth

·Oct 2, 2020

Flatlink Friday

 

Posts

675

Likes

2,524

redzer007

·Oct 3, 2020

Finally competes by FOIS Franken

 

Posts

282

Likes

206

Gruesome

·Oct 3, 2020

Archer

If you are struggling, you may want to look into a screw jig, like this:

https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-6730-watch-band-screw-remover-tool/

No affiliation with the seller...

Well, now I'm done with sizing this one, and I'm not one to switch watch bands around all the time. (Except on the Portugieser chrono apparently...)

But in case I'm forced to buy more watch bands: Al, do you think the 'upright anvil' version 6730 you posted works better than the 'horizontal clamp' version https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-6670-s-bracelet-hand-vise-watch-band-pin-screw-tool/ 6670 ?

The thought of clamping a screwdriver into a small vise, similar to the 6730 setup, crossed my mind, but then I concluded that if I need that much torque, I'm doing something wrong. Hence the soldering iron.

 

Posts

2,289

Likes

4,569

repoman

·Oct 4, 2020

Forstner flat link bracelet is probably the best value new item I've purchased in this hobby in the last 5 years. 👍

 

Posts

458

Likes

2,135

bikehomero

·Oct 4, 2020

My Forstner on a SM300 Watchco

 

Posts

458

Likes

2,135

bikehomero

·Oct 4, 2020

Maybe I will try US endlinks in the future because they should be a little flatter. The Forstner end links are slightly above the horns.

 

Posts

27,677

Likes

70,320

Archer

·Oct 4, 2020·Omega Qualified Watchmaker

Gruesome

Well, now I'm done with sizing this one, and I'm not one to switch watch bands around all the time. (Except on the Portugieser chrono apparently...)

But in case I'm forced to buy more watch bands: Al, do you think the 'upright anvil' version 6730 you posted works better than the 'horizontal clamp' version https://www.esslinger.com/bergeon-6670-s-bracelet-hand-vise-watch-band-pin-screw-tool/ 6670 ?

The thought of clamping a screwdriver into a small vise, similar to the 6730 setup, crossed my mind, but then I concluded that if I need that much torque, I'm doing something wrong. Hence the soldering iron.

Well personally I don't use either. I use two screwdrivers and just clamp the bracelet in place, but I'm used to doing this sort of work...so not sure which would be better for you...

 

Posts

458

Likes

2,135

bikehomero

·Oct 4, 2020

Switched to the 145.022-74

 

Posts

458

Likes

2,135

bikehomero

·Oct 4, 2020

Endlink fit:

 

J

Posts

5

Likes

2

jasonnolanreed

·Oct 15, 2020

I just received my 19mm brushed/polished flat link for my FOIS. Sadly, this isn't for me. I think it has more of a vintage feel than I was expecting, even after hearing the feedback from others here. I think I was also expecting a higher level of fit and finish, even though it's probably fair for its price. I took it straight off and tossed it back into its nice little box. Maybe I'll find a different use for it at some point.

 

Posts

572

Likes

616

Albe100

·Oct 15, 2020

I received my brushed flat link in 20mm for my pre-moon caseback -69. It's a beauty!! Now just trying to get it adjusted...unfortunately I don't have the tools so I'll need to take it into a watchmaker. Looking forward to being able to wear it.

 

Posts

572

Likes

616

Albe100

·Oct 15, 2020

redzer007

Finally competes by FOIS Franken

very interesting combo, not sure how i feel with the stainless steel bezel and Mitsukoshi dial and hands. What made you come up with this mod?

 

Posts

675

Likes

2,524

redzer007

·Oct 15, 2020

Albe100

very interesting combo, not sure how i feel with the stainless steel bezel and Mitsukoshi dial and hands. What made you come up with this mod?

Various things. If I'm going to mod something I want it to be clear it's not pretending to be some factory LE etc. Also I think its a great clean combo and it's like the ying to the standard moonwatch yang