Forstner Bracelets?

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njlam

·Dec 30, 2024

Does anyone have experience with these?

I have heard they used to make the bracelets for Omega.

The reason I ask is I have never been happy with the bracelet that came with my 3861 (from an aesthetic perspective) and prefer the look of the original flat link style bracelet on the Speedmaster.

I worry they bracelet might feel mismatched/of dissimilar quality if I put it on my 3861.

Any one know the history of this brand and if their products are good?

 

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BlackTalon

·Dec 30, 2024·This Space for Rent

There are plenty of threads here if you search.

I have a few of their bracelets -- no complaints.

 

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BAJJ

·Dec 30, 2024

I had the forstner contemporary flat link on my 3861 and it was very good, no issues and good value, it has a nice taper and a good feel to it. I say had, as I have sold the watch. Photo below:

 

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Jones in LA

·Dec 30, 2024·Not in LA anymore.

SMP on Contemporary Flat-link: an excellent combo.

 

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Aidanm

·Dec 30, 2024

Forstner makes great bracelets. I have a president with milled button clasp on my 2500 PO LM LE.

It’s so much more comfortable than the OEM bracelet even with micro-adjust. Mainly because of female end links and a very vintage taper from 20mm to 16mm. Big thumbs up from me.

 

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njlam

·Dec 30, 2024

Did Forstner and Omega have a previous relationship?

 

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Dsloan

·Dec 30, 2024

N njlam

Did Forstner and Omega have a previous relationship?

Brand history: https://forstnerbands.com/pages/his...y founded as,bracelets, like that shown below.

But, I think the brand was 're-launched' under new ownership, so I don't know if there's any continuity with the original team.

That said, I have 6+ of their bands and like them a lot. They have a good value proposition, aren't as thick and heavy as the current OEM bands, and the their customer service is excellent.

 

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njlam

·Dec 30, 2024

Cool history.

 

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gdhoosier

·Dec 30, 2024

Yes, I have many Forster bracelets and they are great. I really like their contemporary flat link bracelet (has micro adjust as well). The 1450 bracelet is great as well. Here is the brushed flat link on my Snoopy. Their customer service is great also - they stand behind their product if you ever have any issues.

 

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SpeedyPhill

·Tues. 5:35am

AFAIK there's no link with the original firm KOMFIT Forstner which was taken over by Jacoby Bender in 1963.
The current firm makes aftermarket bracelets among which the lightweight steel mesh identic to the one worn by NASA astronauts... allowed by NASA for both training & spaceflight missions as the lightweight steel mesh could easily be broken of the astronaut got stuck in the capsule.
We have seen these lightweight steel mesh bracelets on missions from Mercury (1963) to the space shuttle (1985).
Well it looks like those steel mesh JB Champion bracelets don't break that easy after all... reassuring advice for those who wear it daily 😉
#Moonwatchuniverse #NASA
.

 

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njlam

·Tues. 10:25am

I am becoming convinced these bracelets can be enhancements to a classic Moonwatch.

Trying to decide between the Contemporary Flat Link, the Model J and/or the Komfit (with horned edges/wide...classic or regular size?).

Are the bracelets easy to swap?

 

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Dsloan

·Tues. 10:31am

N njlam

I am becoming convinced these bracelets can be enhancements to a classic Moonwatch.

Trying to decide between the Contemporary Flat Link, the Model J and/or the Komfit (with horned edges/wide...classic or regular size?).

Are the bracelets easy to swap?

They are easy to swap. I have the flat link and the komfit and they've both been great. The good news is, you can get all 3 for less than the cost of an OEM bracelet. 😁

I just like that they have a good vintage-inspired weight and feel. I think the OEM bracelets are bulky and over engineered.

 

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dharper

·Tues. 10:39am

N njlam

I am becoming convinced these bracelets can be enhancements to a classic Moonwatch.

Trying to decide between the Contemporary Flat Link, the Model J and/or the Komfit (with horned edges/wide...classic or regular size?).

Are the bracelets easy to swap?

This is the Forstner "President" bracelet with solid end links. This is on a 3570.50 and adds a bit of vintage look and feel. To me, the Forstner bracelet is lighter and more comfortable than the OEM Omega bracelet

 

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NotJackson

·Tues. 3:48pm

IMO they’re good value. I have the Contemporary Flat Link on a 3594.50, a Bullet on my tritium 3570.50, and a 1450 on one of my 145.022-69s. They’re all comfortable and well made.

 

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njlam

·Tues. 8:09pm

Re the Komfit:
Horned vs Straight ends?
Original vs Regular size?
Standard vs Wide width?

My inclination is horned and wide....still undecided on size. My wrist is about 7"...is Original too big or Regular too small?

 

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ExpiredWatchdog

·Tues. 10:33pm

I was just looking into the Komfit bracelet as an "era authentic" addition to my Accutron Spaceview. What I see is that all models have spring loaded endlinks, similar to the old "Speidel" style bracelets of the sixties and seventies. I don't recommend these as they will eventually tear up the insides of your lugs.

They do offer nice alternatives with fitted endlinks; I'm partial to the Nine-Row Beads of Rice that can be ordered in given widths. Oh, and by "fitted" I don't mean they will match the lug cutout like an OEM bracelet would but just the correct width.

 

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Dsloan

·Tues. 11:49pm

N njlam

Re the Komfit:
Horned vs Straight ends?
Original vs Regular size?
Standard vs Wide width?

My inclination is horned and wide....still undecided on size. My wrist is about 7"...is Original too big or Regular too small?

FWIW, I am very happy with wide, original, and horned:

 

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gdhoosier

·Wed. 2:23pm

This is a nice overview video of the Forster 1450 and it also shows their new quick tool-free micro adjust clasp. I have it on my two contemporary flat-link bracelets and it works great. I may need to order a 1450 for my no date SMP after watching this video….

 

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Rocketeer61

·Wed. 11:35pm

Forstner 1450 folded clasp on the Speedy White Dial. To my eyes (and my wrist) this combo is perfection.

 

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EuroDriver

·Thurs. 8:02pm

I have owned a couple and I agree with others that they are very good value for the money. They look great and of very decent quality. That said, I concluded they are not for me.The clasps failed to satisfy me, perhaps after being spoiled by the Omega OEM clasps and I found them to be a little too jingle-jangly.