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Forstner claims their contemporary flat link end links won’t fit a 3861 hesalite Speedy…

Donn Chambers
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…but will fit all other post-2021 Speedmasters. This is ONLY reference 310.30.42.50.01.001 (the hesalite version on a bracelet), but that they will fit ALL other 3861 Speedmasters, including the sapphire sandwich, the strap versions, the Snoopy, etc.

I can confirm the links Forstner mailed me will not fit, but I am arguing it is a problem in their manufacturing and asking to send another pair. They are arguing none will fit that one model.

I find it hard to believe Omega makes a singular mid-case for this one model and doesn’t use the same mid-case for all.

Any thoughts? Or experience getting the Forstner end links to work.
 
bsowers34
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That makes no sense. The hesalite bracelet is the same as the sapphire on this white one, only without the polished centers. Maybe stick to original Omega bracelets?
 
ErichPryde
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It's weird, I was under the impression that the 0.3 mm decreased to the case was the same on both 3861s, and the hesalite version had also decreased the hesalite dome height slightly.

Good to know, if correct. But I don't know how it could be, because the 3861 bullet bracelets are interchangeable.
 
Donn Chambers
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bsowers34 bsowers34
That makes no sense. The hesalite bracelet is the same as the sapphire on this white one, only without the polished centers. Maybe stick to original Omega bracelets?
I have the OEM bracelet (which I do like), but I also like variety and wanted the flat link.
 
Donn Chambers
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ErichPryde ErichPryde
It's weird, I was under the impression that the 0.3 mm decreased to the case was the same on both 3861s, and the hesalite version had also decreased the hesalite dome height slightly.

Good to know, if correct. But I don't know how it could be, because the 3861 bullet bracelets are interchangeable.
Yeah. And I’ve seen pictures on here of other users putting one on a hesalite Speedy. But they do state on the specifications that it will not fit that one specific model.

My theory is this is a mistake and it was a pre-2021 end link but with the back cut like a post 2021. I have asked for another pair of post-2021 end links, but so far they are resisting, stating it will not fit this one reference, but will fit all others.
 
Donn Chambers
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Since no thread is complete without pictures, here are a couple showing how poorly it fits. The second shows it next to an OEM endlink for the stock bracelet showing the disparity in length.
IMG_0132.webp IMG_0135.webp
 
Donn Chambers
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Forstner is doubling down that these are the “correct” end pieces, but they just won’t fit this specific model. Nor will they take the bracelet back because I have already removed the plastic and resized it. If anyone in the US has another model of the 3861 Speedmaster and wants a pair of flat link end links to experiment with, PM me and I will send them to you. I’d like to see if Forstner’s claims hold up.
 
Owlsu
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From my own experience their end links don't even fit on a 1861 Speedmaster unless you use the springbars they provide to you in the packaging. Their springbars can be bent/flexed by hand which lets them curve and fit into the lug holes.

I bought some end links recently and tried to use the Omega 1.8mm bars and had to file down the metal "tabs" on the Forstner end links with a metal file for about 30 minutes little by little until the Omega bars would actually click securely into the lug holes and stay there without being able to be popped out by hand.

I've heard hollow Uncle Seiko/Uncle end links are a better fit for most of these bracelets if you're going aftermarket but you get a faint rattle sound because of the hollow nature of them.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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Owlsu Owlsu
From my own experience their end links don't even fit on a 1861 Speedmaster unless you use the springbars they provide to you in the packaging. Their springbars can be bent/flexed by hand which lets them curve and fit into the lug holes.
Yeah, it’s the same for me. I’d love to use my stash of 1.8mm spring bars from Omega but the endlinks won’t fit as you say. I ended up buying Swiss made 1.5mm spring bars from Otto Frei, which allowed the endlinks to fit.
Owlsu Owlsu
I've heard hollow Uncle Seiko/Uncle end links are a better fit for most of these bracelets if you're going aftermarket but you get a faint rattle sound because of the hollow nature of them.
With Uncle Seiko, I have never had an issue using my 1.8mm Omega Spring bars with any of his bracelets. His hollow endlinks rattle as you say, but I have not experienced that with his solid endlinks. Honestly, the only issue I have ever had with US is in the dozen+ orders I have made with him, I have not had a single order go correctly the first time around: I have received the incorrect bracelet on more than one occasion, the correct bracelet but the wrong size end links, the correct bracelet but with mismatched sized end links, correct bracelet with mismatched finish end links, an US branded writing pen instead of a bracelet, etc… he’s always good with promptly fixing the issue. But I can confidently say, I have never had a fitment issue using standard Omega spring bars where I do with Forstners.
 
502 to right
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Scarecrow Boat Scarecrow Boat
Yeah, it’s the same for me. I’d love to use my stash of 1.8mm spring bars from Omega but the endlinks won’t fit as you say. I ended up buying Swiss made 1.5mm spring bars from Otto Frei, which allowed the endlinks to fit.

With Uncle Seiko, I have never had an issue using my 1.8mm Omega Spring bars with any of his bracelets. His hollow endlinks rattle as you say, but I have not experienced that with his solid endlinks. Honestly, the only issue I have ever had with US is in the dozen+ orders I have made with him, I have not had a single order go correctly the first time around: I have received the incorrect bracelet on more than one occasion, the correct bracelet but the wrong size end links, the correct bracelet but with mismatched sized end links, correct bracelet with mismatched finish end links, an US branded writing pen instead of a bracelet, etc… he’s always good with promptly fixing the issue. But I can confidently say, I have never had a fitment issue using standard Omega spring bars where I do with Forstners.
Weird. I've ordered about 20 times from Uncle Seiko/Straps and never had a problem. I've ordered several times from Forstner and have had problems before (sent the wrong bracelet).
 
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