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Forstner vs Uncle Seiko 1450 for Speedmaster

Flyguy
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I found a ton of threads comparing different bands or different models from these two makers, but I am interested in a comparison between the two 1450s. It may be somewhere, but I couldn't easily find it.

My concern with the Uncle Seiko is the look of the end links. The finish just looks to off to me when on the case. My concern with the Forstner is some comments that it can begin to sag after a few months. Any thoughts from those that have tried both?
 
Leviathan
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I’ll cut to the chase and recommend neither. I have the US flat link and the US1450. The latter I bought over the Forstner because of some QC issues I heard with the stretchy links.

Go OEM. Hurts the wallet initially, but as in most things with life—you’ll get over it.
 
nicolamilton
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Flyguy Flyguy
I found a ton of threads comparing different bands or different models from these two makers, but I am interested in a comparison between the two 1450s. It may be somewhere, but I couldn't easily find it.

My concern with the Uncle Seiko is the look of the end links. The finish just looks to off to me when on the case. My concern with the Forstner is some comments that it can begin to sag after a few months. Any thoughts from those that have tried both?
I have both, and prefer H end link of Forstner.
 
Taddyangle
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I'm a fan of the US1450. I took a few pics comparing my Omega 1450 with US1450. The US1450 feels great on the wrist, the clasp feels more secure.

PXL_20220118_131507047.jpg PXL_20220118_131423226.jpg PXL_20220118_131359940.jpg
 
Risto
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I have used US flat link, 1171 and now 1450 on my vintage Speedmasters (and on 60th). Love them, really nice.
When original 1450 costs 2000+ USD and US's 20x less... it's just a bracelet 😀
Why pay thousands for OEM. User experience, feel, is the same.

Screenshot 2022-01-18 at 15.30.56.png
 
machamp6650
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Taddyangle Taddyangle
I'm a fan of the US1450. I took a few pics comparing my Omega 1450 with US1450. The US1450 feels great on the wrist, the clasp feels more secure.

PXL_20220118_131507047.jpg PXL_20220118_131423226.jpg PXL_20220118_131359940.jpg

A couple of great looking watches (and bracelets!) there, I'm also a fan of the US1450, but your photos do illustrate a slight niggle I have about some of the Uncle Seiko omega-style bracelets - I feel the end links are more boxy or squared off compared to Omega versions. This seems to be the case both for folded end links (I also have the Holzer) as well as solid end links like on the 1450. Probably just a matter of personal taste, but personally I would like to see US end links closer to the real deal.
 
Pazzo
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machamp6650 machamp6650
...


Probably just a matter of personal taste, but personally I would like to see US end links closer to the real deal.

+1
 
pumpernikiel
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the issue with these bracelets is that you really need to touch and weigh them - they are rather light which may give you an impression of low quality - that was and is the case for me, especially when you switch from standard Speedy bracelet 1498
 
Badwolf
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pumpernikiel pumpernikiel
the issue with these bracelets is that you really need to touch and weigh them - they are rather light which may give you an impression of low quality - that was and is the case for me, especially when you switch from standard Speedy bracelet 1498
Good point. I should think that's mainly down to the clasps being far less substantial than the ones on later bracelets. They must feel heavier than a 1039, that feels like it's made out of paper clips.
 
C
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Leviathan Leviathan
I’ll cut to the chase and recommend neither. I have the US flat link and the US1450. The latter I bought over the Forstner because of some QC issues I heard with the stretchy links.

Go OEM. Hurts the wallet initially, but as in most things with life—you’ll get over it.

Probably a good recommendation here. How much was the OEM flat link? I love the clasp on the Apollo 11 50th anniversary

I have the Forstner 1450 and it's fine. I found it hard to size with my FOIS. It had to be tight in order for the watch head not to be move around too much, but then it was tight enough to leave marks on my wrist. I also don't particularly like that style on a FOIS.

The flat link is the bracelet for the FOIS, imo, and I just got the Uncle Seiko. The tolerances are less than I expected even for this price point. There is a sizable gap between the first link and the end link on one side. The other side is pretty good. Also, the end link doesn't match the length of the lug. It is comfortable, however, and the head doesn't slide around.

I have the Forstner flat link on the way.

Uncle Seiko gap:
qbnQc0b.jpg

I have an Island watch with a jubilee bracelet and that bracelet is super impressive - tight tolerances, milled clasp with thick pieces - and the bracelet sells for less than the Uncle Seiko, so I don't want to say the US tolerance is what you should expect at that price. YMMV
 
K
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I just received my first Forstner bracelet - the 1450 with SMP end-links. Let me cut straight to the elephant in the room (I have seen not commentary anywhere after extensive searching) - a pressed clasp on a $150 bracelet? Come on, what's up with that? AliExpress $30 bracelets manage to include a properly milled clasp - why can't Forstner?
 
C
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K Kyotoman
I just received my first Forstner bracelet - the 1450 with SMP end-links. Let me cut straight to the elephant in the room (I have seen not commentary anywhere after extensive searching) - a pressed clasp on a $150 bracelet? Come on, what's up with that? AliExpress $30 bracelets manage to include a properly milled clasp - why can't Forstner?

They have a milled clasp you can add. I believe they were going for a vintage feel with the default clasp.

It's also not substantial in weight for the same reasons. They have a 'contemporary' version for more heft.
 
K
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C chipotlefire
They have a milled clasp you can add. I believe they were going for a vintage feel with the default clasp.

It's also not substantial in weight for the same reasons. They have a 'contemporary' version for more heft.
Right, I just saw that milled option - for another $70... $50 for additional end links. Something tells me this is the first and last Forstner bracelet I will be buying.
 
bombaywalla
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the fellows over at WatchUSeek seem to prefer the Forstner 1450 because it is much higher quality compared to the US 1450. FWIW. I could link that thread here if anyone is interested.....
 
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