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  1. imexian Mar 22, 2015

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    Hi guys
    I'm contemplating putting a JB Champion ss strap on my 65, 321 speedy, can anyone post a pic of the correct type for that era? Or give me some info on what's the correct one please?
    How much should I be paying ? Can I get NOS? Or are there any good pre used ones around?
    Thanks in advance chaps.
    Ian
     
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  2. dsio Ash @ ΩF Staff Member Mar 22, 2015

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    Many dollars for the exact correct one, pricing can be on par with a vintage Omega flatlink bracelet.
     
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  3. imexian Mar 22, 2015

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    Cheers ash, but what are they like?????::shy::
     
  4. Pahawi Mar 22, 2015

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    No expert, but here is mine, which I believe is correct. Some have curved ends, but I believe there's pics of astronauts using both types. Hope the the experts here will chime in and correct me, if I'm wrong......

    IMG_1398 - Kopi.JPG

    Do a search here and I'm sure you'll find more info.......
     
  5. Pahawi Mar 22, 2015

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  6. Gavin It's the quiet ones you have to 'watch' out for. Mar 22, 2015

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  7. TLIGuy Mar 22, 2015

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    Hello Ian,

    I'm going to assume you are asking what is the correct JB Champion bracelet for the era as worn by the Gemini and Apollo astronauts, correct?

    The one most often seen worn by the astronauts is the one pictured above by Pahawi. The bracelets worn by the astronauts had both the straight and curved end pieces. My research regarding the JB Champion bracelet concludes that the straight end piece was seen more often but the curved end piece brings a bit of a premium when sold today. That is because one of the most iconic images of the JB bracelet is that of Dick Gordon strapping on his Snoopy hat wearing the JB with curved end pieces.

    Honestly the best place to find the bracelet is on ebay and they show up quite often, both straight and curved. Most are sold used but some are sold new and asking prices are crazy high. I think that a fair price has ranged from $275-$400, again with the curved ends being on the higher end. Unless you have the funds and want a new bracelet buying a used one is the way to go. I know it's tough to swallow seeing the bracelet in the original packaging for $6.95 commanding hundreds of dollars but that's what happens when astronauts start wearing them.

    What are they like you ask? I think the JB on the Speedmaster is the most comfortable bracelet I have ever worn. I wear my Speedmaster almost exclusively on the JB bracelet now. I put on the 1450 or 1479 and the next day it's back of the JB. Once you get a knack for putting it on and working the clasp it wicked simple to put on. The retro 60's look is stunning in my opinion. If you enjoy the Speedmaster for its NASA history you will really love it once you add the JB Champion to it. There is nothing like looking at images online and knowing you are wearing the exact same set up.
     
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  8. Taddyangle Convicted Invicta Wearer Mar 22, 2015

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    A thread like this needs more pics....
     
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  9. rogart ray it again, Ram. Mar 22, 2015

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  10. TLIGuy Mar 22, 2015

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    Yes, that is a 60's era JB bracelet but not the style that was worn or flown by the astronauts. The 16mm mesh with 19mm end pieces as above is the astronaut period correct version. I think the description in the ad is a bit misleading. If this was the style used it would be commanding the same premium as the mesh bracelet. Again, going back to the OP. If he's just looking for a JB 60's era bracelet you have posted it. If he wants the astronaut used version it's the mesh with straight or curved end pieces. I don't claim to have seen every image of an astronaut wearing a JB bracelet but of the images available this style is not seen.

    A less expensive alternative is to find the Forstner Komfit "NASA" bracelet. They purchased JB Champion. They continued to offer the exact same style bracelet. For a collector the JB is preferred as it was the original but the Forstner is the exact same but because it doesn't have JB stamped on it they appear to command a lower premium.
     
    Edited Mar 22, 2015
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  11. Davidt Mar 22, 2015

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    Not a nasa type as far as I know but I like this version as well. Seems to be slightly cheaper than the full mesh.

    Not got around to figuring out how to fit this one yet.
    image.jpg
     
  12. quito No, my first name is NOT Mos. Mar 22, 2015

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    This is the one image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg
     
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  13. imexian Mar 22, 2015

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  14. omega1972 Mar 22, 2015

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  15. imexian Mar 22, 2015

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    Great reply, thanks for the very informative answer, i can see you think they look good on the JB, im with you on that!!
    Regards,
    Ian
     
  16. italy1861 Mar 22, 2015

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    I suggest starting your own thread for info....
     
  17. pitpro Likes the game. Mar 22, 2015

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    [​IMG]
     
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  18. imexian Mar 22, 2015

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    Nice and beautiful set!!
    Looks ace!
     
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  19. toddle321 Mar 22, 2015

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    ::love:: Wow.
     
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  20. TLIGuy Mar 22, 2015

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    Ed Mitchell...

    ap14-S70-45580HR_zpsafdaf0e6.JPG

    Neil Armstrong...

    ap11-S69-25197HR_zpsb444f657.JPG

    Richard Gordon...

    apollo9_zpse20b5cc1.JPG

    Ed White...

    s65-29655_zps17ccba41.JPG

    Tom Stafford...

    s65-56185_zps5a48e838.JPG

    John Young...

    s71-51261_zpsa4511e2c.JPG

    Apollo 8...

    AS8-319-68PC-309-68HC-836-INCREWQUARTERS_zpsf7afda3f.JPG

    Mine....

    RSCN3109_zps706ad0e6.JPG

    RSCN3584_zps835320d4.JPG
     
    s65-56213_zps2d7c72d6.JPG
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