Community Stories

JB Champion NASA Bracelets or the Komfit by Forstner Corporate Myth

Togri v. 2.0
Posts
2,660
Likes
12,384
Here is my malfunctioned bracelet. The end where both rivets failed I took apart to see if I could fix it (I couldn’t but I am sure that with the right rivets and press you could). On the other end on rivet is gone and one of the “arms” is loose.

IMG_4169.webp IMG_4171.webp


Curious to know what people think is the main difference in build quality between the original NASA bracelets and the reproduced ones by Forstner. My original bracelet is about 2 grammes heavier than the Forstner, it is a bit thinner and the “weave” seems to be denser and tighter on the original , the links themselves are also a tiny bit smaller on the original. The end-pieces seems a bit sturdier on the Forstner.
 
hmmmcamu
Posts
3,561
Likes
17,800
do not invest in a repo might as well look for a decent vintage the repo is a cheap knock off, the quality of the material on the vintage is better ... just gotta find one in decent shape
 
Ron_W
Posts
1,694
Likes
3,452
Togri v. 2.0 Togri v. 2.0
Here is my malfunctioned bracelet. The end where both rivets failed I took apart to see if I could fix it (I couldn’t but I am sure that with the right rivets and press you could). On the other end on rivet is gone and one of the “arms” is loose.

IMG_4169.webp IMG_4171.webp


Curious to know what people think is the main difference in build quality between the original NASA bracelets and the reproduced ones by Forstner. My original bracelet is about 2 grammes heavier than the Forstner, it is a bit thinner and the “weave” seems to be denser and tighter on the original , the links themselves are also a tiny bit smaller on the original. The end-pieces seems a bit sturdier on the Forstner.
Maybe this DIY post can help you ?

https://omegaforums.net/threads/jb-champion-repair-log-guide.91236/ Cover Image
Thread 'JB Champion repair log/guide' ·
Hello OF,

I just finished restoring a sorry looking JB Champion that had its horn chopped off and twisted to its rightful glory. I don't know if this information will be of any use to anyone, but...
ext1 ·
 
hmmmcamu
Posts
3,561
Likes
17,800
TexOmega TexOmega
Ah.......What's your point?




😀
The point? It's not just a bracelet, it's a precision engineered time capsule for my wrist. I'm not telling time; I'm wearing a tiny, intricate universe of gears and springs that'll outlast every "smart" gadget you or i own. Plus, have you seen the moon? My watch bracelet family has 😀
 
Dan S
Posts
24,657
Likes
54,767
Fun post, and great passion. Thanks for all the research and photo.

I am wondering if the following part seems plausible to anyone aside from the OP, or if there is evidence for this. If I'm understanding, you are proposing that the astronauts donned their spacesuit, and then put the watch on by removing one of the endlinks? The spring-loaded endlink doesn't make them into quick connects or particularly easy to install, IMO. There's still a spring-bar.

Or maybe this was tongue-in-cheek. Apologies if I missed the joke.

hmmmcamu hmmmcamu
So imagine you're an astronaut getting ready for space. You're wearing this big, thick suit that's hard to move in. Now you need to put on your watch, but the sleeves are so bulky, a normal watchband won’t fit over them. That’s where the special end links come in. They’re spring-loaded, meaning they can squeeze together or stretch out from 16mm to 19mm so you can just pinch them and snap the band onto your watch after your suit is on. No tools, no hassle. It’s like a seatbelt that adjusts automatically. This wasn’t just convenient it was essential for working in space.
 
TexOmega
Posts
8,661
Likes
61,591
hmmmcamu hmmmcamu
The point? It's not just a bracelet, it's a precision engineered time capsule for my wrist. I'm not telling time; I'm wearing a tiny, intricate universe of gears and springs that'll outlast every "smart" gadget you or i own. Plus, have you seen the moon? My watch bracelet family has 😀


Sounds and reads like you're a ROLEX kinda guy to me.......🤨🤣
 
Togri v. 2.0
Posts
2,660
Likes
12,384
hmmmcamu hmmmcamu
do not invest in a repo might as well look for a decent vintage the repo is a cheap knock off, the quality of the material on the vintage is better ... just gotta find one in decent shape

Can you elaborate? We know it is a reproduction, that much has been established by now, but why is it so terrible? It seems pretty well made all things considered. It is probably made in China, which a lot of things are these days, and not in the US like the old bracelets. Like I wrote there is a slight difference in the thickness and “weave” of the links but the Forstner does not scream cheap Ali Express to me, which a lot of other bracelets do.
 
Togri v. 2.0
Posts
2,660
Likes
12,384
Dan S Dan S
“…and then put the watch on by removing one of the endlinks?…

Eeehhh… Isn’t that how watches are supposed to be removed and put back on?😳😳
 
Speed2Sea
Posts
796
Likes
4,171
hmmmcamu hmmmcamu
do not invest in a repo might as well look for a decent vintage the repo is a cheap knock off, the quality of the material on the vintage is better ... just gotta find one in decent shape
The Forstner is not a "cheap knock off." I have a lot of wrist time with my Forstner and it wears exceptionally well. The clasp is excellent as well as the rest of the bracelet. Is a vintage better? I trust your experience and appreciate your expertise regarding the Champion USA NASA bracelet, but to continually say the Forstner bracelet is nothing more than a "cheap knock off" repo is not accurate or fair. Is it a reproduction of course, but it doesn't mean it's cheap and not worthy of wearing.
 
hmmmcamu
Posts
3,561
Likes
17,800
Speed2Sea Speed2Sea
The Forstner is not a "cheap knock off." I have a lot of wrist time with my Forstner and it wears exceptionally well. The clasp is excellent as well as the rest of the bracelet. Is a vintage better? I trust your experience and appreciate your expertise regarding the Champion USA NASA bracelet, but to continually say the Forstner bracelet is nothing more than a "cheap knock off" repo is not accurate or fair. Is it a reproduction of course, but it doesn't mean it's cheap and not worthy of wearing.
owning one of the REPO and several NASA bracelets I can only go by what I know first hand comparing the 2 the materrial and construction of the REPO does not compare any where near the NASA bracelet .. the mesh material is cheap and the attachments are sub par versus my more than 50 year old NASA bracelets

106296875_10157510618609537_3805203094180128982_n.webp
Edited:
 
Speed2Sea
Posts
796
Likes
4,171
hmmmcamu hmmmcamu
owning one of the REPO and several NASA bracelets I can only go by what I know first hand comparing the 2 the materrial and construction of the REPO does not compare any where near the NASA bracelet .. the mesh material is cheap and the attachments are sub par versus my more than 50 year old NASA bracelets

106296875_10157510618609537_3805203094180128982_n.webp
Thank you very much for the response and side-by-side photographs. Looking at the photographs I don't see any evidence that supports your claim that the Forstner bracelet is a "cheap knock off." At the same time Is owning an original NASA bracelet a great piece of history to enjoy... hell yes!
 
TexOmega
Posts
8,661
Likes
61,591
I have at least 10 of these "new" Forstner bracelets in many sizes(18-22mm and straight and horned) and they wear and fit magnificently and are of high quality.

Best to congratulate them for filling a need and being successful.

The vintage ones are great if available and I have a few of them.
 
hmmmcamu
Posts
3,561
Likes
17,800
TexOmega TexOmega
I have at least 10 of these "new" Forstner bracelets in many sizes(18-22mm and straight and horned) and they wear and fit magnificently and are of high quality.

Best to congratulate them for filling a need and being successful.

The vintage ones are great if available and I have a few of them.
It’s entirely fair to congratulate the revived Forstner brand for re-popularizing this iconic NASA BRACELET that is not called or should ever be referred to as Komfit, Komfit style, Komfit JB or Astronaut bracelet.

Where the concern arises is not in the product, but in the narrative specifically, the conflation of historical credit. A corporate myth that elevates brand mystique while sidelining the true innovator JB Champion USA, the actual OEM behind the space flown NASA bracelet. Recognizing this distinction isn’t pedantry it’s a necessary correction to preserve horological accuracy and give credit where it’s due.
Edited:
 
TexOmega
Posts
8,661
Likes
61,591
Yes, I got your point and why I responded with my ironic first reply after your exhaustive and good research.

A good point and I may have just missed all the marching and chanting and protest throughout our Watch Loving Hobby over the Original being eclipsed and forgotten. That’s on me.
 
hmmmcamu
Posts
3,561
Likes
17,800
TexOmega TexOmega
Yes, I got your point and why I responded with my ironic first reply after your exhaustive and good research.

A good point and I may have just missed all the marching and chanting and protest throughout our Watch Loving Hobby over the Original being eclipsed and forgotten. That’s on me.
You’re absolutely right !!! if there had been pitchforks and torches over the conflation of Forstner and JB Champion USA, we’d have heard the marching band by now. The fact that the modern brand markets their reissue as “the NASA bracelet” while quietly folding the actual NASA issued JB Champion design into its origin story is less a scandal and more a masterclass in brand narrative jiu-jitsu. So yes hats off to them for filling the void !!! And when you buckle up, go ahead and shout “Jacoby BenderUSA!” loud enough for the room to hear. A full-throated credit to the real engineers who didn’t just make a bracelet, but got it to the Moon.

PS.
Alice says Hello

timeout_8639996.webp
Edited:
 
TexOmega
Posts
8,661
Likes
61,591
I visit her regularly, and why she still appears so contented and youthful.......wink wink wink....nudge nudge.....say no more!
 
Togri v. 2.0
Posts
2,660
Likes
12,384
Well to be fair to the original Forstner brand, the JB Champaion NASA bracelet did retain most of its design from the Komfit bracelet, right? Including one of the major reasons that it fit so well over a space suit (the ability to expand the bracelet). So calling it the Komfit style isn’t perhaps that much of a crime, when the relationship between Forstner and JB is also explained pretty well on their website (?).

It is not to pile on as everybody seem to be in agreement about the importance of historical accuracy, the increased importance of being critical to all the information we are bombarder with, while also applauding the reproduction of this bracelet style to make it available to more people. I am just trying to find the line that is not to be crossed 🙂
 
Speed2Sea
Posts
796
Likes
4,171
hmmmcamu hmmmcamu
Where the concern arises is not in the product, but in the narrative
Thank you, I appreciate your clarification that it's not the quality of the product.
 
hmmmcamu
Posts
3,561
Likes
17,800
Speed2Sea Speed2Sea
Thank you, I appreciate your clarification that it's not the quality of the product.
their product is still not as good as the original that is just a fact
 
hmmmcamu
Posts
3,561
Likes
17,800
Togri v. 2.0 Togri v. 2.0
Well to be fair to the original Forstner brand, the JB Champaion NASA bracelet did retain most of its design from the Komfit bracelet, right? Including one of the major reasons that it fit so well over a space suit (the ability to expand the bracelet). So calling it the Komfit style isn’t perhaps that much of a crime, when the relationship between Forstner and JB is also explained pretty well on their website (?).

It is not to pile on as everybody seem to be in agreement about the importance of historical accuracy, the increased importance of being critical to all the information we are bombarder with, while also applauding the reproduction of this bracelet style to make it available to more people. I am just trying to find the line that is not to be crossed 🙂
Togri v. 2.0 Togri v. 2.0
Well to be fair to the original Forstner brand, the JB Champaion NASA bracelet did retain most of its design from the Komfit bracelet, right? Including one of the major reasons that it fit so well over a space suit (the ability to expand the bracelet). So calling it the Komfit style isn’t perhaps that much of a crime, when the relationship between Forstner and JB is also explained pretty well on their website (?).

It is not to pile on as everybody seem to be in agreement about the importance of historical accuracy, the increased importance of being critical to all the information we are bombarder with, while also applauding the reproduction of this bracelet style to make it available to more people. I am just trying to find the line that is not to be crossed 🙂
You're right that the idea of the mesh band came from Forstner, but saying JB Champion USA "retained" much of the original design is actually backwards. The reality is that JB Champion USA fundamentally re-engineered it. They introduced two major, patented innovations the original lacked.

The original Forstner Komfit had fixed-width end pieces and a different clasp. The only thing truly "retained" was the basic mesh material. The functional, space-qualified design was a new product. So, calling it "Komfit style" gives the impression of continuity that doesn't reflect the significant engineering work done by JB Champion USA.

The credit for the space-flown design NASA BRACELET belongs solely to JB Champion USA. Mentioning Forstner is only relevant as a footnote for the original mesh concept.

The term "Komfit", "Komfit style", "Komfit JB", or "astronaut bracelet" should not be used for the band that flew on NASA missions. The only accurate term for the space-flown hardware is the NASA BRACELET from the Champion line by Jacoby Bender USA (JB Champion USA).

The modern versions of this NASA-issued design should be accurately labeled as reproductions, reissues, or repos. Using "Komfit", "Komfit style", "Komfit JB" for the NASA BRACELET by Jb Champion USA perpetuates a myth .
Edited:
 
95 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Robert-Jan

Speedy Tuesday - Hands-on with the new Forstner “Komfit” JB mesh bracelet

Robert-Jan Modern Omega Watches
bigdubnick
bigdubnick
Posts
12
Views
9K
MoclovFlop

Vintage JB Champion/Forstner/Gemex NASA Style Bracelets (Updated inventory)

MoclovFlop Watch Parts and Accessories For Sale
SpeedyPhill
SpeedyPhill
Posts
6
Views
7K
DLT222

Forstner Komfit 'JB' Mesh Bands - The Iconic bracelet Reborn!

DLT222 Watch Parts and Accessories For Sale
1972Steve
1972Steve
Posts
3
Views
3K
blubarb

JB Champion NASA bracelet

blubarb Watch Parts and Accessories For Sale
blubarb
blubarb
Posts
3
Views
2K
gemini4

JB Champion, Forstner Komfit and Gemex Bracelets. Historical Prospective Needed

gemini4 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
SpeedyPhill
SpeedyPhill
Posts
18
Views
11K