Community Stories

JB Champion NASA Bracelets or the Komfit by Forstner Corporate Myth

Togri v. 2.0
Posts
2,630
Likes
12,164
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
3,489
Likes
17,618
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
1,603
Likes
3,288
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
3,489
Likes
17,618
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
24,518
Likes
54,485
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
8,571
Likes
61,118
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
2,630
Likes
12,164
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
2,630
Likes
12,164
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
778
Likes
4,093
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
3,489
Likes
17,618
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:
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

DLT222

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

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