JB Champion NASA Bracelets or the Komfit by Forstner Corporate Myth

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Ok, we get it, we really do. The JB mesh is superior in every way and Foerstner is a 2nd rate imposter and should not breathe the same air or occupy the same space as JB.

You've copied/pasted the information a few times and as much as I applaud you for the research you've done, you've made your point and position abundantly clear.

Maybe you should write NASA and Foerstner with your complaints and ask for a job in the marketing department so you can set the record straight.
 
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Ok, we get it, we really do. The JB mesh is superior in every way and Foerstner is a 2nd rate imposter and should not breathe the same air or occupy the same space as JB.

You've copied/pasted the information a few times and as much as I applaud you for the research you've done, you've made your point and position abundantly clear.

Maybe you should write NASA and Foerstner with your complaints and ask for a job in the marketing department so you can set the record straight.
YES the Forstner reproduction is a modern homage boldly claiming lineage it only wishes it earned. Let’s not mince words OK ? the original JB Champion USA NASA bracelet wasn’t just better it was the only one NASA bought, issued, and wore on the Moon. The Forstner brand, as it exists today, is a reissue company selling historically inspired jewelry, not a continuation of the 1960s OEM that actually supplied astronauts.

NO the modern “Forstner” isn’t a “2nd rate imposter” it’s a reproduction of a design JB Champion USA perfected and NASA certified by use. But hey, if you want to wear a $135.00 nostalgia piece and call it “space-flown heritage,” just remember ..... the real one was made by JB Champion USA, not a trademark revival.

As for NASA? They prefer their data peer-reviewed and their arguments substantive. But I’ll pass along your suggestion maybe they’re hiring in tone management.

PS
marketing dept. would be a step down

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Sharing one of the earlier photos showing the Forstner Komfit (?) mesh bracelet, US Air Force Major Virgil Gus Grissom in early 1964...
(Photo: LIFE magazine)
.
.
Before the Forstner Komfit mesh bracelet, the "Mercury 7" wore their officially NASA-issued LeCoultre 'astronaut' watch on another Komfit type bracelet:
I believe these were named "Lizard expansion" bracelets, the photo shows JB Champion versions:
.
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Yes, the OP could have searched this Forum and found the Preeminent Omega Forum Worldwide had not forgotten anything and everything Original kit for US astronauts with @SpeedyPhill leading the way with All NASA INFO.
 
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Sharing one of the earlier photos showing the Forstner Komfit (?) mesh bracelet, US Air Force Major Virgil Gus Grissom in early 1964...
(Photo: LIFE magazine)
.
.
Before the Forstner Komfit mesh bracelet, the "Mercury 7" wore their officially NASA-issued LeCoultre 'astronaut' watch on another Komfit type bracelet:
I believe these were named "Lizard expansion" bracelets, the photo shows JB Champion versions:
.
Tragically, he, along with astronauts Edward H. White and Roger B. Chaffee, died in a cabin fire during a launch pad test on January 27, 1967, at Cape Kennedy (now Cape Canaveral).

In NASA archival photographs Gus was one of the few astronauts pictured often times with the dial of his wrist watch facing his body making it at times difficult to see details ... here he is wearing his watch dial face outward with bracelet showing horned expandable endlinks a NASA bracelet by JB Champion USA... .. safe to assume that is the same watch an Accutron in the 1964 LIFE magazine photo shoot ... pre 1965 Omega

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Yes, the OP could have searched this Forum and found the Preeminent Omega Forum Worldwide had not forgotten anything and everything Original kit for US astronauts with @SpeedyPhill leading the way with All NASA INFO.
what i dont understand is u seem to rather attack the person sharing info as oppose to the re writting of historical facts LLOL how is one to have a constructive exchange of ideas and information with someone who behaves as you do >?
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1963

MA9 “Faith 7″ astronaut Leroy “Gordo” Cooper explains the operation of a small JR Hereford handheld spacecraft camera to his backup Alan Shepard.

Bracelet in this photo show Horned expandable endlinks of the JB Champion USA NASA bracelet


 
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Photo above is dated March 1, 1963... so are we sure these are already re-designed JB Champion bracelets? Do we have an exact date when Jacoby Bender took over Komfit Forstner in 1963?
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Photo above is dated March 1, 1963... so are we sure these are already re-designed JB Champion bracelets? Do we have an exact date when Jacoby Bender took over Komfit Forstner in 1963?
.
Patents for the new spring loaded variable width end pieces (16MM-19MM) and clasp mechanism was granted to Jacoby Bender on April of 1962 and 1963, which predates the full absorption of Forstner's operations, suggesting the companies were collaborating JB USA working with existing product line Komfit of Forstner that is being re engineered to the new NASA BRACELET since the corporate take over was a done deal known to both companies, or that Jacoby Bender was developing independent mechanisms prior to the final corporate takeover later that year. The specific date of the corporate acquisition itself is not detailed in the available text in my research so far.

SPRING LOADED VARIABLE WIDTH END PIECES 16MM-19MM
Jacoby Bender, Inc. U.S. Patent No. 3,030,686

filed on December 14 1960 was ready to market 1962
available for product testing but not for commercial availability
granted on April 24, 1962

LOCKING MECHENISM -
Jacoby Bender, Inc. U.S. Patent No. 3,084,412

filed on November 19 1960 was ready to market 1962
available for product testing but not for commercial availability
granted on April 9, 1963
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What is the earliest confirmed photo of an astronaut wearing the expandable bracelet?

I am really not trying to take anything away from JB but if the above was his improvements to the Komfit, I think Forstner is worth a bit more than just a footnote. Until someone can convince me of the importance of spring-loaded expandable endpieces when wearing a space suit (and that is not to take anything away from that invention, they are extremely useful) the most important improvement from a NASA point of view would probably be the improved clasp. Unless he like also extended the expandable length of the bracelet itself, so it would fit over a space suit and not just fit a big hairy gorilla wrist.

By the way, a real ballsy move by Mr. Bender to rename the bracelet after himself and adding “Champion” at the end 😎😎
 
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What is the earliest confirmed photo of an astronaut wearing the expandable bracelet?

I am really not trying to take anything away from JB but if the above was his improvements to the Komfit, I think Forstner is worth a bit more than just a footnote. Until someone can convince me of the importance of spring-loaded expandable endpieces when wearing a space suit (and that is not to take anything away from that invention, they are extremely useful) the most important improvement from a NASA point of view would probably be the improved clasp. Unless he like also extended the expandable length of the bracelet itself, so it would fit over a space suit and not just fit a big hairy gorilla wrist.

By the way, a real ballsy move by Mr. Bender to rename the bracelet after himself and adding “Champion” at the end 😎😎
... early photo taken March 6, 1963 Mercury astronaut Gordon Cooper is seen getting some help from NASA suit technician Al Rochford, during suiting up for preflight tests in Hangar S at Cape Canaveral. Curved expandable endlink JB Champion USA NASA bracelet

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May 15, 1963 (after a scrub on May 14), NASA pad leader Gunther Wendt with astronaut Gordon Cooper an Accutron Astronaut tuning fork watch at his right wrist and an Omega Speedmaster CK2998-4 on NASA bracelet by JB Champion USA curved expandable links

 
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What is the earliest confirmed photo of an astronaut wearing the expandable bracelet?

I am really not trying to take anything away from JB but if the above was his improvements to the Komfit, I think Forstner is worth a bit more than just a footnote. Until someone can convince me of the importance of spring-loaded expandable endpieces when wearing a space suit (and that is not to take anything away from that invention, they are extremely useful) the most important improvement from a NASA point of view would probably be the improved clasp. Unless he like also extended the expandable length of the bracelet itself, so it would fit over a space suit and not just fit a big hairy gorilla wrist.

By the way, a real ballsy move by Mr. Bender to rename the bracelet after himself and adding “Champion” at the end 😎😎
"By the way, a real ballsy move by Mr. Bender to rename the bracelet after himself and adding “Champion” at the end 😎😎" ... ..... Mr.Bender named his company after himself ... the bracelet was referred to as Expandable mesh bracelet from the CHAMPION LINE of Jacoby Bender, Inc. U.S.A. aka: NASA BRACELET
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What is the earliest confirmed photo of an astronaut wearing the expandable bracelet?

I am really not trying to take anything away from JB but if the above was his improvements to the Komfit, I think Forstner is worth a bit more than just a footnote. Until someone can convince me of the importance of spring-loaded expandable endpieces when wearing a space suit (and that is not to take anything away from that invention, they are extremely useful) the most important improvement from a NASA point of view would probably be the improved clasp. Unless he like also extended the expandable length of the bracelet itself, so it would fit over a space suit and not just fit a big hairy gorilla wrist.

By the way, a real ballsy move by Mr. Bender to rename the bracelet after himself and adding “Champion” at the end 😎😎
May 15, 1963 Cooper @ Pad 14 “Faith-7″ spacecraft with his Accutron and Omega both on curved expandable endlink NASA bracelet

 
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What is the earliest confirmed photo of an astronaut wearing the expandable bracelet?

I am really not trying to take anything away from JB but if the above was his improvements to the Komfit, I think Forstner is worth a bit more than just a footnote. Until someone can convince me of the importance of spring-loaded expandable endpieces when wearing a space suit (and that is not to take anything away from that invention, they are extremely useful) the most important improvement from a NASA point of view would probably be the improved clasp. Unless he like also extended the expandable length of the bracelet itself, so it would fit over a space suit and not just fit a big hairy gorilla wrist.

By the way, a real ballsy move by Mr. Bender to rename the bracelet after himself and adding “Champion” at the end 😎😎
Are you affiliated with the new Forstner brand? And what is your take on its marketing claims that the Forstner Komfit was the bracelet "of choice for NASA astronauts" and "worn on the Moon" despite historical evidence showing that the space-flown bracelets were actually JB Champion USA models, developed after Jacoby Bender acquired Forstner in 1963 and re-engineered the design with patented improvements?
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Dangit! I here I am wearing my corporate disinformation bracelet today. I only bought it because I thought the modern Forstner was a NASA issued bracelet straight off the wrist of Gordo Cooper and not a modern, affordable alternative. No where on this bracelet does it claim to be a JB Champion. I fail to see what the hub bub is.

 
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are u affiliated or have a vested interest with the new Forstner brand ? what is ur take on the historically inaccurate claims posted by a trademark revival / reissue company engaged in reproduction of wrist watch bracelets on their website use of half truths then pastes them together to form a narrative ... ?

Dangit! I here I am wearing my corporate disinformation bracelet today. I only bought it because I thought the modern Forstner was a NASA issued bracelet straight off the wrist of Gordo Cooper and not a modern, affordable alternative. No where on this bracelet does it claim to be a JB Champion. I fail to see what the hub bub is.

ahh someone with humor and honesty BRILLIANT !!! perhaps u should re read the entire thread and the company and its marketing claims that re write history
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Dangit! I here I am wearing my corporate disinformation bracelet today. I only bought it because I thought the modern Forstner was a NASA issued bracelet straight off the wrist of Gordo Cooper and not a modern, affordable alternative. No where on this bracelet does it claim to be a JB Champion. I fail to see what the hub bub is.

Damn, that looks so nice!
 
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Dangit! I here I am wearing my corporate disinformation bracelet today. I only bought it because I thought the modern Forstner was a NASA issued bracelet straight off the wrist of Gordo Cooper and not a modern, affordable alternative. No where on this bracelet does it claim to be a JB Champion. I fail to see what the hub bub is.

may i ask the same of you .... what is your take on its marketing claims that the Forstner Komfit was the bracelet "of choice for NASA astronauts" and "worn on the Moon" despite historical evidence showing that the space-flown bracelets were actually JB Champion USA models, developed after Jacoby Bender acquired Forstner in 1963 and re-engineered the design with patented improvements?
 
Posts
3,561
Likes
17,800
Dangit! I here I am wearing my corporate disinformation bracelet today. I only bought it because I thought the modern Forstner was a NASA issued bracelet straight off the wrist of Gordo Cooper and not a modern, affordable alternative. No where on this bracelet does it claim to be a JB Champion. I fail to see what the hub bub is.

My Accutron 214HN GMT on a NASA bracelet from JB Champion USA
1966 (M6) variant and year model that the CIA issued to the A12 Archangel pilots, I see that urs has an earlier dial what year is it from?


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