Ladder Bracelets - Forstner vs Strapsco

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NT931

·Aug 15, 2021

I was looking for a GF-style ladder bracelet and came across these 2 options.

The StrapsCo version is about half the price of the Forstner version, and both look very attractive. I've included pics of the StrapsCo and also the Forstner (in that order)





Anyone had experience here with either or both of them? Thanks in advance!

Edited: Aug 15, 2021

 

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marco

·Aug 15, 2021

I have the Forstner on a GMT and really like it.
Comfortable and very adjustable.
Imho it has the right vibe for many vintage pieces.

 

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amcclell

·Aug 15, 2021

I like the Forstner better. I think the quality is better. Fratello has a good review of it.

 

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dsio

·Aug 15, 2021·Ash @ ΩF

marco

I have the Forstner on a GMT and really like it.
Comfortable and very adjustable.
Imho it has the right vibe for many vintage pieces.

Isn’t this what’s referred to as a bamboo bracelet rather than a ladder?

 

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amcclell

·Aug 15, 2021

Yes - it was originally sold under the name Bonklip. The ladder is a different model.

 

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marco

·Aug 15, 2021

dsio

Isn’t this what’s referred to as a bamboo bracelet rather than a ladder?

I think terms are interchangeable. Forstner describe this bracelet as a "ladder style".

 

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marco

·Aug 15, 2021

amcclell

Yes - it was originally sold under the name Bonklip. The ladder is a different model.

https://forstnerbands.com/collections/the-klip

 

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amcclell

·Aug 15, 2021

marco

https://forstnerbands.com/collections/the-klip

I see they use the word ladder in the description but they sell as the Klip which is a nod the the original BonKlip bracelet from the 1940's. They have a different model called the Ladder which is a knock-off of the Gay Freres ladder bracelet that was sold with Zenith watches in the late 60's and early 70's.

 

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spe777

·Aug 16, 2021

I'm very tempted to pick-up one of these ladder bracelets for my El Primero. Are all the surfaces 100% brushed? My main concern is that I don't know how good that will look for a watch that has some high polished areas.

 

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amcclell

·Aug 16, 2021

I think it is completely brushed. I have ordered one for my 1973 chunky surf EP. They were not normally sold with ladder bracelets but I think it will look ok.

 

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amcclell

·Aug 18, 2021

I received it today and it is 100% brushed. Here it is with my beat up old EP. I would rather have the mesh Zenith bracelet from the 1970's, but the price on this is good and I like it. Here are some photos.

 

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ghce

·Aug 19, 2021

Had never come across this strap type until one arrived on this Poljot auto deluxe 2 months ago, I wasn't impressed when I first saw it and never tried it on, just gave the watch and strap to my WM to service and repair with the specific instruction not to refit that awful looking thing. Luckily he forgot that instruction and when I picked it up I thought what the hell if it's on there I might as well try it out, within in 10 seconds of putting it on I had an epiphany, god I love this super comfortable and easy to use strap.

 

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connieseamaster

·Aug 19, 2021

I have a StrapsCo beads of rice on my Accutron Astronaut and am very happy with the quality. If their ladder bracelet is of similar quality, I don't think you would be disappointed.

 

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Charger_Vital

·Aug 21, 2021

Zenith continues to make the ladders for various models as well.... including the a386.