I like it and it’s impossible to beat the look for the price. I just paid $490 USD for a used Omega 1175 flat link in good condition and that would be considered to be a deal to most collectors. If I wasn’t OCD and a stickler for originality, the Forstner would be on my short list. Hope that you’ll post a follow up down the road and let us know how it holds up.
I will say that my first impressions of the game are very good. The quality is excellent, and is comparable to the bracelet that came with the watch. I like the thick links on it, and the clasp is very sturdy. Honestly, if you don't care about it being an official Omega bracelet, or having an Omega logo on the clasp, I'd say it's equal in quality to any Omega bracelet. My only complaint was that some of the screws were in far too tight when I was removing the links, which made it a bit of a pain resizing it.
Nice! Mine should be arriving today (I got the polished/brushed). How was the adjustment of the bracelet?
It was ok. Some of the screws were in very, very tightly, and the screwdriver was actually damaging the screws rather than twisting them, but for the most part it's quite easy to get the correct fit. It has loads of micro adjustments, so it's easy to size it up or down once you've removed enough links.
Just got it and fitted the bracelet. Man it was a pain getting the spring bars into the lugs, but it's pretty sweet! Cheers!
If you have issues with the screws stripping out or the heads being mushy, contact Forstner as they've been very good about sending people replacements. I've been thoroughly pleased with each option I've gotten from them. I have both the flat link (brushed/polished + stretchy links) and contemporary flat link, and just picked up the Model O for a Black Bay. Very hard to beat them for the price.
Odd about your screws. Mine were smooth in terms of unscrewing and reinstalling. I didn't use their screwdriver though (I have the Craftsman jewelers set).
Nice bracelets. I do worry about buying an Omega vintage bracelet because of how worn out they would be by now. Is there any way to refurbish or repair a vintage bracelet so it's in like new condition again?
The only struggle I had was getting the end links to fit properly. I don't trust 3rd party spring bars so I used the 19mm omega ones (068ST2207). Had to do some serious wiggling to get one of the end links to snap into place. Anyone have issues with their end links? Did you use the stock spring bars?
My understanding is when you send the watch in for service to Omega/Swatch group, the bracelet can also be polished/restored (as long as its an Omega).
Depends on the bracelet. The 1175 bracelet tends to be quite durable. The one shown was manufactured in 1971 and didn’t need any restoration. A worn bracelet can always be refinished, have worn links, pins/tubes replaced, etc. It’s more a matter of what it will cost.
Nice. My favorite of the modern aftermarket flat links available. If they had offered one in 21mm, I probably would have kept my old Seamaster 300 MC instead of buying the new one. The Forstner contemporary is close to weight and size of the new Omega bracelets. Now, if they can just add a quick adjust clasp.
Nice! And thank you for posting. You mentioned that you're using the Forstner end links that came with the Contemporary Flatlink. In your photos I'm not seeing the little side tabs on the underside. It looks as if your end links have a straight side profile. Am I seeing this wrong or is that the way they came? The reason I ask is that I am currently enjoying the Forstner with my AT Railmaster 2504 and I since I wanted to try the stretch links, I went with the old style one. Now I'm curious about trying the Contemporary Flatlink and I'm curious if it will fit the Railmaster case the same or better than the old style Flatlink.