Community Stories

Need Input for Speedmaster Bracelet Design

BlackTalon
Posts
5,383
Likes
9,203
The 1171 and prior bracelets are all pretty much what you would likely consider 'flimsy'. None have a history of breaking through -- at least not based on my time here on OF. I like the very light Holzer that is on my '67. A pulled a heavy modern bracelet off my Tintin and replaced it with a much lighter strap. Heavy does not equal 'quality', and good engineering typically means designing something as light as possible for the require load resistance, as materials are expensive. 馃槑
 
A
Posts
10
Likes
2
Uncle Seiko Uncle Seiko
OK, a couple of questions come to mind.

1. I think that 1450 looks awesome with the Speedy. If I am unable to attain one, what if I just used a similar bracelet and gave it my best shot based on pictures? Or maybe someone could get me measurements?

2. A lot of the old bracelets have end-links that sit under the lugs. I don't think I have seen an Omega bracelet with end-links that are flush. Is this something guys like and would want to keep? I like a bracelet that is flush with the case, and always thought it strange when certain watches have bracelets that sit under the lugs. Any thoughts about this?

3. If I use my modern speedy (20mm) would that fit a lot of other models?


Point #2:
This is my NUMBER ONE hate when it comes to all Omega bracelets starting with the 1171, and beyond... Their designers try to follow the line where the interior curve of the lug breaks and goes perpendicular, which produces an endlink whose top surface sits SUPER high, and then abruptly curves down, making a hideous visual "hump". Check out Chronoholics website for examples of Omega 1039 bracelets that aren't a slave to the curve, and look GREAT. Above all else, my next Omega bracelet MUST HAVE endlinks that sit lower and do not have a hump...

...that, and I hate flimsy bracelets. Solid links and endlinks would be a major consideration. Really great to know that a true flatlink might be available on the market soon!!!
 
A
Posts
10
Likes
2
Uncle Seiko Uncle Seiko
Sorry guys, I should have been more clear in regards to #2. When I say that they sit under the lugs, I don't mean underneath, I mean how the bracelet wears in relation to the case. See picture for example.

Yup, this is exactly what I want, but with solid endlinks.
 
A
Posts
10
Likes
2
briarworm briarworm
in my opinion, the way these flat end links on older omegas sit slightly below the lugs helps accentuate the twist in the lugs. if you look at something like the 2500 series aqua terras on their bracelets, the twist of the lugs is basically lost despite being more or less the same as the speedmaser.
I'll be watching this thread, a modern version of a flat link omega bracelet is something I have wanted since I bought my speedmaster. my only other suggestion is to keep the "female style" end links for lack of a better term.

I could not possible agree with this poster more if I tried. @Uncle Seiko
 
A
Posts
10
Likes
2
Davidt Davidt
To my mind, the endlinks on a Speedmaster should sit only part way up the lugs like the originals do. This forms part of the vintage look and accentuates the look of the flat link bracelet.

The taller endlinks look more like those found on modern bracelets and it would defeat the purpose of creating a vintage looking flat link bracelet.

SPOT ON!!!

It's the biggest weakness of the new Apollo 11 anniversary bracelet. The super tall endlinks have to create such a huge hump to curve down to the flat part of the bracelet.
 
Ahvera
Posts
36
Likes
168
One thought
Nactex Nactex
Why has no one suggested the 1175 or No 12 bracelet which followed the 1039 on the Speedmaster? It is a flat link , which is closer to the 1039, but sturdier. I borrowed some pictures from eBay.
s-l1600.jpg
s-l1600.jpg
s-l1600.jpg
Having had both the 1039 and the 1035, I found the shape of the links on the 1039 yield a better look on the wrist. The 1039 links are more symmetrical when viewed from the side. This gives them slightly less of a sharp edge when viewed from on top. I you look at the 1035 bracelet from above, the links look too flat, with edges that are two sharp. The 1175 links are oval when looked at from the side and the bracelet pretty much looses any flat look at all. The 1039 still looks nice and flat but not flat as an ironing board, like the 1015, IMO.

Compare the 1035 link shape below to the 1039 above.

s-l1600.jpg
 
VetPsychWars
Posts
2,326
Likes
1,884
People, "No 12" does not identify the bracelet, it identifies the clasp. You can't possibly have a dozen different bracelets all called "No 12".

Rant over.

Tom
 
cholack
Posts
208
Likes
311
Great tread. Can鈥檛 wait to see what @Uncle Seiko will create. Count me as a beta tester and a purchaser of the first iteration.
 
T4Rdooh
Posts
96
Likes
583
I would love to see a black 1450 style bracelet in a 21mm to go with my Apollo 8 馃榾
 
Manticore
Posts
57
Likes
141
Well this is exciting! I've put the Uncle Seiko Beads Of Rice for Speedmaster on my birthday Wishlist to tide me over until this flat link comes out. Patience isn't my forte & I'm dying to put my Ultraman on a metal bracelet...

Just to chime in with my 2 pence, I agree with those who have mentioned it worthwhile sticking with the 16mm pressure fit type clasp, the double locking clasp is a little too SRP diver for a Speedmaster imo.

The Uncle Seiko logo is cool and it probably wouldn't put me off the bracelet but perhaps a plain clasp offering would satisfy those (probably me) who want to have something unbranded or engraved with their own choice of motif? Maybe putting the Uncle Seiko logo inside the clasp like the old JB Champion bracelets could be a good compromise with a nice nod to the history of the Speedy and its' famous 'aftermarket' bracelet offerings of old?
 
Screenshot 2019-11-05 at 08.22.32.png Screenshot 2019-11-05 at 08.20.46.png EFD4CF98-0EBB-4D34-945B-4CD3056AF091.JPEG
K
Posts
8
Likes
11
Manticore Manticore
Well this is exciting! I've put the Uncle Seiko Beads Of Rice for Speedmaster on my birthday Wishlist to tide me over until this flat link comes out. Patience isn't my forte & I'm dying to put my Ultraman on a metal bracelet...

Just to chime in with my 2 pence, I agree with those who have mentioned it worthwhile sticking with the 16mm pressure fit type clasp, the double locking clasp is a little too SRP diver for a Speedmaster imo.

The Uncle Seiko logo is cool and it probably wouldn't put me off the bracelet but perhaps a plain clasp offering would satisfy those (probably me) who want to have something unbranded or engraved with their own choice of motif? Maybe putting the Uncle Seiko logo inside the clasp like the old JB Champion bracelets could be a good compromise with a nice nod to the history of the Speedy and its' famous 'aftermarket' bracelet offerings of old?
Please share a pic once you get the BOR on your ultraman! (I'm in the same boat and considering the same thing)
 
Manticore
Posts
57
Likes
141
K Kraymehr
Please share a pic once you get the BOR on your ultraman! (I'm in the same boat and considering the same thing)

will do! Birthday not for a few weeks yet but I鈥檒l be sure to share when it arrives!
 
Y
Posts
39
Likes
114
my life would be perfect if the 60th speedy had a taper like the Apollo 11 50th!
IMAG2058.jpg
 
Jimmymoller
Posts
17
Likes
16
Wow.. the BOR is awesome... Would it be possible to grind the 20mm down to 19mm and use it on Speedmaster automatic 40mm? Or is there another option for my watch?
 
fergusm
Posts
250
Likes
671
Tbar Tbar
Very excited for this! Any update or timeline @Uncle Seiko ?
I'm also patiently waiting for a modern, tapered flat link....
 
LeonDeBayonne
Posts
677
Likes
1,273
Y YHY
my life would be perfect if the 60th speedy had a taper like the Apollo 11 50th!
IMAG2058.jpg

True. The 60th speedy's bracelet is a complete failure. But even the Apollo 11 50th birthday strap could be improved. Why a 18cm-wide buckle?
 
funkright
Posts
164
Likes
208
Uncle Seiko Uncle Seiko
Hey guys, I am looking to produce a few bracelets for the Speedy to meet the high demand for alternatives. I just made the Beads of Rice bracelet and am looking to also make the classic Flat Link and maybe President style (1171?).

The problem is that I am mostly a Seiko guy and don't know a whole lot about Omega, other than I love my Speedy and wish I could venture more into the brand as a collector. I had some good feedback about my BOR but some complained that the clasp should have been different.

So, just gathering ideas at this point, I guess. If you have any thoughts as to what bracelet should be made, what kind of clasp, etc. feel free to share. While I know there are many purists out there, I am sure many would also like some alternatives.

unclepenn1 (aka UncleSeiko)

I know this doesn't fit with your initial request, but would love more fitted rubber options for 21mm speedmasters. Not much in aftermarket options. I do see you've created for seiko's...
 
IMG_3247.jpg
MarmosetJKM
Posts
34
Likes
164
Just chiming in with my interest in a flat-link bracelet for the FOIS. Thanks for your work on this, Uncle Seiko!
 
JwRosenthal
Posts
16,306
Likes
44,897
@Uncle Seiko - the Forstner bracelets are starting delivery, lots of excitement for a new bracelet alternative in the vintage style that hasn鈥檛 been bulked up or bastardized with modern clasps and thick proportions.
I personally have been enjoying it on other watches of the time period and would love your flatlink as previously mentioned for other watches besides the Speedy that take 18 & 19mm lugs (lug and link kit for smaller ebdlinks?)
Check out the fun over there.

https://omegaforums.net/threads/forstner-bands-relaunched.102101/page-14
 
565 More Posts...
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

Event horizon

Clasp screw for speedmaster bracelet

Event horizon Wanted To Buy
rogart
rogart
Posts
4
Views
1K