I have an Omega deployant clasp for my Speedmaster and think it's nifty bit of kit, albeit a bit on the expensive side. Can anyone recommend a non branded clasp with similar functionality? I'll need to have a short leather strap made, so matching it to a strap is not an issue. Thanks.
On Ebay and Amazon you can find generic Omega style deployants. But why can't you use the original Omega deployant and just get the shorter strap?
If you're thinking of getting an omega-style deployant, that is, one where the tail end of the strap sits under the buckle end of the strap, yes, I've tried two brands. Get the one from eWatchParts (eBay user wholesaleoutlet990.) Avoid the one from HoncosStraps. I had no issues with the one I bought from wholesaleoutlet990, was able to use it out of the box. The Honcos one was not finished, didn't latch properly, needed tweaking, and was generally a pain.
Cousins in the UK do a decent unbranded clasp in the Omega pattern: https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/omega-fitting-style
Just one experience here - but my Dad has a non-OEM clasp for his Deville that he got on the 'bay. It is the exact same design as my OEM aqua terra clasp, and it is so much lighter, cheaper, and less sharp than the original. If I was to wear a nice watch, having an ebay clasp would soil the experience a bit for me personally.
I've bought clasps on eBay. 18mm are fine. 20mm ones I have bought are large with a pronounced bend, and don't work well with standard length straps. Highly recommended is the Christopher Ward cordovan leather strap. Beautiful keeper-less smooth leather on CWs own bader/omega clasp, with QR pins. The strap lengths are similar to omega, 105/90mm that sort of thing. Full price £115. They now only do black and blue. They used to do brown and a lovely honey. Photos front and back below.
This particular clasp design I’ve had a few of and found them to be quite uncomfortable, as its too wide and has a fixed curve to it that fits some wrists and not others. It looks good but other designs and Omega’s tang buckles tend to be a a better fit on a wider range of people.
This one from Watch Gecko works similar, very well made and most important of all works with STANDARD straps (you just take off standard tang-buckle). I have 2 or three of those and they work just fine. https://www.watchgecko.com/geckota-deployment-buckle
Here's a butterfly style that has worked excellent with aftermarket straps (standard straps) from B&R Bands, etc. It's very comfortable and well finished. http://www.mywatchmaker.net/deployantclasp.htm
I have a couple of similar ones (paid about $20/ea) that I use on straps that I don't want to show the stress of a tang buckle. Very easy to install and use.