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OEM 3861 Speedmaster Bracelet Worth It?

W
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Aroxx Aroxx
Which Forstner are you looking at? Everybody keeps posting pictures of flat links but the closest Forstner to the OEM 3861 is the bullet style. Maybe someone who has one of those could weigh in. I only have the Uncle Seiko flat link and it does not compare to the OEM at all.

Either the Forstner Model O and the Forstner President 1450
 
Evitzee
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If you are the type of guy who likes to swap and change bracelets/straps a lot then go with the cheaper versions since it will give you more flexibility. If you wear one particular bracelet or strap for a long, long time then OEM is a good way to go. The newer Omega flat link bracelets from the Apollo 11 50th and Ed White 321 are super nice, as is the new 3861. The old 1861 bracelet was also high quality but considered too stout and clunky for the watch as tastes have changed over the years. People want a thinner, more tapered look now for a more vintage feel.
 
pdxleaf
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Have you considered mesh? Not cheap, but no jingle jangle and good quality imho
20230423_171842.jpg 20230423_171836.jpg 20230423_171807.jpg
 
BAJJ
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W Watchtower02
I’d only buy the OEM if it was waaay better than the Fostner. I also don’t care what others think about my watch. It’s my watch. From what I can tell it sounds like the OEM is a 10 out of 10 for quality and the Fostner is a 7 or 8.
Comparing to my Seamaster SMP300 OEM bracelet , I'd say the Forstner contemporary is a 7
 
W
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The more I think about this…is it silly to put a 3rd party bracelet on a premium watch? Worried it would take away from the premium feel of the watch?
 
ducatiti
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W Watchtower02
The more I think about this…is it silly to put a 3rd party bracelet on a premium watch? Worried it would take away from the premium feel of the watch?

I feel totally the same..
 
Scarecrow Boat
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W Watchtower02
The more I think about this…is it silly to put a 3rd party bracelet on a premium watch? Worried it would take away from the premium feel of the watch?
This is a big reason why I don’t have any third party bracelets for my Speedy’s. I’ve tried a number of them, and to me, their quality falls short of the watch they strap to my wrist. Though, this is something you may need to experience for yourself. While the quality of a third party bracelet falls short to me, there are tons of Speedy owners that are really happy with them and wear them daily.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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If you have an OB or AD near by, I would suggest going to one to experience the bracelet. Last thing you want to do is spend that much money only to be less than impressed. You can buy a decent watch for the price of the bracelet.

Whereas a third party bracelet is much safer, price wise, to try. Both US and Forstners make solid link bracelets with more secure clasps that are more sturdy/heavier than other bracelets they offer. As I said earlier on, if I didn’t have several OEM bracelets I would totally try a Forstners 1450 (without stretch links) as I know people love them.
 
jakob_3003
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I'm usually wearing my 3861 Moonwatch on its regular (brushed) bracelet and my Snoopy on the Contemporary Flat Link from Forstner. I can enjoy both of them without any problems. If you want/can spend the extra cash it's probably the best idea to go OEM but the Forstner one is a perfect alternative imo.
And the Flat Link doesn't feel cheap at all, but I can only compare these two different types of bracelets (since I don't have a Forstner bullet or an OEM Flat Link)...
If I have to rank them the OEM 3861 bracelet might be a 9-10 and the Forstner Contemporary Flat Link a solid 8.👍

Best regards
Edited:
 
W
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jakob_3003 jakob_3003
I'm usually wearing my 3861 Moonwatch on its regular (brushed) bracelet and my Snoopy on the Contemporary Flat Link from Forstner. I can enjoy both of them without any problems. If you want/can spend the extra cash it's probably the best idea to go OEM but the Forstner one is a perfect alternative imo.
And the Flat Link doesn't feel cheap at all, but I can only compare these two different types of bracelets (since I don't have a Forstner bullet or an OEM Flat Link)...
If I have to rank them the OEM 3861 bracelet might be a 9-10 and the Forstner a solid 8.👍

Best regards

What about the OEM gets it a higher score?

Thanks!!
 
jakob_3003
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W Watchtower02
What about the OEM gets it a higher score?

Thanks!!

Yes, I would give the regular 3861 bracelet around 9 to 10 points and the Forstner Contemporary Flat Link 8 points. The OEM one feels a bit better and of a higher quality but imo the difference is not that huge... Of course there a others who might think differently.
Edited:
 
V
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I also have my 3861 on the brushed flat link (non-contemporary) Forstner bracelet. Initially, I hated the flat link so much that I contemplated returning it. Forstner took ages to get back to me, which made me give up and keep it. After using it for a week, it grew on me and I like it. It has a vintage, jangly feel to it. Extremely light and comfortable. And the numerous holes on the clasp help make it easy to adjust (only issue being you need a tool to actually adjust it).
The OEM bracelet is solid. It feels premium, looks fantastic and is very comfortable too.
If I gave the OEM a 10/10, the flat link Forstner (non-contemporary) is an 7 or 8/10. Especially considering the price. It depends on if you like/prefer a vintage-jangly feel compared to modern-solid feel. If you want a more solid feel using an aftermarket bracelet, I've heard that the contemporary flat link with its milled clasp is a better option.
That being said, I found out a while back that the Moonwatch is a strap monster. I've bought so many leather straps and swap those out now. I still use the flat link every now and then because personally, it has grown on me and the light weight is a huge plus. Only issue is I don't wear the watch as much since I wear all my watches in rotation. I'm considering selling my Forstner but I don't know how to go about it, which is why I still have it.
But yes. For the price, it is unbeatable.
 
Evitzee
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W Watchtower02
speedmaster brushed vs polished bracelet. Which is better? Side by side pics?
There is no 'better' one. The brushed one is more tooly, more purposeful. The one with the polished accents adds a bit of flash. It really depends on the watch head and what look you are going for.
 
Scarecrow Boat
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I can’t do a side by side as I don’t have the polished/brushed anymore but here are a few images I can share. I prefer the full brushed as it is more tool like and casual. The polished/brushed can definitely be flashy at times. As said above, it does depend on the Speedy you are going to pair it too. The TinTin, I feel, can pull off the polished/brushed as the dial is on the flashy side, but in the end, I prefer the full brushed. As said above, neither is better. Just preference.

Polished/Brushed
IMG_2857.jpeg IMG_3947.jpeg IMG_3945.jpeg



Full brushed
IMG_3948.jpeg IMG_3816.jpeg IMG_3790.jpeg
 
john_coburg
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Does the 3861 bracelet fit vintage 861 Speedmasters? Not sure how much the case shape has changed over the years...or indeed if it would just look incongruous. I just like the look and feel of the new bracelet, and even if it isn't 'accurate', it does have a vintagey look.
Does anyone have any pictures of the new bracelet on a vintage Speedmaster?
 
M
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Aroxx Aroxx
Which Forstner are you looking at? Everybody keeps posting pictures of flat links but the closest Forstner to the OEM 3861 is the bullet style. Maybe someone who has one of those could weigh in. I only have the Uncle Seiko flat link and it does not compare to the OEM at all.
W Watchtower02
I recently bought a new Speedmaster, and it came with a canvas strap. I am considering getting a steel bracelet. I have looked at the Omega OEM and different 3rd parties as an option.

Is the Omega OEM the highest quality bracelet?

Is there a higher quality 3rd party option other than the ones made by Forstner?

Thank you!
I have the forstner bullet bracelet on my 3861 sapphire. I think it is pretty great. I compared it to the bracelet in store and the only difference was the clasp, which is nicer on the OEM bracelet. I got my watch on the leather strap for a very good deal, and decided to try the forstner bracelet. I think I will still get the OEM bracelet though, because I want the complete set, and I don’t really like the clasp logo “JB” on the forstner.
 
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