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Omega 1035(1039) vs Uncle Seiko 1035 vs Forstnerbands Flatlink : A pictorial review

  1. Ahvera Oct 3, 2020

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    I also agree that the rounded edges are the key difference. I turned the links inside out on the new Forstner and find that it more closely resembles the 1035 (and the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary bracelet).

    AF0A2795-E742-439C-BB2D-69B6B8B56AC7.jpeg 4D33A336-84D9-4C5D-B565-92233BF6F0C8.jpeg
     
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  2. eugeneandresson 'I used a hammer, a chisel, and my fingers' Oct 3, 2020

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    looks almost like a 1175, just tighter. Great alternative combo :thumbsup:
     
  3. Bauhaus Oct 3, 2020

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    My Forstner brushed 20mm came in today. Adjusting was possible without anyone’s help, thanks to the suggestions on this nice forum.

    I like the look on my 145.022. I will swap the clasp later to an Omega clasp. Thanks to all!

    DBFE592B-62B2-4070-BF8B-AA6AC9513F97.jpeg
     
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  4. Om3ga321 Oct 3, 2020

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    Great review
    You obviously spent a great deal of time in the preparation.
    Thank you.
     
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  5. mblease Oct 3, 2020

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    Nothing short of brilliant. Thanks Eugene. This is what the forum is all about. Sharing the knowledge!
     
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  6. M'Bob Oct 4, 2020

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    Anyone have an idea if the spring links between the Omega and Forstners interchange?

    And, curious as to everyone’s thoughts on this: will the addition of these two new bracelets cause a lowering in price of the original..or bump it up due to renewed interest and greater visibility?
     
  7. M'Bob Oct 4, 2020

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    6C8CF76E-9803-4D16-9609-446EB430FB08.jpeg
     
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  8. Pazzo Oct 4, 2020

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    Lowering? I don't think so!

    And another question - I'm wondering whether this thread has helped others decide to get a US 1035 or a Forstners Flat Link bracelet?
    Obviously, there's no need to state which eventually you went for.
     
  9. M'Bob Oct 4, 2020

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    Please explain. I don’t have the answer, which is why I asked, but certainly, one could make the argument that these two new flat-links, with their greater availability and lower price points, could could those who have been seeking the original to be satisfied with the aftermarket variety.
     
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  10. Pazzo Oct 4, 2020

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    Personally, I don't think there would be a lowering of the price for an original Omega bracelet.
     
  11. padders Oooo subtitles! Oct 4, 2020

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    I do think it will soften values of the originals. The same can be seen with the original JB Champions. Sellers were asking and presumably getting high hundreds for those before the improved re-issue came out, I get the feeling that they are not selling so readily now at the previous levels. These re-issues are good enough to scratch the flat link itch for a proportion of those who previously would have had to lay out 4 figures. There will always be a market for the originals, but for some these will do just fine.
     
  12. M'Bob Oct 4, 2020

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    I think you are right on target, though I was hoping it wouldn’t be the case.

    Sometimes, when the originals are so hard to find, new-comers aren’t as exposed to them as they could be, and thus they don’t desire them as much as they could. When the aftermarkets appear, they then learn more about the originals, and want them, which could conceivably drive the price up. But your JB example is likely more accurate.

    But...

    4690B9CF-1485-4232-88C3-2B0BE3C6844B.jpeg
     
    Edited Oct 4, 2020
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  13. stefman Oct 4, 2020

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    I had already made a decision a few days before this review. Reading this review just reinforced the choice I made and I’m happy with that decision. Now waiting for delivery.
     
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  14. Caliber561 Oct 4, 2020

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    I can confirm that they do not. The width of the links is slightly different.
     
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  15. Risto Oct 5, 2020

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    Great article!
    Trying also to decide which one to get for 60th Anniversary. Probably US. Then again those stretch links sound awesome.
    I had US on my 145.022-69 and it was great.

    Screenshot 2020-10-05 at 22.30.29.png
     
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  16. Bauhaus Oct 5, 2020

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    I have been wearing the Forstner band for some days now. Have to say that it’s pulling quite some wrist hair. Clearly more than average with other OEM Omega or Rolex bracelets.

    anyone else with the same experience?

    In all other areas, it’s above expectations.
     
  17. mrchen Oct 6, 2020

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    Does anyone have shots of the US bracelet on FB endlinks? The FB endlink seems to have a more deeply recessed center portion, exposing more of the mid-link than the stock US. I think it plays super well with the straight lug cases but I'm not quite sure yet!

    Do the original 1035/9 bracelets have fully stretchable links all the way around? I've never been able to handle a vintage one before so can't confirm for myself.
     
  18. eugeneandresson 'I used a hammer, a chisel, and my fingers' Oct 6, 2020

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    Here are US endlinks on FB bracelet, and FB endlinks on US bracelet.

    IMG_6129.jpg
    IMG_6128.jpg

    IMG_6130.jpg
    IMG_6127.jpg

    The yellow arrows point to the stretchable links in my 1035. This bracelet has been sized to my wrist, and the microadjustment is central to the clasp, meaning there are at least another 2 not visible.

    IMG_3504 - Copy.JPG
     
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  19. mrchen Oct 6, 2020

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    Thanks!! Do you know if the clasps are also interchangeable between US/FB?
     
  20. Pazzo Oct 6, 2020

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    Not sure why but this made me laugh out loud.. :D:
     
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