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FS Omega Forum Forstner Bands Overview & Discount Code for UK & EU ONLY!

  1. DLT222 Double D @ ΩF Staff Member Mar 9, 2021

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    If you are located in the UK or EU and are an active member on here I would like to extend FREE SHIPPING for you guys. Please do not share the discount code with non-members. You are also required to add your used name in the text field on the order.

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    As some are aware, I am the exclusive importer and distributor for the UK & EU. I have all the bands on site and in stock 99% of the time.

    DISCOUNT CODE is OFFBUKFS

    The Rivet Bracelet:

    Available in two varieties - The Stretch Link and the Solid Link

    Sizes Available:

    Stretch: 18,19 & 20mm

    Click HERE for the Stretch page

    Solid: 18,19,20,21 & 22mm

    Click HERE for the Solid Link Page

    The Story

    Arguably the precursor to the Oyster bracelet, the uniform (i.e., non-tapering) three-link rivet bracelet with straight end pieces is one of our favorite historical watch bands. Originally made by distinguished bracelet manufacturer Gay Frères in the mid-twentieth century, the bracelet had a ton of old school charm with its all elastic-link construction. Sadly, however, the bracelet was discontinued long ago, and vintage versions have become exceedingly rare and expensive. Honoring the beautiful vintage design, Forstner has created its own take on the classic rivet bracelet.

    Details

    Forstner offers the present Rivet Bracelet in two different constructions -- one with solid links, and one all elastic (stretchy) links.

    Both versions of the Rivet Bracelet have the same essential design -- made of brushed stainless steel, the bracelet has an 18mm central "link" portion, with approx. 2.5mm thick links, and micro-adjustment on the clasp. The differences between the two versions are described below.

    • Solid Link Version:
      • Links are made in solid stainless steel (heavier than stretch version).
      • Links are removable by screws (see instructionshere); and further length adjustment can be made on the clasp.
      • Fits wrists ranging from approx. 5-8 inches in circumference.
      • There is one elastic (stretch) link behind the clasp to ensure the bracelet can be worn comfortably throughout the day.
      • End piece widths available from 18-22mm
    • Stretch Link Version:
      • All links are "stretchy," meaning they can expand and contract as necessary. Length is also adjustable via the clasp.
      • Lighter, more vintage feel.
      • Fits wrists ranging from approximately 6.5-8 inches.
      • End piece widths available from 18-20mm.

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    The Speedmaster Flat Link Bracelet

    Available in 2 Finishes - Fully Brushed & Polished Brushed

    Sizes Available:

    19 & 20mm

    For both versions Click HERE

    Forstner's Take on the Flat Link Bracelet

    The flat link bracelet was, in our view, one of the most beautifully designed, and comfortable, bracelets ever offered for the Speedmaster. Its links were thin, so as to not overpower the watch with which it was paired. It was stretchy, so it remained comfortable throughout the day, despite temperature fluctuations. It was finished beautifully, with the polished outer and brushed inner links (a finish that was continued onto the clasp itself). And it had loads of rattly vintage charm.

    Forstner has made its own version of the flat link bracelet, keeping the beauty of the original but improving it for fit, convenience, and wearability.

    Details

    The Forstner flat link bracelet is designed for the Speedmaster Professional case (with its 20mm lug width) and the First Omega in Space case (with its 19mm lug width). The bracelet links are solid stainless steel, including the end piece (to provide a more flush fit to the case), unlike the vintage versions which had hollow links and end pieces.

    There are two finishing options -- one with alternating polished (on outer links) and brushed (on inner links) finish, and another that is fully brushed.

    The bracelet tapers beautifully from the lugs to 16mm at the clasp, like the vintage version. The clasp can be micro-adjusted via the well known pin system seen on so many vintage bracelets. Links can be removed conveniently, as they are secured with screws instead of the more common pin system which requires special tools.

    Moreover, Forstner has added a set of spring-loaded "stretchy" links behind the clasp--keeping with the vintage feel--to ensure that the bracelet will fit comfortably all day long, despite variations in temperature and weather. Here are some more specifics:

    • Width Options: 20mm (for Speedmaster Pro) and 19mm (for First Omega in Space).
    • Length: adjustable (via screws and micro-adjustment in clasp) from 120mm to 180mm (fits wrists ranging from approximately 6 to 8 inches).
    • See instructions for details on screw removal system.
    • Finish: choice of polished/brushed, or fully brushed.
    • Two spring-loaded "stretch" links behind clasp for comfort.
    • Spring bars provided with each order (OEM Omega bars may not work with this bracelet on certain Speedmaster models).

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    Forstner JB Komfit Mesh Band

    Available in 2 lug options - Horned and Straight
    Available in 2 lengths - Original and Short.

    Sizes Available:

    Spring loaded end links from 16-20mm

    For the Horned ends click HERE
    For the Straight ends click HERE

    The Story

    We have re-released the "Komfit" JB mesh watch band, which was worn famously by many astronauts during the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs.

    The bracelet has all the charm of the original, but it has been improved in several important respects.

    First, the band now fits the Omega Speedmaster Professional (the watch with which the astronauts commonly paired this bracelet) without a "gap" between the end link and the watch lugs.

    Second, the band is slightly wider at 16mm vs. 15mm in the prior version, to accommodate the wider end piece.

    Third, the band fits more securely -- whereas the clasp of the vintage versions had a tendency to "slip," the clasp of the re-release has been improved to avoid this problem.

    There are two sizes:

    • "Original," which fits wrists starting at approximately 6.8 inches in circumference when worn on a Speedmaster Professional; and
    • "Short," which fits wrists starting at approximately 5.8 inches in circumference when fitted on the same watch.
    Each order will be supplied with a pair of internal lug protectors.

    Below are specific measurements for the longest and shortest lengths of the two sizes offered when buckled and not attached to a watch:

    Original:
    • Shortest length: 5.5 inches/14cm
    • Longest length: 9 inches/23cm
    Short:
    • Shortest length: 4.3inches/11cm
    • Longest length: 7.8 inches/20cm
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    The Forstner Beads of Rice Bracelet

    Sizes Available:

    16,17,18,19 & 20mm end pieces.

    For the order page click HERE

    The Story

    The beads of rice (sometimes called a grains of rice bracelet) is one of those quintessential watch accessories that belongs in every collection. Once made by Jacoby-Bender in the mid-twentieth century, the beads of rice style bracelet was provided with some of the most storied watches of all time (stainless steel Patek Philippe chronographs come to mind), and for good reason. The bracelet exudes a subtle elegance that completely transforms the look and feel of your watch over a more typical leather strap. While it's great with virtually any vintage watch, the beads of rice works equally well with contemporary dress (or cross-over dressy/sporty) watches.

    Details

    The Forstner Beads of Rice recreates the look of the vintage JB beads of rice, with some key updates. The bracelet is beautifully finished in alternating polished and brushed stainless steel -- a finish that flows from the clasp, to the beads, and the end piece itself. The links are solid stainless steel (unlike the previous hollow link options), and the length is adjustable in two ways: first, links may be removed by screws (instead of the more common pin system); and second, the length may be adjusted in micro-increments via the clasp. The screw removal system is adjusted using the same method as the flat link bracelet - see here for a helpful video.

    The central portion of the bracelet is 16mm. The end piece is fixed, with the option of selecting one of five widths (each size from 16 - 20mm). Here are some specifics:

    • Central "beads" portion: 16mm wide, 3mm thick
    • Finish: alternating brushed/polished links, end piece, and clasp
    • Length: adjustable (via screws on the links and micro-adjustment on clasp) to fit wrists ranging in size from approximately 5-8 inches
    • Width: available in 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, and 20mm width at the end piece.

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    The Forstner Klip Bracelet

    Sizes Available:

    18,19,20,21 & 22mm end pieces.

    For the Klip Page click HERE

    The Story

    Forstner, in the 1940s, created a series of Bamboo- or Bonklip-style watch bracelets. These stainless steel watch bands, with their ladder design, had many of the same features that popularized the Komfit with NASA astronauts. They were adjustable, having the ability to be sized in increments of about 3mm, fit a wide variety of wrist sizes, and, of course, were extremely comfortable. The bracelets also could be worn with watches having fixed (non-removable) lug bars. As a result, the Bamboo- or Bonklip-style bracelets were often provided with military-supplied watches (for example, the "Bonklip" (English made) bracelet was supplied with the IWC Mark XI) which often had such fixed bars. Forstner created a version, however, that improved on prior designs, with a spring-loaded clasp that made the wearing experience more intuitive yet still secure. This feature is included on the current reissue.

    Details

    The Forstner Klip brings back one of the most popular bands in Forstner's historic catalog. The present bonklip-style bracelet has an 18mm wide central portion, with alternating brushed and polished finishes on the rectangular "ladder" design, and a polished spring-loaded clasp. Made entirely of stainless steel, the band is light, breathable, and extremely comfortable, having the ability to be easily sized in approximately 3mm increments for the perfect fit. Here are the specifics:

    • Length: adjustable between 115mm and 230mm (fits wrists ranging from approximately 6 inches to 8 inches).
    • End pieces: fixed design, and offered in 18mm, 19mm, 20mm, 21mm, and 22mm widths.
    • Fits fixed lug bars up to 1.5mm thick.
    • The central "ladder" portion is 18mm wide, for all end piece sizes.
    • A "keeper" portion connecting the two sides of the band helps maintain fit while sizing and wearing.

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    Forstner JB Komfit Mesh WIDE Bracelet

    Available in 2 Lug options - Horned Lug & Straight Lug

    Sizes Available:

    Spring loaded links from 19-22mm

    For the Horned link click HERE

    For the Straight Link click HERE

    The Story

    Forstner's stainless steel expandable mesh watch band (called the "Komfit") was one of the only watch bracelets sanctioned by NASA for manned space missions. It was worn by astronauts throughout the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, and even made it to the surface of the moon. After a long hiatus, Forstner has reissued and improved this classic watch strap.

    Details

    The present wide version Komfit band has all the features that popularized the bracelet with NASA astronauts, but the width has been increased to more contemporary proportions. In particular, this wide version Komfit band has an 18mm wide central mesh portion, and spring-loaded end pieces that expand to fit watches with lugs up to 22mm (it can compress inward to fit watches with lugs as narrow as 19mm). The bracelet is otherwise identical to the classic Komfit -- with its square-patterned mesh, beautifully decorated spring-loaded end pieces, forward-facing clasp, and ability to be easily sized in micro-increments for the perfect fit. Here are some important details:

    • End pieces: spring loaded, fits watches with lugs ranging from 19-22mm
    • Mesh width: 18 mm at the central mesh portion
    • Accepts spring bars up to 1.8 mm in diameter (including authentic Omega spring bars)
    • Internal lug protectors provided with each order
    Sizing

    The Komfit band is offered in two lengths: "Original" and "Regular."

    The "Original" reflects the length once worn by astronauts over their space suits, and as a result is equivalent to a "long" size. This band works best on wrists at least7 inches (18 cm) in circumference and will fit wrists up to approximately 10 inches (25.5 cm) in circumference.

    The "Regular" was made to fit small to medium wrists, and works best on wrists between 5.75 inches (14.5 cm) and about 7 inches (18 cm) in circumference.

    Improvements

    We have made several notable improvements over the vintage Komfit. First, whereas the vintage model had end pieces up to only 19mm wide, this wide version extends to 22mm. As a result, the band now fits watches with more contemporary proportions. Second, the mesh is now wider at 18mm vs. 15mm in the vintage model, to accommodate the wider end piece. Third, the band fits more securely -- whereas the clasp of the vintage versions had a tendency to "slip," the clasp of the re-release has been improved to avoid this problem.

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