Speedmaster Deployant + Sailcloth worth it?

ErichKeane · Aug 2, 2023

Hi all-
As some may remember, I picked up an 1861 Speedmaster Pro on a SS bracelet not long ago. I adore the watch, but found the bracelet to be kind of terrible (its either too tight, or jingles, feels heavy/etc). I read about a few sailcloth options (I have a hamilton that came with a sailcloth/leather one that I really like!), and ended up ordering this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/275560802007

It is a sailcloth/leather with an aftermarket deployant clasp. After a few days, I really quite like it! It makes the watch feel much lighter, and it stays in place and is much more comfortable overall, and I think the black strap does wonderful things for the rest of the speedmaster.

However, I realize that Omega sells their own version of this for ~$500. I also see the Artem version that many suggest (though, from looking at reviews/pictures, the deployant seems to be the same 3rd party one). So my question is: Is going to my AD and picking up the Omega version of the deployant or strap worth it? Has anyone owned both of the deployants and found the Omega one to be worth the extra money?

ErichPryde · Aug 2, 2023

There are actually a lot of threads about this around the site, and I asked a similar question when I first joined. General consensus is the Omega deployant is way better than most other options. Since it will fit on any deployant strap as long as the strap end width matches the deployant width, you can use it with multiple deployant style straps with ease.

Regarding Artem: I own one of their straps (non deployant) and it's obviously solid quality; several other members here have the artem strap with an Omega deployant and seem to absolutely love it. I think it would look great with a Speedmaster personally and would be similar in look to the Snoopy style strap.

Cenzo · Aug 2, 2023

I have the Snoopy strap on my 1861 with the Omega deployant and really like them both. One of the deployants has a slightly thicker gap and is better for the Snoopy and works just as well with other straps.

It was 9452.18.83'

I'm sure both would work great!

Evitzee · Aug 3, 2023

Cenzo
I have the Snoopy strap on my 1861 with the Omega deployant and really like them both. One of the deployants has a slightly thicker gap and is better for the Snoopy and works just as well with other straps.

It was 9452.18.83'

I'm sure both would work great!

I have that same combination on a 3861, good setup. It uses an 18mm clasp so you don't have the 16mm or less taper popular today.

squaretail · Aug 3, 2023

I have the artem strap and deployant clasp. The strap is great. The clasp is a little cheap and doesn't feel particularly secure. I'll be updating to the omega clasp at some point

Donn Chambers · Aug 3, 2023

ErichPryde
There are actually a lot of threads about this around the site, and I asked a similar question when I first joined. General consensus is the Omega deployant is way better than most other options. Since it will fit on any deployant strap as long as the strap end width matches the deployant width, you can use it with multiple deployant style straps with ease.

Regarding Artem: I own one of their straps (non deployant) and it's obviously solid quality; several other members here have the artem strap with an Omega deployant and seem to absolutely love it. I think it would look great with a Speedmaster personally and would be similar in look to the Snoopy style strap.

I own an Omega deployant and the Artem deployant, and also the Artem sailcloth strap. The Omega clasp is superior in two major ways:

1. it is thinner
2. It is longer, so fits your wrist better.

The second option is very important to understand. The Artem deployant was first introduced before they made deployant straps, and was designed to be used with a standard buckle strap that has a shorter 12 o’clock side. Thus, it was designed to be shorter because it was supposed to curve over only a quarter of your wrist. When they introduced their deployant straps, they did not change the clasp. While it works, the shorter curve means it actually curves into the underside of your wrist. The strap against the skin mitigates the discomfort somewhat, but not completely.

IMO, the Omega clasp is worth the extra cost if you plan to wear it a lot.

ErichKeane · Aug 3, 2023

Donn Chambers
I own an Omega deployant and the Artem deployant, and also the Artem sailcloth strap. The Omega clasp is superior in two major ways:

1. it is thinner
2. It is longer, so fits your wrist better.

The second option is very important to understand. The Artem deployant was first introduced before they made deployant straps, and was designed to be used with a standard buckle strap that has a shorter 12 o’clock side. Thus, it was designed to be shorter because it was supposed to curve over only a quarter of your wrist. When they introduced their deployant straps, they did not change the clasp. While it works, the shorter curve means it actually curves into the underside of your wrist. The strap against the skin mitigates the discomfort somewhat, but not completely.

IMO, the Omega clasp is worth the extra cost if you plan to wear it a lot.

This #2 is probably the killer feature for me actually. I like the one I have, but it rotates the watch "up" to 12 o'clock a little, so I wish it sat a little nicer on the bottom of my wrist. It sounds like the longer one will do so, thanks!

ErichKeane · Aug 3, 2023

Update; I just visited the only AD within driving distance and picked up the brushed deployant and sailcloth strap. I paid a pretty penny, but in the end, a good buy. I can already tell that it fits nicer on my wrist thanks to being longer, is much thinner, and more comfortable.

The strap itself is a bit nicer feeling as well, so overall I'm a fan!!

Thanks for the help all, particularly Donn!

Cenzo · Aug 3, 2023

One of the best (of the many) great things about this forum is sharing information and experience to help someone make an informed decision. Glad the advice here was helpful and you will love that combo.

ErichPryde · Aug 3, 2023

E ErichKeane
Update; I just visited the only AD within driving distance and picked up the brushed deployant and sailcloth strap. I paid a pretty penny, but in the end, a good buy. I can already tell that it fits nicer on my wrist thanks to being longer, is much thinner, and more comfortable.

The strap itself is a bit nicer feeling as well, so overall I'm a fan!!

Thanks for the help all, particularly Donn!

Yo, was that Smith & Bevill in Beaverton? If so, how was your experience?

ErichKeane · Aug 3, 2023

It was! My experience was mixed I guess? I've now been in 2x (they are about a 45 min drive, and I was doing some shuttling around of my kid , and they open at 10, so I didn't end up buying there as you know).

1st time I went in to ask about straps and chatted with Angela (one of the daughters I think). She was pleasant, but said they don't carry straps, so best they could do is order from Omega for me and install them, and that all they'd be able to do was show me on a tablet, so I should just go home and do it on the website and come back to order. I would have checked them out on their tablet and ordered there, but felt a little 'pushed out'? They were empty and it was mid week early, but understand I didn't look like I was there to buy.

This time I walked in knowing exactly what I wanted and was ready to have them order, and was with Bill Bevill. I waited on him to be ready for me (he was chatting with another Omega fan).

After which he told me he DID stock a bunch of the bands, but mostly for the purpose of selling with watches they sold and that they make no profit on them, but if I'd pay $100 markup, he'd sell me one.

I agreed and got what I want, and we chatted a while. He was pleasant and installed the band, though made no attempt to sell me another watch (I was checking out the case while he was working, and while waiting for him), which I was half expecting. (Again, perhaps not dressed like someone who buys nice watches!).

I went in expecting to fall in love with a Seamaster and have to pick one up, but they didn't have any that spoke to me. They DID have a reasonable collection of Speedmasters, Seamaster divers and Seamasters in the case though!

Overall pretty happy with the experience for what it was, particularly understanding as a mid-30s in a T-shirt and cargo shorts that I didn't look like I was their to shop.

ErichPryde · Aug 3, 2023

E ErichKeane
I would have checked them out on their tablet and ordered there, but felt a little 'pushed out'?

This is exactly how I felt every time I have dealt with them. Exactly.

but if I'd pay $100 markup, he'd sell me one.

I've gotten a similar run around and statement here.

It's really sad to hear that your experience mirrored my own, I was hoping that I had a series of one-off experiences.

For your reference, the OB in Bellevue Washington will not upcharge you for straps that you order through Omega. They will ship you straps that you order through them free of shipping charge, as a courtesy. They have sent me replacement Omega spring bars free of charge.

Although I cannot promise that they would send you replacement spring bars free of charge as well, I have never had negative experience with any of their reps. Meanwhile, I have never had a particularly positive experience with S&B owner and daughters, unfortunately.

All this said, if you are happy how your experience worked out, glad they took care of you.

ErichKeane · Aug 3, 2023

ErichPryde
This is exactly how I felt every time I have dealt with them. Exactly.

I've gotten a similar run around and statement here.

It's really sad to hear that your experience mirrored my own, I was hoping that I had a series of one-off experiences.

For your reference, the OB in Bellevue Washington will not upcharge you for straps that you order through Omega. They will ship you straps that you order through them free of shipping charge, as a courtesy. They have sent me replacement Omega spring bars free of charge.

Although I cannot promise that they would send you replacement spring bars free of charge as well, I have never had negative experience with any of their reps. Meanwhile, I have never had a particularly positive experience with S&B owner and daughters, unfortunately.

All this said, if you are happy how your experience worked out, glad they took care of you.

Ah. Glad it wasnt just me! I figured I could do better elsewhere/online, but didn't care to wait (and am travelling next week), and had driven 45 mins anyway.

Makes me glad a bit I just ebayed my speedy (and will probably do the same/here/WUS for my next one).

ErichPryde · Aug 3, 2023

E ErichKeane
Ah. Glad it wasnt just me! I figured I could do better elsewhere/online, but didn't care to wait (and am travelling next week), and had driven 45 mins anyway.

Makes me glad a bit I just ebayed my speedy (and will probably do the same/here/WUS for my next one).

Agreed. Totally get it on the drive, that's the closest AD to me as well and about the same length drive.

I would totally buy a watch here if the right one came up. Not sure if I want to get a, second seamaster or add a Speedy.

ErichKeane · Aug 3, 2023

ErichPryde
Agreed. Totally get it on the drive, that's the closest AD to me as well and about the same length drive.

I would totally buy a watch here if the right one came up. Not sure if I want to get a, second seamaster or add a Speedy.

I'm tempted round out my collection with a railmaster (the black one is great in photos, and my 4 year old kid is a huge train fan, so passing it to him someday would be neat. But that can wait until I find a really good deal,( S&B didn't have one) as I have a solid 4 right now.

Duckie · Aug 4, 2023

Cenzo
I have the Snoopy strap on my 1861 with the Omega deployant and really like them both. One of the deployants has a slightly thicker gap and is better for the Snoopy and works just as well with other straps.

It was 9452.18.83'

I'm sure both would work great!

Without going and inspecting mine in detail.
I believe I have the same arrangement on my 1861 Hesalite.
It's the genuine Silver Snoopy strap with the Deployant that has the slightly bigger gap for that strap.
I love it👍

scapa · Aug 4, 2023

S squaretail
I have the artem strap and deployant clasp. The strap is great. The clasp is a little cheap and doesn't feel particularly secure. I'll be updating to the omega clasp at some point

Agree -- my experience exactly. Love the strap, not so much the clasp. I swapped over for my AT and it was a great combo.

ErichKeane · Aug 4, 2023

The Omega strap is really nice in comparison to what I had. 100x nicer of a clasp.

fiberguy · Aug 4, 2023

Any one happen to have the Omega #'s for the Snoopy strap and deployant??

YY77 · Aug 4, 2023

fiberguy
Any one happen to have the Omega #'s for the Snoopy strap and deployant??

If you're asking about the Snoopy 3 check this post:

https://omegaforums.net/threads/october-5th-2020-snoopy-celebration.112405/page-249#post-2014481

Speedmaster Deployant + Sailcloth worth it?

ErichKeane

ErichPryde

Cenzo

Evitzee

squaretail

Donn Chambers

ErichKeane

ErichKeane

Cenzo

ErichPryde

ErichKeane

ErichPryde

ErichKeane

ErichPryde

ErichKeane

Duckie

scapa

ErichKeane

fiberguy

YY77

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