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Why don't any modern bracelets have an extreme taper?

Owlsu
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From what I've seen, every modern Omega bracelet is either 22>20, 20>20 or 20>18.

Why aren't there any that are 20>16 anymore and haven't been as far as I can see since around 1997-ish.

I like a lot of the Speedmaster special editions and the whole Seamaster, Planet Ocean and Aqua Terra line but nothing in the entire range has a large taper...it just isn't a thing anymore for some reason and the big thick super masculine bracelets look weird on my 6 inch wrist.

I've already gone out and found a 1499 bracelet for my modern Speedmaster so I'm good there but turned off any of the other models because of it.
 
Foxy100
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I'm with you here, Rolex make it look good and a 20>16mm bracelet on a 40mm or 42mm watch looks perfect to me. I can't answer your question though, although for me the 1171 works best on the post-Moon Speedies.
 
ras47
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It's Omega's idea of what's popular now. They don't react quickly to changes in market trends, so if a more extreme taper in bracelets is coming back into style it could be a couple years until Omega reacts.
 
Foo2rama
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20-16 looks to wierd with 42mm is watches that’s why.

Works with smaller watches fine.
 
DIV
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I agree about the lack of taper...I guess it's a way to differentiate themselves from their major competor Rolex.
 
Koen
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you could have a look at the Oris 65, it has the tapered bracelet 20>16 that you seem to like.

I too love tapered bracelets, right now im wearing an 1162 the mackdaddy of tapers
 
Owlsu
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Foxy100 Foxy100
I'm with you here, Rolex make it look good and a 20>16mm bracelet on a 40mm or 42mm watch looks perfect to me. I can't answer your question though, although for me the 1171 works best on the post-Moon Speedies.

I bought a 1171 because of the 20>16 factor but the bracelet can't be made small enough to fit me. I needed it at about 5.9 inches but even with all the links removed it's more like 6.3. A local Omega service center said they could permanently alter it to make it fit but I don't think I really want to go to that effort so I ended up just buying the 1499 and the 1171 is sat here collecting dust.

Same thing with Rolex really, a 14060 bracelet won't fit because it can't be made small enough without removing a permanent link. The new bracelet on the 114060 will fit but I don't like the watch head itself and what they've done to it.

I'd probably have to look more into 36mm or 38mm Rolex's to get the taper I want but with a short and small enough bracelet to fit. A 36mm Explorer would be very nice to be honest.
 
imranbecks
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It's probably because Rolex has been doing tapered bracelets.... Which is why Omega hasn't done tapered bracelets for their watches. They want to stand out on their own and be different and not be too similar with Rolex.
 
michael22
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On a bracelet, I'm happy with minimal taper.
Leatherband, I like some taper.
 
tuancele
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Foo2rama Foo2rama
20-16 looks to wierd with 42mm is watches that’s why.

Works with smaller watches fine.

This is the main reason you do not find it. The wire is too big for 42mm.
 
Syrte
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Fashions change. I’ve had the same problem due to my small wrist and now just commission bespoke leather straps.
There are several threads with recommendations- one member here @Myron makes beautiful cordovan straps for tool watches and he’s a really good guy, look at his website Rover Haven.
 
WatchWalker
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Owlsu Owlsu
and the 1171 is sat here collecting dust.
Why not sell it then? There must be many candidates here...
 
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