Yes it's a bit tricky and I really wonder how astronauts did it with gloves on! There's no way they could do that, I'm already struggling sometimes with my bare hands!
I had my FOIS for three years on an Uncle 1171. Looked very very good. But now I returned to the original brown leather strap. My conclusion: The brown leather fits best. The designers of Omega made the right choice.
I can confirm that the Forstner 1450 with 19mm endlinks in addition to the FOIS also fit the original Speedmaster 321 Ed White`s from the 1960`s, the 105.003.65. Looks great!
Oh that's great! You should let Forstner know just in case someone else wants to preserve their original bracelet and switch to a 1450. Did you see Fortstner is going to launch watches now?!
Thanks for a video on this topic. I've tried three aftermarket bracelets on my Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch: The Uncle Seiko US1171 (President style), the Uncle Seiko Mexico-Holzer, and the Forstner flat link bracelet. The one I ended up preferring is the US1171. I concede that the Forstner has better fit and finish, but the US1171 is lighter, more flexible, more comfortable, and looks better. I do appreciate the spring-loaded links near the clasp on the Forstner. I don't like dealing with push pins when sizing bracelets -- the only thing worse is the double-screws on the Forstner! What sadist designed those things? Something that drives me crazy is the notion that solid end-links are objectively superior to hollow ones. It's a part of the watch I don't touch unless I'm changing the bracelet, but adds nominally to the weight and significantly to the cost. But to each his own.
LOL I'm with you on the double screws of the Forstner for sure! I had to bring it to a watchmaker to get it sized because I just wasn't up to the task! I tend to agree that solid end link provide more stability and less "rattle" than hollow ones but it's true that for the full vintage experience they should be hollow. I hear good things about the US1171 and there's also a new US1450 now, but with solid end links (so you may not like it!)
When I got my Speedmaster 12 years ago, I bought it on the bracelet. It would've been crazy not to. The difference in price from leather to steel was about a hundred dollars. But buying the bracelet alone later would've been a few hundred dollars ($350 rings a bell). I didn't like the stock bracelet though. So I took it off immediately, and got a $30 large-link shark-mesh. I love it. But the JB/Champ/Komfit woven mesh was always a wishful dream. But at a thousand bucks for a strap was absolutely absurd. Now these re-issues came out, and they're actually better. The original JB Champs really didn't fit the Speedy Pro perfectly. It was a little narrow in the lugs, and tended to look a little sloppy. These new Komfits are available in a slightly wider version that will fit perfectly. I'm going to get a few.
I think the difference between rubber strap and the bracelet on the Seamaster 300M is still $100! I don't like that bracelet either but would still get it anyway. Yes, the JB now comes both in original 16mm and 18mm, I got the wider version and that's vintage enough for me! Get it, you won't regret it.
I love the Speedy Pro for the historical aspect over the “bougie” aspect so for me, I went with the a completely accurate replica of the NASA issued Velcro and the Forstner Komfit.
haha I didn't know the Speedy had a bougie aspect, at east not the standard one, but the Velcro will surely keep it down to its toolish roots! Love that choice too (especially on the Alaska Project) but it's so hot, humid and sticky in HK that it couldn't stay on it for long.
After looking for 3 years for the perfect strap for my 1861 (nato, leather, rubber, ...), because I hated the original omega bracelet instantly, I ended up with an uncle Seiko flat link with hollow end links. Amazing. For the last few weeks I’ve been wearing my speedmaster as if it is newly purchased ! Fantastic vintage feeling, it really takes you back to the 60’s - 70’s. Quality is excellent, especially for the price point. Every time I check the time I smile. I haven’t tried forstner, but even they by now there is no true historical connection with the original company. So maybe you can also try uncle Seiko?
Yes, you're right, the new Forstner company is just like those "resurrected" watch brands, not a continuation of the original company, but they do a pretty good job so far! Yes, I'm also interested in Uncle Seiko especially their new offerings, the 1450 and 1479 with solid end links. Isn't it great that we don't need to shell out USD1,000 to get the same vintage feeling?!
Am I the only Speedy guy who actually likes the 1861 bracelet? I like it heavy. So many bracelets feel fragile and thin. At any rate, I love both the Forstner flat and the Komfit reissues. My wife thinks both are ugly as hell though. She said "You're not going to the damn moon, pick something better! Ha! Nice video, thanks again.
We found you, you're the only one! Kidding but yeah, my partner also things they look old and cheap and low quality and doesn't get why we would wanna put them on an expensive watch and cheapen the look... Oh well, no need to explain!
Great video…thank you for the education… I love Forstner bracelets (I have both old and contemporary style 1035, not to mention several Uncle Seikos). Unfortunately, Forstner does not offer any 18mm bracelets, nor plans to.😕
I only found out about Forstner/JB from your videos..the FOIS review. I just bought a new 3861 Speedy and like the design of the new bracelet. However, it has so many sharp edges...it's like wearing a cheese-grater :( A friend told me it's because the metal for the bracelet would be laser cut...even so, what's wrong with a little polishing Omega? I left the bracelet with my watchmaker to polish-up & had a Forstner Komfit (horned ends) fitted. What I thought would be a short lived novelty is turning out to be my preferred bracelet of choice. When I collect the original bracelet next week, I'm not going to ask for it to be re-fitted. I'd also like to try the Flat Link in all brushed...I read somewhere that Forstner's working on new end-pieces for the 3861. I hope that's true.
Glad I helped you discover Forstner! You'll mostly find only good reviews about them. What you say about the new 3861 bracelet does not surprise me, I have heard the exact same thing from another collector here in HK (something I have also heard from the Tudor Pelagos bracelet). It always has be be something!!! I have yet to try it thoughy but I'd worry about that. The Flat Link is great too, and easier to put on and off (that's the one thng I sometimes still struggle with the Komfit)
Actually the new Speedy Pro 3861 bracelet is available for purchase at the boutique. My local boutique has ordered one for me and a friend of mine bought it for his Ultraman. Just giving you some information!
Oh I did not know it's now available for purchase separately, thanks for the info! I hope it's not like the bracelet for the Calibre 321 Ed White or the Apollo 11 50th anniversary which only specifically fit those models. Then problem solved (if money is no problem!).
@@TOKKANTE I have seen other videos here on RUclips on the old 1861 and obviously the one that my friend has. I will let know you once I get mine and also the price is $680 USD.
I'm interested in the same forstner flat links setup you have with milled clasp and all on my 3861. I'm intrigued by the stretchy links as I prefer a snug fitting bracelet. Do the stretchy links simply give you that snug fit without feeling constricted? Also does it pull or pinch your skin or hair?
I have the Forstner flat link with stretch links. They sell the upgraded push-button milled clasp, I'm debating putting it on the flat link. Have you tried this?
Great and very comprehensive video! Thank you! I however found your eyes constantly moving left right quite irritating when watching it... Maybe place the text you're reading at a greater distance next time.
Oops sorry about that, I actually have a congenital nystagmus which I can't help but understand it can be distracting. Maybe you watch my faceless videos instead!
@@TOKKANTE oh! I am very sorry about that. I thought you were reading from a sheet of paper. In this case: let me be irritated and keep making these videos. This one was a really good one! :-)
It was officially discontinued in Dec. 2020 but I was told Omega was still delivering the last batch to boutiques and ADs early 2021. As of Jan. 2021, the numbers were just a little over 15,000 so not a very limited "limited edition" by any stretch (vs the 2016 CK2998 for example) but still very rare in comparison to the standard Speedy Pro! And Omega's limited editions are often not so limited anyway, so they will get somewhat harder to find with time I believe. You'd better hurry up to find one at a reasonable price! My Omega boutique near work only has a gold version left...
@@nearlyretired7005 Yes, yes, true you're right, but since they have now stopped making it and it was numbered, it has, as a matter of fact, become a limited edition in a way (although no one know exactly how many were made).
4:00 by the time of NASA's Gemini program, Forstner didn't exist any longer and those steel mesh bracelets were made by Jacoby Bender, who renamed it JB Champion. Photos: credit NASA
Yup but Jacoby Bender bought Forstner in 1963 I believe, so the mesh on Wally Schirra's speedy (the real FOIS) was still a Forstner! Then yes JB Champion.
Yes because that's how the original Omega flat link was (the 1125 or 1171 etc are all brushed, but they're not flat links). If you want the true vintage look, then polished/brushed it is! Looks great with the polished lugs of the FOIS I'd say.
Thanks for your vid. I also have the FOIS / Forstner flat link combo. Really impressed with the product, but found I had to use 1.5mm spring bars instead of the thicker bars supplied with bracelet in order to get the end links to fit. Did you have any trouble installing it on the watch head with the supplied 1.8mm bars?
Oh that's strange... I had my local watchmaker install it for me because I was also having issues, but he didn't say that he changed the spring bars, so I assume he used the supplied ones and I thought I'm the one with 2 left hands. I have left it on the flat link ever since!
The Speedy pro looks good on anything lol but the FOIS would looks a bit anachronistic on that NATO imh. For the Komfit on the Seamaster, I would worry that it would be a bit top heavy though - I put mine on my Seiko Sumo (also quite a beast) and found it's quite top heavy. The Forstner is such a light bracelet!
These hollow weave reissues are really meant for Moonwatches. The solid weave heavy shark-mesh bracelets belong on a Seamasters. There are no shortage of them on Ebay in various prices, finishes and qualities. I did have my Speedy on a shark-mesh for years though, for lack of anything better.
@@kewrock ya agree, got a heavy staib mesh for the smp, looks at feels great. Sticking to natos for the speedy in summer and leather straps otherwise after seeing this in person, too light/weak. Uncle Seiko may be the way if I ever want my speedy on a bracelet, but for now I’m content as is.
@@thehairlesspersian3273 You know, funny you mentioned it. I never saw a JB Champ in person. But in pictures and video, they always did look a little delicate and frail to hang a $5k watch on. But then again. Look at how frail the common spring bars are. And yet, they hardly ever fail.
I really don’t like the look of the Komfit but a big fan of the flat link. I’ve already got the Uncle Seiko version and while this looks a bit better quality I don’t think I’ll bother upgrading.
Agree, in your case I think you're set. I put the Komfit on my Seiko for now as the FOIS and flat link are such a great match for daily wear I think it'll stay on for a good long time.
May I ask how many removable end links are there on the Flatlink bracelet? Will it have enough removable links and microadjusts for a wrist size of 5.75" ? Thanks!
There are 10 removable links (I had to remove 4) on one side + 4 removable on the other side and the non-removable stretchable links. There are 6 micro-adjust holes on the clasp, so you shouldn't have any problem at all finding a perfect fit!
Unfortunately no, the bracelets for the Calibre 321 Ed White or the Apollo 11 50th anniversary only specifically fit those models. I read somewhere on WatchUSeek forum that the cases for those models are slightly different so it's not just a matter of lug width (you may google it you'll probably find the thread).
I have the Uncle Seiko flat link, Forstner flat link v1, Forstner flat link V2, and the Forstner President, for the FOIS. The gap between the end link and the first bracelet link on the Uncle Seiko was a little too much for me. The Forstner V1 was a little better, and the V2 a little better still. The President I thought didn't look right, style-wise, at the end link area. I stuck with the Forstnser Flat Link V2. The clasp on the real Omega flat link looks much better quality than the Forstner but the price difference is like $500.
Wow you've certainly experimented! By the v2, you mean the "contemporary" flat link that Forstner recently came out with? I actually ordered the milled clasp and just installed it 2 days ago, will do a video on it soon but I am liking it better than the v1 pressed clasp, which was more vintage-inspired but not comfortable for me (the deployant arm was too long and sticking out). A real period-correct Omega clasp is just too expensive and to be honest, I just prefer a nice modern milled clasp.
@@TOKKANTE Hi, I'm thinking of getting a V2 flat link for my FOIS but am worried about the endlink / case fit. I've heard the fit is not so great as the endlinks are not aligned with the lugs creating a ledge / dip. Any views or pics please? Much appreciated. Regards Tim
Thank you for this review. It's what I was looking for. What do you think would pair best with an Omega X-33? I'm torn between the Komfit and the flat link. The original titanium bracelet just cost way too much for me.
So far my favorite to wear it with is a gasgasbones velcro strap. The original kevlar band that came with the watch broke on me during my first weekend of wear.
Oh wow did Omega change it? The X-33 is titanium and I would be concerned that the Fostner bands just wouldn't match color-wise. The Komfit is quite shiny and even if you got the flat link in all brushed finish, the difference in metal would be very noticeable. Also, the X-33 has a very modern personality while the Forstner are very vintage-inspired. Personally I would look elsewhere but I'm sorry I don't have the perfect solution for you right now...
I have mine on the OEM Alligator strap. Just ordered the Forstner Flat Link. Any idea if I need to grab new spring bars? Just found out that the alligator strap has different spring bars compared to the OEM steel bracelet. Thanks for the great comparison video.
I got a Speedmaster 105.003.65 from 1966, does either the US 1450 or the Forstner 1450 fit this watch? I know these will fit the Fois, but I assume the original Ed Whites would be very similar as they are both 19mm.
That's a good question but I can't confirm though. The lug width may be 19mm but that's not the only thing that matters, also the shaper of the case and any stepped caseback etc. would affect the fit. You should email Uncle Seiko and Forstner, I'm sure they've received such requests before. Lucky you by the way, that's really a cool piece you have!
@@TOKKANTE Yes it’s a bit strange that no one can tell, I have asked on several forums. Anyway I already have the flat link Uncle Seiko and the flat link Forstner and both of these state that it will fit the FOIS but no other watches is mentioned, but they actually fit the 105.003 perfectly. When the Forstner 1450 is stated to fit the FOIS I think that it’s a good chance it will fit the old 105.003 Ed White’s like the others so I will go ahead and order one….!
@@truxton1000 Oh in that case if you've already tried with the Flat Link, and assuming that they just use the same measurements for the end links, it SHOULD fit!
@@TOKKANTE Yes I received it today, and it fits just fine, just like the Forstner flat link and the US flat link. Great looking bracelet, I was looking at prices for original Omega 1450, found one at £1300, a bit much I think so I`m more than happy with the Forstner variant. The 1450 suits the Speedmasters as it gives a bit more masculine look and is also very comfortable.
A vintage one yes, I've even seen a dealer in HK selling the FOIS with a Forstner flat link + a vintage Omega clasp from an 1125 bracelet as a complete set.
Yes as an additional option but if you're a bracelet guy then that won't do it... Slso, I feel the FOIS won't work on a nato because its vintage aesthetics... it looks... wrong!
I have many Omega nato’s for my 1861, but I get frustrated because of all the extra folded bits that spoil visually the watch, and also the extra double strap thickness below the caseback.
Thanks for this. I just fitted my 3861 Speedy Pro with the Forstner Contemporary Flat Link as you had advised and I absolutely love it.
Just got my Komfit to fit a vintage Speedy. The bracelet is awesome, but you need three pairs of hands to get the thing on and off!!
Yes it's a bit tricky and I really wonder how astronauts did it with gloves on! There's no way they could do that, I'm already struggling sometimes with my bare hands!
Very comprehensive video! Absolutely loved it. Most in depth look at these forstner straps
Thank you! And I'm still loving them, wearing the flat link as I type this!
I had my FOIS for three years on an Uncle 1171. Looked very very good. But now I returned to the original brown leather strap. My conclusion: The brown leather fits best. The designers of Omega made the right choice.
Excellent video. Thank you for all the information.
I can confirm that the Forstner 1450 with 19mm endlinks in addition to the FOIS also fit the original Speedmaster 321 Ed White`s from the 1960`s, the 105.003.65. Looks great!
Oh that's great! You should let Forstner know just in case someone else wants to preserve their original bracelet and switch to a 1450. Did you see Fortstner is going to launch watches now?!
Thanks for a video on this topic. I've tried three aftermarket bracelets on my Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch: The Uncle Seiko US1171 (President style), the Uncle Seiko Mexico-Holzer, and the Forstner flat link bracelet. The one I ended up preferring is the US1171.
I concede that the Forstner has better fit and finish, but the US1171 is lighter, more flexible, more comfortable, and looks better. I do appreciate the spring-loaded links near the clasp on the Forstner. I don't like dealing with push pins when sizing bracelets -- the only thing worse is the double-screws on the Forstner! What sadist designed those things?
Something that drives me crazy is the notion that solid end-links are objectively superior to hollow ones. It's a part of the watch I don't touch unless I'm changing the bracelet, but adds nominally to the weight and significantly to the cost. But to each his own.
LOL I'm with you on the double screws of the Forstner for sure! I had to bring it to a watchmaker to get it sized because I just wasn't up to the task! I tend to agree that solid end link provide more stability and less "rattle" than hollow ones but it's true that for the full vintage experience they should be hollow. I hear good things about the US1171 and there's also a new US1450 now, but with solid end links (so you may not like it!)
When I got my Speedmaster 12 years ago, I bought it on the bracelet. It would've been crazy not to. The difference in price from leather to steel was about a hundred dollars. But buying the bracelet alone later would've been a few hundred dollars ($350 rings a bell). I didn't like the stock bracelet though. So I took it off immediately, and got a $30 large-link shark-mesh. I love it. But the JB/Champ/Komfit woven mesh was always a wishful dream. But at a thousand bucks for a strap was absolutely absurd. Now these re-issues came out, and they're actually better. The original JB Champs really didn't fit the Speedy Pro perfectly. It was a little narrow in the lugs, and tended to look a little sloppy. These new Komfits are available in a slightly wider version that will fit perfectly. I'm going to get a few.
I think the difference between rubber strap and the bracelet on the Seamaster 300M is still $100! I don't like that bracelet either but would still get it anyway. Yes, the JB now comes both in original 16mm and 18mm, I got the wider version and that's vintage enough for me! Get it, you won't regret it.
the Forstner PRESIDENT (1450) looks amazing on a speedmaster 1863 in my opinion.
Oh yes! That wasn't available yet at the time of that video but I agree!
I use 1068 beads of rice omega bracelet from the 70s on 556 omega end links and for my FOIS I find it’s THE perfect fit - looks just right
I have both the uncle Seiko and the JB Champion/ forstner. Both are great.
I really highly recommend the forstner komfit for a historical perspective
Yes, exactly, won't be everyone's cup of tea or daily wearer but when you like history as I do, then you have to have it!
@@TOKKANTE 100%
I love the Speedy Pro for the historical aspect over the “bougie” aspect so for me, I went with the a completely accurate replica of the NASA issued Velcro and the Forstner Komfit.
haha I didn't know the Speedy had a bougie aspect, at east not the standard one, but the Velcro will surely keep it down to its toolish roots! Love that choice too (especially on the Alaska Project) but it's so hot, humid and sticky in HK that it couldn't stay on it for long.
After looking for 3 years for the perfect strap for my 1861 (nato, leather, rubber, ...), because I hated the original omega bracelet instantly, I ended up with an uncle Seiko flat link with hollow end links. Amazing. For the last few weeks I’ve been wearing my speedmaster as if it is newly purchased ! Fantastic vintage feeling, it really takes you back to the 60’s - 70’s. Quality is excellent, especially for the price point. Every time I check the time I smile. I haven’t tried forstner, but even they by now there is no true historical connection with the original company. So maybe you can also try uncle Seiko?
Yes, you're right, the new Forstner company is just like those "resurrected" watch brands, not a continuation of the original company, but they do a pretty good job so far! Yes, I'm also interested in Uncle Seiko especially their new offerings, the 1450 and 1479 with solid end links. Isn't it great that we don't need to shell out USD1,000 to get the same vintage feeling?!
Am I the only Speedy guy who actually likes the 1861 bracelet? I like it heavy. So many bracelets feel fragile and thin. At any rate, I love both the Forstner flat and the Komfit reissues. My wife thinks both are ugly as hell though. She said "You're not going to the damn moon, pick something better! Ha! Nice video, thanks again.
We found you, you're the only one! Kidding but yeah, my partner also things they look old and cheap and low quality and doesn't get why we would wanna put them on an expensive watch and cheapen the look... Oh well, no need to explain!
Great video…thank you for the education… I love Forstner bracelets (I have both old and contemporary style 1035, not to mention several Uncle Seikos). Unfortunately, Forstner does not offer any 18mm bracelets, nor plans to.😕
good job
Uncle Seiko Beads of Rice is my #1
Oh yes, I want a Beads of Rice too for my Seiko Sumo but I don't think he makes one for it... I'm thinking about the Strapcode Super-J Louis Jubillee.
Nice job!
Thank you for watching!
Great video!
Thanks for watching!
I only found out about Forstner/JB from your videos..the FOIS review. I just bought a new 3861 Speedy and like the design of the new bracelet. However, it has so many sharp edges...it's like wearing a cheese-grater :( A friend told me it's because the metal for the bracelet would be laser cut...even so, what's wrong with a little polishing Omega? I left the bracelet with my watchmaker to polish-up & had a Forstner Komfit (horned ends) fitted. What I thought would be a short lived novelty is turning out to be my preferred bracelet of choice. When I collect the original bracelet next week, I'm not going to ask for it to be re-fitted.
I'd also like to try the Flat Link in all brushed...I read somewhere that Forstner's working on new end-pieces for the 3861. I hope that's true.
Glad I helped you discover Forstner! You'll mostly find only good reviews about them. What you say about the new 3861 bracelet does not surprise me, I have heard the exact same thing from another collector here in HK (something I have also heard from the Tudor Pelagos bracelet). It always has be be something!!! I have yet to try it thoughy but I'd worry about that. The Flat Link is great too, and easier to put on and off (that's the one thng I sometimes still struggle with the Komfit)
Actually the new Speedy Pro 3861 bracelet is available for purchase at the boutique. My local boutique has ordered one for me and a friend of mine bought it for his Ultraman. Just giving you some information!
Oh I did not know it's now available for purchase separately, thanks for the info! I hope it's not like the bracelet for the Calibre 321 Ed White or the Apollo 11 50th anniversary which only specifically fit those models. Then problem solved (if money is no problem!).
@@TOKKANTE I have seen other videos here on RUclips on the old 1861 and obviously the one that my friend has. I will let know you once I get mine and also the price is $680 USD.
Thanks for the price info. I bet that will be a popular bracelet update with a lot of people. Smart move from Omega to sell it separately.
@@TOKKANTE No problem! I just picked the bracelet up today and loving it. They even installed and sized it for me.
I'm interested in the same forstner flat links setup you have with milled clasp and all on my 3861. I'm intrigued by the stretchy links as I prefer a snug fitting bracelet. Do the stretchy links simply give you that snug fit without feeling constricted? Also does it pull or pinch your skin or hair?
I have the Forstner flat link with stretch links. They sell the upgraded push-button milled clasp, I'm debating putting it on the flat link. Have you tried this?
Great and very comprehensive video! Thank you! I however found your eyes constantly moving left right quite irritating when watching it... Maybe place the text you're reading at a greater distance next time.
Oops sorry about that, I actually have a congenital nystagmus which I can't help but understand it can be distracting. Maybe you watch my faceless videos instead!
@@TOKKANTE oh! I am very sorry about that. I thought you were reading from a sheet of paper. In this case: let me be irritated and keep making these videos. This one was a really good one! :-)
More great content. I’m so tempted to buy a FOIS before they are all gone. Any idea how many they made?
It was officially discontinued in Dec. 2020 but I was told Omega was still delivering the last batch to boutiques and ADs early 2021. As of Jan. 2021, the numbers were just a little over 15,000 so not a very limited "limited edition" by any stretch (vs the 2016 CK2998 for example) but still very rare in comparison to the standard Speedy Pro! And Omega's limited editions are often not so limited anyway, so they will get somewhat harder to find with time I believe. You'd better hurry up to find one at a reasonable price! My Omega boutique near work only has a gold version left...
@@TOKKANTE The FOIS was never sold as a limited edition,it was marketed as a numbered edition!
@@nearlyretired7005 Yes, yes, true you're right, but since they have now stopped making it and it was numbered, it has, as a matter of fact, become a limited edition in a way (although no one know exactly how many were made).
4:00 by the time of NASA's Gemini program, Forstner didn't exist any longer and those steel mesh bracelets were made by Jacoby Bender, who renamed it JB Champion. Photos: credit NASA
Yup but Jacoby Bender bought Forstner in 1963 I believe, so the mesh on Wally Schirra's speedy (the real FOIS) was still a Forstner! Then yes JB Champion.
Are you a strap guy or a bracelet guy? What's your favorite option for the Speedmaster?
Great video, would you say the Forstner flat link with polished edges is better on a vintage than the full brushed?
Yes because that's how the original Omega flat link was (the 1125 or 1171 etc are all brushed, but they're not flat links). If you want the true vintage look, then polished/brushed it is! Looks great with the polished lugs of the FOIS I'd say.
Thanks for your vid. I also have the FOIS / Forstner flat link combo. Really impressed with the product, but found I had to use 1.5mm spring bars instead of the thicker bars supplied with bracelet in order to get the end links to fit. Did you have any trouble installing it on the watch head with the supplied 1.8mm bars?
Oh that's strange... I had my local watchmaker install it for me because I was also having issues, but he didn't say that he changed the spring bars, so I assume he used the supplied ones and I thought I'm the one with 2 left hands. I have left it on the flat link ever since!
I actually want to try this mesh on my seamaster 300m, but for the speedy I love it best on the grey/black “bond” nato 👍🏼
The Speedy pro looks good on anything lol but the FOIS would looks a bit anachronistic on that NATO imh. For the Komfit on the Seamaster, I would worry that it would be a bit top heavy though - I put mine on my Seiko Sumo (also quite a beast) and found it's quite top heavy. The Forstner is such a light bracelet!
@@TOKKANTE the model I have is the old aluminum bezel, so much slimmer case than the current, which is why I’m thinking might be ok, we shall see 🤞🏼
These hollow weave reissues are really meant for Moonwatches. The solid weave heavy shark-mesh bracelets belong on a Seamasters. There are no shortage of them on Ebay in various prices, finishes and qualities. I did have my Speedy on a shark-mesh for years though, for lack of anything better.
@@kewrock ya agree, got a heavy staib mesh for the smp, looks at feels great. Sticking to natos for the speedy in summer and leather straps otherwise after seeing this in person, too light/weak. Uncle Seiko may be the way if I ever want my speedy on a bracelet, but for now I’m content as is.
@@thehairlesspersian3273 You know, funny you mentioned it. I never saw a JB Champ in person. But in pictures and video, they always did look a little delicate and frail to hang a $5k watch on. But then again. Look at how frail the common spring bars are. And yet, they hardly ever fail.
I really don’t like the look of the Komfit but a big fan of the flat link. I’ve already got the Uncle Seiko version and while this looks a bit better quality I don’t think I’ll bother upgrading.
Agree, in your case I think you're set. I put the Komfit on my Seiko for now as the FOIS and flat link are such a great match for daily wear I think it'll stay on for a good long time.
Excellent review(s)! Very informative and engaging. Subrcribed :)
Thanks Steven! Welcome to the channel!
May I ask how many removable end links are there on the Flatlink bracelet? Will it have enough removable links and microadjusts for a wrist size of 5.75" ? Thanks!
There are 10 removable links (I had to remove 4) on one side + 4 removable on the other side and the non-removable stretchable links. There are 6 micro-adjust holes on the clasp, so you shouldn't have any problem at all finding a perfect fit!
Great review sir, do you know if the Ed white bracelet would fit the fois?
I can order the bracelet but the boutique isn’t sure if it will fit
Unfortunately no, the bracelets for the Calibre 321 Ed White or the Apollo 11 50th anniversary only specifically fit those models. I read somewhere on WatchUSeek forum that the cases for those models are slightly different so it's not just a matter of lug width (you may google it you'll probably find the thread).
@@TOKKANTE that sucks, thanks for the reply
I have the Uncle Seiko flat link, Forstner flat link v1, Forstner flat link V2, and the Forstner President, for the FOIS. The gap between the end link and the first bracelet link on the Uncle Seiko was a little too much for me. The Forstner V1 was a little better, and the V2 a little better still. The President I thought didn't look right, style-wise, at the end link area. I stuck with the Forstnser Flat Link V2. The clasp on the real Omega flat link looks much better quality than the Forstner but the price difference is like $500.
Wow you've certainly experimented! By the v2, you mean the "contemporary" flat link that Forstner recently came out with? I actually ordered the milled clasp and just installed it 2 days ago, will do a video on it soon but I am liking it better than the v1 pressed clasp, which was more vintage-inspired but not comfortable for me (the deployant arm was too long and sticking out). A real period-correct Omega clasp is just too expensive and to be honest, I just prefer a nice modern milled clasp.
@@TOKKANTE Hi, I'm thinking of getting a V2 flat link for my FOIS but am worried about the endlink / case fit. I've heard the fit is not so great as the endlinks are not aligned with the lugs creating a ledge / dip. Any views or pics please? Much appreciated. Regards Tim
Thank you for this review. It's what I was looking for. What do you think would pair best with an Omega X-33? I'm torn between the Komfit and the flat link. The original titanium bracelet just cost way too much for me.
So far my favorite to wear it with is a gasgasbones velcro strap. The original kevlar band that came with the watch broke on me during my first weekend of wear.
Oh wow did Omega change it? The X-33 is titanium and I would be concerned that the Fostner bands just wouldn't match color-wise. The Komfit is quite shiny and even if you got the flat link in all brushed finish, the difference in metal would be very noticeable. Also, the X-33 has a very modern personality while the Forstner are very vintage-inspired. Personally I would look elsewhere but I'm sorry I don't have the perfect solution for you right now...
I have mine on the OEM Alligator strap. Just ordered the Forstner Flat Link.
Any idea if I need to grab new spring bars? Just found out that the alligator strap has different spring bars compared to the OEM steel bracelet.
Thanks for the great comparison video.
It comes with the spring bars supplied so you're all set!
@@TOKKANTE thank you! Cheers!
I got a Speedmaster 105.003.65 from 1966, does either the US 1450 or the Forstner 1450 fit this watch? I know these will fit the Fois, but I assume the original Ed Whites would be very similar as they are both 19mm.
That's a good question but I can't confirm though. The lug width may be 19mm but that's not the only thing that matters, also the shaper of the case and any stepped caseback etc. would affect the fit. You should email Uncle Seiko and Forstner, I'm sure they've received such requests before. Lucky you by the way, that's really a cool piece you have!
@@TOKKANTE Yes it’s a bit strange that no one can tell, I have asked on several forums. Anyway I already have the flat link Uncle Seiko and the flat link Forstner and both of these state that it will fit the FOIS but no other watches is mentioned, but they actually fit the 105.003 perfectly. When the Forstner 1450 is stated to fit the FOIS I think that it’s a good chance it will fit the old 105.003 Ed White’s like the others so I will go ahead and order one….!
@@truxton1000 Oh in that case if you've already tried with the Flat Link, and assuming that they just use the same measurements for the end links, it SHOULD fit!
@@TOKKANTE Yes I received it today, and it fits just fine, just like the Forstner flat link and the US flat link. Great looking bracelet, I was looking at prices for original Omega 1450, found one at £1300, a bit much I think so I`m more than happy with the Forstner variant. The 1450 suits the Speedmasters as it gives a bit more masculine look and is also very comfortable.
Does anyone know if an Omega clasp will fit the Forstner flat link bracelet?
A vintage one yes, I've even seen a dealer in HK selling the FOIS with a Forstner flat link + a vintage Omega clasp from an 1125 bracelet as a complete set.
Get an Omega nato job done
Yes as an additional option but if you're a bracelet guy then that won't do it... Slso, I feel the FOIS won't work on a nato because its vintage aesthetics... it looks... wrong!
I have many Omega nato’s for my 1861, but I get frustrated because of all the extra folded bits that spoil visually the watch, and also the extra double strap thickness below the caseback.
Get an Omega nato job done
Duplicate comment Santa!