Have You Ever Purchased a Strap or Bracelet That Completely Kills a Watch For You?
I’ve almost consistently had a Momentum Steelix in my collection since 2014. This particular Steelix I currently have, I have had since March of this year, and I got it on Momentum’s nylon strap (tye best nylon strap imo).
Fast forward to Black Friday and I decided to pick up the Steelix Bracelet. Over the past couple of months I have been converting as many of my watches to the OEM bracelets as possible because my wrists are not swelling like they used to.
Anyway, the Steelix bracelet. I love the look and heft of this H-link style bracelet. I was a bit disappointed with the pressed clasp, but if the bracelet is comfortable, I can easily overlook that. The links are held with friction pins, and I am ok with that too. But this bracelet has completely killed any desire to even own this watch, which is currently listed on Ebay.
The endlinks are solid which I very much appreciate. BUT looking from the front side of the watch, the endlinks sit below the lug fronts. Ok I can accept that, it adds character. The lugs articulate ok not the best but I have experienced far worse.
Then there is the actual wearing experience. This thing is a devil of a hair nipper and scraper. The folding part of the pressed clasp, the end of the hinge specifically scrapes the bottom of the wrist where it lies. Wrist hair constantly gets caught between the links. Now lets go to the other area where you get scrapes. This would be the micro link that actually connects to the solid endlinks. When it flexes with your wrist movements it will not only pinch your hair, but the edges of this micro link along with the inner parts of the endlinks are sharp and will scrape you.
I do not wear my bracelet watches tight. I can fit a finger under the watch whilst wearing it. I love the way the watch fits on my wrist because of how it sits, but this bracelet is simply unacceptable in 2023 and moving forward.
Father, Sith Lord, Driver of the “Dadmobile,” husband, gamer, night owl, quartz watch lover. Straight forward talker.
For me if a watch bracelet pulls my arm hair it’s a no go!
For me if a watch bracelet pulls my arm hair it’s a no go!
If it pulls occasionally I can deal. But this thing exists just to pull hair.
If it pulls occasionally I can deal. But this thing exists just to pull hair.
Not fun!
I always purchase bespoke leather straps or NATO for my watches…
I always purchase bespoke leather straps or NATO for my watches…
I just don’t get on with leather. Love natos though. But I’ve worn natos exclusively until a few months ago for the past couple of years. The issue I have with natos is that the holes tend to stretch.
People really fixate on these curved end links. Straight ones are usually fine with me. Today I did wear a vintage watch with curved end links though. They don't fit the watch perfectly and I don't think they are supposed to. Don't care.
People really fixate on these curved end links. Straight ones are usually fine with me. Today I did wear a vintage watch with curved end links though. They don't fit the watch perfectly and I don't think they are supposed to. Don't care.
Normally I don’t care. But if there is a bracelet manufactured specifically for a watch and it is within my means to obtain, then I will go after that one, if it interests me.
It’s has definitely happened to me but if the watch is worth it I just swap out the bracelet or strap accordingly 😉
I just don’t get on with leather. Love natos though. But I’ve worn natos exclusively until a few months ago for the past couple of years. The issue I have with natos is that the holes tend to stretch.
Cheap NATO yes. Good ones, no. I have had used one for 3 years and you would be surprised by the state of the hole. I will take a photo tomorrow.
Cheap NATO yes. Good ones, no. I have had used one for 3 years and you would be surprised by the state of the hole. I will take a photo tomorrow.
I have a BluShark Alpha Premier that I’m wearing now where the hole is stretched. But it works so well with my Bertucci that I can’t get rid of it.
I have a BluShark Alpha Premier that I’m wearing now where the hole is stretched. But it works so well with my Bertucci that I can’t get rid of it.
Basic ones wear and I also have a 50$ B&J one which is supposed to be ultra thick and robust, one of the best in the market (1.6mm thick I believe).
Guess what, it started to wore immediately and after a week it became ugly.
The one used almost daily for years cost 25$ and is 1.3mm thick.
So not just a matter of price or thickness, but just build quality as far as I can tell.
To say the least, I no longer own this watch.