What’s better about third-party bracelets? (Seiko)
Hi, I’ve heard consistent complaints about Seiko’s bracelets, but I’m surprised that third-party bracelets could be any better.
Are Uncle Straps or Strapcode Seiko mod-bracelets any better? If yes, in what way?
How do you know you’ve got a high-quality bracelet?
What if you ordered a Tudor BB58 bracelet and put it on a Seiko? I’m comparing the Seiko 62MAS reinterpretation in particular (i.e., SPB143 SPB147 ).
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John
Hi, I’m starting out watch collecting, enjoying a new Seiko Alpinist on a vegetable tanner leather strap.
United States
Member since
Last active: 1 year ago
The bracelets on the new Seikos are decent, in some models good. In the lower end, most below $750 have stamped clasps which at that price point is not acceptable for some. The Prospex line dive watches have diver extension which many are not a fan of, me included but it doesn't bother me personally. But Seiko includes them for ISO certification which is one of the main selling points for the Prospex lineup.
Unclestraps make great bracelets for Seikos, I prefer it to Strapcode. The bracelets come with female endlinks as opposed to the Strapcode bracelets male endlinks. It makes a difference in the wearing experience, more suitable if you have smaller wrist and the overall lug to lug is more true to the case with female endlinks. Also, Unclestraps offer a nice 4mm taper to the bracelets. The 4mm taper is nicer but if you have a top heavy watch, then 2mm taper is better for a more balanced fit. Quality wise, both the brands are good but the overall design is based on your preference. Also, Strapcode clasps are quite bulky and thicker. It is a generic clasp to fit many bracelets of different thicknesses.
For one thing, you cannot order a bracelet from Tudor with that ease unless you have the watch. The BB58 bracelet endlink doesnt work with the 62mas case. The 62mas has a square lug. I owned a BB58 and I can say it has a good fit and finish but it is far from being a good bracelet since the clasp lacks micro adjustments and you cannot get a good fit, the bracelet doesn't include half links plus the faux rivets look bad (personal opinion). The Ranger bracelet is the best from Tudor.
I have a 62mas SPB239 which came with two Nato straps, but I just bought the factory bracelet from Seiko. The higher end prospex dive watches have Diashield coating which gives the steel a darker finish almost like Titanium and aftermarket bracelets usually contrast quite a lot with the case. Unclestraps bracelet for 62mas does a decent job and that is the best aftermarket you can buy. I don't have any complaints about the factory bracelet, it fits well without any gaps and is comfortable. Also, the male endlinks curve down aggressively so the lug to lug is not affected.
The bracelets on the new Seikos are decent, in some models good. In the lower end, most below $750 have stamped clasps which at that price point is not acceptable for some. The Prospex line dive watches have diver extension which many are not a fan of, me included but it doesn't bother me personally. But Seiko includes them for ISO certification which is one of the main selling points for the Prospex lineup.
Unclestraps make great bracelets for Seikos, I prefer it to Strapcode. The bracelets come with female endlinks as opposed to the Strapcode bracelets male endlinks. It makes a difference in the wearing experience, more suitable if you have smaller wrist and the overall lug to lug is more true to the case with female endlinks. Also, Unclestraps offer a nice 4mm taper to the bracelets. The 4mm taper is nicer but if you have a top heavy watch, then 2mm taper is better for a more balanced fit. Quality wise, both the brands are good but the overall design is based on your preference. Also, Strapcode clasps are quite bulky and thicker. It is a generic clasp to fit many bracelets of different thicknesses.
For one thing, you cannot order a bracelet from Tudor with that ease unless you have the watch. The BB58 bracelet endlink doesnt work with the 62mas case. The 62mas has a square lug. I owned a BB58 and I can say it has a good fit and finish but it is far from being a good bracelet since the clasp lacks micro adjustments and you cannot get a good fit, the bracelet doesn't include half links plus the faux rivets look bad (personal opinion). The Ranger bracelet is the best from Tudor.
I have a 62mas SPB239 which came with two Nato straps, but I just bought the factory bracelet from Seiko. The higher end prospex dive watches have Diashield coating which gives the steel a darker finish almost like Titanium and aftermarket bracelets usually contrast quite a lot with the case. Unclestraps bracelet for 62mas does a decent job and that is the best aftermarket you can buy. I don't have any complaints about the factory bracelet, it fits well without any gaps and is comfortable. Also, the male endlinks curve down aggressively so the lug to lug is not affected.
Thank you for taking the time to write a thorough response! You’ve cleared up all of my questions! Your SPB239 looks excellent!
I’m not a fan of Seiko’s brackets and clasps. I’m not sure about their quality compared to others, but they’re not confortable, at least for small wrists.
I’m wearing an Uncle Seiko with my SPB 149.The original bracelet with the “male” end-links, the huge clasp and no taper wasn’t confortable. Now the feeling and looks are really similar to my BB58.
I wearing an Strapcode with my Seiko Alpinist, I don’t like it as much as the Uncle Seiko, mostly because of the male link.
I’m not a fan of Seiko’s brackets and clasps. I’m not sure about their quality compared to others, but they’re not confortable, at least for small wrists.
I’m wearing an Uncle Seiko with my SPB 149.The original bracelet with the “male” end-links, the huge clasp and no taper wasn’t confortable. Now the feeling and looks are really similar to my BB58.
I wearing an Strapcode with my Seiko Alpinist, I don’t like it as much as the Uncle Seiko, mostly because of the male link.
The Uncle Seiko straps look great! Thanks for taking the time to share! I appreciate hearing your experience.