Do we really need adjustable clasps?
Hi Crunchers,
I only recently realized, that 50% of my bracelets have non-adjustable clasps. Non-Adjustable as in NON-adjustable, not even a micro adjust that requires a tool. I have, however, started to notice, that I am constantly adjusting the clasp on the ones that do have some sort of option.
As the other watches are just as wearable, I've to come to wonder why that is.
My wrist is obviously the same, but apparently just having the option of adjusting the size makes me constantly want to find the perfect size and adjust the clasp. This leads to me feeling like the watch basically never fits properly, since I'm constantly adjusting it. Very strange, if you think about it.
This does make me wonder, whether I actually really need micro adjust options, especially on light watches. Or is it maybe just something I want, but don't really need?
What do you guys think?
Everyone desperately need (tool-less) micro-adjust or is is maybe more of a gimmick, than actual necessity?
I think so especially during warmer months
I do. I find the perfect fit and leave it there 95 % of the time. When I'm unexpextedly warm or physical, I loosen it.
Agree, once I've sized something I've never needed to adjust it.
So for me it's a gimmick..
But I'm English and work indoors, so I'm at a fairly consistent temperature and waterproofing is far more important! ☔
I wear my bracelets all winter without adjusting them. Micro adjust is crucial for warm weather when my wrist swells. Or I change the bracelet to a strap so I can adjust easier. Not a gimmick, every high-end bracelet should offer this.
Yep, I’ve retrofitted a few watches with that clasp and it make me a huge difference, especially as you wear it throughout the day.
I think so especially during warmer months
yeah, here in Germany the difference between summer and winter can be up to 50°C, so there has t be some adjusting at some point. But I'm starting to feel, adding or removing a half-link one a year could also be enough
Yeah, sometimes it feels like I'm adjusting for the sake of adjusting, even though it's not really necessary. With my Aqua Terra e.g. (the bracelet is fitted a bit tighter), I feel it getting tighter during the day and towards the evenings, but never so that I can't wear it anymore. I just feel it, and then move one.... with my Spirit e.g. when I feel it getting tighter, I have to find a needle or tool somewhere to adjust it...
my wrist changes wildly throughout day/situations/summer. I wear it loose. Like yourself, tried one but found myself constantly adjusting it. Not a gimmick, but should be optional cost. I hate it when they add cost to a watch through the bracelet, if no option to go with a cheaper strap.
Agree, once I've sized something I've never needed to adjust it.
So for me it's a gimmick..
But I'm English and work indoors, so I'm at a fairly consistent temperature and waterproofing is far more important! ☔
haha fair enough! Even though the summers are getting warmer in the UK as well, aren't they?
Human physiology is a fundamental thing. We need adjustable clasps to keep an optimal fit. Maybe not for a formal dress watch, but on anything current; adjustable clasp is required. Old style push bar adjustment is ok enough, but every watch that is supposed to be worn regularly needs micro adjustment. IMO
I’ve just bought a Tudor with a T-fit clasp and you can simply change the size in seconds. It really is a great idea and more brands should do these.
No tools needed it’s a game changer
I think they should be standard.
I like them. Seems my wrist changes size ever so slightly throughout the day. The micro adjust is a life saver for still having a comfy fit. I don’t find myself fiddling with it all day, and I see the merit in it functionally for sure.
Yes Ive adjusted it, you're right not often, but it does help when wrists expand or contract.
I just got my first watch with an micro-adjustable clasp and while it took me a few setting to get a comfortable fit, I do find that I am willing to loosen or tighten depending on the way it feels on the wrist at certain times, as many have already cited: colder turning to warmer periods as we are seeing lately.
Here in So AZ, the temps on the ranch range from 110*F to mid-teens! Watches that fit well one day are hanging loose the next. I find at least some micro adjustment holes in the clasp to be VERY useful.
It’s like feeling that you need power windows when roll-downs will do just fine. Also, less to break.
I much prefer a bracelet with on the fly adjustment.
Butterfly clasps are a no no for me except for my Formex Essence which has a clever 4-5mm extension to accommodate wrist swelling.
I bought this exact clasp for one of my watches from AliExpress.
Game changer!
I've never looked at a whether a watch has micro-adjust or not before buying it. If it's a rubber w/ clasp style-strap though I think it's a must
I find that I wear the models with no adjustment, like butterfly clasps, very infrequently. Sometimes not for months. These bracelets also get swapped out for straps frequently, then back to the bracelet again for a change of style.
Needless to say that I don’t buy models with butterfly clasps any more.
I’m ok with pin hole adjustment. I don’t tend to need a lot of adjustment once I get a good fit. It’s more seasonal than daily.
I do prefer tool-less adjustment and it is a value add for me. All premium bracelets should have it by now.
I do agree, that premium bracelets should offer it as an alternative at least. Longines had a good idea with the Spirit 40mm, when they offered it in two clasp configurations.
Do we absolutely need it? No. Do we want it? Oh yeah!
I do find it very useful because yes your wrist size will vary. Generally I don't find myself using micro or on the fly adjustments throughout a single day. I know some people will actually say they need it depending on the hour. But I do notice a watch will fit more snug say in the summer than in the winter and I might have to use the micro adjusts prior to putting it on if it's available. I've also ran into the issue with watches that have no adjustment where I'm forced to add a link, later wishing I hadn't but forced to wear the watch looser than I prefer if I don't have time to or feel like it's too much of a hassle to remove the link.
To all manufacturers if you want to use a butterfly clasp....include half links or very small link sizes, por favor. A little loose isn't so bad but if you have big links it's not easy to achieve. And that's preferable to a little tight IMO.
A few things I would like to see become almost standard is on the fly micro adjust, quick release bracelet/ straps and hardness coatings.
💯 Quick release is something I love and it has the actual value of reducing the potential for little scratches around the lugs.
It adds no bulk to the strap, so it should be standard in my eyes
Adjustable clasps are ridiculous and way too large and heavy in my opinion. So the fit needs to be good or it will skate around the wrist. Which means they fix a problem that, at least in part, they themselves have created.
That's kind of how I feel about the T-Fit clasp on my Tudor BB36....
I’ve retrofitted what I can with my watches and I wouldn’t buy a new watch now without tooless micro adjust. Complete deal breaker. My wrists swell and contract a lot. Especially at work.
Absolutely yes. To the point I will not buy a bracelet watch if it doesn't offer an adjustable clasp.
Finally someone said it! In my opinion, micro adjustment bracelets are completely unnecessary and oftentimes the clasps are bulky, uncomfortable, and ungainly.
For dive watche,s the adjustment range is not enough to accommodate a wet suit; then you end up with a giant monster of a clasp because it needs to hold a dive suit extension as well. There are exceptions, like the excellent IWC micro adjustment clasp on the Mark and Pilot’s chronograph lines. Not bulky at all and great looking. I prefer hidden claps that don’t interrupt the bracelet design.
Yes
That's like having a belt without other holes. What do you do for holidays?
That's like having a belt without other holes. What do you do for holidays?
Haha, I don't have many all steel belts 😂 the leather and canvas straps I have have many holes to adjust fit 👍🏼
They're a necessity for me.