Guys, I need help with "curves" and bracelets.
Alright fellas, don't laugh but I'm going to receive a Seiko SBTR026 real soon and I ponder a specific question.
As soon as I get that thing I want to change the straps/bracelet. I have a SARX055 with the titanium bracelet which the SBTR026 bracelet tries to imitate (in a bad way but that's where the price is cut, of course).
The SARX055 should keep it bracelet and I want to order, let's say, a Hexad or any other curved-end bracelet.
Here's the question: Are watch curvatures or roundings of the case the same given a lug-width of 20 mm? I don't think so but no site that sells metal bracelets specifies that a given bracelet fits the "Spirit-line" let alone the SBTR-models. They state something like "Seiko 5 Sports" or "Sumo" and such. Why make a difference there when there would be none? I think it also has something to do with the drillings and the thickness of the case and the lugs?
Any advice or hint would be appreciated ("take a straight end bracelet" is not the advice I'm looking for ;)
… to attain something desired is to discover how vain it is — A. S.
I think this is a fair question to ask on a watch forum, I don’t think anyone will laugh at you for it. Short answer is no equal lug width doesn’t mean equal curvature. Even if the diameter is the same the curvature might not match an easy check is to go on something like Strapcode and see if they can take the same bracelet, if they can you’re good otherwise the bracelet might not work.
I think this is a fair question to ask on a watch forum, I don’t think anyone will laugh at you for it. Short answer is no equal lug width doesn’t mean equal curvature. Even if the diameter is the same the curvature might not match an easy check is to go on something like Strapcode and see if they can take the same bracelet, if they can you’re good otherwise the bracelet might not work.
Sorry, I seem to stumble a bit on the advice. What do you mean with "see if they can take the same bracelet"?
Sorry, I seem to stumble a bit on the advice. What do you mean with "see if they can take the same bracelet"?
If you go on Strapcode or any site that sells bracelets tailor made for watches they’ll have a list if watches that can take the bracelet. If you see both the watches on a bracelet’s comparability list it’ll mean that both those watches have similar enough curvature so they can take the same bracelet, and the links will fit.
If you go on Strapcode or any site that sells bracelets tailor made for watches they’ll have a list if watches that can take the bracelet. If you see both the watches on a bracelet’s comparability list it’ll mean that both those watches have similar enough curvature so they can take the same bracelet, and the links will fit.
I'll check the sites. Thanks.
And in case of doubt there's always an email address, I guess ;)
Try this site in the Seiko section.....
https://unclestraps.com
Good question 🙋🏾
A valid question indeed. Think I can provide you with a glimps what to expect from SBTR026 bracelet (from my experience). I have recently purchased SND367 from Japan. Although the initial purpose of the order was to extract the movement (7T92) to swap it with my other broken watch, I decided to keep it as it was. However, the bracelet was a different story… It really re-defined the term “basic”. It is one of the most generic entry-level 20mm bracelet that Seiko uses for sub-$200 watches. Hollowed end links, fold-over mid links and basic stamped clasp. I replaced it with a decent leather strap and I almost forget that this was meant to be a parts watch.
To answer your question (to the best of my knowledge), you maybe able to swap the bracelets, mainly due to the comparable case diameters (40-41mm) and lug width. However, there’s a good chance that the SBTR lugs are not curved. Most likely to be straight and flat. I have yet to own a SARX, but according to what I have seen online, they look curved. One more thing to consider: the drilled spring bar hole positions. They can be near or far from the case, and high or low inside the lugs. Ironically, this is where the hollowed end links are much easier to install compared to the solid ones. I guess there is some wiggle room…
Never was my intention sound like a “know-it-all” (bc I’m not), but hope this helps. Good luck!
A valid question indeed. Think I can provide you with a glimps what to expect from SBTR026 bracelet (from my experience). I have recently purchased SND367 from Japan. Although the initial purpose of the order was to extract the movement (7T92) to swap it with my other broken watch, I decided to keep it as it was. However, the bracelet was a different story… It really re-defined the term “basic”. It is one of the most generic entry-level 20mm bracelet that Seiko uses for sub-$200 watches. Hollowed end links, fold-over mid links and basic stamped clasp. I replaced it with a decent leather strap and I almost forget that this was meant to be a parts watch.
To answer your question (to the best of my knowledge), you maybe able to swap the bracelets, mainly due to the comparable case diameters (40-41mm) and lug width. However, there’s a good chance that the SBTR lugs are not curved. Most likely to be straight and flat. I have yet to own a SARX, but according to what I have seen online, they look curved. One more thing to consider: the drilled spring bar hole positions. They can be near or far from the case, and high or low inside the lugs. Ironically, this is where the hollowed end links are much easier to install compared to the solid ones. I guess there is some wiggle room…
Never was my intention sound like a “know-it-all” (bc I’m not), but hope this helps. Good luck!
Thanks for the elaborate answer mate.
I think I know what I've gotten myself into concerning the bracelet but at that price, in these colors, sporting a Mecha-Quartz... I couldn't resist.
If all else fails I'll put a Nato on it and call it a day. As soon as I receive the SBTR I'll let you know in this post if the SARX bracelet (i. e. the "big brother bracelet") fits.Or I'll get a straight ended one...
You'll very likely will not find a matching aftermarket bracelet.
Lug width, length and spring bar hole position
General geometry of the case <-> bracelet interface: thickness, step(s) and other machining properties
You're looking for a compatible replacement of this Seiko part number: M0E0C21J0.
Having female end links that separate from the bracelet, you could try your luck with combining those with other bracelets. Like on this photo, all three end links fit on all three bracelets.
Right: W57W1AM, from the SZSB series
Middle, PVD version: M10E217M0, stainless steel version: M10E213J0, from SRPJ Seiko5 series
Right: M0TZ411J0, compatible with SARB017 style Alpinist series & SARB033/35
You'll very likely will not find a matching aftermarket bracelet.
Lug width, length and spring bar hole position
General geometry of the case <-> bracelet interface: thickness, step(s) and other machining properties
You're looking for a compatible replacement of this Seiko part number: M0E0C21J0.
Having female end links that separate from the bracelet, you could try your luck with combining those with other bracelets. Like on this photo, all three end links fit on all three bracelets.
Right: W57W1AM, from the SZSB series
Middle, PVD version: M10E217M0, stainless steel version: M10E213J0, from SRPJ Seiko5 series
Right: M0TZ411J0, compatible with SARB017 style Alpinist series & SARB033/35
Thanks a ton.
Currently rocking it on a rubber strap but I’m looking for a suitable bracelet as well.
might be a tad late but the strapcode watches for seiko presage ssa345 fit on the sbtr models, as shown on their site. what do you think of the spirit watch itself, im thinking of getting the 021 black dial soon, and also want a bracelet change because that comes on leather.