What makes a good quality bracelet?
I know the answer to the question is the price range of the watch itself. So everytime I try to answer (and looking at forum discussions) the answer is to compare with another watch in the same price range.
If I try to compare my Citizen Tsuyosa with other watch in the similar range (let’s say some Seikos, or Orient), I can’t stop thinking how good the bracelet is for the price range, for the finishing (Seiko 5 for example is rough around the edges) and flexibility.
My next question, is there any bad quality bracelet for a Swiss watch?
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Justin
Loving japanese watches as much as swiss’. Current rotation is Citizen Tsuyosa, Hamilton khaki field auto, and Scuba Fifty.
Indonesia
Member since
Last active: 7 hrs ago
7.00” / 17.78 cm
Smoothed edges and micro adjustment, not too heavy. Many Swiss brands let you down with their bracelets, they are starting to up their game but years behind where they should be. Has just been laziness on their behalf. Seiko for the size of them, what they have at their disposal, should be making much better bracelets.
Things I would consider in a good bracelet (in no particular order):
Articulation. Does the bracelet conform to my wrist? In general, a bracelet with more links, or link components, will be more flexible than a bracelet with fewer.
Tolerances. Does the bracelet rattle or jangle when shaken? Do the endlinks fit snugly into the lugs. Conversely, a bracelet that binds and snags will be uncomfortable.
Finish. Are the links cleanly finished with no sharp edges? Are transitions crisp, not soft?
Clasp. Is the clasp too long or too thick? Does the clasp transition to/from the rest of the bracelet cleanly? Are the clasp components machined or stamped? Stamped components are fine, but can look ‘soft’ (read ‘cheap’) compared to machined components.
Adjustability. Does the clasp feature on-the-fly micro-adjustment? If not, are there adequate micro-adjust holes in the clasp? In the worst case, are there half-links?
Aesthetics. Does the bracelet taper? A non-tapering bracelet can make a watch feel bulky; conversely, a bracelet with too much taper can make a watch feel top-heavy. Does the style of the bracelet match the style (and finish) of the watch head?
Convenience. Is is straightforward to remove/replace the bracelet? Are special tools needed, or does it have quick-release? Is the fitment system bespoke, so I’m tied-in to only using straps from the manufacturer?
Micro adjustment and/or half links. So many big names don't bother with this when it should be standard.
Things I would consider in a good bracelet (in no particular order):
Articulation. Does the bracelet conform to my wrist? In general, a bracelet with more links, or link components, will be more flexible than a bracelet with fewer.
Tolerances. Does the bracelet rattle or jangle when shaken? Do the endlinks fit snugly into the lugs. Conversely, a bracelet that binds and snags will be uncomfortable.
Finish. Are the links cleanly finished with no sharp edges? Are transitions crisp, not soft?
Clasp. Is the clasp too long or too thick? Does the clasp transition to/from the rest of the bracelet cleanly? Are the clasp components machined or stamped? Stamped components are fine, but can look ‘soft’ (read ‘cheap’) compared to machined components.
Adjustability. Does the clasp feature on-the-fly micro-adjustment? If not, are there adequate micro-adjust holes in the clasp? In the worst case, are there half-links?
Aesthetics. Does the bracelet taper? A non-tapering bracelet can make a watch feel bulky; conversely, a bracelet with too much taper can make a watch feel top-heavy. Does the style of the bracelet match the style (and finish) of the watch head?
Convenience. Is is straightforward to remove/replace the bracelet? Are special tools needed, or does it have quick-release? Is the fitment system bespoke, so I’m tied-in to only using straps from the manufacturer?
💯do you think presidential bracelet in some ways more flexible than oysters? Even for a rough quality presidential
Micro adjustment and/or half links. So many big names don't bother with this when it should be standard.
I don’t have a micro adjustment bracelet, but has it ever slipped unintentionally?
Something else to consider is articulation of the links. Lots of microbrands these days (Traska, Lorier, etc.) are coming out with oyster-style bracelets that have fully articulating links which is incredible. Really improves fit and comfort, and that’s something not even the Swiss heritage brands are doing.
I don’t have a micro adjustment bracelet, but has it ever slipped unintentionally?
Nope, but very useful on a warm day when your wrists swell