If you are not into watches the thought of spending more than £500 on a watch may seem foolish. £115 on a watch bracelet may seem foolhardy in the extreme, but I would like to explain why that is not a completely crazy proposition.

The first reason is as follows- ‘The Forstner Komfit mesh watch bracelet was one of the only steel watch bands sanctioned by NASA for use on manned space missions. Once worn by astronauts throughout the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs (even making it to the surface of the moon), Forstner has recreated this beautiful and unique bracelet.’

The second is that when Forstner states recreated, the brand actually did make the original bracelet and so there is authenticity running through this ‘new’ product. It is not a copy or a homage, it is technically the same bracelet with some improvements to account for the many decades since the moon was a thing for us humans.

In terms of design this bracelet is unique; it can accommodate spring bars and watches with lug widths from 16 to 20mm which offers lots of flexibility. The way the horned ends meet the watch could possibly cause scratches which is catered for by the inclusion of internal lug protectors. You stick these on the lug holes and then push them in to prevent any damage. It’s a simple touch, but an example of the thought that has gone into the product.

The 16mm width of the strap should not work with modern watches aesthetically and ironically not the Speedmaster which NASA astronauts wore back in the day, but strangely it does. I have it fitted on my Seamaster which is +40mm in diameter and it looks really smart in my opinion. The inclusion of a release mechanism one side and a simple flat holder the other adds enough visual appeal to make it look different and very tool-like.

I cannot deny that on first use this is a hard bracelet to understand. That may sound strange, but understanding how to size it and attach it to your wrist really does need instructions. Fortunately Forstner does offer quick video clips to show you how to use it (available here) which speeds things up, but it would be nice to include a bar code in the box to make finding these easier rather than just the Forstner URL.

After a few minutes fiddling and wondering why the hell I bought this bracelet it all came together and I can now take off the watch and put it back on in seconds thanks to the articulated button on the release catch which is engineered very precisely.

Crucially, the bracelet is incredibly comfortable and I barely feel my Seamaster any more. I am guessing this is because of the flexibility in the horned ends and the suppleness of the mesh used in this bracelet. It brings a completely different look to any watch and adds some personality where you would not normally expect it.

Is it worth £115? Yes. In the world of decent quality watch bracelets it most certainly is because it is built so well. It also has tons of history other straps cannot compete with and it is very different to so many other offerings.

It makes me want to find a vintage Timely Wrist Calendar (this excellent article explains what they are) and there is only one very niche fault that I can find. This will sound ridiculous, but if you are a side sleeper with a beard you will not want to wear this bracelet when you sleep. I now have a beard and I always side sleep with my head resting on my hand/wrist- this bracelet rips my beard hair with ease and it is painful! Strangely it has not caught my wrist hair at all so it’s only the thicker beardy stuff it doesn’t like.

I would like to add that I bought this bracelet from Watch Obsession who, once again, provided a buying experience that I wish others would follow. Emails every step of the way, quick postage, secure delivery and exceptional packaging. The process is simple, efficient and lacking in any bullsh*t that I have experienced from so many other sellers.

So, thanks to Watch Obsession and Forstner for offering decent quality and a big lump of history which serious watch people will love to own. In a world dominated by similarity, it’s nice to see something a little different than can bring some extra personality to your favourite timepiece.

Categories: Articles, Watches