Speedmaster bracelet - aftermarket supplier

[RicksAlfas]

I have a Speedmaster on a canvas strap which after 10 years is looking past its best. It's this one:
https://www.omegawatches.com/en-gb/watch-omega-spe...

I would like to swap it for a steel bracelet, but the genuine Omega ones are a bit pricey for me. Is there a good aftermarket supplier people can recommend? I need 19mm between lugs and like the flat link style like these:

https://www.forstnerbands.co.uk/products/forstner-...

https://www.uncleseiko.co.uk/store/p218/US1035_Fla...

Last thing, is this a DIY swap or am I best asking someone who knows what they are doing?!

Thanks.

[Deefor62]

I have a couple of the Forstners and find them extremely comfortable to wear.

Simple to fit as well.

[scoopdydoo]

I have the Forstner flat link on my Speedmaster.

As stated its comfortable but I was a little disappointed with how light it was and while the built in stretch is nice for your wrist expanding in hot weather mine has after only year lost its elasticity and some of the links are twisted on the pins.

I'll try post a pic when I'm home.

What I've been trying to source is a fitted rubber strap akin to the Everest bands for Rolex, if it fits the deployant clasp even better.

[Deefor62]

scoopdydoo said:

I have the Forstner flat link on my Speedmaster.

As stated its comfortable but I was a little disappointed with how light it was and while the built in stretch is nice for your wrist expanding in hot weather mine has after only year lost its elasticity and some of the links are twisted on the pins.

I'll try post a pic when I'm home.

What I've been trying to source is a fitted rubber strap akin to the Everest bands for Rolex, if it fits the deployant clasp even better.

Omega do a fitted rubber/leather curved end strap that utilises the Omega déployant clasp. Can’t for the life of me remember the part number though.

[scoopdydoo]

Deefor62 said:

Omega do a fitted rubber/leather curved end strap that utilises the Omega déployant clasp. Can’t for the life of me remember the part number though.

That'd be ideal, I was sure I'd seen Omega ones somewhere but couldn't for the life of me find it. I've found Horus do one but not sure if the Deployant would fit and not keen on that chunky buckle look.

[Deefor62]

scoopdydoo said:

Deefor62 said:

Omega do a fitted rubber/leather curved end strap that utilises the Omega déployant clasp. Can’t for the life of me remember the part number though.

That'd be ideal, I was sure I'd seen Omega ones somewhere but couldn't for the life of me find it. I've found Horus do one but not sure if the Deployant would fit and not keen on that chunky buckle look.

Have a look at the following references
98000037 which is an all black version, and:
98000297 which has white stitching.
Both are 20/18mm and I think were options on the 2500 Planet Ocean.
Both however are on the pricey side.

[7mike]

scoopdydoo said:

That'd be ideal, I was sure I'd seen Omega ones somewhere but couldn't for the life of me find it. I've found Horus do one but not sure if the Deployant would fit and not keen on that chunky buckle look.

I'd never heard of Horus, out of curiosity I opened up the celebrities page on their website. Not that I could ever afford one but that's put me of AP for life

[Squadrone Rosso]

I can personally attest to this company. I’ve only bought half links but quality is 100% as is delivery times from the US. They have a great reputation in the Tudor community.

https://unclestraps.com/collections/speedmaster

If you’re feeling flush, look no further than these folk in Manchester.

https://www.swisswatchspares.com/omega-bracelets

[Macneil]

I've got a couple of Uncle Seiko bracelets on a Seiko and an Omega, and they're pretty good. I've got a Strapcode too, probably a step up.

Changing isn't difficult with a good tool, if you've got an old watch lying around to practise on it might help avoid scratches

[RicksAlfas]

Thanks chaps. I've ordered an Uncle Seiko one. £69.50 including delivery, so worth a try.

[RicksAlfas]

Well that was quick! Ordered Monday, arrived yesterday. For the price it's very good compared to an OE bracelet. Let's say it's two thirds the quality for a tenth of the price! Bear in mind it's a friction clasp which never feel great. Fitting was a bit fiddly as the curved end links are separate from the strap and the lugs underneath needed a slight tweak to fit. Very pleased with how it looks and I like the contrast between the polished outer links and brushed inner. One thing to bear in mind if you are "powerfully built" - it's not the longest of bracelets. I only had to take two links out and I'm skinny of wrist. It's very comfortable to wear as it's light and the links are short. There is no elasticity on this bracelet which the Forstner one has. Some pics: