After shuffling off this mortal coil a while back, Massachusetts-based watch bracelet brand Forstner has been resurrected in the 21st Century — and the brand is celebrating its rebirth by recreating some of the most iconic styles of decades past. With the ongoing enthusiasm for vintage watch styles, it’s only surprising that more companies haven’t made this move sooner.
The “beads-of-rice” bracelet has seen a boom in popularity in recent years, but there are many more funky and charming bracelet types that’ll match that vintage or vintage-inspired watch on your wrist. From the Komfit style on which NASA astronauts wore their Omega Speedmasters to the oft-forgotten “bonklip,” Forstner is producing several archetypal vintage bracelets — and doing so for pretty reasonable prices.
Watches That Beg for a Forstner Bracelet
CourtesyHamilton Intra-Matic Auto
Hamilton’s Intra-Matic is a throwback to the classic American dress watch of yore.
SeikoSeiko Prospex SPB143
Seiko absolutely nailed the balance between its vintage 62MAS diver and modern redesign.
YemaYema Speedgraf
Yema offers just about the coolest racing chronographs you’ll find for the price.
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$2,699.00 (44% off)
TudorTudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
Tudor’s Black Bay Fifty-Eight is the right size. It’s reasonably priced. It’s got an in-house movement. It’s beautiful. It’s perfect.
Komfit
CourtesyThere are many different types of mesh watch strap, from Milanese to shark. The Komfit in particular, however, is associated with NASA and the Omega Speedmaster — and when you spot a Moonwatch on NASA personnel in old footage, it’s often worn on this type of bracelet. Available in several variations, it’s not only uber-retro in looks, but as the name suggests, is meant to wear comfortably.
