[phillyj]

Hello friends, It's been ages since I posted here. I think it's been 2 years. I hope all is well with everyone.

I am thinking about getting a steel bracelet for my Alpha Milsub (good watch, almost 4 years now). It's currently on a Maratac nato which is really comfy for someone with small wrists. I am looking at cheap steel bracelets with solid links under $25 on ebay. Has anyone have an opinion of them?

Specifically, I looked at a few jubilees. Any idea if the center links are solid?

Next, what do you guys think about curved or straight end links? Which is better?

Finally, any suggestions for other styles, instead of jubilee?

Thanks guys

PS: the ebay jubilee I was looking at:
20mm Jubilee Solid Stainless Steel Watchband for Oyster Day Date 0279B | eBay

 

[Thrax]

Center links aren't solid. Curved end links are more harmonious with the shape of a round case.

Two other common bracelet styles are the Oyster and the President.

 

[phillyj]

Yes, I figured that out later about the center links. Probably why people complain of them stretching. I was wondering of the President and if it goes well with the milsub. Otherwise, I'll get an oyster style.

 

[Thrax]

This is the Steinhart homage to the Rolex Milsub, and the homage is very close to the original. I think a President looks alright.

 

[phillyj]

Ok, so I went ahead and got a President bracelet off Amazon (just search for "president solid link") for ~$20. There was a Hadley Roma one also but I went with another seller since his looked like all brushed links (not polished in the center links). I think they're the same thing and the same as the ones found of ebay.

I will post pics later. The milsub looks like a million bucks now .

Now some pros/cons:

Pros:

1. Cheap
2. Solid links, nice and hefty
3. all brushed
4. Did not have to wait 4 weeks for it to arrive from China :-d

Cons:

1. There must be something wrong with either the end-link or with the Milsub lug holes positions. It took me forever to get the bracelet on the watch. I was thinking that it was a dud and wouldn't work but I got it in somehow. It would be a total pain to take it off again.
2. The screws used to remove links are terrible in that it they may or may not unscrew all the way. What I discovered is that the steel was milled but not cleaned so they are still dirt and filings in the screw holes. I cleaned up the screw ends and hope they will come loose in the future, if needed.

So, that's what $20 gets you. I think it was a good deal and it all worked out in the end. But I think the $50 bracelets will have better fit and less problems setting it up.

Quick pics

 

[Dec1968]

This is the Steinhart homage to the Rolex Milsub, and the homage is very close to the original. I think a President looks alright.

I just got my OVM and I love it but would love to find a President bracelet for it.

Any thoughts? I'll have to use the SEL, of course.

David

 

[phillyj]

I just got my OVM and I love it but would love to find a President bracelet for it.

Any thoughts? I'll have to use the SEL, of course.

David

What's an OVM? SEL bracelets are going to cost way more than $20. I think those would be $50 and up.

 

[Dec1968]

Steinhart Ocean Vintage Military - a much sought after Steinhart model.

I expect to pay a fair amount for a quality President bracelet. Not the $20 version - a solid model.

David

 

[phillyj]

Steinhart Ocean Vintage Military - a much sought after Steinhart model.

I expect to pay a fair amount for a quality President bracelet. Not the $20 version - a solid model.

David

Ok. But maybe you should start your own thread or head down to the watchband section. Since this being the Chinese forum and all.

But my opinion of the president style bracelet on a "milsub" type watch is that it looks great. It quiet different from the usual Oyster style but fits really well. I especially like the style of this particular band (quality withstanding) where the links are all brushed steel and the sides of the links are polished. That is a very nice match with how the Alpha Milsub is brushed on the case above lugs but polished on the side. Honestly, the higher the price range, the less you have to worry about. A $20 bracelet will have quality issues, etc.; something in the $100 range, not so much.