Saw these the other week but were only available in, I think, 14 and 16mm ..... good range of sizes now including 18mm. Gaps a bit smaller than the GF but about as close to it as there is on the market from what I've seen. Looks like it tapers as well which is important on a vintage watch IMO.

 

These bracelets always look like they must breath well on the wrist with the open part.

 

They do!

 

Warning:

Do not buy these for your watch unless you plan on doing a little work modifying the bracelet.

The end links only have a cutout on one side for springbar installation.

I assume it's for the quick-release springbars provided.

The problem is that you don't have the clearance to use a QR springbar. Unlike straps, you can't just put one end of the springbar in, then work the other in.

Bracelets, in general, need to go in squared-up to the case. Hence a cutout on each end or a double-level QR springbar.

No problem, just compress both ends with a tool. Great. But now you can't get it out "one end at a time" via QR nor can you do it the old-fashioned way because you can't access one end of the springbar.

Reducing (filing) the end link down by 0.5mm will allow you to use the QR springbars as intended. It's a minimal visual difference and will save you a headache or return.

 

Any pics of it on a watch/wrist?

 

 

Thanks so much for sharing these photos and instruction above concerning the need for modifications. Can you show a photo of how you modified the inside of the bracelet? Did you cut a small slit underneath the solid side to match the other side? OR did you file down 0.5 mm from the side of the entire end link?

 

New ladder style bracelet available from Forstner - slimmer end link than the StrapCo one

 

any mods required? or it fit? Thx

 

Oh wow- that looks nice with the taper vs. the zenith version.


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I’m curious about the Forstner band as well. I can’t imagine it being less well made than the Strapcode. I was not impressed with the Strapcode. Links use split pins not screws, and the clasp is flimsy. Bracelet felt “tinny” - granted I may not be allowing for the play that is probably inherent in a ladder style bracelet as it doesn’t have that center component. Lastly, the straight end link (which I like looks-wise) means you will sometimes see the nub of the quick attach springbar, which is not a good look. Like WTSP suggests, it would be a better look to slot for use of a regular springbar.

I get that it’s a cheap alternative, and it may be ok/passable on a cheaper watch. I’m also ok with a strap/bracelet that is cheaper and of slightly less quality level than the watch it’s on - but the perceived difference in this case was too great for me.

 

I'm curious about the Forstner band as well. I can't imagine it being less well made than the Strapcode. I was not impressed with the Strapcode. Links use split pins not screws, and the clasp is flimsy. Bracelet felt "tinny" - granted I may not be allowing for the play that is probably inherent in a ladder style bracelet as it doesn't have that center component. Lastly, the straight end link (which I like looks-wise) means you will sometimes see the nub of the quick attach springbar, which is not a good look. Like WTSP suggests, it would be a better look to slot for use of a regular springbar.

I get that it's a cheap alternative, and it may be ok/passable on a cheaper watch. I'm also ok with a strap/bracelet that is cheaper and of slightly less quality level than the watch it's on - but the perceived difference in this case was too great for me.

Thanks for sharing your impressions. It's good to have feedback from actual owners. I've held back on any purchase, mainly because I didn't like the clasp on the Strapcode bracelet, while the Forstner version seems a little pricy and sounds like there may be sales on Black Friday (though maybe not since apparently it often sells out).

It also seems to me that the Forstner ladder bracelet's clasp isn't necessarily that solid either. It seems to be very similar to the original ladder bracelets that it's replicating, which had cheap stamped metal clasps.

The Fortsner Komfit JB Mesh has gotten more of my attention. The fact that it's breathable and elastic seem like huge advantages for a metal bracelet. The stretchability feature is a huge plus in my book, as it will avoid me having to try to fit a spring loaded extender to the ladder bracelet.

I'm still concerned about what all these bracelets will do to the inner lugs. The Komfit comes with circular plastic protectors because the bars are spring loaded and rub more. But I get the feeling that the tube shaped end links on the ladder bracelet also rub.

 

I initially bought both the StrapsCo and later the Forstner ladder bracelet for my Defys - both need a little simple filing away as the hidden lugs of the Defy narrow slightly as they run away from the edge. I had no problems fitting the StrapCo version to other watches. Here are comparative pics of the two fitted :

The Forstner is slightly thinner than the StrapsCo and has brushed sides whereas the StrapsCo is polished. Both have simple vintage style clasps, the StrapsCo having the additional fold over retaining part very similar to the clasp on a Gay Freres bracelet. The 'ladder' gaps between links are slightly larger in the Forstner and the end link more like the Gay Freres. Both of them have rounded off end links so if you have a smaller wrist (and no hidden lugs!) you do not have a squared off edge looking up at you from between the lugs when wearing. The Forstner has screws whereas the StrapsCo has split pins. The Forstner comes with its own neat little box and a small screwdriver - doesn't add to the bracelet but is nice. Both bracelets taper nicely and have a very vintage feel - they are certainly not as robust or chunky as many modern bracelets but I guess that isn't the look and feel they are going for. The StrapsCo is significally less expensive than the Forstner. Both are very comfortable on the wrist.. Is the price difference worth it? The Forstner does look better overall on the Defys with its simple end arrangement and bigger gaps but I doubt anyone would notice on wrist. Bearing in mind the simple clasps are similar to those found on bargain basement bracelets (but very period in look) neither could be called cheap, but if you want that GF look, they are LOTS cheaper than an original, assuming you can find one, and about the only alternatives. On that basis I'd buy both again.

As an aside, StrapsCo replied to a thread on the Doxa forum and indicated they may look at adding curved end links to their ladder bracelet. If they do then they will be getting added to several of my other watches.

 

Thanks so much for posting the pics and comparative review! It's great that you have experience with both. Those vintage Defys are beautiful as well. Ladder bracelets certainly suit them. It's funny that you say that both bracelets are expensive. I looked at the StrapsCo ladder and concluded that at half the price of the Forstner it was fairly inexpensive. But I suppose it's true that there are plenty of full link steel bracelets in the $25 to $35 range.

 

Hmm for some reason I remembered it was closer to £80/90 range but you are right - I see its a good bit cheaper. I've edited the post to take account of that.

 

Has anyone been able to compare to the current Zenith version yet?


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I ended up buying the Forstner version for my recently acquired original El Primero, so while I can’t do a compare-and-contrast, I’m happy with the product. It was easy to install on the watch as was removing two links to size the bracelet to my wrist. The clasp does seem lightweight, but not to an extreme degree.

And the combo looks smashing.

And here’s the obligatory photo from an imaginary sports car rally.

In my opinion it makes a great watch even better.

 

This looks amazing!

Can you (or anyone) show a side profile of the clasp? On or off wrist? Love to get a sense of how thick it is.

Not sure if any measurements are posted but I’ll search.


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I got the oem ladder for my liberty and love it.

 

I ended up grabbing the Forstner:

It’s quite a bit flimsier than the Zenith OEM, but I guess that’s more of the Vintage “feel”. I enjoy the lightness of it.

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Not much to add to what has already been stated EO last year… Went with the Forstner for a vintage Defy and am happy with my choice thanks to the comfort and a look around the endlinks that comes as close to the period Gay Frères bracelet as possible:

On a less “prestigious” watch and/or without hidden lugs (e.g., skin-diver or cushion case), I might go with the less expensive StrapsCo, though.