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Strap Code MiLTAT vs Other Amazon Bracelets

12K views 27 replies 19 participants last post by  VipinLJ  
#1 ·
All,

I did a market research study which gifted me a $50 Amazon gift card. I figured I’d use it to get a bracelet for my Glycine Combat Sub (Ref # GL0083) which is currently on its OEM NATO strap. The watch looks and wears great on the NATO, but I know work a job where I dress nice and want a metal bracelet that will allow me to get the Glycine into the rotation more.

Looking though Amazon, it’s you’re typical situation where you have the same product (probably from Ali) being marketed within a couple bucks of each other all by brands with nonsensical names.

Looking through reviews, most are positive, but it’s painfully obvious that the bracelets claiming to be 316L are all probably 304, and there are the odd reports of random issues.

But then there is MiLTAT. Photo wise, minus the clasp being partially milled, it’s the same looking product as the rest of the offerings… But at a 150% to 300% markup. It is also offered by a company with a sensical English name: Strap Code.

So this begs the question… If I spend more money, an I just getting a partially milled clasp, or am I getting an actual 316L steel product with better spring bars, better pins, and better finishing… or, am I more paying for a brand name?

It’s a $300 watch (excellent value), so I am looking to pair it with a value bracelet as well… But I’m not going to put garbage on it.

Any advise or feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I’ve attached some screenshots below to give you an idea of what I’m talking about. I can see some minor differences in these two, but other bracelets are much harder to distinguish.


Image

Image
 
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#2 · (Edited)
One difference is the Strapcode is screw assembly where the other is push-pin. That costs a bit more to do, and screw assembly is usually preferred. The links of the Strapcode also appear to be thicker.

Geckota have some nice bracelets as well. I just mention them 'cause they are often overlooked when folks are shopping for bracelets.
 
#5 ·
I have the Miltat/Strapcode Hexad III. Its links are joined by screws. It's a pretty nice bracelet. The endlinks fit perfectly into my SMP. The brushing is okay...on the wrist it's fine, but you may not want to zoom in on it when taking pics. There are a couple of what I consider to be sharp edges, but they're really no big issue.

Is this a bracelet that's going to be of the same quality/finishing as Omega, Breitling, etc.? Nope. But, it's also significantly less expensive.
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#6 ·
Hey that looks really good on that watch @Sugman! I am not expecting perfection and am willing to pay $50 over $20 if the value is there (actual 316L, screw pins, better clasp, etc). Looks like it is based on what what you guys are saying. 👍
 
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#9 ·
But what if I just ordered a strap code off of Amazon?
😳
 
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#12 ·
Just my experience. I got a strapcode bracelet couple years ago and it was garbage. The model was "316L SS Endmill" for a Seiko SKX.

I trow it in the garbage because the clasp had sharps corners, didn't really close perfectly. The bracelet was super hard to install too. The metal itself seemed good quality tho, good weight, decent brushing.

I will never recommend these products, unless you want a cheap bracelet for a cheap watch for a cheap fit and feel on the wrist.
 
#13 ·
Just my experience. I got a strapcode bracelet couple years ago and it was garbage. The model was "316L SS Endmill" for a Seiko SKX.

I trow it in the garbage because the clasp had sharps corners, didn't really close perfectly. The bracelet was super hard to install too. The metal itself seemed good quality tho, good weight, decent brushing.

I will never recommend these products, unless you want a cheap bracelet for a cheap watch for a cheap fit and feel on the wrist.
Tell us how you really feel!

If it is garbage I’ll use Amazon’s liberal return policy to dump it back on them. It was a gift card anyways.

I won’t see it until the 30th or 31st. Funny all of the reviews with pictures showed the watch I’m putting it on. It looked good! I was debating the Milanese but that’ll wait for another watch…
 
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#15 ·
Dont feel you are limited to whatever clasp comes with the bracelet. If you shop on the Strapcode site you can find different clasp options for some bracelets. If you don’t see the clasp you want you can send a request. However, returning to Amazon is the easiest option.
If you are planning to expand your watch collection, having multiple clasps available would be great.
 
#17 ·
Dont feel you are limited to whatever clasp comes with the bracelet. If you shop on the Strapcode site you can find different clasp options for some bracelets. If you don’t see the clasp you want you can send a request. However, returning to Amazon is the easiest option.
If you are planning to expand your watch collection, having multiple clasps available would be great.
I've one strapcode Super Oyster with their double button fold over milled clasp and several more of that same clasp on other divers bracelets of mine, nice little upgrades.
I now want some their on the fly adjustment clasps cause I'm fussy about things I like, watches and their fitting be no exception.
 
#21 ·
I've got a couple of the Strapcode bracelets. They're good.

I've got a very old MiLTat Jubilee (replaced the trash jubilee on my SKX009). It has the push button, flip-lock clasp.

I've got a Hexad on my OG Black Monster. This one has the push button/ratcheting clasp.

No complaints here.
 
#22 ·
Image

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Here is one of their oysters on a newish Seiko Sub Mod I picked up from another WUS member. Decent fit, quality feels on point and it was a breeze to install and fit. My only real beef is the fixed middle section on the solid end piece. Extends the north to south fit of the watch on the wrist a little bit, which isn’t a problem for this one but might be for a larger watch.
 
#23 ·
Don't know about the solid link bracelets, but I bought a few basic Milanese bracelets this past year.

First I bought a $10 cheapie off ebay for a Skmei, not a watch I wanted to invest a lot in. Came in a few days, was rather nice.

Few months later, I had a vintage Tissot, so wanted to pony up the bucks for something a little nicer, decided to invest in a Strap Code. Same style bracelet, but paid 3 or 4x the ebay one, and I didn't realize it was shipping from Singapore or wherever Strap Code is based, so had to wait awhile. When I got it in hand, I was shocked that it was nearly identical to the cheapie ebay bracelet. I can take pictures if need be.

It just kind of hit me in the face that all these sellers are selling the same ---- from Alibaba or whatever. Perhaps Strap Code offers a secure looking website, maybe some extra QC or something, but at the end of the day, same ----. I'm rather convinced Uncle Seiko is doing the same thing.

Just my experience with cheap bracelets.
 
#24 ·
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Finally home and had a chance to check out the bracelet. Quick release spring bar setup made it easy to fit in the lugs. Screws to change links was very easy to get a good fit. Overall it looks great to me and feels well-made. Can’t compare it to other bracelets as I don’t have any alternatives.

As a person who normally doesn’t wear bracelets, it’s very comfortable and I like it a lot so far. Would recommend.
 
#25 · (Edited)
All,

I did a market research study which gifted me a $50 Amazon gift card. I figured I’d use it to get a bracelet for my Glycine Combat Sub (Ref # GL0083) which is currently on its OEM NATO strap. The watch looks and wears great on the NATO, but I know work a job where I dress nice and want a metal bracelet that will allow me to get the Glycine into the rotation more.

Looking though Amazon, it’s you’re typical situation where you have the same product (probably from Ali) being marketed within a couple bucks of each other all by brands with nonsensical names.

Looking through reviews, most are positive, but it’s painfully obvious that the bracelets claiming to be 316L are all probably 304, and there are the odd reports of random issues.

But then there is MiLTAT. Photo wise, minus the clasp being partially milled, it’s the same looking product as the rest of the offerings… But at a 150% to 300% markup. It is also offered by a company with a sensical English name: Strap Code.

So this begs the question… If I spend more money, an I just getting a partially milled clasp, or am I getting an actual 316L steel product with better spring bars, better pins, and better finishing… or, am I more paying for a brand name?

It’s a $300 watch (excellent value), so I am looking to pair it with a value bracelet as well… But I’m not going to put garbage on it.

Any advise or feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

I’ve attached some screenshots below to give you an idea of what I’m talking about. I can see some minor differences in these two, but other bracelets are much harder to distinguish.


View attachment 17109748
View attachment 17109750
Looks just like the bracelet that came on my San Martin 62MAS. I don’t doubt the quality but the bracelet’s on the heavier side at 85g after resizing to my <7” wrist.

Edit: it’s 85g and not 95g
 
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#26 ·
@Deity42
If you want a nice Milanese mesh bracelet then the way to go is with Staib.
That is Staib's specialty and it is truly an excellent bracelet made in Germany.
I have one that I wear on my Omega and I am very happy with it.
-----
Strapcode makes a good quality bracelet.
I have their Bandoleer and their upgraded Endmill bracelet that I'm very happy with.
It feels substantial, it tapers, it has a milled clasp, it looks good, it uses screws, etc.
I just ordered a third one...their new fitted Beads of Rice bracelet for a nice Seiko.
 
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#27 ·
I’ve purchased several Strapcode bracelets & liked them all except the rollerball. That one was uncomfortable garbage. The tapered mesh on my Superocean looks sublime.

I’ve also bought the look alike bracelets from Ali. As a general rule if you look long enough on Ali you can find the same vendor as the $$$ version being sold at a markup (speaking broadly, not just watch straps) but I genuinely think Strapcode may manufacture their own because I’ve never found an equal. Only cheap look alikes.
 
#28 ·
I have a Military/strapcode jubilee bracelet on my Orient Kamasu and I love it. My first ever jubilee bracelet experience and I actually love the quality. Looks good and is solid (with SELs as well). I love heavy bracelets and this one is perfect. I have a Seiko and Rolex jubilee as well. The Rolex is obviously nice but not heavy (I know that it is obviously much better but personally I love a heavy bracelet). The Seiko is pretty decent but I prefer the Military jubilee over that.
I've tried cheap bracelets from Amazon on my galaxy watch and it was exactly that. Cheap.
 
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