On the Wrist, from off the Cuff: Forstner - Komfit "JB" Mesh Bracelet, NASA sanctioned Vintage Style
On this episode we take an in-depth look at a bracelet option that has made quite a comeback as of late. "Forstner's stainless steel expandable mesh watch band (called the 'Komfit') was one of the only watch bracelets sanctioned by NASA for manned space missions. It was worn by astronauts throughout the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, and even made it to the surface of the moon. After a long hiatus, Forstner has reissued and improved this classic watch strap." Thanks to Instagram, this storied accessory has peaked my personal attention. Sure, it isn't cheap or super substantial feeling but it makes up for all of that with superior functionality and style, combined with one-heck-of-a backstory. Let me know what you all think in the comments below, thanks guys!
forstnerbands.com/products/wi...
Пікірлер: 47
Nice strap option. Thanks for sharing. The fact it can be the one mesh style for practically any watch in a collection is very appealing.. besides the unique design and style.
Purchased the Komfit and I think it is certainty pretty cool. However, it is far from a universal design, which it's variable lug width would imply. This is because the end links for the Komfit is squared off, increasing the material that comes off the lugs. This means that watches with lugs located closer to the case will come in contact with the end links, causing it to flare out rather than hang freely. This can be a problem because it will make your watch wear larger. I purchased this bracelet as a universal bracelet and realized that the only watch it would comfortably fit on was a Seiko SKX, with its ample space between lug/case, and huge cutouts at the bottom of the case. Another note regarding the end links. There is a fixed cylinder that is flush on one side, while the other side has a cut out for spring bar tool. The cut out is insanely small, and most tools will not fit in there. Recommend that you only use double flange spring bars for this bracelet. That way you pull the bracelet to one side, collapsing the endlink onto one end exposing the double flange of the spring bar, and engaging with that to remove it. Trying to use a springbar tool in the gap of the endlink, will just damage it, because like I said, its actually too small to fit a tool into it.
I love it! Gotta get one to fit over my space suit. Or Covid suit...never know what's coming next. Thanks for sharing, seriously, it's cool.
Forstner started in 1920 and was acquired by Jacoby Bender in 1963 who in the 60's - 70's provided Rolex Jubilee bands for models sold in the USA to lower the import tariff. In 2019, Forstner, and its Komfit band, were re-launched. Some of the the new releases for the Tudor says JB on the clasp which is a nice nod to the past.
I bought one for my Omega FOiS, to make it as authentic-looking as possible. Your video saved my sanity - even though I now understand the mechanism, which is difficult with no instructions, it is tricky to fasten. However, it looks great on, and is really comfortable. I bet Schirra had to have some help!
Ive been wanting to get one of these for a while but struggled with only seeing photos of it. This video definitely pushed me to buy it.
nice combo too
I love it! I will buy it for my moonwatch! 😊
@cedricduquenne4656
9 ай бұрын
but wich one??? with or without the "Horned Ends" in the lugs ... can you advise me? thanks
Thanks for a helpful and interesting review. I spotted this bracelet a while ago but never saw a need for it in my collection. Then I just got a Douglas X-15 Skin-diver WorldTimer which comes with a bund style strap. It's a combination of leather bund and nylon strap. I was looking for something different and while Wolbrook sells a mesh strap it is a standard one. And with postage it's not massively cheaper to the UK than buying from Forstner. Knowing the history behind the Komfit I thought it would be perfect match for my new watch. I've gone for the wide version as it's 18mm and the Douglas has 20mm lugs.
What model is the seiko? Looks beautiful
I enjoyed your review very much-thank you. Did you try the Komfit Mesh with "horned ends"? I like the look but don't know if it would fit a variety of watches. How versatile would those end links be? Maybe better to go with the straight ends?
@AverageBros
3 жыл бұрын
I was in the same boat, I liked the horned ends but ultimately figured the straight ends would be more versatile. If you have a specific case that would flow well with the horned, go for it but if you're looking to play around and pair with a number of options, then a the straight would be the safest choice
I have been considering this for my Bulova Lunar Pilot and I like the look of the new wider bracelet. Which length did you get, original or regular? I have a 7.5 wrist and have read that the longer "original" length may be necessary for me as the regular can be tight to get a larger hand through the strap. Thanks for the video.
@AverageBros
3 жыл бұрын
I went w/the 'Original' for my 7.25" wrist, thanks
@foustergr
2 жыл бұрын
7,1'' wrist and thinking which one to order..original or regular?
Nice to see you still have the panda, how many watches you have total??
looks like a Nato Style Mesh band.... Nice!
im thinking the clasp might give when it accidentally latch on to something..like a jacket zipper or a belt buckle...
What the reference of Seiko ?
Great review and nice review! You reviewed the Hanhart Pioneer One, how do you think this bracelet would suit that watch? That’s my one issue with the Hanhart, no bracelet option. Thanks!
@andrewfisher7599
3 жыл бұрын
I’m also looking closely at a Staib mesh...
Wonder how this would look on an omega seamaster 300m?
Could the packaging magnetize the band?
Do you think it would look nice on a Junghans max bill? Thanks
Does the brand also sell in Europe? Any online EU store I can find them?
I want one for my Oris
This may seem like a dumb Q, but what kind of watch do you think this works best with? I've been aware of this bracelet for a few months. Of course, it's often paired with the Omega Speedmaster but the overall aesthetic seems a bit elegant vs "tool-y" for every day wear. They have another bracelet which Serica ships with their watch. Again, I want to like it, but in this case it seems a bit thin...imbalanced in some way. I know they have a long history with these designs, but I guess to my "modern" eyes it seems a bit off, or unusual. And, that might be the charm. Of course, I can only ask your opinion about the bracelet you have in front of you. Thanks for providing the review, and maybe you can do a review of the other bracelet they offer in the future. Any thoughts on the Serica watch?
@AverageBros
3 жыл бұрын
I see what you mean, for me, I think these pair well with anything that has a more vintage aesthetic. Size is definitely a concern though. I think a straight-end 3-link oyster-style, maybe even riveted might suit the Serica field watch aesthetic a bit better but because it's such a modestly sized piece, I bet it'd look great on one of these meshes too.
@jamescowin5859
3 жыл бұрын
@@AverageBros Thanks!
@jeremyrice3719
3 жыл бұрын
That is a spectacular band. Down the line when I get an appropriate watch i will definitely pick one up. Right now I have watches at 18mm, a flieger, and my integrated bracelet watches. Well done review. You definitely sold me.
@travis3430
Жыл бұрын
I think mesh bracelets work well with vintage looking chronographs 👍
I know this is an older video and I may not get a response, but did you get the "original" length or "regular"?
@AverageBros
4 ай бұрын
Original 😁
Nice Seiko!
Nice bracelet. What's the model number for the watch?
@AverageBros
3 жыл бұрын
Link to review is at the end of the video
Is it durable? Looks flimsy
Its not really stretching, it just compress
‘Made it into the surface of the moon’? You mean they buried a Komfit up there?
Hilarious 🙄🙄🙄…..
Creepy words like "tasty" "morsels". Randomly laughing to yourself. Making coom sounds about literally everything. Completely shaved arms.
@AverageBros
2 ай бұрын
My arms aren't shaved
cheap looking piace
Your hand and arm appears to be that of a 12-13 year old boy; your voice sounds more mature. Nice review
@davidattrill1751
3 жыл бұрын
What a weird thing to say...
Dude why are u even wearing gloves, spoils your nice presentation.