This looked great in the pics. When i received it I was surprised at how cheap it felt and looked. Stamped clasp and hollow end links add to the cheapness. I was going to put this on a vintage Breitling but no way would I degrade the Breitling by doing that. Instead I've put it on a "beater" watch.
I should never have removed the plastic and just sent it back. Too late now.
I have bought many straps and bracelets from this site and have never been disappointed like I am now. This is a $32 item not one for &132.
Don't buy it!
Hi Tim, thanks for the honest feedback. We appreciate it, and I'm sorry that this one didn’t meet expectations.
The Ladder bracelet is designed as a vintage-style reissue, so it has a lighter, more flexible feel than most modern bracelets. That’s intentional, but it can come across as less substantial if you’re expecting a heavier, solid-link build. If you were looking for something with more weight and solidity, we understand why this felt off. We’re always happy to point you toward alternatives that fit that preference better.
The Forstner Ladder Bracelet stands out with its vintage design and high-quality stainless steel construction, offering a sturdy yet fluid, timeless choice for everyday wear.
The bracelet's breathable ladder (or hollow oyster) design makes it ideal for regular use, especially in warmer climates or summertime. Its aesthetic complements my Glycine Combat Sub, providing a less flashy alternative to the original two-tone bracelet with the PVD gold-finished polished centre links. I recommend it for tool watches with compact lug-to-lug dimensions and medium case thicknesses as exemplified with my watch.
The Forstner Ladder Bracelet excels in fit and comfort. Its adjustable nature, facilitated by eight micro-adjustments, allows for precise sizing, ensuring a custom fit that adapts seamlessly to the wrist.
If it is of any help to the reader, after various adjustments during my first week of wear, the optimal way to size the bracelet is by removing links until the best fit possible before engaging the micro-adjustment in the clasp. Then, add a link and employ the micro-adjustments until a perfect fit. By doing so, you will have the micro-adjustment in the clasp set somewhere in the middle, allowing for easy adjustments in the future. You can even adjust on the go if you carry a tiny tool!
While the bracelet scores high on many fronts, it falls short in the finishing department. The prestige and history of the Forstner brand set high expectations, yet the finishing on the bracelet, with its less precise and coarser brush strokes compared to the very fine and parallel lines on my Glycine watch, leaves room for improvement. This aspect might be a consideration for those who value meticulous craftsmanship. I have attached a picture for the reader to judge for themselves. I do not own a macro lens, but even so, the difference in the finishing is still noticeable.
Overall, the Forstner Ladder Bracelet is a commendable choice for tool watch owners looking for a practical, less ornate, yet aesthetically pleasing alternative for daily wear. However, potential buyers should note the finishing discrepancies when considering this bracelet, especially if they are particular about such details.
Early ownership review to upgrade a low to mid level Swiss watch with a respectable top grain leather band... The look on wrist with this bracelet is FAR better than the website pics. The pins on this are old school and a pain though. The link-finish is about 7 of 10 with the links a bit dull compared to my polished Swiss watch case. BUT! This is a lovely bracelet that made my leather-strapped watch sooo much better. The ladder style links are wonderful to make your daily watch so much lighter to wear in the heat. Very adjustable with old school pin settings on the clasp and a larger 8-ish" wrist won't have to remove a link. The clasp however isn't a butterfly style and the old school snap motion feels really clicky and cheap. Hence the 4 star rating. It's good. Just be happy if it isn't luxury.
Tutto ok
I wanted a light weight metal band for a Seiko Samurai as the watch is so heavy. This was perfect. it's light, has a nice taper and a vintage look that works with the watch. This was my second Forstner and I plan to get another for my Bulova Lunar or a medium size Marathon I have.
Is the end link and bracelet links hollow or solid. Is the clasp milled or pressed?
Hi Michael,
The end links are pressed (folded) while the rest of the links are solid. The clasp is pressed.
