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.