Why Taper Matters: Correcting The Omega Seamaster Bracelet

[Spikedlee]

Hey guys. So following up on a previous thread I made about how much I hated the stock Seamaster 300M bracelet due to the lack of taper and the bulky clasp, I found myself really enjoying some aftermarket Milanese bracelets on the watch:











I have two versions of these Milanese bands. One is a 1.9mm thick version, and one is a 2.9mm thick version which is the same thickness as the Bond NTTD Milanese band.



Here is the difference in thickness between the two:





Both bands have their merits. The thinner Milanese is sleek, lighter weight, and very comfortable. The thicker Milanese looks tough, more in alignment to the thickness of the watch case, and durable. The issue with the thicker band is it has a lot of heft to it. It actually weighs much more than my Rolex Daytona.

But take weight aside, the bigger issue with both of these bands was the lack of taper. At 20mm. they both are straight end pieces from lug to clasp. There is a lack of comfort because of that width that I still felt needed to be corrected. And ultimately I wanted something a bit lighter in between the two.

The ideal Milanese band would start at 20mm at the lugs and taper down to about 16mm which is roughly the taper of the Omega Speedmaster Ed White bracelet. It would also be a bit thicker than the 1.9mm, but not as thick as the 2.9mm. So lets say 2.5mm. And the clasp would need to be thin. For those of you who own the 007 NTTD, you know what I am talking about. The bracelet does have a taper from 20mm to 18mm at the clasp, but the clasp is massive; preventing the bracelet from properly wrapping around thin wrists and just not being able to sit properly under a dress shirt.

Introducing my solution. A 20mm tapered to 16mm Milanese band, at 2.5mm thick with a thinner clasp:











It's lighter, more comfortable, allows for perfect flexibility of the wrist, and completes a full wrap around the wrist with no overhang, clasp bulk, or excess thickness. My only complaint is that this bracelet lacks the quick release buttons of the prior models and also requires a tool to adjust sizing versus doing it on the fly like the prior two.

I will be working on developing a solution for that problem but wanted to share my insights to all of you.

[AJMarcus]

Thanks for sharing. I completely agree with your assessment of the tapered bracelet. It looks best IMO on the most tapered Milanese. In fact, I prefer the thinner one on your Seamaster. Looks great. I too have the BLRO and the tapered jubilee is superb. Less bracelet width I think accentuates the dial and bezel so much more. And of course it’s super comfortable and gives it a sort of vintage vibe to the Pepsi heritage of the watch.

Based on your earlier review of the 3861, I ordered the newer, and tapered, 3861 bracelet for my 1861. Still waiting for it to arrive as it’s on back order from Omega. Could you have started a trend?!

Interestingly, I originally picked up my 1861 Speedmaster on the OEM leather strap which also looks amazing on the much tapered 20x16 size.

Tapered is better.

[AEC]

Wow, that tapered Milanese looks nice. I don't think I recall ever seeing one that tapers like this. Thanks for the info

[hoppes-no9]

Tapered looks GREAT

[Dubshack]

That looks so much better.


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[1William]

Great write up and review. I do like the taper of a bracelet and have had more concern with the Omega bracelets and clasps than I have actually ever had with the actual watches. I do like micro adjustment on the fly that many brands have added into the clasps for a convenience and it does help on hot days. My NTTD bracelet is fine for me as I have a 7.5 inch wrist and think it helps make the watch but could it be better? I think it could. I will follow this thread with interest. Thanks.

[Spikedlee]

[samson66]

Tapered looks great! Much improved

[stevedssd]

I love informative threads like this, thanks OP.

Great side by side comparison of the NTTD and SM300M on milanese. Personally I find the fit of the NTTD perfect and have no issue with the clasp but appreciate the comparisons and completely agree that the taper of a bracelet is so important for comfort and fit.

I have two of the three 60th Anniversary models and don't wear either on the great looking but untapered, uncomfortable, 19mm bracelets with bulky clasp.

Keep up the great work on this OP

[Stevec14]

Originally Posted by stevedssd

I love informative threads like this, thanks OP.

Great side by side comparison of the NTTD and SM300M on milanese. Personally I find the fit of the NTTD perfect and have no issue with the clasp but appreciate the comparisons and completely agree that the taper of a bracelet is so important for comfort and fit.

I have two of the three 60th Anniversary models and don't wear either on the great looking but untapered, uncomfortable, 19mm bracelets with bulky clasp.

Keep up the great work on this OP

Totally agreed - the trilogy bracelets were a fail for 39mm and less watches. Not in keeping with their style. I enjoy taper on a bracelet and am not a fan without.

At least the NTTD has shorter versions for those who don’t like the fit of the regular bracelet

[Spikedlee]

Originally Posted by Stevec14

Totally agreed - the trilogy bracelets were a fail for 39mm and less watches. Not in keeping with their style. I enjoy taper on a bracelet and am not a fan without.

At least the NTTD has shorter versions for those who don’t like the fit of the regular bracelet

Definitely curious about the shorter NTTD bracelet. For now mine sits on the NATO.

[Guinness58]

Thank you for the pictures and write up. Who makes the bracelets featured?

[7enderbender]

Originally Posted by Spikedlee

]

Definitely curious about the shorter NTTD bracelet. For now mine sits on the NATO.

In any case, that looks like a very well made shirt.

[NatiLad79]

Any suggestions on a good place to purchase the tapered 20mm to 16mm at 2.5mm thickness?

[Spikedlee]

Originally Posted by NatiLad79

Any suggestions on a good place to purchase the tapered 20mm to 16mm at 2.5mm thickness?

It's available on Amazon here in the states. I think also a website called Strapcode should have it.

[spacemanvt]

Originally Posted by Spikedlee

It's available on Amazon here in the states. I think also a website called Strapcode should have it.

is this the correct one?
https://www.amazon.com/Release-Milan...ef_=ast_sto_dp


this one is a bit cheaper but i believe it doesnt taper
https://www.amazon.com/Release-Super...ef_=ast_sto_dp

[RW16610]

Great looking watches! I'm glad to see you found a solution that made the setup work best for you. It's great to know these options and have alternatives. Thanks for the informative post!

[absin2]

Wow...look's great.

[rootbeer7]

Great post. I have the Seamaster 300 and agree the bracelets aren’t great, particularly the bulky clasps.
The tapered bracelet looks amazing, I need to see if I can get it in the uk in 21mm

[samson66]

Got the EACHE bracelet today and I have to say I'm pretty impressed. This is the non-tapered mesh bracelet. Thickness feels perfect. Love the quick release spring bars. The twin trigger deployant clasp feels solid. The price is just ridiculously low. Love the look with my CW Worldglow. Thanks again to the OP for the recommendations.





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[Spikedlee]

Originally Posted by samson66

Got the EACHE bracelet today and I have to say I'm pretty impressed. This is the non-tapered mesh bracelet. Thickness feels perfect. Love the quick release spring bars. The twin trigger deployant clasp feels solid. The price is just ridiculously low. Love the look with my CW Worldglow. Thanks again to the OP for the recommendations.





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Glad it worked out for you! The bracelet is awesome with unlimited adjustments.

[PowerChucker]

That looks great OP. I think i saw a post by you at WUS, where you had a Helios tapered bracelet on your SMPc? I think this is my biggest issues with my SMPC (besides the non adjustable clasp lol). Im not a huge fan of Non taper bracelets.

[Jack T]

I’m not a fan of aftermarket accessories, especially a bracelet. If only Omega would make the Ed White bracelet available for the SM300, I’d be on that in a heartbeat

[Spikedlee]

Originally Posted by Jack T

I’m not a fan of aftermarket accessories, especially a bracelet. If only Omega would make the Ed White bracelet available for the SM300, I’d be on that in a heartbeat

This is OEM...

[Jack T]

Originally Posted by Spikedlee

This is OEM...

Wait!! That bracelet fits the 300m? Did you buy the 300m separately, then have the Ed White fitted? Looks fabbo, really makes the watch. In the photos your Seamaster goes from blue to dark blue/gray, what a great looking watch.

[drjrhc]

Originally Posted by Spikedlee

This is OEM...

Care to share the part number for the bracelet, and cost?

Any issues fitting it to your Seamaster?

Thanks!

[502 to Right]

What bracelet is on the Omega SMP 300m? It can't be the Ed White because that has a 19mm lug width.

[Rochester585]

i also would love to know, that looks fantastic!! i dont mind the stock 300m bracelet and wear mine quite regularly.. but that looks great and id be interested in buying that same bracelet and replacing the stock one

[Chromosome]

its the bracelet from the 50th anniversary apollo 11 https://www.omegawatches.com/watches...ersary/product

[DJ2020]

Originally Posted by Chromosome

its the bracelet from the 50th anniversary apollo 11 https://www.omegawatches.com/watches...ersary/product

I really like the look of that bracelet. I will have to research a source to obtain one. I have the same watch.