Forstner Komfit "JB" Mesh Watch Bracelet with Straight Ends

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The Story Forstner's stainless steel expandable mesh watch band (the "Komfit" mesh style later rebranded to “JB Champion”) was one of the only watch bracelets sanctioned by NASA fo r use on 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. Now, after a long hiatus during which time only vintage models could be sourced at high prices, we have reissued and improved this classic watch strap. Details The Komfit, with its square-patterned mesh, beautifully decorated spring-loaded end pieces, and unique forward-facing clasp, has a distinctive look not available from anyone else. Made entirely of stainless steel, the band is light, breathable, and extremely comfortable, having the ability to be easily sized in micro-increments for the perfect fit. End Piece Construction/Width Straight end bar with spring loaded construction (can compress when pressed). Fits watches with 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, or 20mm lugs. End piece fits spring bars up to 1.8mm thick. We don't include spring bars for this bracelet. Mesh Width 16 mm at the central mesh portion. Length The Komfit band is offered in two lengths: "Original" and "Regular. The "Original" reflects the length once worn by astronauts over their space suits, and as a result is equivalent to a "long" size. The "Original" works best on wrists at least 7 inches (18 cm) in circumference and will fit wrists up to approximately 10 inches (25.5 cm) in circumference. The "Regular" was made to fit small to medium wrists, and works best on wrists between 5.75 inches (14.5 cm) and about 7 inches (18 cm) in circumference. For a wrist at 7 inches in circumference, either size will work, but we think the "Original" provides the best look. Improvements We have made several notable improvements over the vintage Komfit. First, whereas the vintage model had end pieces up to only 19mm wide, ours extends to over 20mm. As a result, the band now fits watches with more contemporary proportions, including the Omega Speedmaster Professional (the watch with which astronauts commonly paired this bracelet). Second, the mesh is now slightly wider at 16mm vs. 15mm in the vintage model, to accommodate the wider end piece. Third, the band fits more securely -- whereas the clasp of the vintage versions had a tendency to "slip," the clasp of the reissue has been improved to avoid this problem. Instructions for Use For tips on using and caring for your bracelet, click here. Included Internal lug protectors provided with each order. Show more