zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

Getting a metal bracelet adjusted "just right" is a common complaint -- and not just about that specific watch.

Its funny because you almost never hear complaints about straps -- yet metal bracelets can usually be adjusted in just as small (if not smaller) increments as straps can. A Seamaster half link equals a 5mm adjustment to the diameter of the bracelet, yet standard spacing on most watch straps means changing to the next hole is a 6mm adjustment to the diameter.

Understand that is is virtually impossible to adjust a metal bracelet to an always perfect fit. Especially since your wrist will shrink and expand a little bit across the hot and cold seasons.

Here's what it boils down to:

1. The fit of a watch bracelet is always a bigger issue with larger and heavier watches.


2. I've heard enough of these concerns to see that the REAL issue is that many people are not used to a bulkier watch on their wrist and want a virtually unattainable combination of it never being tight but also never moving around on their wrist.


3. Too tight is never right. It can harm your wrist tendons by flexing against an unresisting metal bracelet.


4. A little loose you usually CAN get used to. Just give it a couple of weeks.

If you simply cannot get it adjusted to your satisfaction, realize it is NOT the watch -- you may just be unable to be happy with the way a heavy watch on a heavy metal watch bracelet feels and moves on you wrist. So your remaining options are to change to a strap (which reduces the total weight and gives some flex you won't get from a metal bracelet) OR trade in for a smaller/ligher watch.

The only metal watch bracelet I've ever seen that was perfect in its fit is on the first-generation Breiling Aerospace and has a spring-controlled expansion piece in the clasp that allows the bracelet to both grip the wrist and flex as much as reasonably needed.