New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

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ajax87
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New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by ajax87 »

I bought my first CW since 2009. Bought online on Saturday, “despatched” on Monday, and showed up here in Florida on Wednesday! The C60 Sapphire. Amazingly boxed and presented. Such a beautiful watch.
I was surprised my wife approved another watch purchase after she bought me my dream speedy a few weeks ago, but I wasn’t about to argue. I thought I’d save a few bucks and buy it on the hybrid strap. I much prefer bracelets but I had one hanging around from another watch so I thought I’d try it.

What do you think, does this bracelet look OK on it or should I spring for the CW bracelet? I’m leaning toward keeping this and saving the money, but I do like the look of the end links curved and molded to the case.

PS I tried to capture the beauty of the case and how the dial changes depending on the lighting, but I’m not the best photographer :(. It truly is a great looking watch.
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Alex
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

The bracelet you have there is functional and looks okay with the watch. The advantage of getting the CW bracelet is that the end pieces will fit right up to the case and it will look a lot better without that gap.
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by Thegreyman »

I'd agree. That bracelet does look quite good on the watch however the fitted end links will have a better look, moreover the CW bracelets are very good particularly with the QR pins for strap changes and the ratcheting adjustment which I have found really useful on my C65 Dartmouth.
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by TigerChris »

I don’t think that looks bad at all but personally, I’d grab the bracelet for it from CW. I have no experience with the new QR bracelets but have had 3 of their bracelets in the past, all with on the fly ratchet adjustment. CW bracelets, to me, represent great value for money - they really do punch well above their weight price wise. Plus, fitted end links will just finish it off I think.
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by brash47 »

I did get the bracelet with mine. The fit and finish match up perfectly and the question of should/should not buy the bracelet will never enter your mind again.

Since its there now, it will always sit there until you buy it.

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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by monkeymax »

I didn't get the bracelet for my Kingfisher 10 years ago because I wanted to save money. Also because I didn't want the weight of a bracelet. I recently decided I'd actually quite like a bracelet for it and it turned out they're rather difficult to find! Granted, the Mk3 C60 is more popular, but still. Make life easier for yourself and get one now. ;)
Also, the quick release ability would be a massive selling point for me as a reason to get it if I was ever going to put the watch on a bracelet but yet still swap it over to other straps.
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by rkovars »

For reference, here is the C60 bracelet.
20200917_151018421_iOS (2).jpg
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by ajax87 »

The point that tipped me in the other direction is the adjustment; this bracelet is slightly too tight without the half link and slightly too loose with it. Minor annoyance, but I hear the C60 bracelets are more adjustable. Still glad I did what I did, because I think I will like using the hybrid strap on occasion.

Well shoot, I have to go back to the boss for approval... she said no more watches for a little while, but said nothing about accessories! Lol, wish me luck!
Alex
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by jkbarnes »

The current bracelet looks fine and will certainly do in a pinch, but you won’t regret getting the CW bracelet. Definitely worth the money! And get it while it’s still available. I managed to snag one for my C65 Trident Vintage before stock ran out and will probably never take it off the watch.
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

Ratchet adjustment gives you a lot of scope. The bracelet on my C65 is just about a perfect fit when the watch and/or my wrist is cold, and the ratchet is fully in. Fully expanded it is still too loose even on the hottest and most humid of days. Normally I have it about one notch out from fully closed.
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by monkeymax »

I concur with the above posts; the ratchet adjustment on these (I have it on the Mk2 C60 bracelet that I eventually got for the Kingfisher) is superb.
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by Thunder1 »

I'd go w/ the bracelet, myself..they're quite nice, given their price range and you can always sell it later, should you opt to.. :thumbup:
Ebels are a lot like women that lack a lowcut dress that zips up the side..neither gets the love that they deserve..
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by ajax87 »

Amor Vincit Omnia wrote: Fri Sep 18, 2020 5:36 pm Ratchet adjustment gives you a lot of scope. The bracelet on my C65 is just about a perfect fit when the watch and/or my wrist is cold, and the ratchet is fully in. Fully expanded it is still too loose even on the hottest and most humid of days. Normally I have it about one notch out from fully closed.
This is what I like to hear. That sounds phenomenal. Never had it on any of my other watches, so I’m excited to give it a whirl. Plus, this bracelet was bought from Shinola for one of my Shinola watches, and it cost me $200. The CW bracelet looks to be similar or better quality with more features, for less. Hard to beat the value for the money with Christopher Ward.

Christopher Ward should give y’all a commission on this one.
Alex
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by Amor Vincit Omnia »

I’ve just taken a look at mine. Just to confirm, there are five positions on the ratchet and fully open it gives you about 9 mm (I was unable to determine it exactly but it’s close enough). Goes from perfect fit to jangly-bangly in seconds. And after using a leather strap I can refit the bracelet in about half a minute.
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Re: New purchase - should I buy the bracelet?

Post by rkovars »

Here are some pics of the adjustment itself.

Fully retracted.
20200918_170429687_iOS (2).jpg


Fully extended. You can see there is about 9-10 mm of adjustment there (slightly more than 2 mm increments - from fully open 4 clicks to closed).
20200918_170513861_iOS (2).jpg
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