This is not aftermarket imo, this is a fake. They should have put a neutral clasp on it.

 

Well, you know what they say: "You Can't Please Everyone"..........

 

Given all the dimensions, the AM bracelet appears to be based on the later original? Noticed that the seller also sells the engraved clasps seperately - not cheap

 

I have been waiting for this report. Just like you promised in an earlier thread and very quick to post details and information as you knew many of us were patiently waiting to hear your opinion of the speedtimer bracelet - Thank You. Excellent in depth analysis and comparsion to the originals. And "In Depth" the report certainly is - as deep as anyone could hope for. Exceptional - Thank You!

 

Well said, my thoughts exactly !

 

If I had an JDM chrono, I'd buy one.

Here's the real test: are the links interchangeable between the genuine and the replica?

 

Here's the real test: are the links interchangeable between the genuine and the replica?

After I make a little progress on "someone's 6139" I'll see if the links interchange and report back..........

 

A really good and informative write up Tom, thanks.

 

Update:
The links do not interchange. There is a slight difference in the width of the small center links. The clip pins are very similar to the original design but I will say they are a tight fit and not so easily removed.

 

Thank you for checking that out. Too bad for most of us with short OEMs in our parts drawers.

 

thanks for the detailed review Tom - well done. It will be up to each person to draw their own conclusions on whether or not this is a "reproduction", "fake", A.M.", etc. etc. and whether the price is worth it.

You put forth a very objective and comprehensive review. Personally, the current asking prices are too much for me, but I have zero problems with the quality and look - I'd put one of these on my watch.

I will be tracking these bracelets closely.

 

+1!

 

If anyone has some short OEMs, I may be interested. I need to measure my wrist.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Add my voice to the chorus of thanks, Tom. Still wishing he sold the end links alone . And disappointed to hear the links don't interchange... if they did, I'd be able to remove quite a few clasp extenders, and use the endlinks to have another whole bracelet. C'est la vie...

 

I will stick with the original!!

 

Easy choice when you have one...........


But, there are a lot of Speedtimers out there that don't have an original bracelet and this is the best alternative.

 

I have been staring at Tom's photos and they are extremely helpful but I find it is very hard to judge quality until you have one in your hands. From what I can see the aftermarket 6139 speedtimer bracelet looks like an almost exact copy.

What I find surprising is the quality of the aftermarket bracelet looks like it might even be BETTER than the original. Stamping looks crisp, finishing looks well done, and even comes with proper folded end links.

I would prefer an original speedtimer bracelet but WoW.... that aftermarket bracelet sure looks good!

 

I have been staring at Tom's photos and they are extremely helpful but I find it is very hard to judge quality until you have one in your hands. From what I can see the aftermarket 6139 speedtimer bracelet looks like an almost exact copy.

What I find surprising is the quality of the aftermarket bracelet looks like it might even be BETTER than the original. Stamping looks crisp, finishing looks well done, and even comes with proper folded end links.

I would prefer an original speedtimer bracelet but WoW.... that aftermarket bracelet sure looks good!

It is a good looking bracelet and true to the original but one area where it falls short is in the removable sliding clips for link removal. They are similar to the originals which is a good thing but they are extremely tight fitting complicating the removal and installation process.


The wear-ability factor has yet to be tested. That's next........

 

In addition to making what looks like a high quality reproduction speedtimer bracelet maybe the manufacturer and seller of the Speedtimer bracelets should also be commended for Not trying to fraudulently sell them as original. The temptation would certainly be great. Yes I agree the price is High but the seller could have extracted far greater sums from Seiko collectors had they been presented differently.

 

Someone definitely will try to pass it on as an original on a watch in the future, to inflate the value of that watch, no doubt about that.

 

And we are off,Popcorn Time me thinks😜😜😜🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿

 

👏👏👏

 

I purchased one aftermarket one as a backup and to compare since I have a NOS original bracelet and a couple mounted on my JDM Speedtimers. I also want to add to the original poster observations.

Sorry just used an old pic and and encircled 3 areas, didn't take side-by-side photos anymore. There are polished accents on the original bracelet:

1 - on the edges of the clasp
2 - the 2 lines in the middle of the connecting links
3 - on the sides of the clasp and bracelet links, to match the polished sides of the JDM Pogues as well


The aftermarket one is all brushed finish, no polished accents anywhere.

 

Thanks for your observations! Nothing beats a NOS bracelet for comparison.

 

WoW! Another NOS Speedtimer Bracelet hmy: Amazing!

Where in the World are you guys finding these? Seiko Japan JDM Speedtimer Watches are Rare but original bracelets are nearly impossible to find. I know I've been searching.

Even though I am sure there are other Seiko bracelets that are harder to find the Speedtimer bracelet is not only Super Rare but also Highly Desirable. From photos I have seen the Speedtimer Bracelets just look awesome on the watches. A Very Special and Unique Looking Combination!

Well Done Gentlemen!

 

Thanks BBK !

Search YP early and often, open wallet wide. No secrets !!

 

Another Link to WISdom............
I mounted up the bracelet and have worn it for a couple of days. I would have to say it is as comparable in comfort as an original. I will note that the end links don't fit as flush as I would like but only a persnickety WISer like us would notice and in the scheme of things not a deal breaker for me. I still feel the price is about twice what the bracelet is worth but hopefully prices will drop due to lack of sales at the current price level. Time will tell...........

When it comes to removing links it's such a tight fit that you'll almost need a pair of link removing pliers. A spring bar tool is just not stout enough.

Now to link interchangeability: The issue with the incompatibility is the aftermarket link will insert in the Original link but the original link will not insert correctly in the Aftermarket link due to the inner links being too wide.


Aftermarket link on left, Original on right:

Original Link on left, Aftermarket on right:

As you can see in this photo the fit is tight and you're unable to re-insert the link clip. This is where, with a little Tweaking, by filing down the connecting links, you could probably make it work......

As you can see in this photo the link clips are very similar but the finish is a little rougher on the Aftermarket clip. I discovered smoothing out the finish with 1500 grit sand paper did help and made it easier to re-install them.
Aftermarket on top, Original on bottom:

Hopefully, now that you're all "Linked up", you'll be able to tell the difference between and Aftermarket bracelet and an Original bracelet. This should help everyone decide on which route to take when pursuing one of these bracelets or to distinguish what's what when purchasing one of these Speedtimer bracelets .............

 

Many thanks Tom!...the photos helped a lot!

 

Amazing addendum Tom.

Thank you !!

 

You're welcome Jon!

 

You're welcome ED!

 

Tom,

Thank You for all your hard work and giving us such a great first hand look at the new reproduction Speedtimer Bracelet. Truly Exceptional. I believe that anyone looking at a Vintage Original or new reproduction Speedtimer Bracelet is now fully equipped with the knowledge needed so that each person can make the decision that is Right for Them.

We now know what we are looking at, what to expect, and what to look out for


Thanks Again!

 

Tom,

Thank You for all your hard work and giving us such a great first hand look at the new reproduction Speedtimer Bracelet. Truly Exceptional. I believe that anyone looking at a Vintage Original or new reproduction Speedtimer Bracelet is now fully equipped with the knowledge needed so that each person can make the decision that is Right for Them.

We now know what we are looking at, what to expect, and what to look out for


Thanks Again!

You're welcome Kyle!

 

I haven't noticed it mentioned anywhere, what is the asking price for the reproduction one?

 

They started out at $175 then rose to $185. A second seller had some for $195 and now a third seller has come on board in the same price range.

 

Spent some more time looking at your photos of the new repro Speedtimer Bracelets. Like you mentioned the End Links just don't look like they fit flush hmy: From various photos I have seen of Original Speedtimer Bracelets many Original End Links also look slightly skewed and they also do not look like they fit flush? Is the slightly skewed fit of the End Links common with the Speedtimer Bracelets?

 

......From various photos I have seen of Original Speedtimer Bracelets many Original End Links also look slightly skewed and they also do not look like they fit flush? Is the slightly skewed fit of the End Links common with the Speedtimer Bracelets?

In my experience over maybe 4 or 5 overs the years I would say yes. Even the NOS one I show above has a less than perfect flush fit.

 

In my experience very few endlinks made for or by Seiko will fit flush as they should right out of the wrapper.

I have learned that it takes someone with skill to bend and file the metal into conformity with the lugs. I use the services of four different experienced jewlers and watchmakers, but only one of them, Carlos, has the magic touch.

 

In my experience very few endlinks made for or by Seiko will fit flush as they should right out of the wrapper.

I have learned that it takes someone with skill to bend and file the metal into conformity with the lugs. I use the services of four different experienced jewlers and watchmakers, but only one of them, Carlos, has the magic touch.

Yes, with a bit of patience, this is the way to get a perfect fit...I've done this myself with good results!

 

How many links should an original have.

 

Nice write up and thanks for sharing.