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Strapcode Super 3D Oyster Bracelet for the Seiko SARB033. Worth Eighty-Six Clams?

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Eighty-six dollars is a lot of money to shell out for a bracelet; especially when Seiko's SARB bracelet isn't really a bad bracelet to begin with. But to be brutally honest, it's never been a perfect bracelet either. To be fair, the problem has never been the bracelet--the issue has always been the fold-over clasp mechanism. The principal complaints against it are; the lack of sizing adjustments, especially micro adjustments; and the oddly, short clasp that never seemed to lie flat against the wrist. For some those were probably minor issues, but evidently Strapcode felt those were good enough reasons to design their idea of a better SARB bracelet. I just finished installing and sizing one on my SARB033 and here's what I found:
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OEM Bracelet top, Strapcode "20mm Super 3D Oyster 316L Stainless Bracelet" bottom. While the two bracelets look nearly identical, Strapcode's version comes with a more standard sized fold-over clasp with six micro adjustment positions (vs. two on the Seiko clasp). Mercifully, Strapcode also uses screw-in link pins rather than Seiko's annoying pin and collar system. Both bracelets come with solid end links; they're supposed to be "better" (closer/more precise fit to the case, less rattle) but I've always found them a pain to remove and instal (usually takes three hands) but in this instance, that spring bar tool (right-hand corner, above) turned out to be worth whatever I paid for it.
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Once both ends were attached to the watch (something that's easier to do once you've separated one end from the clasp) it was time to dial-in the bracelet size to my wrist and here's where things got interesting. As with the OEM bracelet, I removed one link from each side of the Stapcode clasp. When I did that on the Seiko, I thought I had a perfect fit only to decide later it was too tight--wrist sizes are dynamic! Unfortunately, I was also out of micro adjustments, meaning the only option was to go back and replace one of the links I'd removed earlier--something I just kept putting off. Well damned if the same thing didn't happen on the Strapcode bracelet! Two links out initially felt perfect, but an hour later, felt too tight. This time however, I had three more micro adjustment holes to work with and that's where the Strapcode bracelet (more or less) paid for itself.
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I do have a couple of complaints though--the Strapcode bracelet links have more side-to-side flex (that's the wrong kind of flex) than Seiko's bracelet. Once it's in place, it's not especially noticeable, but you'll see it when putting it on, and taking it off, and you'll hear it when you shake your wrist. Strapcode's bracelet is noisier than Seiko's! Second issue is with the screw-in link pins. Yes they're better than pins and collars but Strapcode's screws (the slotted head in particular) are not the best quality I've seen. They're soft and can be easily deformed if you're not careful. Cheap, ill-fitting screwdriver blades are to be avoided. So in conclusion, I'd say this: since the only issue with Seiko's bracelet just boiled down to the odd clasp and lack of adjustment, and since the only advantage Strapcode brings to the table is, a better clasp with more adjustment (but not a better bracelet), it's kind of a mixed bag. Which is to say, I'd recommend getting one if you need it, but not at all if you don't! Here's a link to the model I purchased (there are several versions available): "20mm Super 3D Oyster 316L Stainless Steel Watch Bracelet for Seiko Mechanical Automatic SARB033, V-Clasp, Brushed--Model SS201820B068" https://www.strapcode.com/collections/replacement-band-for-seiko-sarb033/products/metal-ss-bcl20-b068
(Edited)
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Mr_Ling
978
Sep 27, 2019
I like the quality of Strapcode bracelets but, I would not replace a proper Seiko bracelet with one. Some Seiko bracelets have hollow links/end links and for sure that has to go
RayF
22219
Sep 27, 2019
Mr_LingThis one only so so. Sizing was the only motivation.
vaskar
122
Sep 27, 2019
Thanks for sharing. I never liked the bracelet on my SARB033 and you may have deciphered for me why so. Sometimes when I missed the bracelet look I would put it back on - with a lot of effort - and immediately switch back to other straps. Just didn't feel comfortable. The watch is versatile and any kind of strap looks good on it. As for the strapcode bracelet, I faced the same screw issue with my engineer bracelet for my monster - the screws were deforming easily. I do wish that strapcode made a slimmer profile bracelet for the SARB as I think this bracelet is a little beefy. Nonetheless looking great! Enjoy!
RayF
22219
Sep 27, 2019
vaskarThanks. I agree with you on the overall look and heft of the Strapcode version; frankly it's just a 20mm diver bracelet. Way more bulk and weight than a SARB needs, but it does solve the sizing issue. I did try a leather strap on mine for a while, but I'm just more of a bracelet guy. If I find something else that works better down the line, I'll post it here!
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