The new Forstner Model-J for the Tudor Black Bay 58 and Black Bay.

We are such a fan of the Tudor Black Bay range of watches.  They are well-made, have a timeless design, and offer a relative value compared to offerings from their big brother.  However, we've long wanted to see additional bracelet options to pair them with -- in particular, classic options like the Jubilee that provide a more balanced wearing experience (including, for example, plenty of micro adjustment and a classic taper to 16mm).  

Forstner UK is looking for stockist in both the UK and EU in all countries. You must have a retail location or e-commerce site to apply.

If you are interested please drop us a line, we will be happy to run you through the criteria needed to become a stockist.

The Komfit/JB band was designed first and foremost to be easily adjustable, flexible, and capable of fitting just about anyone.  Strapped to the wrist one moment, it could be resized in seconds, or, in the case of emergency, removed with the flick of a finger.  As a result, NASA astronauts were permitted to wear the bracelet, and they routinely did so during the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo periods.  Like the watch with which it was often worn (the Omega Speedmaster), the Komfit/JB band quickly became synonymous with the early NASA space programs.  

However, the brand (and band style) was lost to time; Forstner and Jacoby Bender (which later adopted the style) closed their doors and for decades only vintage models could be sparsely found at exorbitant secondhand prices--until now.  

Forstner, a brand once synonymous with the early NASA space program, is back with the product used by many astronauts during the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs: the "Komfit" mesh watch band. We've dubbed this band the "JB" in honor of the Jacoby Bender version that also helped popularize the model. 

We've honored the original design to ensure that it still has all the characteristics that gave vintage versions the cult following they deserved, including the unique mesh style, the quick adjustment that allows for a perfect fit, and the interesting clasp.  We improved some things as well, in particular, making the band fit perfectly the watch with which it was typically worn in the 1960s - the Omega Speedmaster.  No longer is there a "gap" between the end link and the watch lugs; the band is now adjustable between 16 and 20mm (instead of the prior 16-19mm).  And, the band is slightly wider at 16mm vs. 15mm in the prior version, to accommodate the wider end piece and fit more contemporary proportions.