The Forstner 5-Link Rivet Bracelet

The Story

In the history of bracelet making, few figures cast as long a shadow as Gay Freres.  During the twentieth century, and while it was still in existence, they created such icons as the Ladder and Oyster bracelets (for Zenith and Rolex, respectively), and even served as the supplier for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelets. 

But before the Oyster, there was the Rivet band, which served as a template for so many iconic sports watch bracelets of today.  One of the earliest, and we think most charismatic, iterations of the Rivet bracelet was the 5-link Rivet band with alternating polished/brushed finish.  Like Forstner's revived design, the original Gay Freres version was a universal fit band (having straight end pieces) with three narrow center links, wider outer links, and polished rivets on the side.  But, being a vintage bracelet, the Gay Freres version was made with vintage proportions in mind, often just 14mm wide, with hollow stretchy links that could not be removed.  Nonetheless, original examples are highly coveted by bracelet enthusiasts and fetch exorbitant prices on the secondary market.

At Forstner, we've been eager to revive this gorgeous design for some time, and have spent years working to perfect it.  Our mission, after all, is to faithfully revive iconic vintage bracelets that have been long out of production, upgraded to modern standards.  This one in particular was long overdue for a comeback.

Honouring the beautiful vintage Gay Freres design, Forstner has created its own take on the classic 5-link rivet bracelet.  We've maintained the features that made the 5-link bracelet so charming, such as real rivets, narrow center links, and its beautiful polished/brushed finish.  

But it wouldn't be a Forstner band unless it had some key improvements as well.  For one, we've upped the bracelet width to provide more contemporary proportions, while still maintaining the vintage spirit.  Now having a 16mm wide bracelet portion and end pieces going up to 20mm, Forstner's 5-Link Rivet band will fit most contemporary pieces while providing a beautiful vintage aesthetic.  In addition, Forstner crafted the bracelet with solid 316L stainless steel links, removable links via screws, and patterned end pieces matching the finish of the links.  

One of our most notable improvements, however, is a completely new link removal system.  Still using screws for optimal convenience, we've done away with the double-sided screw tube, which required holding one screw in position while unscrewing the other.  Forstner's 5-Link Rivet band now uses two independently removable screws, which makes link removal significantly easier.  

We're so proud of how this bracelet came out.  Not only is it a stunner and a pleasure to wear, but it has all the conveniences you'd expect from a Forstner band.  

Construction and Finish

Forstner's 5-Link Rivet band is made of solid 316L stainless steel links in alternating polished/brushed finish, a vintage style pressed clasp with plenty of micro adjustment positions, and real rivets polished to perfection.   

In addition, the 5-Link Rivet band introduces Forstner's new screw removal system.  On each side of the bracelet are independently removable screws that attach to the center links (as shown in the images above), for our easiest resizing experience yet on our Rivet collection. Fits wrists ranging from approx. 6-8 inches in circumference.

Size

The Forstner 5-Link Rivet Band is a universal fit bracelet, meaning that it has a straight end link that will fit most watches having lug widths of 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, and 20mm.  

Included

Spring bars and screwdriver for size adjustment.