Forstner

Komfit "JB" Mesh Watch Bracelet with Straight Ends

Forstner's stainless steel expandable mesh watch band (called the "Komfit") was one of the only watch bracelets sanctioned by NASA for use on manned space missions. It was famously worn by astronauts throughout the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, and even made it to the surface of the moon. Now, after a long hiatus during which time only vintage models could be sourced at high prices, Forstner has brought the Komfit back to Earth with this reissued, improved, and just about perfect modern bracelet.

The Komfit, with its square-patterned mesh, beautifully decorated spring-loaded end pieces, and unique forward-facing clasp, has a distinctive look not available from anyone else. Made entirely of stainless steel, the band is light, breathable, and extremely comfortable, having the ability to be easily sized in micro-increments for the perfect fit.

Forstner has made several notable improvements over the vintage Komfit. First, whereas the vintage model had end pieces up to only 19mm wide, ours extends to over 20mm. As a result, the band now fits watches with more contemporary proportions, including the Omega Speedmaster Professional (the watch with which astronauts commonly paired this bracelet). Second, the mesh is now slightly wider at 18mm vs. 15mm in the vintage model, to accommodate the wider end piece. Third, the band fits more securely -- whereas the clasp of the vintage versions had a tendency to "slip," the clasp of the reissue has been improved to avoid this problem.

The Details

  • Expandable Endpieces fits from 19mm to 22mm lug widths
  • The mesh band has been widened to 18mm from 16mm to provide a more modern fit and feel

The Komfit band is offered in two lengths: "Original" and "Regular. 

  • The "Original" reflects the length once worn by astronauts over their spacesuits, and as a result, is equivalent to "long" size. The "Original" works best on wrists at least 7 inches (18 cm) in circumference and will fit wrists up to approximately 10 inches (25.5 cm) in circumference. 
  • The "Regular" was made to fit small to medium wrists and works best on wrists between 5.75 inches (14.5 cm) and about 7 inches (18 cm) in circumference. For a wrist at 7 inches in circumference, either size will work, but we think the "Original" provides the best look.