JB Champion USA Komfit NASA Bracelet History

hmmmcamu · 2023-12-30T11:19:53Z

Discover the JB Champion USA expandable mesh bracelet, originally Forestner s KOMFIT, chosen by NASA for Omega Speedmaster and Bulova Accutron Astronaut GMT watches.

hmmmcamu

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

6 replies2301 views21 photos

Hmmmcamu delves into the fascinating history of the JB Champion USA expandable mesh stainless steel bracelet, a component specifically requested by NASA for its space program. This post highlights the bracelet's origins as the 'KOMFIT' by Forestner, its unique design with spring-loaded end links, and its enduring popularity among astronauts for watches like the Bulova Accutron Astronaut GMT and Omega Speedmaster. It offers a detailed look at a crucial, yet often overlooked, piece of space horology history.

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THE EXPANDABLE STAINLESS STEEL BRACELET SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED BY NASA TO BE PAIRED AND USED WITH THEIR WATCHES TO BE USED IN THE SPACE PROGRAM [ SEE ATTACHED COPY OF OFFICIAL NASA DOCUMENT ] ...

Originally manufactured by a company named FORESTNER [bought and took over by JB Champion USA in 1963] and sold by Forestner under the model name " KOMFIT "
it came with a spring loaded straight and / or curved [aka LONG HORN] end link that compresses to 16mm and expands to a maximum of 19mm, the curved end link with brick pattern bracelet is what NASA used.
It was eventually replaced by the Velcro strap, but it was so well liked by the NASA astronauts that you will see them worn in most archival photos of the era paired with the NASA Astronauts Bulova Accutron Astronaut GMT or Omega Speedmaster both ON and OFF duty.

Additional photos:

FORSTNER KOMFIT relaunch 20MM to16MM along side the original JB CHAMPION USA STAINLESS STEEL 19MM to 16MM

FORSTNER KOMFIT relaunch along side JB CHAMPION USA STAINLESS STEEL

Key Points from the Discussion

The author provides detailed specifications for the NASA Velcro strap, including its color, reference number, military-specifications, and material composition, offering a comprehensive look at its technical aspects.
A contributor shares their experience using a Komfit clasp with a leather strap on a vintage dress Rolex, praising its ease of adjustment for a proper fit.
A user expresses enjoyment of the post's historical information and photographs, agreeing that it's a 'cool piece of history'.
A contributor highlights that even bracelets can hold significant historical value and expresses admiration for the green fabric strap mentioned in the context.
A user commends the post for its 'very cool reference material'.

The Discussion

amanico

Dec 30, 2023

Even bracelets can be a great piece of History. I love the green fabric strap, too!

hmmmcamu

Dec 31, 2023

HOOK and LOOP NASA Velcro strap

Hook and Loop Velcro strap - Color- Federal Standard Olive Drab ref.# 330-70 JSC-SPEC-M1 Mil-spec (Mil-F-21840C) P/N SEB12100030 210 S/N 1124 Specs: Nylon loop tape MIL-F-21840C U.S. Defense Supply Agency stock. Velcro tape specification MIL-T-5038, stitched with V-T-295E mil-spec Nylon thread. Metal loop: Aircraft quality, non magnetic, anti corrosion Ref. Mil-S-7720A (Rev-A).

Bill

Dec 30, 2023

Very cool reference material.

Ajas

Dec 30, 2023

Thank you very much for sharing. I really enjoyed the read and photographs. I agree with Bill and Nico, such cool piece of history!

saabman1997

Dec 30, 2023

Favorite knock off leather strap with komfit clasp

This clasp is the easiest to adjust for proper fit. Just added it to my vintage dress Rolex.