Uncle Seiko Black Bay 41 Jubilee Review

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Driver8

I really like the look of the bracelet, but I’m just not a fan of those cheapo clasps. If you could fit the original Tudor clasp to it then it’d be superb.

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

I'd say the clasp is the weakest point. Having said that, I have no reason to believe it will fail. Especially with the flip lock.

The US clasp is better than you'd think. It's very snug & secure. Also, it tapers down to 16mm [from 22mm], which really adds to the comfort.

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

I’ve had the President bracelet on my BB58 for a couple weeks now. This post inspired me to put on the Jubilee this morning (I ordered both at the same time, just happened to put the President on first).




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Look great!

Originally Posted by andy66db

I managed to fit the OEM clasp on mine (with no damage) The jubilee has really improved the BB GMT for me as I never really got on with the rivet bracelet and therefore never wore it that often.

Good on ya'! A couple questions:
-did you use the Tudor clasp from the BB58?
-did you have to ruin the US clasp to remove it?

Thanks in advance,
dP

[andy66db]

Originally Posted by dpt.calvin

Wow, that's great to see! Direct swap or any modifications needed?

No modifications needed. The only challenge was removing the rivet pin on the US clasp. I managed that by easing it open using a pair of nail clippers (not as weird as it sounds). The spring-bar from the Tudor clasp is a tight fit in the jubilee end link, but it all worked and it's really good to have the far superior Tudor clasp on the bracelet.

[red1108nyc]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Ok purists, time to clutch those pearls!

Few combos a more iconic than a Pepsi GMT on a jubilee. When Uncle Seiko came out w/ a super jubilee for the Black Bay 41, I knew I'd have to give it a go.

Let's cut to the chase, I like it. The quality is on par w/ Strap Code, but with the additional aesthetic advantage of female solid end links, vs the bucktooth SELs on the SC version. While the clasp harkens back to an earlier era, the blades are solid ss vs stamped. No cheap tinny sounds coming from this clasp w/ solid security provided by the fold over safety clasp. The end links fit perfectly w/ no observable play. It was necessary to remove 4 [3 on the 6:00 side, 1 on the 12:00] push pin style links to fit my 7.25" wrist.
While the quality is not on the same level as the OEM Tudor bracelet, it certainly holds it's own, considering the price, and does not cheapen the watch in any way, either visually & in terms of comfort, IMHO. YMMV, of course.

I decided to go w/ the all brushed center link option which tones down the bling factor a bit, works well with the tool watch vibe, and still has the polished sides to match the Tudor GMT case.

All in all I'm very happy w/ this Uncle Seiko BB bracelet alternative. It works well with the Black Bay case and provides another viable option for Tudor owners who are looking to keep their OEM bracelet pristine and/ or those looking for that classic combo.
dP

Great review and insight Dan - Thanks bud!

[173rdabn]

Makes a handsome look. Watch looks totally different.

[TheNguyener601]

Their clasp is so bad. That's my only complaint.

[kieselguhr]

Originally Posted by andy66db

I managed to fit the OEM clasp on mine (with no damage) The jubilee has really improved the BB GMT for me as I never really got on with the rivet bracelet and therefore never wore it that often.

Bravo!!!

Looks like I know what I’m getting lol

[sage9984]

Can anyone post a side ways pic in air to show the flex in the bracelet? I have yet to see that anywhere.

[jets]

Looks real nice on the BB GMT and others in this thread. Even better with the Tudor clasp!


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[sleepydoc]

Originally Posted by andy66db

No modifications needed. The only challenge was removing the rivet pin on the US clasp. I managed that by easing it open using a pair of nail clippers (not as weird as it sounds). The spring-bar from the Tudor clasp is a tight fit in the jubilee end link, but it all worked and it's really good to have the far superior Tudor clasp on the bracelet.

Hmmm I’m going to have to find a you tube clip on this

[nGage7962]

I was seriously thinking about either trying to put the Tudor clasp on mine too or just switch back to the Tudor bracelet.

I really liked the look, but something didn't feel quite right.

I just removed one more link on the 6 o'clock side and loosened the 12 o'clock side by 1 hole and hey presto, the clasp now sits in the middle of my wrist and the feel has completely changed!

I think I would still swap the clasp if it was more easily done, but I am much happier with the on-wrist feel now and the look speaks for itself. Timeless.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by nGage7962

I was seriously thinking about either trying to put the Tudor clasp on mine too or just switch back to the Tudor bracelet.

I really liked the look, but something didn't feel quite right.

I just removed one more link on the 6 o'clock side and loosened the 12 o'clock side by 1 hole and hey presto, the clasp now sits in the middle of my wrist and the feel has completely changed!

I think I would still swap the clasp if it was more easily done, but I am much happier with the on-wrist feel now and the look speaks for itself. Timeless.

Mark,

Glad you found the "goldilocks" fit that works for you.

Even if I could swap the US clasp w/ a Tudor clasp, not sure I would. One reason I bought the US jubilee was for the freedom from worry about scratches. Installing a Tudor clasp negates that. Now I have a bracelet option when I wear my favorite denim shirt without the pearl snaps on the cuff being an issue.
dP

[samson66]

Looks sharp Dan. Thanks for posting and excellent photos as always!

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by red1108nyc

Great review and insight Dan - Thanks bud!

Originally Posted by 173rdabn

Makes a handsome look. Watch looks totally different.

Originally Posted by jets

Looks real nice on the BB GMT and others in this thread. Even better with the Tudor clasp!


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Originally Posted by samson66

Looks sharp Dan. Thanks for posting and excellent photos as always!

Much appreciated, fellers!!
dP

[Lu..]

wow, that looks great....somebody asked and didn't see a response....was the BB58 or standard BB clasp used to swap out the US clasp?

Don't know if the Tudor BB58 & the standard BB clasp are the same size in width.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Lu..

wow, that looks great....somebody asked and didn't see a response....was the BB58 or standard BB clasp used to swap out the US clasp?

Don't know if the Tudor BB58 & the standard BB clasp are the same size in width.

Thank you, sir!

Good questions. According to my trusty caliper, the BB GMT clasp is 18mm. The US BB41 jubilee clasp is also 18mm. I earlier stated 16mm, which was not correct.

I can't speak for the BB58 clasp size, although US has an upgraded clasp available [similar to the BB41 clasp I have vs the stamped blades found on the US BB58 clasp], but not sure of it's size.
dP

[PanosI]

Fantastic Dan! Looks awesome!
You know that I love jubilees

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by PanosI

Fantastic Dan! Looks awesome!
You know that I love jubilees

Thank you, Panos!
dP

[mdtddd2007]

Looks great!

[Boaters]

Looks awesome Dan. Love your pics and review. Happy New Year to you and yours

[Db7566]

I have been wearing this strap code shark mesh on my 58 and Willard. Love the jubilee. Just saw they have one for the 58. Gonna have to get it.


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[Carondelet]

These are some fine looking specimens! I've taken some inspiration!

[jed11]

Very slick.

[Malibuca]

Looks awesome, wish they sold them like this.

[Bizcut1]

Beautiful! Much nicer than the OEM - the Jubilee design just looks perfect
with this watch...congrats!

[Lcky19]

Nice and look good on your wrist.

[AJMarcus]

That looks amazing . Makes you wonder why Tudor doesn’t offer that.

[Dan Pierce]

Really appreciate the kind words, everybody!

A few have addressed the clasp, many wanting a more substantial updated style, or using a Tudor clasp, per @andy66db's mod.

Y'all know I can't help but tinker. Thought this might help others decide what might work best for them.

Option #1: Uncle Seiko clasp [pic 1]
Pros:
-Tight, secure fit, w/ crisp clicks
-Minimal profile for added comfort
-Nothing more to do than install the bracelet
Cons:
-Thin SS stamped clasp shell

Option #2: Tudor Rivet Bracelet Clasp
Pros:
-Beefier high quality clasp
-Consistant branding
Cons:
-need to remove the Tudor clasp from rivet bracelet [the non rivet clasp won't work due to size of center link space][pic 2]
-Tudor clasp must be removed from jubilee and reinstalled on Tudor bracelet when wanting to go back to the rivet [being able to go back to the rivet bracelet is important to me]]
-Wear & tear on the Tudor clasp
-You need to remove [destroy] the Uncle Seiko clasp by removing the permanent flip lock pin

Option #3: 3rd party universal fit [18mm connections at both ends, last 2 pics] milled clasp "Macgyver" edition [pics 3 & 4]
Pros:
-Pretty easy to source [StrapCode example here]
-more substantial feel & updated appearance
-push button vs friction closure
-More sizing options [6 adjustments available]
Cons:
-18mm sized jubilee connection link required ["borrowed' one from a Seiko jubilee bracelet] [pic 5]
-clasp must be purchased separately
-lack of polished sides [a non issue w/ the all brushed center links on my jubilee]

While I have no issues w/ the Uncle Seiko clasp, as it does it's job very well, I understand the desire for a more updated clasp, more in line w/ contemporary offerings. Pretty happy w/ the StrapCode clasp, however you do need to source a connecting link.

Hope this helps anyone looking to take this far as I have.
dP

[dpt.calvin]

^^^Very nice, thanks for that!

[nGage7962]

Hey Dan, thanks (I think?) for that, it was thought provoking.

Do you think that there is any possibility of adding an Easylink? Do you think Uncle Seiko would make it as an add-on?

[krchrist]

these look really great. i never liked the rivets