Omega Speedmaster Caliber 321 JB Champion Mesh Strap

hmmmcamu's post sheds light on the often-overlooked history of the Omega Speedmaster's iconic mesh strap, detailing its crucial role in NASA's space missions. This article provides valuable context on why astronauts opted for the JB Champion mesh bracelet over the standard steel bracelet, highlighting its practical advantages for spaceflight.

OMEGA SPEEDMASTER cal 321 and Jacoby Bender USA. mesh bracelet

The Omega Speedmaster was officially qualified by NASA on March 1, 1965, for all crewed space missions and became standard issue for astronauts during the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Apollo-Soyuz programs. It was also used during Space Shuttle missions, primarily for spacewalks.

The official Speedmaster models issued were:

• ST 105.003 – Used during Gemini missions

• ST 105.012 and ST 145.012 – Used during Apollo missions

• ST 145.022 – Used after the final Apollo missions

While the Speedmaster originally came with an Omega steel bracelet, astronauts quickly found it impractical for spaceflight. NASA engineers, including James H. Ragan who oversaw equipment testing, determined that the rigid steel bracelet posed a snag hazard and could cause injury in confined spacecraft environments.

Instead, astronauts adopted a flexible, adjustable mesh bracelet for daily wear and training. This design allowed easy adjustment over flight suits and reduced risk during emergencies. The mesh bracelets used were JB Champion models, produced by the American company Jacoby Bender USA.

The JB Champion bracelet, manufactured by Jacoby Bender USA, became widely used among astronauts during the Gemini and Apollo programs, not only for Omega watches but also for Accutrons and other models. The Forstner Komfit was not used by NASA astronauts. The two differ significantly: Komfit bracelets have fixed-width end pieces whereas JB Champion models feature spring-loaded, variable width end pieces designed to fit securely over watch lugs. All photographic and documentary evidence confirms that astronauts wore the JB Champion USA, not the Forstner Komfit.

The JB Champion USA bracelet offered significant advantages:

• Tool-free, infinite adjustability via a sliding clasp

• Lightweight stainless steel construction

• Spring-loaded end pieces for secure fit on 18–20 mm lugs

• Width of 15.6 mm at the center

These mesh bands were worn by astronauts such as Wally Schirra (Mercury-Atlas 8, 1962), the Apollo 8 crew, and others during training and missions. NASA officially began procuring JB Champion bracelets in 1964, and they became a common sight in astronaut photographs.

NASA HOOK and LOOP strap (velcro)

For actual spacewalks and EVA (extravehicular activity), the Speedmaster was worn on a long, detachable Velcro strap over the spacesuit sleeve, as confirmed by NASA documentation and images from Apollo missions.

The NASA-issued bracelet was made by JB Champion, not Forstner.  The original mesh bracelet was designed and produced by Forstner under the name Komfit until 1963, when Jacoby Bender acquired the company and rebranded the product as the JB Champion.  

All versions used during NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs starting from 1963 onward and any changes/ modifications / alterations that were not on the original komfit bracelets were  made JB Champion USA . 

Despite this, modern online sources often credit Forstner  who had no involvement after 1963 in the evolution and changes that were made on the bracelet.

The Jacoby Bender (JB) Champion USA mesh bracelet, while not part of the official flight kit were given out by NASA, they became an iconic companion to the Speedmaster due to its practicality and widespread use among astronauts.

Jacoby Bender (JB) Champion USA - was a supplier of high-quality OEM watch bracelets for major luxury brands.

Despite claims of unrelated entities like the new company named Fostner, or paid talking heads (pundits) and paid articles / write ups that are misleading - Jacoby Bender (JB) Champion USA is not associated, part of, nor related to a company called Fostner both past (which they bought out in 1963) or the present (the new company that is called Fostner)

Jacoby Bender was a U.S.-based manufacturer active from the 1960s to the 1980s, primarily known for producing high-quality watch bracelets for major luxury brands. The company became a key supplier in North America, manufacturing bracelets for Rolex, Omega, Universal Genève, Longines,  Bulova Accutron, JAEGER LECOULTRE.

Jacoby Bender specialized in OEM production, supplying Jubilee and Oyster-style bracelets for Rolex watches sold in the U.S. To comply with import tariffs, Rolex exported watch heads separately and paired them with Jacoby Bender’s U.S.-made bracelets, marked “JB USA” or “Made in USA,” qualifying as domestically assembled under the "Completely Knocked Down" (CKD) rule. 

For Omega, Jacoby Bender produced mesh, flat link, and brick-style bracelets, often found on Speedmaster and Seamaster models. These were valued for durability, tool-free adjustability, and precise fit. 

The company ceased operations around the mid-1980s and is no longer in business. While the name "JB Champion" was later revived by unrelated entities, the original Jacoby Bender remains recognized for its role in vintage watch accessory manufacturing. 

SOURCE

1. Omega Speedmaster NASA Certification History – SwissWatchExpo https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/thewatchclub/2025/06/25/omega-speedmaster-60-years-nasa-certification-moonwatch/

2. NASA EVA Preparation – Apollo 11 Technical Debrief https://history.nasa.gov/alsj/a11/a11.evaprep.html