What is the BEST Deployant Clasp on the Market?

What is up, my watch friends?!? So, check this out… I want to look at the deployant buckle on the Solas Starlight aventurine and compare it to several other watches. I’ve come to learn that not all deployant clasps are created equal, so I’ve tried quite a few and am sharing with you which clasp I’ve found to be #1 in comfort and function (including built-in microadjusts). What is your favorite style of watch clasp?
Check out this whole video or choose a specific make/model using the chapters below:
CHAPTERS
00:00 Solas Starlight
00:51 Formex Essence Leggera
2:00 Hamilton Jazzmaster GMT Auto
3:51 Balticus Stardust
4:35 Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB123J1
6:20 Formex Essence Forty Three
If you have a question that I didn't cover in the video, please comment below and I'll try to respond as soon as I can.
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AN IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION ON SPONSORED CONTENT AND PAID PROMOTION:
As always, this is not paid content. I refuse to let this channel be an extension of some company's marketing scheme. I receive zero compensation of any form to make these videos. Being a part of a Watch Tour or borrowing a watch from a friend in no way obligates me to make a video, nor to say one thing or another in any videos I do choose to make. If it did or was insinuated to be, I would not participate. Most everything you see on this channel, I personally paid for (and usually not at a discount, unless a sale was available to the entire public). In short, I am doing this channel because I want to include it within my watch hobby. I will continue to say anything I want on this channel, without bowing down to any shill editorial control. I do this under no other obligation or desire, other than to continue contributing back to the amazing enthusiasts that make this hobby so great!
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This video was created to abide by KZbin's Terms of Service. The purpose of this video is to discuss or critique the material included. The creator harbors no malicious intent. This video may contain jokes, satire, and negative criticism of other individuals and their ideas, or of companies/brands and their products, but it is intended as a platform to discuss or critique these things and does not constitute a personal attack or abuse of another individual, company, or brand.
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[@razzlemankd]

I was really struggling to work out how to use the butterfly deployment clasp on a Hamilton Pan Europ, I'd just received today, but after seeing the one on your wrist, the grey watch, I managed to work it out, so a massive thank you 👍

[@carbondragon]

I have a Formex Reef and I got a rubber strap additionally with it with that clasp. I tried putting the strap on another watch but it had metal pieces at the end which caused it to not fit on any other watch (and was hard to after that remove) but I did get it off. Then I tried to fit it to other straps I had. If the straps were in any way thick, the clasp I had wouldn't work. I found a very thin rubber strap it would fit on but fitting the strap to the clasp was very difficult because it was hard to get the pins in and out, especially if the strap didn't have any give as rubber straps do. And when I did, the place where the tongue was didn't look great but I did ultimately succeed in using the clasp. It's a good mechanism, but it's not really designed to be used on any straps but theirs, they make it very hard IMHO. I have a different, but somewhat similar strap which doesn't have those characteristics, BUT the strap under the clasp tends to stick out on top by my wrist or on the bottom, it doesn't want to stay in the middle (which is annoying).

[@Portland_Living_Life]

Formex makes some pretty slick bracelets. There is a reason for this. The father of Formex's CEO owns a Swiss bracelet manufacturer called Dexel SA. Dexel has all of the patents on the Formex bracelet clasp designs.

[@bojannikolow1462]

I ordered a ESSENCE "BUTTERFLY" CLASP WITH FINE ADJUSTMENT and wanna buy it again, but they sale it not more. This is genius Clasp.

[@CarlosGarcia-fw6vu]

I have the same strap type on my TAG Heuer and I love it, very comfortable and elegant.

[@auyeungowl2075]

Sometimes the length of strip govers the position of the clasp on your wrist. Seiko was designed for smaller wrists of Japanese. Larger wrist would be better with a longer strip at clasp side.

[@GregJGreen]

I just picked up a Seiko Neo SUR305 and want to buy a deployant clasp for it, but I'm not sure which one to go with yet. Great vid, thanks.

[@watchound.bernardo9738]

Thank you for that detailed explanation. It's a hassle when a strap is between adjustment holes. I've been looking for an "omega style" (in fact introduced by Cartier in 1910) deployant clasp and the Formex is the winner, Artem is also an option. I have a few questions though. It seems the Formex clasp has two pins for the strap holes holding the clasp in place. Would this clasp fit most straps, considering the distance between straps holes? Yours fits great as the tail end of the strap seats before the curvature of the clasp. If the tail end extended further and overlayed the clasp hinge (most likely in smaller wrists) would it be comfortable or bulky? Much appreciated.

[@engineer_wannabe]

Great video, my friend! I found the Seiko deployants to be fairly painful as well! Will have to check out Formex’s deployant!

[@HorologyinSanity]

The Formex has much less of a curve, compared to the Seiko. I think that's the biggest factor to the overall comfort, no matter what size or shape wrist.

[@derbywinner6316]

Female viewer with a small wrist 14.65 mm I do have a Oris with the “Hamilton “ deployment clasp . Learning how to change the watch bands.Thank you .

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great topic man and that Formex ❤️

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thanks!

[@u.u.upatreonrequests8679]

I purchased a Rubber B and it's too short for my 8.5in wrist. What clasp will add an extra inch?

[@glenntorres5553]

Hi, what strap are you using on the formex? Just got a Formex field and I think that would go well with it

[@roycropper420]

Does the grey strap come with the formex watch and deployant clasp?

[@amundbjerve]

One aspect that you should consider is how secure does the clasp hold the strap by the hole. I've received a Habring2 a couple of weeks ago on a deployment clasp (a premium watch which gives a solid impression, but with a disappointing quality both to the pin buckle, deployant clasp and the mesh bracelet that also came with the watch), and now the little hook or pin on the clasp easily comes out of the strap hole, and the watch could easily fall off. Your Hamilton clasp seems to lock the strap securely when the clasp is closed. For that reason alone, this would be my favourite clasp in your video. I had to find a 3rd party butterfly clasp I had bought for something else which is more secure than the original Habring2 clasp, but maybe still less secure than your Hamilton clasp.

[@Defender-Guy]

I’d love to put my Hirsch Robby on a Formex but per their website, it’s too thick at over 3mm. Any idea if it will fit?

[@mmadchef808]

I have an Oris Aquis which has a similar design on rubber….main difference is that is has a lot greater adjustability on the fly. Very comfortable as well.

[@seanpie5481]

Hello. My Tissot Couturier came with a leather strap and butterfly clasp the just sat badly on the upper inside of wrist. It looks great and I’ve tried to like it but it is a no go. As a skinny waisted adolescent (40+ years ago) I remember mounting bracelets the other way around to get them to sit better. Discovered this by accident when I put my Seiko Sports 100 on backwards. Cheers from Melbourne, Australia.

[@dinner_workingsly]

I’m a lady wrister at 6.5” and the ocean crawler rubber strap that comes with the clasp has been the best for me so far. I think only because both ends of the strap itself are equal length. I’ve tried the same clasp with other straps but it sits in the wrong spot because the buckle side of most straps are shorter.

[@HorologyinSanity]

With wrists being so different in size and shape, you'd think someone would figure out a way to have a more tailored strap option (aside from getting a bespoke one made, which I think is the route a lot of folks go). Barton kinda tried with their silicone straps, where they'd send you too straps together, one long and one short. Some offer different size length straps when you order, like Weiss. And then, imho, Formex is currently doing it best with these adjustable deployant clasps. But, I'm hoping someone will figure out a "one size fits all" solution that includes strap length and built-in adjustments, because that seems like it'd be a grand slam!

[@jimwatchyyc]

Folding clasp.

[@private464]

Christopher Ward deployant clasp on their REALLY nice Cordovan leather is VERY good. I have the black and the blue ones...and really like them. Formex looks good, but is very expensive.

[@stephenthumb2912]

Great outro, Brother. Yep, it's a pleasant fun hobby. If it isn't fun it isn't worth it.

[@HorologyinSanity]

Thank you! I never know if people will get my sentiment behind my outro, so it's great to hear your feedback. Appreciate it!

[@MKGamingInvesting]

2:02 A headshot. WHAT THE HELL IS THAT NEVER SEEN THAT COOL THING OF A WATCH. Made advertisement for Hamilton

[@mrbacchus6127]

The Formex deployant looks amazing, almost makes me want a Formex by itself. I bought a C. Ward leather with a baden deployant and it is ultra comfortable. Better yet got it as part of a clearance sale for $35

[@HorologyinSanity]

Sweet! I'll look up the baden deployant and maybe give it a try. I love these Formex ones, but they aren't cheap. I'd love to find a similar option at a better price point.

[@jasonkusters5607]

I’m ordering the clasp now

[@ahmadghufran8117]

How’s the clasp? Was looking at this or the Artem ones.

[@ricchrono5907]

Have you had any experience with the Artem clasp, seems like they are receiving a lot praises too, I wonder how do they stack up.

[@HorologyinSanity]

Not yet, but I was just looking at their sailcloth straps and noticed that they also sell several different clasps. At first glance, I don't think theirs have built-in microadjust, like the Formex do. But, I could be wrong. I may need to try one out someday soon.

[@DesignAtelier]

very informative! i bet the seiko clasp curve was designed for tiny asian wrists like mine.

[@HorologyinSanity]

hahahaha, I'm pretty sure you're spot on! Kinda like the standard straps on a Laco are made for huge wrists like mine.

[@artieshell9205]

No links for ….. clasps ?

[@cantbreakdance2849]

Just bend the seiko clasp more straight if it bothers you?

[@markedfortime]

Oh brother...you're the first person I've ever heard complain about the same experience I've had with deployant clasps. I have a 7.5" wrist and always felt the digging into my wrist. The Formex looks awesome. Butterfly clasps buttons can dig in on either side of the bracelet, but worse, if the clasp is too curved, it'll dig in at either end, which gets old quick. I need to wear them loose because my wrist changes a lot during the day. I have a Ball with a butterfly, that tapers down to 18mm...its a dream to wear. The underside has an almost flat curve, so on a large wrist, it doesn't dig in at all.

[@HorologyinSanity]

I'm with you! You're definitely not alone in that experience. And, I think the most significant factor to it digging in is based upon how much curve it has. And thanks for mentioning that Ball butterfly clasp. I'll have to check one of those out.

[@stevec2569]

I just got the formex deployment clasp today and I was wondering what strap are you using yours on? It looks like nylon

[@musabthegreat]

I think it's canvas strap

[@gs2162]

DEPLOYANT

[@Danielo197]

Cool clasp

[@HorologyinSanity]

I think so too

[@mauriciolguin]

Too much curvature is always bad. I flatten my butterfly clasps because I cannot tolerate them otherwise. You can flat them with a hammer, I use one of those that has plastic ends.

[@WizardWatch]

Formex is a killa brand !

[@HorologyinSanity]

It really is. I was skeptical of them at first, kinda thought they were a gimmick or a "high end" version of Nixon. But, the more I mess with them, the more I love em!

[@DirkWerning]

That Formax is great. Got a loaner of that model I should have bought 🤷🏼‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@HorologyinSanity]

It is sweet!

[@Shongi85]

I have the same bad experience with the Hirsch deployant clasp. Bought one for my Robby, but it's just not comfortable, digs into my arm way too much.

[@HorologyinSanity]

That stinks! Sorry to hear it. But, I know your pain (literally).

[@peterr7437]

got a tag divers and the clasp is like yours it digs in but being titanium didnt want to try and take a bit of the curve out

[@RonInNapa]

I really dislike butterfly clasps. I have not yet found one that does not release accidentally by just bending the wrist or tucking under a sleeve. Scissor deployants are superior in every way, but they also need a positive lock such as a push-button or fold-over safety. Some scissor clasps are friction-type and can easily open by rubbing against something.

[@donspaulding3343]

I have a cheap ($16) from Long Island and it has never released on its own, but is a pain to get on!

[@LaFritePerreGoat]

Formex should definitly think about selling those clasp in different size to fit 18 20 22 mm strap. I just want to retrofit every leather strap I have with one. Best aftermarket clasp I use is the rios 1931 ones wich better build than the entry level one sold everywhere. Cheaper but not on level with those formex with micro adjust. Killer feature. Artem clasps seems to be well received for the same price bracket.

[@HorologyinSanity]

I agree, Formex could make their clasps a thing for many collectors, especially if they could get the prices down on them a bit. From an engineering and quality standpoint, they are top notch! But, they're not cheap and they come in limited sizes. Nonetheless, I'll be getting more of them for my Keepers.

[@alsaba5203]

Try home made inventions... I've done minimalistic version, by myself. Type:"Update3. Homemade Nato strap. GW-M5610." Whatever looks, works. P.s few months ago I've done another " update" very similar to newest G5000TVA-1. I mean "red accent ", nice thing to realise that designer of casio like the same things. " Bund strap 5610 update2"

[@Phloored]

I'm wondering how thick of a strap this clasp can handle?

[@Phloored]

Anybody know?

[@Phloored]

FYI- heard back from formex and the answer is 2.5mm thick.

[@naveen_dj]

what type of deployment clasp is it ?? i know about butterfly clasp but i dont know the name of this "L-Shaped Clasp"

[@gs2162]

DEPLOYANT

[@jimwatchyyc]

Folding clasp.

[@SaSpursFan]

roller over

[@FullJikama]

Wake and bake

[@RaphaelRousseau]

I'm a bracelet guy, but some watches have nice straps, or I envision having a custom strap made (stingray). But I generally have issues with each and every strap, 'cause my sweet spot falls between 2 holes... So either I'm forced to wear them too tight or too loose :-( I'm planning acquiring the Formex clasp (alone), to avoid having a great strap but not wearing it for clasp insufficiencies...

[@MrZanzibar123]

Same here. Seems like that Formex deployment would be great with custom stingray band

[@HorologyinSanity]

I have the same experience far too often, where I too am between two holes on a strap. I've found that adjustable bracelets work really well, like the new Zelos ones, the CWs, and the Ginault bracelet. But, when it comes to straps, I'm always at the very end of the strap and almost always in between holes. In fact, I'm wearing the Zelos Mirage 8-day today on the rubber strap, and I'm on the 2nd-to-last hole, even though I wish there was a hole between to use because it's either too tight or too loose. imho, the Formex deployant clasp with built-in adjustments would remedy this problem.

[@RaphaelRousseau]

@@HorologyinSanity, love the on-the-fly clasp of the Blacktip, indeed!

[@JWomack]

Omega is the original single-fold "tuck under". Breitling and Tag Heuer have the same design except both are infinitely adjustable i.e. no holes. No need for micro adjust. I have a couple Omegas with this style and a Heuer Monaco which all have this style. I buy them separately along with straps and because I won't wear any other style. The Breitling and Heuer straps are somewhat interchangeable with a Heuer clasp provided the strap is thin enough. Breitling clasps accept a thicker strap typically while the Heuer clasp has less tolerance.

[@fariswee7538]

Thank for you doing this review! I've always wondered how the Formex clasp functions. I'm from Singapore and its super humid over here so i feel micro adjustment is a must as my wrist size changes drastically during the day. But the price of 135 dollars for a clasp is too much for me.

[@HorologyinSanity]

Yep, that's there biggest downfall... the Formex clasps are WAY too expensive imho. (then again, I think their watches are way too expensive too at MSRP) I'm not sure how long it'll take for AliExpress to have something similar at a fraction of the price, but I'm keeping an eye out.

[@fariswee7538]

@@HorologyinSanity Tag heuer style clasps are pretty good to me too and dosent dig into my wrist. The only downside is it only works on really thin straps

[@HorologyinSanity]

@@fariswee7538 That's good to know.

[@martinoamello3017]

Gotta try me a Formex.. I go through straps like socks and a bit tired of ten dollar deployment styles.. 10? did I say ten dollars? I must be turning into my dad..

[@gs2162]

DEPLOYANT

[@MyAlan999]

There was another reviewer who hated the Formex clasp , it dug into his 7 1/2 inch wrist ...... so much so he seems to think all the reviews not complaining about the clasp must be paid reviews :)

[@HorologyinSanity]

hahahaha. Well, I can assure you my videos are not paid for. And, I love these Formex clasps. That does remind me though... I'm thinking about doing a video about my ethical standards for monetizing this channel now that we can monetize it. Do you think subscribers would enjoy that, even though it's not really watch related? I mean, it wouldn't become the overall theme of the channel or anything, but in a world where almost everyone is doing paid reviews (and most do not disclose that fact), I want to be transparent about this channel and how we intend to keep free from conflicts of interest. What do you think? Is that worth making a video about?

[@teekanee]

I don't own Formex watches but I use two Formex clasps. They differ in width (18 and 20mm). The 20mm one has a longer folding mechanism and a strong curvature, which is very uncomfortable to me. The 18mm clasp is shorter and has a nice curvature - to me the best deployant clasp I ever used! You can buy the clasps separately via their website, but they are described very poorly, so you can't decide, which one could fit your needs.

[@samanthaevilsizer7823]

That pointy clasp looks painful!

[@HorologyinSanity]

It was!

[@TheoSmith249]

@@HorologyinSanity I have bent mine flatter. Works fine

[@bushido007]

Doesn’t look sturdy

[@cantbreakdance2849]

It's some kind of injection moulded carbon fiber material.... pretty sure its sturdy enough. But will it last for a decade? Noone knows

[@tk423b]

Get into microphones.

[@thomaslinton1001]

"DE PLOY' MENT" TO BE DEPLOYED TO A GIVEN AREA,

[@HorologyinSanity]

Sorry, I don't think I'm tracking you. Are you suggesting that these types of watch clasps be called "deployment clasps" instead of "deployant clasps"? Like, are you referring to the terminology usage?

[@thomaslinton1001]

@@HorologyinSanity "Deployant" has the same meaning as "deployment" only in French. Why Emglish speaker use it is a mustery. Liek "nitch" being replaced by the French "niche" with the French pronunciation. Affectations. Oh well, we still have "weekend," "motorcycle," and "OK."

[@TysonHook-22-]

@@thomaslinton1001 You must be new to watch terminology, we've all been there. The industry has long used "deployment" clasp and "deployant clasp" as distinguishers between the different clasp types used on watches since technically all watch clasps... even buckles are "deployable". A bracelet "deployment clasp" typically just referred to as a "watch clasp". is a clasp used to attach together a watch bracelet. A "deployant clasp" refers to a clasp that attaches to a watch strap in place of a buckle... ex. leather, rubber & canvas straps.

[@thegorn]

@@TysonHook-22- I've only ever heard of a "deployant" clasp for something that replaces a pinbuckle. I never seen or heard anyone say "deployment" for anything watch related, unless they are using "deployant" incorrectly. If it's not a deployant then it's just a clasp. Glidelock, easylink... or generically a twin trigger clasp with or without foldover, and with our without (on the fly) microadjustment. "Deployment" is more of a military thing... "yeah I got laid heaps in Vietnam on deployment with the US Army" ...

[@fmartmart8099]

Get a new schtick man