LET'S TALK ABOUT STEEL
316L steel to be exact. When it comes to securing your LIV beauty securely (and comfortably) around your wrist, we make the decision difficult by offering fine leather, rugged nylon, resilient rubber/polymer, and silky steel.
LIV lavishes the same fanatical attention to detail on its stainless steel bracelets as it does on every part of a LIV masterpiece. Folks ask why go to such lengths for the humble bracelet? Why not skimp a bit here? Because it is not in the LIV DNA. Our fans deserve nothing less.
IT BEGINS WITH DESIGN
As simple as this statement sounds, it means more than you might think. When designing a bracelet, you have to consider a number of factors. Included in these are:
- The appearance - single or multiple segments per link?
- The drape - how does the bracelet flow around your wrist?
- How it attaches to the case - rigid or moveable?
- The clasp - deployment, diver's, other?
- Adjustability - how many links can be removed and what micro-adjustments are available.
- The finish - how will it feel against the skin? Will it be polished or plated?
LIV believes that our timepieces are more than a collection of parts and materials; they are singular designs where every little bit matters. This means the bracelet receives the full LIV treatment.
LIV GX Alarm Type-D
THE LIV DIFFERENCE
Okay, so what is so different about our bracelets? First off, we only use 316L stainless steel. This special alloy is created to eliminate the irritation some people experience when wearing metal. This in itself isn't that unique, a lot of companies use 316L. Then again, a lot don't. It pays to check.
Our bracelets all use multiple segments per link, a far more expensive solution to bracelet construction. The use of multiple segments per link provides the drape-ability, fit, and adjustability we demand so that your LIV timepiece fits like a glove.
We cast and machine each link segment individually. You may have seen other bracelets that have the steel wrapped around a core to form the links. Not only is that approach less attractive, but it is also not as durable. We'll take solid links every time.
LIV GX1 in T.J. Blue
Link segments in hand, our craftspeople hand finish each one, ensuring they go together with our trademark fit and finish. Think about this when you look at your next LIV bracelet; each segment in the bracelet received individual attention. If you order your bracelet with an ionic plating, that is also applied by these talented artisans.
How the bracelet attaches to the watch case may seem like a no-brainer part of the design. And, it is true many companies skimp here. Not with a LIV bracelet. The fit and finish where bracelet meets case are superb. It is also functional. Some bracelets are rigidly attached at the case. This makes a comfortable fit hard to achieve. Our bracelets attach in a flexible manner, allowing them to drape over your wrist in harmony with the lugs of the case.
LIV GX-AC
Assembly of the bracelet is a work of art in itself. Individual segments are put together using friction pins to build a link. These links are put together with the same pins to form the bracelet. Keep in mind that our design may call for different links in different positions. For example, two segments here or three there, all being pinned together by hand. Yes, there is more to the bracelet than you might imagine.
Our typical bracelet comes with an adjustable diver's clasp. This is a super secure way to make sure your bracelet never opens unexpectedly, dropping it onto the floor or into the ocean depths. We also offer a more elegant deployant buckle if you want to eschew the utilitarian diver vibe.
A POOR FIT = AN UNHAPPY WATCH FREAK
Okay, now we are at the moment of truth, you have unboxed your latest LIV treasure (or decided to add a bracelet) and it does not fit perfectly. Never fear, adjustability is part of the LIV bracelet design.
For enthusiasts without any watch tools lying about, getting the perfect fit from the bracelet will be more challenging. Sure, you can use a safety pin to move the bracelet ends about in the diver's clasp. But, what if you need to remove links? Time to call a friend, visit a jeweler, or pick up some tools and expand your watch skills. In fact, we have an article that covers this procedure in detail here.
LIV GX Divers
The intent of this article is to point out how a LIV bracelet is designed to maximize fit to your wrist size. This involves micro-adjustments and link removal. Let's look at the diver's clasp first. This clasp has a pair of push buttons on the sides that release the clasp. Open it up and you will see a series of closely-spaced holes on each side. These are the "micro-adjustments." If the bracelet is a close fit right out of the box, you generally can make it a perfect fit by moving the bracelet to a different set of holes.
But, what happens if the bracelet seems to be better suited to Big Foot than your wrist? Time for link removal. Most bracelets only allow you to remove a couple of links on either side of the clasp. LIV bracelets allow you to remove any and all links. Although in the latter case you have now created a pocket watch.
LIV GX Alarm Type-D
You will need tools or friends with tools or a jeweler to remove links. Our article mentioned above describes the tools needed and the process in detail. While not rocket science, it does require the right tools and directions, which we happily provide. Impatience and the wrong tools will invariably lead to a marred bracelet and perhaps, bleeding.
The bottom line is this, a LIV bracelet is designed so that you can achieve the absolutely perfect fit on your wrist. Like a LIV watch itself with its immaculate fit and finish, you too can achieve a perfect fit and finish on your wrist. Watch freak bliss.
Two tools you'll need to remove links from your bracelet: a spring bar tool and a pin punch. Learn more in our article here.
WRAPPING IT UP & TITANIUM
LIV also offers bracelets in titanium, also a hypo-allergenic material like 316L stainless steel. If you have avoided a bracelet because you are concerned it will make your favorite watch too heavy, titanium is for you. It is a fraction of the weight of steel and quite durable.
A bracelet is a great way to change up the look of your watch. As long as the bracelet width at the lugs matches, you can move it between your watches with a few simple steps. All you need for the change is a spring bar tool, available from LIV, and other fine watch tool purveyors. You can even use your LIV bracelet on another company’s product. We don’t guarantee this marriage will not tear a rift in the horological universe, so proceed with caution.
Check out our bracelet collection today and add some steel (or titanium) to your watch box.
