Coolest steel bracelet out there?

The new Sarpaneva " Moonbridge " bracelet

Artwork by Toni Kysenius

Elegance of moon cast in steel

Stepan Sarpaneva has had a busy year. Celebrating the 20 Year milestone of running Sarpaneva Watches. The Anniversary Year has been active and it seems Stepan is fulfilling the crowds in many levels. Stepan`s Watchmaking career is already plus 30 years old and time has passed since first watch under Sarpaneva name saw its life, 24 Years to exact. As always, every piece has Sarpaneva “ name “ on it, even if it has not been printed to the actual product.

This new Stainless Steel bracelet is no exception. A true piece of art, with form and function. In the construction, it is very much like an classic bracelet. In term of design and feel, totally something new! Due my day job, I have been lucky enough to see and photograph this steel bracelet first hand. The quality, finition and way of build is impressive.

The project has been ongoing for more than 20 Years now. Already for the first Sarpaneva wristwatch, Stepan wanted to add a steel option…..Shortly after, we are getting the real thing!

A stainless steel bracelet that fits every Sarpaneva 42mm Korona case with unique crescent shape. The distinctive shape of the steel Moonbridge complements the Sarpaneva case. With its unique character and seamless integration, it is a sight to behold.

I can underline the above. The looks are certainly there, was not actually at all in doubts it wouldn’t be right but how it looks together with the case blew my mind. Stepan has not jumped on the “ trendy “ Integrated Steel Sports watch game, but has kept following his own design language.

The Sarpaneva elements or Magic are there, very strongly. The fit into the case is impressive. One needs to remember these are hand finished cases, not something that comes out from machine and has few surfaces polished - it is not an easy to make a retrofit bracelet for a complex case. It needs a lot of work and patience.

Stepan did work with Maspoli SA on the manufacturing. A well known Swiss manufacturer who has done bracelets for the big names. Quality is there.Here some of the things I have spotted that might not meet the eye. The screws are not actually single piece. The links are connected with very low tension way. There is a shaft and a screw to secure it. Similar way than your normal Oyster etc function, but has a very low stress on threads. Second point is the hidden clasp. It has very little parts and it´s very compact. Perfect news especially for people with smaller wrists. Traditional single butterfly’s can extend the bottom of the bracelet and it becomes impossible to wear. Traditional way of fine adjustment has been added with a half link. With an half link already supplied, I trust everyone can find a perfect fit. Yes, micro adj. would be great, but not easy mechanism to achieve that it works perfectly and rather expensive if manufacturing placed in Swiss region.

Feel and fit

I think this was the big surprise for me. Or one of the highlights! The design and looks are insane, also the finishing. But boy oh boy how this wears! The bracelet is very thin, just north of 3mm. The links are well sized, just about 8mm in lenght. But the big thing…It weights less than 70g for a 7” wrist size! That is impressive. The 4mm tapering feels perfect. The solid end link is making a nice drop that gives the steel a perfect motion to flow around wrist. The inside link finition & tight clearance between lugs ensure impressive comfort! I dare to say it feels like I have found a candidate to the “ Holy trinity “ of bracelets.

These all are very personal things. I’m also highly biased. Being a Finn and a pretty big Fanboy, but still. I believe Stepan has really made a bracelet that he can be more than proud of and keeping the manufacturing in true Swiss Made, is a really brave and rare these days. Have been slightly blown away about this all so now it is just a small two weeks waiting time for the Moonbridge to arrive!

Cheers Stepan, you are the Man!

Size 22mm ( tapers to 18mm), Price 2500€ plus vat, Swiss Made, comes with half link and it is made from Stainless Steel. Fits Sarpaneva 42mm Korona cases.

For more information and to order one, kindly visit Studio Sarpaneva site at Studio Sarpaneva