A Hands-On Introduction To Serica’s Sophisticated And Functional Expedition Bracelet
When most brands introduce a new watch, they make the bracelet look more like an afterthought than an integrated part of the design. It’s often a derivative of or a variation on the classic Oyster or Jubilee bracelet, which isn’t a sign of much imagination. Serica has never given in to that strategy. The brand introduced its debut watch — the W.W.W. (Wrist. Watch. Waterproof.), a military-inspired field watch — on a newly developed Bonklip bracelet. The brand’s 5303 diver debuted on a tapering Vesper Mesh bracelet with proprietary end links. And now, for its 8315 Travel Chronometer, Serica introduces the sophisticated and functional Expedition Bracelet.
I own both Serica’s Bonklip and Vesper Mesh. I wear the Bonklip on my Oris Artelier Art Blakey because I like how it makes that dress watch a bit more informal. The Vesper Mesh came with my 5303-3 diver and complements its blue-green bezel insert perfectly. As you’ll understand, I couldn’t wait to go hands-on with the brand’s newly developed Expedition Bracelet. Well, now I’ve done that, so let’s check it out.
The Serica Expedition Bracelet
At first glance, Serica’s new Expedition Bracelet almost looks like a combination of the brand’s Bonklip and Vesper Mesh. The bracelet consists of a stainless steel Milanese mesh core and stainless steel links that fold around it. On the outside, the mesh is almost fully exposed, while on the inside, it is almost entirely covered by the links.
The bracelet consists of two connected parts, unlike the Vesper Mesh, which has two separate parts. At the end of one part is a spring-loaded, branded clasp that you operate with your fingernail. This clasp hooks into a bar located on the bracelet’s second part. The bar easily clips into place at any given spot to achieve a comfortable fit. The straight pieces at the ends are reinforced and attached with Serica’s proprietary guilloché end links.
Putting on and wearing the Expedition Bracelet
When Serica’s Expedition Bracelet arrived at the office, I quickly took it out of the packaging and tried it on. In terms of articulation, this bracelet feels very similar to any other mesh bracelet. This means it’s flexible but certainly not limitless. It will wrap nicely around your wrist, though. You pull one end toward the bar on the other end and pull down the Serica logo to clip it onto the bar.
Just like with the Bonklip and the Vesper Mesh, it took me a little while to get used to the procedure. In the end, though, I got the trick and was able to put the Expedition Bracelet on in a flash. On the wrist, it is very comfortable. It’s thin, and the links on the inside feel smooth on the skin. While the clasp is closed, you can still open the clip of the bar and adjust it on the go, which is very convenient during the day.
My impressions
Serica’s new Expedition Bracelet is a cool variation on the popular mesh bracelet. The combination of the mesh core and the folded links gives it a more sophisticated look. And not only is it refined and sophisticated, but it’s also highly functional with the on-the-go adjustment mechanism. I also love that the whole thing is polished but doesn’t look overly blingy.
Serica is launching this bracelet on its 8315 Travel Chronometer. However, with the right end links, you can also put it on the 5303 diver. And, if you don’t mind the straight ends, you can even put it on any other watch with a 20mm lug spacing. The Expedition Bracelet costs €289 without the guilloché end links and €349 with them. If you order the Serica 8315 on the Expedition Bracelet, the watch will cost €200 more than it does with the rubber strap.
Let me know what you think of Serica’s new Expedition Bracelet and on which watch you’d like to try it!
