Masters Of Mesh: Hands-On With The Arroway Modular Bracelets AMB-001 Milanese Mesh
The young California-based brand Arroway Modular Bracelets has boldly entered the world of aftermarket bracelets with the AMB-001, a thoughtfully designed, high-quality Milanese mesh bracelet. Aftermarket bracelets are a polarizing subject of discussion. The issue stems from the nature of the object; they tend to be affordable but of lesser quality than a bracelet designed and produced by (or for) an established watch brand. Should you put your expensive watch on a relatively cheaply produced bracelet? To some, the combined benefits of having an affordable alternative to an expensive OEM (original equipment manufacturer) product or even the option of having a bracelet where one usually isn’t available can be enticing. Others will say that combining a specifically designed and crafted watch with an inexpensive product that doesn’t match its level of quality is nonsense.
There are valid points on either side of the argument. Today, however, I want to examine an example of what feels like a new concept among aftermarket bracelets — a product that combines OEM quality with a slightly below-OEM price. Could aiming for this sweet-spot combination of factors hold the key to ending the debate? It would take someone far more optimistic than me to think so. As long as the internet exists, people will debate each other on it. Still, I believe the combination will find a receptive audience among those who would typically dismiss anything but the brand-provided hardware. Let’s look at the secret recipe Arroway Modular Bracelets has used in its quest to establish itself as the brand responsible for creating the kind of aftermarket bracelets even haters will love.
Arroway Modular Bracelets
Arroway Modular Bracelets was founded in California last year. It’s still very much in the first steps of its long-term strategy. A central pillar supports the brand’s self-declared mission — creating a range of high-end bracelet solutions based on a modular, interchangeable concept. This is something worth keeping in mind, as I’ll follow up on it later. Before we delve into AMB’s debut product, let’s take a closer look at the brand itself. It was created by a handful of watch enthusiasts who took it upon themselves to create quality aftermarket bracelets. Like many of you reading this, they’ve experienced many different watches and their corresponding bracelets, understanding the many factors that go into making some great and others feel like an afterthought.
They selected the classic Milanese mesh as a departure point. Not only is it a relatively universal style that suits most watches, but it’s also because they could not find an example that matched their preferences.
Having found myself in a similar position, it piqued my curiosity when I caught wind of the brand and its debut product. Speaking of which, this is what I’ll be telling you about today. I’ve had an example of the AMB-001 in my possession for a while, and have been able to put it through its paces on a couple of watches.
The AMB-001 Milanese Mesh
As you can see, the Arroway Modular Bracelets AMB-001 is a relatively simple bracelet. It consists of two pieces of high-quality stainless steel mesh (one longer than the other to ensure the clasp sits centered) with welded-on tubes on either side for the spring bars that secure it to your watch. The mesh material tapers from the lug spacing of choice (in this case, 20mm) down to 16mm at the clasp.
The clasp is milled from stainless steel. Its high-quality construction is tangible, from the precision of its chamfered lines (which visually slim down its bulk) to the feel of the round pushers and the reassuring click upon closing it. The bracelet’s components are designed in the US by the Arroway team and manufactured in Germany. All surfaces are brushed for a pleasant matte finish that prevents them from being overly shiny.
The main character here should still be your watch, and the bracelet certainly does not compete for attention. It just quietly does its job well and looks good doing it. This also ensures a good match for sportier watches. An additional advantage of a straight-end mesh bracelet is that it matches nearly any watch you can pair it with. As you can see, it looks as good on a dive watch as it does on a dressier three-hander. Some of this versatility can be attributed to the gauge of the steel wire used to create the mesh. If it’s too thick, it immediately becomes sportier. If too thin, it quickly becomes dressier and more refined. Arroway has struck a perfect balance here.
On the wrist
Now, as enjoyable as it may be to look at, the bracelet will perform its duties primarily on your wrist. So, how does it wear? How easy is it to size? And are there any sticking points? Well, let’s start with the first point. As I’ve mentioned, the Arroway AMB-001 represents a delicate balancing act. The mesh’s 2.9mm thickness, the bracelet’s taper, and the way it all comes together make for what I can only guess is a universally good fit.
The clasp has two tabs that ensure the mesh elements exit in a curved shape, rather than hinging awkwardly at their attachment point. This means that the bracelet will default to a circular shape when closed, with enough flexibility to fit most wrists.
On my relatively flat 7″ wrist, the standard-length bracelet (rated for 6.6–7.4″ wrists) fits rather well. As you can see, the clasp does not feature a toolless micro adjustment system. However, eight holes on the 12 o’clock end of the bracelet allow for micro-adjustment in the old-fashioned way, with an additional two settings on the 6 o’clock side. There’s a total of 16 distinct settings spaced 2.5mm apart. This means it’s easy to find just the right setting to comfortably fit your wrist, leaving some wiggle room for adjustment.
Those who are also similarly hairy-wristed will be glad to know that the Arroway mesh is not a hair-puller. This is not a given, especially for mesh bracelets. In months of wear, I’ve only experienced occasional pull, so it’s far from common.
Final thoughts
Overall, the bracelet feels sturdy and worthy of even higher-end watches. It’s been an excellent match for my Seamaster 2254 and my Speedmaster 3570, as well as for Daan Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface (in the case of the 19mm version). But it also works great on many other watches, such as the Oris × Fratello Divers Sixty-Five LE.
In the brand’s gallery, you can also see it paired with models from Sinn, Rolex, Tudor, Doxa, and even Grand Seiko, never looking out of place. Arroway has a comprehensive compatibility guide and can deliver the bracelet with the correct spring bars to fit your watch.
If you’ve also been looking for a well-made aftermarket mesh option, this may be the answer to your wishes. And if shark mesh is more your speed, keep your eyes peeled, as the AMB-002 will be coming out soon.
The Arroway Modular Bracelets AMB-001 is priced at US$480 plus shipping, taxes, and duties. This firmly establishes it as a premium option well above the usual suspects on the market. However, seeing how it stacks up well with OEM options (such as Omega’s two-piece mesh bracelet, which is priced at €890), it becomes a rather appealing option, especially as it is designed to work with any watch with a 19mm or 20mm lug spacing. Plus, 21mm and 22mm options will be available soon!
