Straum’s recently released Micro-Adjust Clasp for bracelets is a godsend. This is an accessory I thought I needed, but probably not that much. As the proud owner of a Jan Mayen Fratello Limited Edition, I was excited to see how this upgrade would improve the overall experience of the watch. Spoiler alert: You won’t be disappointed.
Out of the box, the MicroAdjust Clasp comes in a small metal tin. Straum brand All Jan Mayen watches come with an accessory case. This thoughtful touch highlights Straum’s attention to detail, which is appreciated. Attaching the clasp to my Jan Mayen was easy thanks to the included pin and collar system and the bracelet tool that comes with the watch. Once in place, the clasp is virtually indistinguishable from the original butterfly clasp. Its minimalist design integrates perfectly with the bracelet, maintaining the sleek, rugged aesthetic that defines Straum’s design DNA.
Straum’s impressive design and manufacturing quality
Crafted from 316L stainless steel, the clasp combines bead-blasted, brushed and polished finishes to perfectly match the bracelet’s original texture. Straum’s reputation for high standards is evident here. The machining is precise, tolerances are tight, and the overall finish is flawless.
One of the most notable aspects of the clasp is not obvious until you put it on your wrist. What’s impressive is that it adds the necessary fine-tuning features without sacrificing any of the integrity of the design. Even with the addition of the fine-adjustment mechanism, the clasp is slim and unobtrusive and does not disrupt the continuous visual harmony of the bracelet. Knowing Lasse and Øystein’s personalities and industrial design background, I believe this was most important during the design stage.
The tweak was done correctly
Straum’s micro-adjust clasp splits into three positions (2mm on each side) to provide up to 4mm of on-the-fly adjustment. This may not sound like a big deal on paper, but it actually makes a difference. Provides the perfect amount of adjustment to address wrist swelling/shrinkage. Dual push buttons operate the adjustment mechanism and actuate a comfortable, safe and precise ratchet system.
Unlike friction-based designs that can slip or feel imprecise, this ratchet mechanism locks securely into place for a secure fit all day long. The push button is intuitive and activated with a gentle pinch of two fingers. This allows for quick and easy resizing, whether you’re loosening the bracelet on a hot day or tightening it for a snug fit during active moments. What I was particularly impressed with was how this mechanism prevents accidental activation, an issue that has plagued other systems I’ve tried. Despite the button being close to the clasp’s main release button, I never accidentally pressed the wrong button.
On the wrist, a Straum micro-adjust clasp provides comfort and versatility.
Wearing the Jan Mayen with the new clasp was a revelation. OK, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it made me wonder why Straum didn’t release this clasp a long time ago. The tweaks fixed one small issue I had with the watch. The ability to make small adjustments without the use of tools greatly improves overall comfort, especially when worn for long periods of time. Since Straum includes two long links, there is already a significant level of sizing flexibility, but microadjustments add even more precision. Together, these create a near-custom fit that accommodates subtle changes in wrist size throughout the day. When Jan Mayen debuted, the lack of micro-adjustability was a sore point for many enthusiasts. This new clasp effectively silences those criticisms, making the Jan Mayen a more versatile and user-friendly watch.
practical evolution
Straum’s clear goal with this clasp was to increase functionality without sacrificing its minimalist spirit. We can confidently say that the brand has succeeded admirably in this regard. The clasp adds meaningful practicality without adding unnecessary bulk or complexity. That should be obvious, but in reality it doesn’t always happen this way. This is a logical evolution that reflects Straum’s Norwegian design philosophy: functionality complemented by rugged, understated beauty. Another advantage is that this clasp is compatible with all previous Straum bracelets. Whether you’re upgrading your existing Opphav or Jan Mayen or enhancing your new purchase, this tweak clasp is easy to recommend.
Straum Micro Adjust Clasp Price and Availability
The Straum MicroAdjust Clasp costs €120 (excluding VAT), making it a relatively affordable upgrade considering the quality of the materials and precision engineering involved. It is currently available for pre-order on the Straum website, with deliveries expected to begin in April 2025. Considering its versatility and level of fit and finish, the price feels justified for what it brings to the table (or wrist).
Straum’s focus on intuitive operation, sophisticated design, and secure mechanics makes this clasp a standout among the brand’s watch accessories. I like to see brands take the time to do things right, and Straum has done just that with their new MicroAdjust Clasp and Strap Adapter. Whether you’re a current Jan Mayen owner or considering a Straum watch for the first time, the micro-adjust clasp is a worthwhile investment.
We hope to see more thoughtful additions to the brand’s accessories lineup over the coming months and years. Do you have any suggestions for what you’d like to see next? We all read your comments, so let us know what you’d like!