Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp — Our Most Convenient Clasp Just Got

Getting the perfect strap fit can be difficult for some, which is why we're excited to announce the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp. Now, fans of our popular CTS Rubber straps can combine on-the-fly micro-adjust and cut-to-size to achieve a truly tailored fit.

Some of you probably experience this daily: You wear your watch in the morning with just the right amount of tightness on your wrist, then fast-forward a few hours, and it's suddenly a little too tight. Or too loose. In either case, what began as a comfortable wearing experience has become anything but.

That's what our Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp aims to fix. Since wrist sizes can change throughout the day, we wanted to give people the ability to accommodate those changes with minimal hassle.

The Story Behind the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp

When we first released our CTS Rubber straps in 2023, we knew from the get-go that we wanted to bring micro-adjust clasps to the collection. And while the current clasp technically has two notches for a looser/tighter fit, we always felt that requiring a tool to adjust stood in the way of its potential for greater convenience. Initially, we considered producing our CTS Rubber straps with more sizing holes. However, we realised that this impacted the strap's integrity and overall durability, which defeated its purpose of being an 'everyday' strap.

With that, we began our R&D into a tool-free micro-adjust solution. Version 1 (left) originally employed a sliding caddy system. However, this approach proved unsustainable from a manufacturing perspective. Version 2 (right) was when we started to explore the snap-fit system, which required the production of custom spring bars. Over time, we introduced some quality-of-life adjustments to improve the clasp's usability and to ensure consistent production.

After more than 3 years of development, Version 3 was when everything came together. Function testing led to the addition of two small 'humps' to the micro-adjust spring bar's path of travel, improving the feel of the snap-fit system. Adjustments were also made to the clasp's actuation to ensure that the amount of force needed to engage the clasp's micro-adjust was sufficient to prevent accidental triggers, but not too much to the point where it becomes inoperable. We also conducted a 1,000 pull-push test to verify that the final design could withstand daily use. This also allowed us to confirm whether the amount of force required to work the snap-fit system remained consistent even after significant wear (and it did).

What Is the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp?

In a nutshell, the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp is the next iteration of our current CTS Clasp, now featuring a tool-free micro-adjust function. In terms of specifications:

Available in 316L stainless steel (for now)
3mm of on-the-fly adjustment per side; total of 6mm
Designed to pair with all Delugs CTS Rubber straps
Patent-pending design
Includes installed custom spring bars + 2 spares
Available in 16, 18, 20mm, in all 4 steel colours (silver, black, yellow gold, rose gold)

What Does the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp Do?

As its name suggests, the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp allows the wearer to enjoy a level of control over their CTS Rubber strap fit, in a way that's even more precise than the standard trimming. This also prevents wearers who fall in between sizes from having to choose between a strap that's too tight or too loose.

If you've already got your CTS Rubber strap on the standard clasp, not to worry — the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp is fully compatible with all our CTS Rubber Straps and deploys exactly like its standard counterpart. It is also designed to accommodate on-the-fly changes, which means that you can easily adjust the fit of the clasp without having to set it aside.

How Is the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp Different?

We're aware that micro-adjusting is hardly a new concept, and that many before us have introduced their own interpretations with varying degrees of success. However, most mass-market solutions are designed to work with OEM bracelets. In our case, we designed the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp to work exclusively with our CTS Rubber Straps, further enhancing their daily wearability.

On top of that, we designed our Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp to be 100% tool-free, relying instead on a snap-fit system for adjustments. To make this as simple and foolproof as possible, we turned to our friends at Fitwell for advice. We've been a supporter and distributor of their micro-adjust buckles for some time, so this collaboration made perfect sense. As a result, the snap-fit system of our Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp operates the same way as Fitwell's — all it takes is a firm tug. Additional actuation force testing allowed us to refine the clasp's usability, optimising its day-to-day use.

Who Benefits From the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp?

Anyone who experiences fluctuations in their wrist size would tangibly benefit from our Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp. Many factors can contribute to this: a person's age, level of physical activity, water retention, etc.. Physical environment plays a role as well — more temperate climates tend to result in smaller changes, and vice versa.

The tool-free design of the Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp also makes it a perfect choice for active, busy individuals, as well as those who dislike over-engineered solutions or fussing with minute adjustments.

The Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp is also an ideal choice for those who share their watches with their partner, provided the partner's wrist is a similar size. Not only does it make fine-tuning the strap's fit between wrists a cinch, but it also removes the need for a separate strap altogether.

FAQs

Does making the micro-adjust tool-free mean it's less secure?

Not in the least. We've included custom-made spring bars as part of the design to ensure the snap-fit system's reliability.

If my current CTS clasp suits me just fine, how will this new Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp even benefit me?

Since fit is ultimately subjective, this will depend on whether you're comfortable with the closeness of your strap fit varying as your wrist size fluctuates. If you prefer 24/7 consistency, then our Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp is worth considering.

How do I choose the right size?

The sizing of our Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp corresponds to the tapered measurement of our CTS Rubber Straps. For example, our 19, 20 and 21mm straps taper to 16mm. If you're getting a Micro-Adjust CTS Deployant Clasp for similarly sized straps, pick the 16mm one.

Should I start the strap sizing process with the clasp at the loosest or tightest setting?

Always keep the clasp at its tightest setting when finalising the sizing of your CTS Rubber strap. If you're unsure of how to size your CTS Rubber strap, refer to this guide.

Is it normal to have to push/pull hard to adjust the clasp?

We've calibrated the snap-fit mechanism to account for our CTS Rubber Strap's natural compression. Using it requires a firm amount of force, but it ensures reliable locking and prevents unwanted movement once set.

Why a micro-adjust clasp? Why not a CTS Rubber strap with more holes?

Creating a CTS Rubber strap with more holes may provide more room for fine-tuning fit, but this comes at the expense of the strap. More holes mean less material, which can impact durability. Also, having more holes doesn't provide on-the-fly adjustment, since cutting the strap is non-reversible.

Will there be a Micro-Adjust Spring Deployant Clasp in the future?

Never say never!