The Leatherman Tread wearable multi-tool is not my favorite Leatherman product. I briefly reviewed the Leatherman Tread nearly a year and a half ago, and while I like it, I stopped liking to wear it.
If I’m going to wear something on my wrist that feels like a watch, I’d rather wear a watch. I’d get more daily use out of a watch than I would the Leatherman Tread.
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The Tread is still a useful and welcome travel companion when a traditional multi-tool or small portable tool kit isn’t practical or permitted.
But as an everyday “wearable?” No thanks. That feeling has given me the mindset that the Leatherman Tread is somewhat of a special occasion accessory, rather than a tool.
I recently received an email from Best Tech Tool (BTT) that briefly introduced me to their Leatherman Tread watch adapters.
Leatherman does offer 2 styles of Tread watches, but there was great demand for the ability to adapt the Tread to the watches one already owns.
Correction: Leatherman was supposed to come out with 2 styles of watches. I don’t think they’ve hit the market yet. Maybe they changed their mind.
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In reply to one such request, I wrote in a comment that:
I really expect (and also hope) that some kind of adapter might pop up on forums or by small independent makers.
It looks like I was right!
BTT offers watch adapters in 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26mm lug sizes. If your watch’s lug width has an odd measurement, buy the next size down. Say your watch lug width is 25mm – you’d buy the 24mm adapter.
There’s also a Casio G-Shock adapter. You’ll have to look at their website to see the full compatibility listing. My 9300 Mudman isn’t on the list, but I plan on asking about that.
Oh, and there’s also an Apple Watch adapter.
I sometimes wear a watch, sometimes I don’t. And I never wear my Leatherman Tread review sample. Well, almost never. I can tell you that I’d never wear a watch AND the Tread, on the same or different wrists.
But if I could combine the two? Yes, my Tread would likely see more of the world. Even if not as an everyday watch, maybe I’d wear it as a sort of travel watch.
Each BTT adapter kit comes with the tools you need to swap watch bands.
There are 2 colors – plain stainless steel and black, to match your Tread.
Pricing ranges from $37, for a watch or G-Shock adapter, to $41 for an Apple Watch adapter. There are quantity discounts for those who want to buy more than one adapter.
Buy Now(via BTT)
Buy Also(Leatherman Tread via Amazon)
If you try one of these adapters, please let us know what you think of it!
The adapters seem a little pricey to me, but not unreasonable if you consider the price of a Leatherman Tread ($165+).
The intro email I received included the offer for a free test sample, but I don’t know if I’m going to say yes. I have a couple of nice metal-banded watches, but I tend to wear my G-Shock most of all, and am not prepared to swap a light plastic band for a metal one.
Nathan
it’s a good combo but I doubt it’s for me either. I passed on the tread also – as a watch band – since I like metal band and solid feel – I would consider it.
but I rarely wear a watch and when I do it’s more for dress. Or a pocket watch – which gets odd looks.
dll932
Sorry, still can’t see getting it.
Jonathan
If I traveled by air as frequently as I have in the past, I’d be concerned about having to surrender it, because some former mall security person that was now working for the TSA would confiscate the $150-200 watch band (but would completely miss the loaded handgun in some other bag).
That or the person behind the counter at the local 7-11 that took the “online FBI handwriting analysis prep course” that wants to compare your DL signature with the one your debit card that BTW you used with your PIN for a $5 that purchase that aspires to work in law enforcement but can only get a job with the TSA.
I must confess tho that I’ve spent more on my former watch fetish than I have on tools; at one point I owned 50+ watches the “tools/toys of the corporate world”. Yet this looks more like a tacticool band than practical and comfortable band.
Steve
Is that site even legit? Those are all just renders without actual photos.
Seems like these guys have been doing it for a while. It’s nothing new.
http://chronolinks.com
Editor Note: This commentor is affiliated with Chronolinks.
Stuart
Shrug?
They look legit, but I can’t vouch for them.
I saw the Chronolinks on Amazon too, and with an early 2016 listing date.
Sorry, it was new to me.
I wonder which brands’ adapters are better. It’s not clear as to where either brands’ adapters are made.
Steve
Amazon’s always good, at least it’s got some reviews to back them up.
Might have to pick up a pair, my Tread’s feeling a bit lonely.
Editor Note: This commentor is affiliated with Chronolinks.
Sam
This is Sam from Best Tech Tool.
Regarding the legitimacy, it is good to know all payments are through PayPal with BUYER PURCHASE PROTECTION for 180 days.
Free worldwide Airmail shipping is offered and the North America shipping time is 5 to 8 business days. http://besttechtool.com/shipping-returns/
Mr. Creek
Great find, I wear a Citizen Nighthawk (has a calculator on it, and by calculator I mean slide rule), with a stainless band going out. I’m going to definitely buy one since I have to replace my band.
Anthony
I saw these adapters on amazon too:
https://www.amazon.com/ChronoLinks-Leatherman-Tread-Watch-Adapter/dp/B01AAWU4Y4
Have a Tread myself and really on the fence on getting a set of these adapters to go with my Casio.
Joe
I bought these and really no problemo at all. The machining is very high quality. I would recommend Chronolinks a lot, finish is good. The packaging is also very unique.
J
Do you work for them as well? That is a strange set of recommendations as to why to buy them otherwise. I’m almost tempted to buy the other brand just because I hate pretend reviews and comments that much.
Stuart
I can’t tell, that was Joe’s first and only comment on ToolGuyd.
Ron
I got the black adapters from BTT for my G-Shock AW-590 recently. Good thing is that the black color was exactly identical with my Tread, and having pins and pin tolls made it easy to install the Tread.
Whereas they provided free shipping, but it was not trackable.
SawdustTX
I bought the chronolinks for my LG G Watch R back in April. I like them. Wear it almost very day. The links works great and match the Tread perfectly. I wondered when I got itthe Tread as a gift how useful it would be, and like many of you would never wear it alone. But as my watch band, I’ve used it more than expected, mostly the screwdriver tips and the cutter.
Robert
Ok, so you can get the Tread for roughly $165.00 on Amazon. Then for roughly 40 bucks more, on sale in some cases, you can get a watch adapter. That doesn’t include by the way the cost of the actual watch you’re attaching it to.
This is way too gimmicky, pricey, and of very limited real-world value for my taste. I know that everyone’s needs are different, and to each their own. As for me, the Tread alone is mostly a conversation piece and little more. I wouldn’t consider the 165 in the first place, let alone another 40 or so to attach it to a watch face.