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Discounts / Sales on OEM bands

kryptticAZ said:
And it looks like she just relisted it at a higher price: https://www.mercari.com/us/item/m94924094656/

This looks exactly like the fake pink loop I bought last week. These have the size stamped on them, and you can see that the hole where the band goes into the lug is wider than the strap. The middle pin is also silver on one side instead of black/gray.
Click to expand...

The velcro is shown in two different pics, and they don't even match up to each other!
 
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Just to help any of you recognize this newest batch of fake sport loops. Attached are two photos. The band on the left is fake and the one on the right is real (they are not the same color, because I don't have two of the same):

(1) The fake band has poorly placed velcro and not quite as wide as the Apple velcro strips.
(2) The lugs on the fake loop are painted metal. The Apple one is solid plastic.
(3) The velcro on the Fake loop is usually covered with protective paper (probably so you can't see the suspect velcro underneath). Apple doesn't do this--unless it's new in the box and covered with clear plastic.
(4) Both loops have the size printed on them (42mm here). The Fake loop has a larger gap in this area between the fabric and the lug.
(5) The center connector (magnet) in the lug is shiny silver (Apple's are usually black, grey, or the color of the loop)
(6) The cutout (where the band slips through) of the lug is almost the exact same as the width of the loop in the genuine Apple loop. The Fake one has a larger gap.

The Fake ones also just look too good to be real. They're knock-offs of older bands--many of those will not look as shiny and crisp as something that just came out of the counterfeit factory. I also have yet to see "Assembled in China" on any of the fake loops (yet).

I've now seen these fakes in Electric Pink (pictured here) and Midnight Blue (the fake Mercari listing above). Some sellers may be representing these as genuine Apple, without even knowing they're peddling counterfeits. Be careful out there!
 

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kryptticAZ said:
Just to help any of you recognize this newest batch of fake sport loops. Attached are two photos. The band on the left is fake and the one on the right is real (they are not the same color, because I don't have two of the same):

(1) The fake band has poorly placed velcro and not quite as wide as the Apple velcro strips.
(2) The lugs on the fake loop are painted metal. The Apple one is solid plastic.
(3) The velcro on the Fake loop is usually covered with protective paper (probably so you can't see the suspect velcro underneath). Apple doesn't do this--unless it's new in the box and covered with clear plastic.
(4) Both loops have the size printed on them (42mm here). The Fake loop has a larger gap in this area between the fabric and the lug.
(5) The center connector (magnet) in the lug is shiny silver (Apple's are usually black, grey, or the color of the loop)
(6) The cutout (where the band slips through) of the lug is almost the exact same as the width of the loop in the genuine Apple loop. The Fake one has a larger gap.

The Fake ones also just look too good to be real. They're knock-offs of older bands--many of those will not look as shiny and crisp as something that just came out of the counterfeit factory.

I've now seen these fakes in Electric Pink (pictured here) and Midnight Blue (the fake Mercari listing above). Some sellers may be representing these as genuine Apple, without even knowing they're peddling counterfeits. Be careful out there!
Click to expand...
Can you show the loop holes head on? I feel like the hole shape on the fake is noticeably not round
[automerge]1602016495[/automerge]
HC/NG loop 40m used but looks solid $34
www.ebay.com

Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop Band - Hyper Crimson/Neptune Green - 40mm 38mm | eBay

<p>Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop Band - Hyper Crimson/Neptune Green - 40mm 38mm. Condition is "Used". Shipped with USPS First Class.</p><br><p>Excellent condition, hardly worn, clean</p><p>Includes box and all paperwork</p>
www.ebay.com
 
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kryptticAZ said:
Just to help any of you recognize this newest batch of fake sport loops. Attached are two photos. The band on the left is fake and the one on the right is real (they are not the same color, because I don't have two of the same):

(1) The fake band has poorly placed velcro and not quite as wide as the Apple velcro strips.
(2) The lugs on the fake loop are painted metal. The Apple one is solid plastic.
(3) The velcro on the Fake loop is usually covered with protective paper (probably so you can't see the suspect velcro underneath). Apple doesn't do this--unless it's new in the box and covered with clear plastic.
(4) Both loops have the size printed on them (42mm here). The Fake loop has a larger gap in this area between the fabric and the lug.
(5) The center connector (magnet) in the lug is shiny silver (Apple's are usually black, grey, or the color of the loop)
(6) The cutout (where the band slips through) of the lug is almost the exact same as the width of the loop in the genuine Apple loop. The Fake one has a larger gap.

The Fake ones also just look too good to be real. They're knock-offs of older bands--many of those will not look as shiny and crisp as something that just came out of the counterfeit factory.

I've now seen these fakes in Electric Pink (pictured here) and Midnight Blue (the fake Mercari listing above). Some sellers may be representing these as genuine Apple, without even knowing they're peddling counterfeits. Be careful out there!
Click to expand...


And it seems no one ever posts close up shots of the lug that has "Assembled in China" on it......

OR have they faked that now?
 
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kryptticAZ said:
Just to help any of you recognize this newest batch of fake sport loops. Attached are two photos. The band on the left is fake and the one on the right is real (they are not the same color, because I don't have two of the same):

(1) The fake band has poorly placed velcro and not quite as wide as the Apple velcro strips.
(2) The lugs on the fake loop are painted metal. The Apple one is solid plastic.
(3) The velcro on the Fake loop is usually covered with protective paper (probably so you can't see the suspect velcro underneath). Apple doesn't do this--unless it's new in the box and covered with clear plastic.
(4) Both loops have the size printed on them (42mm here). The Fake loop has a larger gap in this area between the fabric and the lug.
(5) The center connector (magnet) in the lug is shiny silver (Apple's are usually black, grey, or the color of the loop)
(6) The cutout (where the band slips through) of the lug is almost the exact same as the width of the loop in the genuine Apple loop. The Fake one has a larger gap.

The Fake ones also just look too good to be real. They're knock-offs of older bands--many of those will not look as shiny and crisp as something that just came out of the counterfeit factory.

I've now seen these fakes in Electric Pink (pictured here) and Midnight Blue (the fake Mercari listing above). Some sellers may be representing these as genuine Apple, without even knowing they're peddling counterfeits. Be careful out there!
Click to expand...
This is very good information for us newbie collectors out there, who venture past retail shops to get new bands... thanks for sharing!
 
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kryptticAZ said:
Just to help any of you recognize this newest batch of fake sport loops. Attached are two photos. The band on the left is fake and the one on the right is real (they are not the same color, because I don't have two of the same):

(1) The fake band has poorly placed velcro and not quite as wide as the Apple velcro strips.
(2) The lugs on the fake loop are painted metal. The Apple one is solid plastic.
(3) The velcro on the Fake loop is usually covered with protective paper (probably so you can't see the suspect velcro underneath). Apple doesn't do this--unless it's new in the box and covered with clear plastic.
(4) Both loops have the size printed on them (42mm here). The Fake loop has a larger gap in this area between the fabric and the lug.
(5) The center connector (magnet) in the lug is shiny silver (Apple's are usually black, grey, or the color of the loop)
(6) The cutout (where the band slips through) of the lug is almost the exact same as the width of the loop in the genuine Apple loop. The Fake one has a larger gap.

The Fake ones also just look too good to be real. They're knock-offs of older bands--many of those will not look as shiny and crisp as something that just came out of the counterfeit factory.

I've now seen these fakes in Electric Pink (pictured here) and Midnight Blue (the fake Mercari listing above). Some sellers may be representing these as genuine Apple, without even knowing they're peddling counterfeits. Be careful out there!
Click to expand...
That seller knew. “It has the size that’s how you know it’s real.” This is clearly a new product being marketed by the Chinese counterfeit manufacturers to aid in defrauding the consumer. This person 100% knows it’s fake, their Mercari profile is literally filled with fake bands from China and other counterfeit Apple accessories including AV adapters and lightning cables.

eta: it looks like my report pushed it over the edge. The MB listing was just deleted.
 
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athousandbands said:
Can you show the loop holes head on? I feel like the hole shape on the fake is noticeably not round
Click to expand...

See attached. The shapes of the loop holes don't look too different-except the fake one is wider than the band. I have yet to see "Assembled in China" on a fake loop yet, so that's another thing to look for (but that likely won't be visible in the listing so you won't know until it's delivered and too late).
 

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jamieinoc said:
That seller knew. “It has the size that’s how you know it’s real.” This is clearly a new product being marketed by the Chinese counterfeit manufacturers to aid in defrauding the consumer. This person 100% knows it’s fake, their Mercari profile is literally filled with fake bands from China and other counterfeit Apple accessories including AV adapters and lightning cables.

eta: it looks like my report pushed it over the edge. The MB listing was just deleted.
Click to expand...
Thanks for reporting. Good to hear it was removed.
 
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So.... at risk of a mild roasting... the above isn't really on topic for this thread.

BUT

It sounds like an awesome thread to stand alone. I can foresee a little bit of push back from the "you can buy just as good bands on Ali Express for $3" crowd, but if it's titled and summarised as a way to make sure everybody is knowingly buying replicas vs being confident they get the real band they are paying for then I think it could be a great resource for everyone.

I have 1 fake band however (a silver Milanese that I will sell next time I get a free listing day on the local auction site - making clear it isn't original Apple) so I'm not best to start or contribute to it, but others are...
 
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kryptticAZ said:
Just to help any of you recognize this newest batch of fake sport loops. Attached are two photos. The band on the left is fake and the one on the right is real (they are not the same color, because I don't have two of the same):

(1) The fake band has poorly placed velcro and not quite as wide as the Apple velcro strips.
(2) The lugs on the fake loop are painted metal. The Apple one is solid plastic.
(3) The velcro on the Fake loop is usually covered with protective paper (probably so you can't see the suspect velcro underneath). Apple doesn't do this--unless it's new in the box and covered with clear plastic.
(4) Both loops have the size printed on them (42mm here). The Fake loop has a larger gap in this area between the fabric and the lug.
(5) The center connector (magnet) in the lug is shiny silver (Apple's are usually black, grey, or the color of the loop)
(6) The cutout (where the band slips through) of the lug is almost the exact same as the width of the loop in the genuine Apple loop. The Fake one has a larger gap.

The Fake ones also just look too good to be real. They're knock-offs of older bands--many of those will not look as shiny and crisp as something that just came out of the counterfeit factory. I also have yet to see "Assembled in China" on any of the fake loops (yet).

I've now seen these fakes in Electric Pink (pictured here) and Midnight Blue (the fake Mercari listing above). Some sellers may be representing these as genuine Apple, without even knowing they're peddling counterfeits. Be careful out there!
Click to expand...

Great stuff!

I would've killed for this info when I first started, so I'd feel more confident buying without a box and on ebay etc.

So I made a thread: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...us-genuine-authentic-oem-apple-bands.2258901/
 
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44mm cypress green sport band for $42 on Amazon..... Looks like 40mm is also $42!

www.amazon.com

Apple Watch Band - Sport Band (44mm) - Cyprus Green - Regular

Made from a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer, the Sport Band is durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft. The smooth, dense material drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit.
www.amazon.com
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
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^Deal delivered. Who's coming in with the Flamingo for $14 shipped?
 
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