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Non-OEM (FAKE/CLONE) Apple Watch Bands

I was sent these pictures from a local guy that sells those and I can pick up one tomorrow however bit unsure whether to go for the fake or splash out on the genuine apple one... I reckon the magnets might cave in one day perhaps some other people on here have mentioned that the watch came off their wrist in certain occasions. I've attached the pics , what do we guys think ? I've a day to decide..
 

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mypyh4ooo said:
I was sent these pictures from a local guy that sells those and I can pick up one tomorrow however bit unsure whether to go for the fake or splash out on the genuine apple one... I reckon the magnets might cave in one day perhaps some other people on here have mentioned that the watch came off their wrist in certain occasions. I've attached the pics , what do we guys think ? I've a day to decide..
Click to expand...

If it is a band you are going to be wearing on a daily basis and will be your most worn band, I would get the OEM. It is a bit more comfortable and softer, the leather is a touch nicer and the fit is much better. With prolonged wearing, the band is extremely comfortable because it absorbs a slight amount of moisture and prevents sticking to the wrist. With the fake it sticks a bit more and isn't as comfortable after prolonged wearing. The length may be an issue for some with fakes as well since it's only one length whereas with OEM you can get the size for you. My fake is pretty damn long.

Having said that, I have that fake band (same packaging) in the blue and I like it. It's a pretty good quality honestly and I don't have any issues with it. Well worth the money. I have the stone OEM LL and I wear that far more so far.

The OEM is worth it imo, especially if you'll wear it every day, but the fakes are actually pretty damn good so far.

How much does he want for that band?
 
GrindedDown said:
If it is a band you are going to be wearing on a daily basis and will be your most worn band, I would get the OEM. It is a bit more comfortable and softer, the leather is a touch nicer and the fit is much better. With prolonged wearing, the band is extremely comfortable because it absorbs a slight amount of moisture and prevents sticking to the wrist. With the fake it sticks a bit more and isn't as comfortable after prolonged wearing. The length may be an issue for some with fakes as well since it's only one length whereas with OEM you can get the size for you. My fake is pretty damn long.

Having said that, I have that fake band (same packaging) in the blue and I like it. It's a pretty good quality honestly and I don't have any issues with it. Well worth the money. I have the stone OEM LL and I wear that far more so far.

The OEM is worth it imo, especially if you'll wear it every day, but the fakes are actually pretty damn good so far.

How much does he want for that band?
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply.

He's after £40 for it and I can collect as he's local to me but thing is I don't mind spending another 60 because I can buy the band through my local electronic store. ( CEX ). And yes I'll be wearing it every day so need it to be comfortable especially with this sport band now my wrist gets really sticky and sweaty with it on. My job is physical so need something that will be comfortable to wear all day every day.
 
mypyh4ooo said:
Thanks for your reply.

He's after £40 for it and I can collect as he's local to me but thing is I don't mind spending another 60 because I can buy the band through my local electronic store. ( CEX ). And yes I'll be wearing it every day so need it to be comfortable especially with this sport band now my wrist gets really sticky and sweaty with it on. My job is physical so need something that will be comfortable to wear all day every day.
Click to expand...
I think you answered your own question. You should buy the OEM loop.
 
soya said:
I got confirmation from freedomoclock09 (utica guy) that your band was part of a wrong first batch. New ML are exactly like the pictures. If you haven't done it yet, you should ask him for a replacement. Also, could you please keep up updated about the replacement ML? It should be a perfect clone if according to you only the width was incorrect.
Click to expand...


I got this answer last night after sending detailed pictures to them. I sent it back the same day I got it for a refund but maybe I'll reorder down the line.

This is why I've been trying to buy the clone bands from sellers that are (somewhat) based in the U.S. At least the returns are simple :) I'm still a fan of this seller, too.


"Hi Erik,

We really appreciate your information,it is so clear,thanks

We ask our factory,and be told each production lots should be slight difference,because of material(steel band parts,adapter) supplier make mistake frenquncy.

If there is no other problem,our solution as below:

A: 5$ disacount for you
B: Return and refund
C: Return and Resend(shipping should be AUG 12th)

Please let me know your decision,have a good night

Thanks
Richard

- freedomoclock09"
 
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Has anyone seem these knockoffs appearing in actual stores anywhere? Like those case/screen shops that pop up in the mall and stuff? I'd love to be able to see and feel the band I'm buying before getting it. Much more of an impulse buy too...
 
mypyh4ooo said:
I was sent these pictures from a local guy that sells those and I can pick up one tomorrow however bit unsure whether to go for the fake or splash out on the genuine apple one... I reckon the magnets might cave in one day perhaps some other people on here have mentioned that the watch came off their wrist in certain occasions. I've attached the pics , what do we guys think ? I've a day to decide..
Click to expand...
This is one of ones that cost £29 including shipping from the UK on eBay.
 
boshii said:
I bought a blue leather loop from this seller:

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=191625687328&globalID=EBAY-US

It's a U.S. seller based in New Mexico. I ordered mine on Thursday night and received it today.

The band is great! The look and feel is like my genuine black loop. The only difference is the length, as seen in the pics. That doesn't really matter to me. My wrists are big and it's a non-issue. Magnets are strong.
Click to expand...
How is your blue Leather Loop holding up? How are the magnets working.
 
bksnbriefs said:
Leather Loop Review Part 2

I have a 38mm Apple Watch Sport and my wrist is 6 3/8 inches in circumference.

Here's how the watch looks on me:

View attachment 565906

View attachment 565905

It loops around all the way. If your wrist is any smaller than 6 and 3/8 inches, you'll have problems. YMMV, but the long loop doesn't bother me. With time, it may be a deal breaker and I'll have to cut the strap. The materials seem cut-able without fraying the leather? edges.

The entire band seems to be magnetic. It is sufficiently secure - about as grippy as my memory of Apple's leather loop but slightly less grippy than my OEM Milanese loop. This might be perception though. The Milanese loop only connects via magnets at the edge of the strap. It will feel stronger upon detachment and attachment. The leather loop magnetizes across the entire band, so while the edge may not feel as strong, the entire band is being held together across its entire surface.

If you need extra support, two earth magnets will do the trick - which may come in handy should I decide to cut and shorten the strap. Here's how they look on mine.

View attachment 565927

See ... you don't even know they are there.

View attachment 565928

I own a Milanese loop, a Hoco Premium leather strap, several Nato straps with adapters, the white fluoroelastomer that came with my Watch and now, this leather loop. I have to say, there is something very elegant and simple about the loops that make me prefer them over the buckle straps and the fluoroelastomers. I like how they connect to the watch and stay secure with no additional hardware - ie lugs or closures. It just loops and connects to itself. Had Apple made a 38mm leather loop, I'd gladly give them my money. Instead, I'm writing this review wearing a strap that will probably expose me to lead poisoning.
Click to expand...
How do you like the leather loop and do you really need the earth magnets or are the magnets on the band strong enough?
 
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JaJaWa said:
This is one of ones that cost £29 including shipping from the UK on eBay.
Click to expand...
Thought so , so he's clearly overcharging.

I've had some more pics , close up ones too. Not a fan , will be purchasing the genuine one tomorrow.
 
Just found a seller on Ebay for that 1:1 Apple Steel Link band for $90 shipped from Hong Kong. I took a chance as i don't have an Aliexpress account. I paid with paypal using my Amex so if anything goes wrong i have backup..


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Link-Bracel...028?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25aa16f84c

Can't wait. :)

<EDIT> Noticed other buyers prior to tonight paid only $80 shipped! He increased the price. Dang it!
 
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Armski said:
Just found a seller on Ebay for that 1:1 Apple Steel Link band for $90 shipped from Hong Kong. I took a chance as i don't have an Aliexpress account. I paid with paypal using my Amex so if anything goes wrong i have backup..


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Link-Bracel...028?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25aa16f84c

Can't wait. :)

<EDIT> Noticed other buyers prior to tonight paid only $80 shipped! He increased the price. Dang it!
Click to expand...
It's not a 1:1. The butterfly clasp is different from the original
 
ianfann said:
It's not a 1:1. The butterfly clasp is different from the original
Click to expand...


Correct, but i was under the impression the ones posted by Reytiros was as close to 1:1 available right now, while not perfect it is the exact same one he purchased from Aliexpress for more. Finally they are starting to show up on ebay. :)
 
Reytiros said:
its solid, but damn its heavy^^ 125 grams including the watch



don't know, but it should be very close to the real one. i took some pictures
Click to expand...

Thank you!! I found a seller on ebay and purchased one! Seems it's been an active listing for a few weeks now i haven't been looking hard enough. :)
 
Armski said:
Just found a seller on Ebay for that 1:1 Apple Steel Link band for $90 shipped from Hong Kong. I took a chance as i don't have an Aliexpress account. I paid with paypal using my Amex so if anything goes wrong i have backup..


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Link-Bracelet-For-Apple-Watch-42mm-Silver-Replacement-Strap-/161767422028?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25aa16f84c

Can't wait. :)

<EDIT> Noticed other buyers prior to tonight paid only $80 shipped! He increased the price. Dang it!
Click to expand...

It's cheaper than others but it's not as close to the Link bracelet as other ones with a Butterfly closing.
It looks diffrent to me.
 
Here is a problem I have with the fake leather loop for 38mm watch.
Lock mechanism doesn't work properly on one piece of the band, as seen in my video here:
It doesn't fall out or anything while wearing, so I don't think I should be concerned, right?
The lock mechanism is just not well made, but it doesn't slide out too easily, it's just not locked.

Also, some of the metal of the lock mechanism is visible on the top (See picture), but sometimes it's less visible.
I have put it in upside down already to make it look better.
132852-445-xXSRI.jpg
 
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Joshoon said:
Here is a problem I have with the fake leather loop for 38mm watch.
Lock mechanism doesn't work properly on one piece of the band, as seen in my video here:

It doesn't fall out or anything while wearing, so I don't think I should be concerned, right?
The lock mechanism is just not well made, but it doesn't slide out too easily, it's just not locked.
Click to expand...

I know this happens to genuine Apple ones too. Do you know how the locking mechanism works? If so, try to press the bit in the adapter to see if it easily pushes the metal locking bit out properly. Sometimes jiggling the adapter left and right might help. Otherwise, send it back.

Also, some of the metal of the lock mechanism is visible on the top (See picture), but sometimes it's less visible.
I have put it in upside down already to make it look better.
Click to expand...

If you notice it, then you won't happy. Furthermore, turning the strap upside down means you are not having it locked in. I wouldn't do it.
 
doppelganger said:
Utica guy just put up a link bracelet clone. It's the one that needs a sim tool to adjust the size. $59 for 38mm or 42mm. That's not a bad deal but I'm still waiting for 1:1 clone. I just figured I'd post it because I know a lot of people say he's a reliable seller.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/For-Apple-Wat...celet-Watchband-Tool-/281757190392?nav=SEARCH
Click to expand...


I just ordered this one, thanks. It's a preorder and will ship within two weeks. Last preorder I did from them came earlier. It's worth the wait for the ease of the return if necessary. If you guys decide to order this check the coupons/promotions area when you checkout (iOS app). There was a "$10 off when you spend over $50 on jewelry" in there that worked plus an extra 1$ off when you spend so much with that seller. So I got it for $48.99 total.
 
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broadbean said:
I know this happens to genuine Apple ones too. Do you know how the locking mechanism works? If so, try to press the bit in the adapter to see if it easily pushes the metal locking bit out properly. Sometimes jiggling the adapter left and right might help. Otherwise, send it back.
Click to expand...

It does push the metal bit out when I push on it with my nail.
Jiggling the adapter doesn't work.


broadbean said:
If you notice it, then you won't happy. Furthermore, turning the strap upside down means you are not having it locked in. I wouldn't do it.
Click to expand...
It locks perfectly while in upside down for me :p
Unfortunately it's still a bit visible.
 
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