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Michael CM1

macrumors 603
Original poster
Feb 4, 2008
5,682
277
When I tried on watches back in April, I knew eventually I would want a new band instead of the sports band. It's great for being the workhorse band, but there are nicer bands out there. I especially like the blue leather band. I'd LOVE it if it were red, but you know Apple and its colors.

I've almost bought one twice, but I get cold feet about it. I mean it's $150 for a watch band not a few months after I dropped $600 on the darn watch. I also just had to drop $160 on a new monitor for my iMac after destroying the video connection inside while upgrading a hard drive. I think it's just at a price point where damn I'd love a new band, but it's hard to justify it no matter how much I like it. I had the same issue with the watch, especially waiting a month for it, but knew how much better the materials were and how much better I liked the look.

The third-party bands comparatively look like junk. None of them seem to have the magnetic clasps like the Apple leather loop. That feature on the leather and Milanese models is one of my favorite things about them. I'm often torn between whether I like three or for notches in for my sport band, so the added adjustability is nice.

Anybody got opinions on the same conundrum? I may end up waiting until they hit Best Buy so maybe I could at least rack up some points.
 

Arran

macrumors 601
Mar 7, 2008
4,928
3,935
Atlanta, USA
I wouldn't say "apprehension". I just think some bands are overpriced.

Take the metal link bracelet for instance. $500 is way in excess of the cost of the raw materials plus clever design, metalworking skills, packaging and distribution - even if you accept that Apple products usually command a premium.

Now, with computers, iPads, iPods and even boring-old Airport Expresses, the "Apple premium" is palatable because there's clever technology hidden inside that none of us can ever really understand. So we willingly pay for the "magic".

But with the bands/bracelets, it's all just metal. Everyone understands metal. There's nothing hidden or magical about it to justify a premium.
 

broadbean

macrumors 6502a
Jun 10, 2007
782
333
But with the bands/bracelets, it's all just metal. Everyone understands metal. There's nothing hidden or magical about it to justify a premium.

Better watch out, all the luxury watch and accessory manufacturers are gonna come after you!
 

dfine1966

macrumors 6502
Apr 9, 2011
425
46
When I tried on watches back in April, I knew eventually I would want a new band instead of the sports band. It's great for being the workhorse band, but there are nicer bands out there. I especially like the blue leather band. I'd LOVE it if it were red, but you know Apple and its colors.

I've almost bought one twice, but I get cold feet about it. I mean it's $150 for a watch band not a few months after I dropped $600 on the darn watch. I also just had to drop $160 on a new monitor for my iMac after destroying the video connection inside while upgrading a hard drive. I think it's just at a price point where damn I'd love a new band, but it's hard to justify it no matter how much I like it. I had the same issue with the watch, especially waiting a month for it, but knew how much better the materials were and how much better I liked the look.

The third-party bands comparatively look like junk. None of them seem to have the magnetic clasps like the Apple leather loop. That feature on the leather and Milanese models is one of my favorite things about them. I'm often torn between whether I like three or for notches in for my sport band, so the added adjustability is nice.

Anybody got opinions on the same conundrum? I may end up waiting until they hit Best Buy so maybe I could at least rack up some points.
Try looking in the accessory forum. There are very nice third party leather loop with magnets copies that are a third of the price of Apple or less. I have a non OEM blue leather loop with the magnets, just like Apple, that I got from eBay. The quality is very good. Not as good as the original, but still good. There are also exact copies of the Milanese with magnets on eBay that are also pretty good for a third if the price. People have done reviews with pictures in this forum. Check it out.
 
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