Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
hoco band
- Thread starter xxchefxx
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I ordered the Hoco 3 bead bracelet after seeing pics on here. It arrived yesterday and I was able to remove links myself with a watch kit I ordered from Amazon. I like it better than the bracelet (purchased and adjusted at local jewelry store) and adapter (ordered from eBay) I was wearing... (I have the 38 mm SS with milanese strap). I think the Hoco is a solid alternative to the Apple Link bracelet - the best out there so far...It also feels a lot more substantial than the SS link bracelet I purchased earlier.
Cheers,
Bobbie
Cheers,
Bobbie
Here's the Hoco band - https://www.dropbox.com/s/41kypd70jblrdu5/2015-05-31 09.08.14.jpg?dl=0
Here's a pic of my customized band with adapter from eBay - https://www.dropbox.com/sc/xwmofxuhyx26otd/AABIB01Vn7WQbFNs5UaPUjt0a
The adapter from eBay had a bigger gap between the watch and the band....and it didn't fit flush like the Hoco band. The Hoco band looks better in my opinion.
Cheers,
B
You have to push out the pins holding the links together somehow. There are arrows on the bottom showing the direction that the pins come out (and you replace them going the opposite direction). At first I thought I could just use an unbent paperclip to push the pins out, but they're in there pretty tightly. So you'll need either a tool specifically made for the job, or something that lets you apply more force. I settled on a thin nail and a hammer, but this is not ideal. Obviously you'll want to make sure you don't have your watch attached to the band when you're messing around like this.
This will remove the pins very easily: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HDJT6Q?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
I also use the hammer and steel pins in this kit to remove links: http://smile.amazon.com/16Pc-Watch-...d=1433114183&sr=1-2&keywords=watch+repair+kit
I also use the hammer and steel pins in this kit to remove links: http://smile.amazon.com/16Pc-Watch-...d=1433114183&sr=1-2&keywords=watch+repair+kit
You're welcome! The flathead screwdriver-looking part is actually how the pin looks because it's bent in half - the 2 halves spring out to hold the pin in place, so you're seeing the 2 halves of the pin coming together.
You have to push on the other end that looks solid, not the notched end that you saw.
You have to push on the other end that looks solid, not the notched end that you saw.
Last edited:
Dang, that sucks. You should have ordered from the states. Mines will be here tomorrow...only took a couple of days.
I have the hoco 3 bead and I love it. Considering the 5 bead as well. I have a SGS, so Now that I see that black one I have to have that too. Only found one seller so far and they want $58. I'll wait for more to show up.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=231577353410
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=231577353410
I have the 5 bead and it's a really nice band. The band is seamless too. Ordered mine form eBay (UK) and it came with the toolkit to take out links which was useful. As a bonus a second one arrived a few days later. I contacted the seller and asked if he wanted it back and he said not to bother so I will try and sell it on
Sweet ! Yeah, I ordered on Amazon, and it says it will be delivered between June 18 and July 7. But that's ok, it'll give me time to experiment with other bands I've ordered.
I received my 5 bead Hoco yesterday from amazon. I was very impressed with the quality and overall look. However, when I got it properly sized and ready to install to my 42mm SS one side refused to lock into place. After fooling with it for a minute or two the bottom lock pin (gold colored rectangle) fell out. This is the piece that actually holds the whole thing in place. It drops into the mating hole on your watch and then is pushed up flush when removing. It is supposed to be spring loaded and pressed into place by the black top side stud. At any rate mine is not working. 
So now I have to return it and wonder is it just a fluke and should I gamble and try another? The thing is I would really hate to have the replacement fail later and possibly damage my watch! I have the SB and the classic buckle to use so maybe I wait till the aftermarket matures and there are some MFAW official bands to chose from?
So now I have to return it and wonder is it just a fluke and should I gamble and try another? The thing is I would really hate to have the replacement fail later and possibly damage my watch! I have the SB and the classic buckle to use so maybe I wait till the aftermarket matures and there are some MFAW official bands to chose from?
Just got mine...fit is perfect...glad because there is no micro adjustment on this band. Took all 3 removable links off the 6 side.
Oddly enough, when I got home tonight (6/1), my Hoco bracelet was there waiting for me, very pleasantly surprised.
Original arrival dates were 6/17-7/7
I posted this in the third party accessories thread as well:
I received my stainless steel hoco band today and I must say that it is crap compared to the Apple link band I've been wearing for the past week.
The connectors don't fit snugly and also stick out a little bit. It just looks and feels like crap.
The first pic is the Apple link bracelet and the other two pictures show the gap in the hoco connector area and the part that sticks out.
I received my stainless steel hoco band today and I must say that it is crap compared to the Apple link band I've been wearing for the past week.
The connectors don't fit snugly and also stick out a little bit. It just looks and feels like crap.
The first pic is the Apple link bracelet and the other two pictures show the gap in the hoco connector area and the part that sticks out.
Attachments
I don't think anyone seriously expected a $40 band to compare to a >$400 band. For the price, it looks pretty darn good though.
You may have lucked out and got a poorly fitting Hoco band.
I also have been wearing the Apple Stainless Steel Link Bracelet, and yes it's definitely better than the Hoco band but I can get 14 Hoco bands for the price of the Apple bracelet.
My Hoco band fits snuggly with my Apple Watch. There is no movement with the lugs/connectors at all. I would either try buying another Hoco (or returning the one you got), or replacing the connectors.
Here is my Hoco band, and you can see that there is no gap like with yours.
One of the things I like about the Hoco is it allows your watch to collapse and lie flat when it is off your wrist, whereas the Apple bracelet maintains it's loop off your wrist. There are times when I take off my watch and put it in my pocket, but with the Apple Link Bracelet, I could not do that anymore as the loop of the bracelet prevented me from doing that.
For the price, I think the Hoco is really good value and looks nice. So for those who are on the fence about getting one and want a link bracelet. I think you should take the plunge and get one.
Last edited:
You may have lucked out and got a poorly fitting Hoco band.
I also have been wearing the Apple Stainless Steel Link Bracelet, and yes it's definitely better than the Hoco band but I can get 14 Hoco bands for the price of the Apple bracelet.
My Hoco band fits snuggly with my Apple Watch. There is no movement with the lugs/connectors at all. I would either try buying another Hoco (or returning the one you got), or replacing the connectors.
Here is my Hoco band, and you can see that there is no gap like with yours.
One of the things I like about the Hoco is it allows your watch to collapse and lie flat when it is off your wrist, whereas the Apple bracelet maintains it's loop off your wrist. There are times when I take off my watch and put it in my pocket, but with the Apple Link Bracelet, I could not do that anymore as the loop of the bracelet prevented me from doing that.
For the price, I think the Hoco is really good value and looks nice. So for those who are on the fence about getting one and want a link bracelet. I think you should take the plunge and get one.
Not sure if this has been posted before, but I found another Hoco band with a different clasp. This one allows micro adjustments so would be good for those who are between links.
The link is below (sorry it's a link to the Australian eBay store).
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/38-42mm-...=LH_DefaultDomain_15&var=&hash=item2351be7a2e
The link is below (sorry it's a link to the Australian eBay store).
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/38-42mm-...=LH_DefaultDomain_15&var=&hash=item2351be7a2e