Is there a market in second-hand Apple watch bands?

[profmjh]

I have the Sport, the Link and the Loop. Originally, the Link was my favourite, but for some months now I've worn the Loop exclusively. I thought about selling the Link but when I did a search on eBay almost every strap being sold was not original Apple.

Has anyone successfully sold a Link band? Do they get reasonable prices?

 

[CharlesShaw]

In the sold Ebay listings, it looks to me like a few OEM have recently sold in the $160-250 range (best prices for the ones with the white case). Retains more value than our Series 0 watches. I say hang onto it because you might want it later.

 

[jermy4]

Yes there is definitely a market for used apple watch bands. The sport ones usually sell for around $20, the leather loops and classic buckle bands usually sell for around $60-$75, and the link bands usually sell for $150-$200 or so.

 

[profmjh]

When I'm deciding to sell something I ask myself "if I could buy this for the price I'm selling it at, would I?"

I actually find the leather loop more comfortable and easier to wear because of its adjustability. Plus it's lighter.

I've put it on eBay for £120 starting bid. Astonishingly they're now £449 new.

 

[CharlesShaw]

I've put it on eBay for £120 starting bid. Astonishingly they're now £449 new.

Wow, that converts to $100 more than they sell for new here. Here's hoping both parties get what they want!

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I've put it on eBay for £120 starting bid. Astonishingly they're now £449 new.

I've never understood why Apple priced them so high? When you consider its more expensive than some very iconic watches, it does beg the question if it's more to do with trying to push the premium rather than using a realistic datum.

I'm sure there is a market for Apple made straps, I was looking for a rubber one myself earlier but most of them are third party on eBay, Amazon. I won't say fake as there is no such thing as a fake unless it's passing itself off with Apple branding. Good luck selling it, and I hope the buyer is happy with their purchase.

 

[CharlesShaw]

I've never understood why Apple priced them so high? When you consider its more expensive than some very iconic watches, it does beg the question if it's more to do with trying to push the premium rather than using a realistic datum.

The link bracelet is a decent piece of jewelry, so it can command a high price.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

The link bracelet is a decent piece of jewelry, so it can command a high price.

Evidently, people are buying it. It's just not worth £450 IMO. You can get a secondhand Presidential bracelet for a Submariner for similar money. If people are willing to pay that though I won't argue.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Evidently, people are buying it. It's just not worth £450 IMO. You can get a secondhand Presidential bracelet for a Submariner for similar money. If people are willing to pay that though I won't argue.

To which we can ask why is a new Presidential bracelet for a Submariner worth so much?

If we say build quality and brand value, then I think it's fair to compare the link bracelet to that.

And there's also provenance. A rotary telephone dialer from Tiffany's is more special than one from Sears.

 

[44267547]

I've never understood why Apple priced them so high? When you consider its more expensive than some very iconic watches, it does beg the question if it's more to do with trying to push the premium rather than using a realistic datum.

I'm sure there is a market for Apple made straps, I was looking for a rubber one myself earlier but most of them are third party on eBay, Amazon. I won't say fake as there is no such thing as a fake unless it's passing itself off with Apple branding. Good luck selling it, and I hope the buyer is happy with their purchase.

Apple's OEM bands are fairly superior to third party bands. Even though third party bands are literally indistinguishable physically from OEM. For example, the sports bands have a thicker, more supple aesthetic versus a thinner and feels cheaper than Apple's.

I own the OEM stainless link and black stainless link bracelet, and even though it's expensive, the engineering and ingenuity is like nothing else on the market with the removable links.

I own a plethora of third party and OEM, the resale value on third party is abysmal compared to Apple's. But even Apple's bands have dropped in value significantly with third party bands releasing the same configurations with similar quality standards.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

To which we can ask why is a new Presidential bracelet for a Submariner worth so much?

If we say build quality and brand value, then I think it's fair to compare the link bracelet to that.

And there's also provenance. A rotary telephone dialer from Tiffany's is more special than one from Sears.

I don't think they are even in the same league, but I'm not here to convince you. I'll be interested to see how the Apple straps fair in 40 years time and see if the quality is there. We'll obviously still be wearing the same Applewatch designs then, I have no doubt. You're right too, Apple is right up there with Rolex in the horological stakes.

 

[44267547]

The link bracelet is a decent piece of jewelry, so it can command a high price.

Agreed. I own both the black and regular stainless link. If you haven't actually tested or worn the apple OEM stainless steel link bracelet, it's absolutely worth trying on. It's amazing how thin it is and yet the ingenuity behind every removable link by hand. I believe Apple stated it takes nine hours per strap to manufacture. For the price point, I think you're buying something that is elegant, however if Apple changes The watch strap configuration with newer models in the future, then that would absolutely devastate the value of the stainless steel link bracelet.

I hope Apple continues to use that design and simple interchangeable band option for the Apple Watch.

 

[CharlesShaw]

... if Apple changes The watch strap configuration with newer models in the future, then that would absolutely devastate the value of the stainless steel link bracelet.

I think it's safe to assume that many of us who purchased the link bracelet from Apple were expecting to get a few years (hoping for more, fingers crossed) of use out of it, but all bets are off beyond that.

If/when Apple stops selling anything that the current band system fits, it seems reasonable to expect a clever hungry third party company would create some sort of very affordable watch body (mechanical or smart or whatever) to fit all the existing Apple Watch bands that collectors have been hoarding.

Even if that happens, my bracelet might eventually suffer an event I'm not willing to pay a jeweler to fix, but I fully expect all those OEM sport bands to outlast cockroaches.

 

[Defender2010]

I sold my space black link bracelet for £300 second hand on eBay. A figure I found pretty fair as I originally bought it boxed and pristine from CEX FOR £150. Minus the fees from eBay, I made a profit. I just didn't wear the strap enough and it sat in the box for 4 months.

 

[SoN1NjA]

I see Link Bracelets go on eBay all the time
They probably won't buy your band if it's really beat up though