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Is this ebay seller too good to be true? Stainless link bands, OEM apple bands
- Thread starter techno-Zen
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The wrapping is just their own way of storing the bands, it’s not meant to be the way it’s originally packaged. I’ve bought at least 3 leather loops from them (all packaged differently) and mine had all been identical to the ones I bought from Apple Store in terms of looks and quality.
I just received my space black 42mm link bracelet from this seller and it’s indistinguishable from the genuine one.
It looks totally original.
Bright Blue leather loop $51
Purchased 10/10, received 10/21
Purchased 10/10, received 10/21
I could've sworn someone did this back in 2015 or so but having trouble finding pictures.
I've thought about it too, at the very least, I'm not sure why the silver link bracelet has brushed sides while the SBSS has polished... polished matches the case where band/case meet, looks so much better IMO. Even the Milanese loop has polished sides on the lug.
Yeah, not sure why they wouldn't polish the sides and lug.
I'm definitely going to polish one if I end up buying one from the eBay seller. Before I found out about this seller I was looking at them on Apple's website and couldn't see myself spending that much just to polish it (and hope I didn't mess up).
I'm sure it will show micro scratches pretty bad and would have to be kept up on to stay looking good.
He has a few listed in his for sale items.
Is Chargerstore too good to be true..???
Perhaps
Today I was looking at his auctions and what he has posted. This item he has for sale looked extremely interesting to me.
Original Apple Lightning to 30-Pin Adapter A1468 support charge/Audio /data Sync
The images presented include EVT1 build and Config 02 markings. These are CLEARLY prototype devices. EVT1 is the Engineering Validation Test build or the first full early production run. EVT builds are close to final, but may not be. There are typically additional runs for hardware builds if optimizations or errors are found - EVT2, EVT3, etc before finalizing on the locked hardware design. Production goes to the next phase of Design Validation Test (DVT), next comes PVT (Production Validation Test) where everything is final, and assembly lines are in full swing producing units that will go to the press, product shots, keynotes, etc..
EVT, DVT, and sometimes even PVT builds are collected and destroyed (recycled) as to prevent resale in the marketplace. Serial numbers are not in AppleCare's databases.
I'm now convinced that these bands are from early production test runs and were meant to be destroyed. The factory could be trying different coating techniques, machining optimizations, tolerance checks, or tests on the production equipment. Could be a million reasons why..
With that said, yesterday my SB Link arrived..and I'm convinced it's from an factory Apple contracts with.
Perhaps
Today I was looking at his auctions and what he has posted. This item he has for sale looked extremely interesting to me.
Original Apple Lightning to 30-Pin Adapter A1468 support charge/Audio /data Sync
The images presented include EVT1 build and Config 02 markings. These are CLEARLY prototype devices. EVT1 is the Engineering Validation Test build or the first full early production run. EVT builds are close to final, but may not be. There are typically additional runs for hardware builds if optimizations or errors are found - EVT2, EVT3, etc before finalizing on the locked hardware design. Production goes to the next phase of Design Validation Test (DVT), next comes PVT (Production Validation Test) where everything is final, and assembly lines are in full swing producing units that will go to the press, product shots, keynotes, etc..
EVT, DVT, and sometimes even PVT builds are collected and destroyed (recycled) as to prevent resale in the marketplace. Serial numbers are not in AppleCare's databases.
I'm now convinced that these bands are from early production test runs and were meant to be destroyed. The factory could be trying different coating techniques, machining optimizations, tolerance checks, or tests on the production equipment. Could be a million reasons why..
With that said, yesterday my SB Link arrived..and I'm convinced it's from an factory Apple contracts with.
I have thought along these lines as well, seeing as he has Classic Buckles with SB/DLC and gold PVD hardware, which were never sold to the public.
(And owning prototype/test mule stuff can be fun, most of the time.)
Many times the factory or Apple may contract with a company to destroy prototypes. It is very likely they were handed off for disposal, but were never recycled. Items like this are easier to slip by as there is no serial numbers. If this was a laptop or phone, there are serial numbers everywhere and easy to track. Apple will physically destroy prototype boards (hammer, screwdriver) before handing them off to their recycling partner after the product is released. This helps prevent recycling partner workers from “accidentally” making goods to be recycled fall off the truck.
This could explain quantities this eBay seller has available.
This could explain quantities this eBay seller has available.
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Another thing is that he has a ton of inventory and never sells for a ridiculous price unless at occasional auction. If he was getting these items for nearly free... he would sell them cheaper than he does and always sell out of stock. So he is buying them from someone and is paying the middle man a decent amount.
I think I was looking at the same auction from that store...but looked into the sizing (have never tried one in the apple store) and wasnt sure if Large would work.
What size do you wear on the sport band? I wear the M/L and about 4 holes in.
I'm very new to the AW, (waiting on my 11 Pro Max to be delivered to active my first AW new) maybe someone can answer a question about a band.
I'm trying to figure out is there a difference between this one from Apple and this one listed on eBay from Chargerstore? I see the one on eBay is priced higher than buying it directly from Apple and did know if there was something special about it (or just listing higher than retail hoping someone buys).
Apple
ebay
I'm trying to figure out is there a difference between this one from Apple and this one listed on eBay from Chargerstore? I see the one on eBay is priced higher than buying it directly from Apple and did know if there was something special about it (or just listing higher than retail hoping someone buys).
Apple
ebay
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I recently (in the past month or so) bought a SBLB from Chargerstore. It arrived promptly and was in the described condition if not even better. I'm very satisfied with my purchase.He has a few listed in his for sale items.
PSA - do read the instructions on removing/installing the link bracelet. See https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204818
Thanks for the PSA! I wish I had seen that before I got my SBLB - I had a heck of a time getting it on my watch. At least I saw it before I wanted to remove it.
i got a SBLB from Chargerstore recently, too. It sure looks authentic. I didn‘t look at it with a magnifying lens or anything like that but I haven’t seen any scratches or other wear. I’m very happy with it.
The only reason I can think of is that maybe he is selling an older version. I read on some forum (might have been MR) that the current black leather is lighter than previous storm grey whereas the older ones are more black. I’ve really no idea though. I’m still waiting for my delivery of a bright blue leather loop from same seller - it doesn’t look bright to me, just lighter than midnight blue.
This is right. The strap on ebay is the older, darker version (marked 42 mm). The new version currently being sold is lighter and marked 44 mm.
The band I was interested in is the Product Red, but the price is the same as a new one ($49). It is however the first generation which is a brighter red.
Hi guys,
Just today I took delivery of a “New” Space Black Stainless Steel Link Bracelet. Ordered on Oct 23rd for £149 and delivered today (Nov 1st). Advertised as new but with slight marks.
It’s fantastic!! I can’t even see the slight marks on it. Now I know someone with an actual genuine link bracelet from Apple (£449) so when I see him I’m gonna make comparisons. But so far, I believe it to be genuine.
Arrived only in a brown padded envelope with the bracelet in a see-through bag. But I’m very happy.
I had to take out about 5 or 6 links due to my very small wrists. I use an Watch Series 3 Edition, Grey Ceramic, and it matches it really nicely.
Just today I took delivery of a “New” Space Black Stainless Steel Link Bracelet. Ordered on Oct 23rd for £149 and delivered today (Nov 1st). Advertised as new but with slight marks.
It’s fantastic!! I can’t even see the slight marks on it. Now I know someone with an actual genuine link bracelet from Apple (£449) so when I see him I’m gonna make comparisons. But so far, I believe it to be genuine.
Arrived only in a brown padded envelope with the bracelet in a see-through bag. But I’m very happy.
I had to take out about 5 or 6 links due to my very small wrists. I use an Watch Series 3 Edition, Grey Ceramic, and it matches it really nicely.