Link Bracelet Owners - Long Term Impressions?

[redman042]

I've owned the 42mm SS with Black Leather Loop since June. I also have a Black Sport Band that I use from time to time (and it's honestly more comfortable than the Loop, but the loop looks better). Loving the watch. I'm considering buying a genuine Link Bracelet this Christmas. I'd appreciate comments from those who have been wearing this band (the genuine one from Apple) for several months and can comment on its durability and comfort. I work at an office and type a lot.

I do worry a little about wrist swelling and the lack of easy adjustability. I am assuming the solution to this is to size the link bracelet for my wrist diameter about a half inch back from the wristbone, then slide it up and down my arm to adjust for fit. I don't know how well it will hold above the thinnest part of my arm given that it's smooth metal. I don't want it flopping around.

It's such an amazing looking band and I like the idea of an all-metal watch.

 

[zetaplus93]

I've owned the 42mm SS with Black Leather Loop since June. I also have a Black Sport Band that I use from time to time (and it's honestly more comfortable than the Loop, but the loop looks better). Loving the watch. I'm considering buying a genuine Link Bracelet this Christmas. I'd appreciate comments from those who have been wearing this band (the genuine one from Apple) for several months and can comment on its durability and comfort. I work at an office and type a lot.

I do worry a little about wrist swelling and the lack of easy adjustability. I am assuming the solution to this is to size the link bracelet for my wrist diameter about a half inch back from the wristbone, then slide it up and down my arm to adjust for fit. I don't know how well it will hold above the thinnest part of my arm given that it's smooth metal. I don't want it flopping around.

It's such an amazing looking band and I like the idea of an all-metal watch.

I've had my SS Link bracelet for about 3 months now, and definitely recommend it despite the high price tag.

I initially thought sizing would be an issue too (being used to traditional watch bracelets that typically have resizing-on-the-spot features), but have found it not to be an issue, even with the colder weather (where going from a cold to hot, and vice versa, environment can lead to enough changes in wrist size). I wear it slightly loose, about one link extra, but the watch stay secure and doesn't flap around. So far so good.

For durability, my SS does show shallow surface scratches but I'm not concerned since Cape Cod cloth will take care of it. Ding and stuff will show up over time, but I view it as "having character" Oh and you can get a super sonic cleaner to clean out grim over time on the bracelet (though obviously not the watch head).

For comfort, top notch. Not as comfy as my sports band, but quite good.

For looks, again top notch. Retro-looking like the expandable link bracelets from the 70s and 80s. What's not to like?

Good luck!

 

[redman042]

Sounds great. Ever compared it to the feel of a leather loop?

 

[L.C.W.]

Is it a hair puller?

 

[WarHeadz]

I have the knockoff version. Couldn't justify the price on the genuine one. It's almost 1:1

 

[profmjh]

I tried every strap and ended up with the Sports and the Link. I've had them for six months. I love the Link: I find it very comfortable and durable. The base of it does have some scratches which I think have come from rubbing against my MacBook when I'm typing. I'm pretty OCD but the scratches don't bother me at all: they're on the bottom and you only see them if you look. The main body of the strap looks as good as new.

It is shockingly expensive, but I think it looks great. And I'm worth it!

(I also think the Sports strap looks and feels great, too. Though it pinches my arm hair when I put it on. The Link doesn't. To that end it's more comfortable.)

 

[redman042]

I tried every strap and ended up with the Sports and the Link. I've had them for six months. I love the Link: I find it very comfortable and durable. The base of it does have some scratches which I think have come from rubbing against my MacBook when I'm typing. I'm pretty OCD but the scratches don't bother me at all: they're on the bottom and you only see them if you look. The main body of the strap looks as good as new.

It is shockingly expensive, but I think it looks great. And I'm worth it!

(I also think the Sports strap looks and feels great, too. Though it pinches my arm hair when I put it on. The Link doesn't. To that end it's more comfortable.)

Interesting that you actually find the Link more comfortable than the Sports. I'm sure not everyone feels that way but I have heard this from a few others. I have personally had no comfort issues at all with the Sports, other than it doesn't breathe on a hot day. I imagine the metal of the Link would stay cooler better.

Personally I feel the Sport band looks okay but not amazing. The Link is by far the nicest looking strap IMO. Not just on its own merit, but how it melds with the watch body.

 

[btrach144]

I have a 1:1 knockoff. I took it into the Apple store and even the Apple rep had a hard time telling the two apart. I saved $400. Not to mention that the Apple Watch 2 is coming out soon. Who knows if the current bands will work with the new watch, and maybe they come out with a new link bracelet. $450 is a lot of money to be spent on a metal band that's going to be outdated in 6 months or less.

 

[redman042]

I have a 1:1 knockoff. I took it into the Apple store and even the Apple rep had a hard time telling the two apart. I saved $400. Not to mention that the Apple Watch 2 is coming out soon. Who knows if the current bands will work with the new watch, and maybe they come out with a new link bracelet. $450 is a lot of money to be spent on a metal band that's going to be outdated in 6 months or less.

Could you provide a link so I could take a look at this knockoff?

I've seen knockoffs on eBay and Amazon but so far none of them impress me. I can tell the difference just by looking at them. I am sure I haven't seen them all though.

 

[BarracksSi]

Interesting that you actually find the Link more comfortable than the Sports. I'm sure not everyone feels that way but I have heard this from a few others. I have personally had no comfort issues at all with the Sports, other than it doesn't breathe on a hot day. I imagine the metal of the Link would stay cooler better.

I've come to enjoy the bracelets on my other watches, too. I would love to see a bracelet for the AW that includes a quick-adjust clasp like you'd find in recent Rolexes.

Then again, like you guys say, no other bracelets look as coherent with the AW as the OEM Link style.

 

[btrach144]

Could you provide a link so I could take a look at this knockoff?

I've seen knockoffs on eBay and Amazon but so far none of them impress me. I can tell the difference just by looking at them. I am sure I haven't seen them all though.

It does have the adjustment pin holes. Keep in mind though that the bracelet pictured has all the links added so I only have 5 pin holes after adjusting. If the gap between the links is normally 0.5mm, sometimes a gap between links might be 0.75mm.

If a few pin holes and .25mm is enough to turn you off, then you should look into paying for Apple's original version. If you can think of better things to do with an extra $400 like me, then I suggest the below band. Amazon has a great return policy, so you can always buy it and return it if you don't like it.

Keep in mind that close up, pin holes and .25mm might be noticeable but the reality is you keep your watch a couple of feet from your face. Other people who look at your watch are going to be even further away and are going to have a hard time telling these differences.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012ICBLW8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

 

[BlueMoon63]

The link bracelet does make the Apple Watch look very professional with a suit. Looks great and I have seen it on tv with actors in suits and it looks sharp. I love my link and agree it is probably too expensive and the knockoffs are getting good. Highly recommend the link if you can afford it.

 

[redman042]

I did take a new look at the knockoffs. They are getting surprisingly good. Much better than the last time I looked. The pinholes don't bother me much, but the gaps between links do. I also worry these knockoffs will fall apart after a year or two. I will consider it further though. Though I might just go for the real deal.

 

[Nacket]

I've been using the link bracelet on my 38mm for about 2 months now and I have nothing but good things to say about it. I was hesitant about it being a hair puller, but I only sometimes experience this when I put it on. After it's locked into place, no hair pulling and it is very comfortable. Scratches were initially a concern for me, but I found a nice buffer pad that I use to get out even some pretty deep scratches to keep it looking like new. I was very close to returning it when I first got it but the build quality and comfort made it very worth it.

 

[Brookzy]

It's great.

It's the only metal strap I've been able to wear. I've previously had to sell a Tag and Citizen watch (the Tag a heavy steel Aquaracer, and the Citizen a titanium Ecodrive) because they became too uncomfortable over time giving symptoms similar to carpal tunnel.

I don't know what it is about the Link Bracelet but I've never had these issues.

The resizing is amazing. I seem to swell considerably based on what I'm doing, the time of day, the temperature, etc. etc.... with the Sport band I fluctuate one notch throughout the day. Being able to take a link out when needed without tools is brilliant. No more ill-fitting watch because it's cold (or whatever the reason happens to be!).

 

[redman042]

The resizing is amazing. I seem to swell considerably based on what I'm doing, the time of day, the temperature, etc. etc.... with the Sport band I fluctuate one notch throughout the day. Being able to take a link out when needed without tools is brilliant. No more ill-fitting watch because it's cold (or whatever the reason happens to be!).

How often do you take out or add a link? Where do you keep it when you do this?

 

[Brookzy]

How often do you take out or add a link? Where do you keep it when you do this?

I mainly wear the Sport Band for everyday use. Each time I put on the Link Bracelet - most likely in the evening before going out or at the weekends - the strap is disassembled (i.e. in two parts) as per Apple's instructions (you're meant to split the band before removing it from the watch so as not to stress the joints).

So I add or remove a link maybe 50% of the time I put on the Link Bracelet, if that makes sense.

The strap and any spare link I keep in the plastic case it comes in.

 

[redman042]

I mainly wear the Sport Band for everyday use. Each time I put on the Link Bracelet - most likely in the evening before going out or at the weekends - the strap is disassembled (i.e. in two parts) as per Apple's instructions (you're meant to split the band before removing it from the watch so as not to stress the joints).

So I add or remove a link maybe 50% of the time I put on the Link Bracelet, if that makes sense.

The strap and any spare link I keep in the plastic case it comes in.

Ah got it.

I'm considering the link for all-day usage on weekdays. Wondering how it will fare across an entire day.

 

[Brookzy]

Ah got it.

I'm considering the link for all-day usage on weekdays. Wondering how it will fare across an entire day.

I wear it all day at weekends. The only reason I swap to sport bands is that the link is a bit flashy for everyday wear if, like me, you just wear jeans and a t-shirt during the week!

 

[mcdj]

Sadly, I've had to take it off for fall/winter, and replace it with the silicone strap, as my wrist gets a tiny bit smaller compared to summer, and the watch continually locks itself due to momentarily losing contact with my wrist. If I take a link out, it's a bit too tight.

 

[Brookzy]

Sadly, I've had to take it off for fall/winter, and replace it with the silicone strap, as my wrist gets a tiny bit smaller compared to summer, and the watch continually locks itself due to momentarily losing contact with my wrist. If I take a link out, it's a bit too tight.

You probably have already tried, but just in case: have you tried rebalancing the links so there is an odd number on either side of the clasp? It can mimic the effect of a half or quarter link.

 

[Bigdog9586]

You probably have already tried, but just in case: have you tried rebalancing the links so there is an odd number on either side of the clasp? It can mimic the effect of a half or quarter link.

I've never had that problem and mine is loose enough I can get my finger under it with out a problem.

 

[fania123]

I have 2, one black, one silver, both oem and I couldn't be happier with the look and the quality. As a few others have stated they are a bit pricey but well worth it in my opinion.

 

[WarHeadz]

I did take a new look at the knockoffs. They are getting surprisingly good. Much better than the last time I looked. The pinholes don't bother me much, but the gaps between links do. I also worry these knockoffs will fall apart after a year or two. I will consider it further though. Though I might just go for the real deal.

No visible pinholes on this knockoff.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/28178113252...49&var=580781183593&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
That's the one I went with. Couldn't be happier. Sizing it was a little bit of a bitch, but that's something I only needed to do one time so I don't really care. Apple's push button link system isn't worth the extra $400 in my opinion.

 

[Armen]

Here's my $50 HappyCell Link Bracelet. I'd rather keep the extra $400.00 in my bank account.