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Metal Link Bracelet Options

wanderfowl said:
Since you've got some expertise, what should we be looking for? What makes a good link bracelet? What do you think of the Apple model?
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the weight of the band. the "feel' of the clasp.
i plan on using some of my Breitling and omega bracelets on my watch when the click arrives.
that should put some heft to the AW.
I like the apple link band, just wish it was heavier.
 
hoco_band1.jpg


Got my Hoco stainless bracelet today. I'm extremely happy with it so far. I took two links out of it and it seems just about perfect (snug but not tight), but I'll have to see if that changes any throughout the day, etc.. I just referred to a Youtube video about removing links and was able to do it with some tools I scrounged around the house.

hoco_band2.jpg


I've never worn a watch with a metal band before, so this is new to me, but I think the quality is pretty good -- particularly for the price. You can get about a dozen of these bands for the price of the Apple one. The connectors are a little harder to attach to the watch than the ones on the sport band, but that might be because the band is metal rather than rubber. In any case, they seem secure.

hoco_band3.jpg


The only real complaint I have is that it attaches via a bar rather than something that's a bit more integrated with the watch, but I don't think most people would even notice that if they were looking at the watch from a normal distance.

I've got very hairy arms (deal with it haters!) and so far I haven't had any trouble with the band pulling at my hair, which was a worry of mine.
 
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mightyjabba said:
Image

Got my Hoco stainless bracelet today. I'm extremely happy with it so far. I took two links out of it and it seems just about perfect (snug but not tight), but I'll have to see if that changes any throughout the day, etc.. I just referred to a Youtube video about removing links and was able to do it with some tools I scrounged around the house.

Image

I've never worn a watch with a metal band before, so this is new to me, but I think the quality is pretty good -- particularly for the price. You can get about a dozen of these bands for the price of the Apple one. The connectors are a little harder to attach to the watch than the ones on the sport band, but that might be because the band is metal rather than rubber. In any case, they seem secure.

Image

The only real complaint I have is that it attaches via a bar rather than something that's a bit more integrated with the watch, but I don't think most people would even notice that if they were looking at the watch from a normal distance.

I've got very hairy arms (deal with it haters!) and so far I haven't had any trouble with the band pulling at my hair, which was a worry of mine.
Click to expand...

I bought the Apple link band but that one looks really nice too. What does the quality feel like? Does it look premium in person?
 
It feels and looks nice to me, but I'm not very experienced with metal bands, and I've never seen the Apple one in person. I'm totally happy with it though.
 
I got my adapter from eBay and finally had my SS link band customized (literally had to be cut because all the men's size 22 MM bands couldn't be sized down with link removal to fit my wrist)- total cost 70 bucks for all....I have the 38 MM SS. I have a really tiny wrist - measure 140 MM. The Jewlery store (http://www.watkinsjewlers.net) were awesome to work with - they are fans of Apple themselves.

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/xwmofxuhy...QbFNs5UaPUjt0a - pic of watch and band

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/l2c68lazs7xb7r9/AABoUUJ9FhzTvlqHNhmGNULQa - pic of adapter from Utica, NY eBay seller


Cheers,
Bobbie
 
The hoco band is by far the best looking option for now just ordered mine from amazon
 
mightyjabba said:
Image



Got my Hoco stainless bracelet today. I'm extremely happy with it so far. I took two links out of it and it seems just about perfect (snug but not tight), but I'll have to see if that changes any throughout the day, etc.. I just referred to a Youtube video about removing links and was able to do it with some tools I scrounged around the house.



Image



I've never worn a watch with a metal band before, so this is new to me, but I think the quality is pretty good -- particularly for the price. You can get about a dozen of these bands for the price of the Apple one. The connectors are a little harder to attach to the watch than the ones on the sport band, but that might be because the band is metal rather than rubber. In any case, they seem secure.



Image



The only real complaint I have is that it attaches via a bar rather than something that's a bit more integrated with the watch, but I don't think most people would even notice that if they were looking at the watch from a normal distance.



I've got very hairy arms (deal with it haters!) and so far I haven't had any trouble with the band pulling at my hair, which was a worry of mine.
Click to expand...


It looks like the mechanism on the watch is about to pull straight out!

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1432400690.319375.jpg
 
Nah, the photo exaggerates the issue because the light happened to catch on the fraction of a millimeter that it sticks out. I can't say it bothers me at all in person.
 
mightyjabba said:
Nah, the photo exaggerates the issue because the light happened to catch on the fraction of a millimeter that it sticks out. I can't say it bothers me at all in person.
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That's good to hear. Mine is supposed to come Tuesday.

Thanks for posting the pics.
 
lamonsas said:
Are you installing it on a space gray apple watch or a aluminium apple watch? post photos when u get it!
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I'm putting it on a SS. That should work, right? I like a stainless band but didn't like the look of the Apple one (or price!).
 
trek360 said:
I'm putting it on a SS. That should work, right? I like a stainless band but didn't like the look of the Apple one (or price!).
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Definitely. I'll be installing it on my space gray sport which will be a unique combination but yeah connecting it to a ss apple watch should be beautiful. Post photos and a review when u get it please! Can't wait to get mine it was shipped today will take like 2 weeks to arrive
 
lamonsas said:
Definitely. I'll be installing it on my space gray sport which will be a unique combination but yeah connecting it to a ss apple watch should be beautiful. Post photos and a review when u get it please! Can't wait to get mine it was shipped today will take like 2 weeks to arrive
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Will do. I'll probably have to get some links taken out. Not sure how easy that is. May just take it to a jeweler like one of the previous posters.

Anyone know if the DIY link removal is difficult?
 
DarkAether said:
Did you order the 38mm? I purchased the same 2nd version from another Ebay seller who notified me that as they were prepping shipments, the manufacturer notified them of an issue with the 38mm band and they were told to send them back. They offered me a refund or the first version as an alternative. Since I don't like the look of the adapters on the first version I went for the refund. If yours is the 38mm, it sounds like they may have made the decision for you!

You'll note that many of the sellers of this band now show out of stock on the defective 38mm. Avoid those who are still trying to sell it unless they indicate a new/fixed version.
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No it was the 42mm and the supplier sent an apology and my steel band arrived two days later. Its a really nice well made heavy band

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trek360 said:
Will do. I'll probably have to get some links taken out. Not sure how easy that is. May just take it to a jeweler like one of the previous posters.

Anyone know if the DIY link removal is difficult?
Click to expand...

Mine came with a tool to remove the links and it was dead easy. took two minutes for each end
 
trek360 said:
Will do. I'll probably have to get some links taken out. Not sure how easy that is. May just take it to a jeweler like one of the previous posters.

Anyone know if the DIY link removal is difficult?
Click to expand...

I read that someone on here used a thumbtack and a hammer with no issues.
 
DeepStuff said:
Another view.
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looks nice! would you mind posting a picture of the clasp?

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*GeekChic said:
I like the 5 better...thank goodness there's so many options! I like how the clasp on the 5 is behind the links - looks seamless.
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They both look pretty good. But I do like the seamless clasp on the 5. I've only seen the stock photos though.

I've got a 3 bead on the way. 5 bead is back ordered for the 38mm. I'll probably just stick with the 3 bead. But it is good to have options as you say!
 
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