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JerTheGeek

macrumors 68000
Original poster
May 15, 2014
1,993
487
Hello all, I have the clone Milanese Loop for my Apple Watch Sport (Silver), originally from the eBay seller many of you know, Inkoo. I like this band but I am wondering if I should go for the genuine ML. I have seen some good deals on ebay for the OEM one, about half off or more for open box or used. So for those who have used both the genuine ML and he clone ML, is it worth it to go for the genuine?
 

Wentzelg

macrumors member
Jun 12, 2014
70
18
I have both. I don't remember where I got my replica one, but it is close but not the same. I like it and think that most people would not ever notice the difference. The magnet is nearly as strong and the adaptors are pretty good. In all it's 85%-90% true to the original. I worry a little about the mesh separating from the adaptors but there is no sign they will.

For me it was a proof of concept for $30 before I dropped $150. Once I knew that I liked to wear the milanese style, I was not long before buying the real deal. Same goes for the leather loops that I own. The real ones are far superior to anything out there.

Funny thing is the sport bands are the opposite for me. Fluoroelastomer or silicon its all the same to me. Sure the apple ones are a little thicker but not enough to matter. The others more substantial leathers and metals are to me.
 

Qqueenie

macrumors regular
Dec 18, 2015
108
150
Baltimore, MD
I have both. I don't remember where I got my replica one, but it is close but not the same. I like it and think that most people would not ever notice the difference. The magnet is nearly as strong and the adaptors are pretty good. In all it's 85%-90% true to the original. I worry a little about the mesh separating from the adaptors but there is no sign they will.

For me it was a proof of concept for $30 before I dropped $150. Once I knew that I liked to wear the milanese style, I was not long before buying the real deal. Same goes for the leather loops that I own. The real ones are far superior to anything out there.

Funny thing is the sport bands are the opposite for me. Fluoroelastomer or silicon its all the same to me. Sure the apple ones are a little thicker but not enough to matter. The others more substantial leathers and metals are to me.

Haha, that's funny, I'm sort of the opposite. Silicone's tendency to collect dust, lint, and pet hair drives me absolutely insane. Not enough to spend $50 on OEM bands but I really notice the difference.
 
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ladytonya

macrumors 6502a
Oct 14, 2008
924
198
I really like the ML bands but if I were going to get one would want the ORM version. Same way with the sport band, I absolutely love the texture of Apple's floroelastomer! Silicon is usually rubbery and sticky, I would think that it would be a giant dust and lint magnet.

Unfortunately, while I love the Apple OEM bands, anything other than the a Sport is totally out of my price range. Even if I have to use my lavender sport forever and ever amen, I love my watch!
 
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BSG75

macrumors 6502
Jul 21, 2015
356
242
Tennessee
Since I have a space grey sport, I had to go with a black ML clone. It was a Christmas present that my wife bought on eBay. Overall, it's pretty nice. My wife has an OEM ML with her silver sport and there is a difference between the two. The OEM is a little heavier (in a good way) and the build quality is better. Not sure if it's worth the extra $$ to go OEM with the ML. However, it is worth the extra $$ for the leather loop.
 

JerTheGeek

macrumors 68000
Original poster
May 15, 2014
1,993
487
Since I have a space grey sport, I had to go with a black ML clone. It was a Christmas present that my wife bought on eBay. Overall, it's pretty nice. My wife has an OEM ML with her silver sport and there is a difference between the two. The OEM is a little heavier (in a good way) and the build quality is better. Not sure if it's worth the extra $$ to go OEM with the ML. However, it is worth the extra $$ for the leather loop.
For me they're both worth it. I really like the quality of the genuine leather loop. While the clone of the ML was pretty decent, especially for the price, I still like the extra fit and finish of the OEM.
EDIT: forgot to update this thread, I got the genuine ML a few weeks ago and love it.
 
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