Milanese Loop - Knockoff vs Genuine

[Endorphine88]

So I bit the bullet and dropped the money on a genuine milanese loop cause I've been obsessed with it ever since the first watch came out. The first one I got was a cheap $20 amazon alternative which I was actually pretty impressed with. However, the watch is a gorgeous design statement and it's pretty expensive and then we have this band on it that is cheap (that just messed with your head in the worst way as silly as it sounds).
So I got the actual band and I have to say - people can give Apple crap about how they price accessories, but the quality is evident. Comparing the too bands and picking out the fake is child's play.

THE APPLE BAND
- solid, denser metal that will not collapse but still molds to your wrist
- shiny coating, much more reflective
- strong magnet with a small rubberized tip so prevent wear and tear from steel rubbing on steel
- links fit perfectly into the watch brackets with no wiggle whatsoever

THE FAKE
- thinner material that will collapse both sideways and lenghtwise
- dull, more muted finish
- magnet just as strong but no rubberized tip to prevent friction (this will cause some surface damage over time)
- links fit well, but not perfect by a long shot and you can wiggle them a bit even when locked in

I agree that pricing for something like their silicone bands is ridiculous given how cheap they are to make, but a classy product like their leather and metal bands is absolutely warranted when it comes to the price in my opinion!

 

[44267547]

So I bit the bullet and dropped the money on a genuine milanese loop cause I've been obsessed with it ever since the first watch came out. The first one I got was a cheap $20 amazon alternative which I was actually pretty impressed with. However, the watch is a gorgeous design statement and it's pretty expensive and then we have this band on it that is cheap (that just messed with your head in the worst way as silly as it sounds).
So I got the actual band and I have to say - people can give Apple crap about how they price accessories, but the quality is evident. Comparing the too bands and picking out the fake is child's play.

THE APPLE BAND
- solid, denser metal that will not collapse but still molds to your wrist
- shiny coating, much more reflective
- strong magnet with a small rubberized tip so prevent wear and tear from steel rubbing on steel
- links fit perfectly into the watch brackets with no wiggle whatsoever

THE FAKE
- thinner material that will collapse both sideways and lenghtwise
- dull, more muted finish
- magnet just as strong but no rubberized tip to prevent friction (this will cause some surface damage over time)
- links fit well, but not perfect by a long shot and you can wiggle them a bit even when locked in

I agree that pricing for something like their silicone bands is ridiculous given how cheap they are to make, but a classy product like their leather and metal bands is absolutely warranted when it comes to the price in my opinion!

I own third party bands and Apple OEM bands. There is zero comparison to Apples quality of construction, craftsmanship and materials used in their bands. In comparison, I own a leather loop, Sport bands, link bracelets and the construction is impeccable compared to third party bands. You truly do get what you pay for with Apples bands. There is nothing wrong with third party bands, as they do resemble OEM bands, but the craftsmanship is not there with most third party bands.

 

[Endorphine88]

I own third party bands and Apple OEM bands. There is zero comparison to Apples quality of construction, craftsmanship and materials used in their bands. In comparison, I own a leather loop, Sport bands, link bracelets and the construction is impeccable compared to third party bands. You truly do get what you pay for with Apples bands. There is nothing wrong with third party bands, as they do resemble OEM bands, but the craftsmanship is not there with most third party bands.

Oh some of them are absolutely impeccable and very impressive, but there really is no comparison. The difference in quality with higher end bands is very obvious.

 

[44267547]

Oh some of them are absolutely impeccable and very impressive, but there really is no comparison. The difference in quality with higher end bands is very obvious.

My favorite Apple band has to be the leather loop. Extremely comfortable, soft leather, magnets are strong and its not bulky either.

 

[Laryl]

This has been shared before but it’s the truth, there are differences. I love my Milanese. http://imgur.com/a/UAPZ4

 

[bigjnyc]

Yeah as the old adage goes "you get what you pay for" In order to price these things so low the third-party manufacturers have to use cheaper materials, cheaper labor which leads to lower build quality and I'm sure they dont spend much on quality control... probably just one untrained person eyeing each one. But I have to admit they do a great job making them convincing, from the naked eye most people probably couldn't tell the difference.. it's when you start inspecting it and really holding it in your hand that you notice the differences.

 

[KarimLeVallois]

My favorite Apple band has to be the leather loop. Extremely comfortable, soft leather, magnets are strong and its not bulky either.

I LOVE my leather loop, much nicer than the sports band and so comfortable.

 

[Endorphine88]

Damn, now you guys are gonna make me drop another $150 on the leather loop. I do love the way it looks !

 

[saltd]

The devil is in the details, as they say. If any little thing seems unfinished or rough-it’s probably a knock off. I thought my fake Milanese Loop was fine, until I had the real thing. No comparison.

Same with the link bands. They are exquisitely made, and the fakes don’t even come close.

I keep coming back to the Milanese Loop though. A perfect fit every time!

 

[KarimLeVallois]

The devil is in the details, as they say. If any little thing seems unfinished or rough-it’s probably a knock off. I thought my fake Milanese Loop was fine, until I had the real thing. No comparison.

Same with the link bands. They are exquisitely made, and the fakes don’t even come close.

I keep coming back to the Milanese Loop though. A perfect fit every time!

I returned the Milanese as I kept having to adjust it due to slippage.

 

[BSG75]

I've also bought some third-party bands. Some of them have been pretty good but they don't match the quality of the Apple bands. I take this approach, my Apple Watch is an expensive piece of tech, so I don't want to cheap out on the one thing that keeps it from falling off of my wrist.

 

[will0407]

Damn, now you guys are gonna make me drop another $150 on the leather loop. I do love the way it looks !

Try ebay? I bought a black leather loop for £60, used but perfect condition so a big saving on the cost of buying new from Apple.