Need older Apple Watch Classic Buckle band pieces info

[timidhermit]

I am thinking of buying the older Apple Watch Classic Buckle black leather band that was originally released for Series 0 (first-generation). Some questions (can't find an YouTube unboxing video for this, strangely)?

Does the buckle comes with its own acrylic case? Does it also come with any other accessories like a soft case or shining cloth?

Is the band same color on both side? I noticed that the new Classic Buckle band has a two-tone design which I did not like?

Does the kit come with an extra shorter band like the Sport Band to fit smaller wrists?

Any issue with scratches because it uses a stainless steel connector to attach to the Apple watch? I like the Sport band because it is rubber and won't scratch the surface of the groove on the Apple watch through which you slide the band to attach it?

Any tips on spotting counterfeit or fake band pretending to genuine Apple band for the leather band (such as unique marking on the band)?

 

[JulesK]

I have that exact band (made with the Ecco leather) as well as the "3rd Gen" version of the Classic Buckle in Saddle Brown; both came as original bands for my S0 and S2 Watches. I can't speak to the packaging that you'd get if you purchased the Gen 1 band separately, but as far as I know, the Gen 1 band came in o only ne length. (I cannot remember if you could get the Gen 1 Classic Buckle for the 38mm Watch; I think you were limited to the Modern Buckle for the 38mm size.) It's a fantastic band, although many on this forum hate it. I think it's the only version that really balances the modernity of the Apple Watch with more traditional materials and design. Anyway, the band is unique in that it seems like the same leather is used for the main strap as well as the lining. The lining of the male end (which has 12 holes) has the little leather symbol near the lug with "NATURAL LEATHER" underneath it; both are gray/silver on my strap. The lining of the female end has "42MM" in a little oval near the lug, same color. The only visible stitching is on the lining right at the lugs, and on the underside of the keeper. I've owned a ton of watch straps over the years, and think that the craftsmanship of this band is first rate. It's an incredibly clean/modern design done very well.

As far as the lugs go, they are standard Apple lugs. I've used these straps and the link bracelet for years, and if they scratch the inside of the grove into which they fit, I've never looked for that and don't care. I own straps with very good 3rd party lugs, but the Apple lugs seem a step above. Frankly, every high-end mechanical watch I'm aware of with a metal case and metal bracelet has some sort of metal-on-metal connection, and nobody has cared. That would be the last thing I would worry about.

 

[timidhermit]

Thanks, JulesK. This is tremendously helpful.

I have that exact band (made with the Ecco leather) as well as the "3rd Gen" version of the Classic Buckle in Saddle Brown; both came as original bands for my S0 and S2 Watches. I can't speak to the packaging that you'd get if you purchased the Gen 1 band separately, but as far as I know, the Gen 1 band came in o only ne length. (I cannot remember if you could get the Gen 1 Classic Buckle for the 38mm Watch; I think you were limited to the Modern Buckle for the 38mm size.) It's a fantastic band, although many on this forum hate it. I think it's the only version that really balances the modernity of the Apple Watch with more traditional materials and design. Anyway, the band is unique in that it seems like the same leather is used for the main strap as well as the lining. The lining of the male end (which has 12 holes) has the little leather symbol near the lug with "NATURAL LEATHER" underneath it; both are gray/silver on my strap. The lining of the female end has "42MM" in a little oval near the lug, same color. The only visible stitching is on the lining right at the lugs, and on the underside of the keeper. I've owned a ton of watch straps over the years, and think that the craftsmanship of this band is first rate. It's an incredibly clean/modern design done very well.

As far as the lugs go, they are standard Apple lugs. I've used these straps and the link bracelet for years, and if they scratch the inside of the grove into which they fit, I've never looked for that and don't care. I own straps with very good 3rd party lugs, but the Apple lugs seem a step above. Frankly, every high-end mechanical watch I'm aware of with a metal case and metal bracelet has some sort of metal-on-metal connection, and nobody has cared. That would be the last thing I would worry about.

 

[mhoutman]

I am thinking of buying the older Apple Watch Classic Buckle black leather band that was originally released for Series 0 (first-generation). Some questions (can't find an YouTube unboxing video for this, strangely)?

Does the buckle comes with its own acrylic case? Does it also come with any other accessories like a soft case or shining cloth?

Is the band same color on both side? I noticed that the new Classic Buckle band has a two-tone design which I did not like?

Does the kit come with an extra shorter band like the Sport Band to fit smaller wrists?

Any issue with scratches because it uses a stainless steel connector to attach to the Apple watch? I like the Sport band because it is rubber and won't scratch the surface of the groove on the Apple watch through which you slide the band to attach it?

Any tips on spotting counterfeit or fake band pretending to genuine Apple band for the leather band (such as unique marking on the band)?

My advise: don't buy the gen 1 but gen 3 > only. Gen 3 is my favourite and still easy to grab from eBay or else. Quality of 1st gen (made by Ecco suckes !)

Read below link for better understanding of different generations and below some of my bands

https://superphen.co/2016/10/02/comparing-the-three-generations-of-apples-classic-buckle-watch-band/

 

[JulesK]

Quality of 1st gen (made by Ecco suckes !)

As I said, the Gen 1 Classic Buckle band isn't a forum darling. My view remains that the design of the band best complements the Apple Watch. It's a great design, and my particular band has held up well after more than 2 years, but I have a lot of bands.

There are many, many, many high quality manufacturers of watch bands. Just go to a site like TimeZone.com to get a sense. There's nothing special about the Apple Classic Buckle bands (any version) in terms of build-quality other than the OEM lugs, which are just nicer than even the good quality 3rd-party lugs. But the Gen 1 design is unique - the later versions moved to a more traditional styling and manufacture (and the current version has a god-aweful buckle).

 

[mhoutman]

https://medium.com/@flyosity/inconvenient-truths-about-the-apple-watch-11bafa44551b

Excellent write up on the gen 1.

 

[mhoutman]

I am thinking of buying the older Apple Watch Classic Buckle black leather band that was originally released for Series 0 (first-generation). Some questions (can't find an YouTube unboxing video for this, strangely)?

Does the buckle comes with its own acrylic case? Does it also come with any other accessories like a soft case or shining cloth?

Is the band same color on both side? I noticed that the new Classic Buckle band has a two-tone design which I did not like?

Does the kit come with an extra shorter band like the Sport Band to fit smaller wrists?

Any issue with scratches because it uses a stainless steel connector to attach to the Apple watch? I like the Sport band because it is rubber and won't scratch the surface of the groove on the Apple watch through which you slide the band to attach it?

Any tips on spotting counterfeit or fake band pretending to genuine Apple band for the leather band (such as unique marking on the band)?

Here are some Gen 1 Classic Buckle links. I can highly recommend this eBay seller. (I got 2 new Apple Link Bracelets from him and one Apple black leather loop. All genuine Apple but without box.

https://www.ebay.nl/sch/m.html?_odk...rksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=classic+buckle&_sacat=0