Took mine a few days. It wasn't until the item began to ship from NJ. The whole time it was enroute from China nothing worked.
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Non-OEM (FAKE/CLONE) Apple Watch Bands
- Thread starter appleboyy
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Purchased Sunday I believe and got tracking Monday. I think it started showing late Tuesday or early Wednesday?
Why are the people making these 'good' Sport bands making them in the same colors as Apple? For me, I don't care that they are cheaper. I want better color options. Navy blue, Bright red, etc.
I agree, I believe they would sale so many more. I for one would love a darker blue sport band. I hate the color that Apple offers now.
Guess what just came in the mail today 
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wow that looks awesome. I could care less that the clasp is different - looks exactly like my Apple link band - glad there is now a decent link band out there.....Guess what just came in the mail today
While it isn't what you expected, it looks exactly like one I ordered. Can you describe, maybe post a video or pics of how to remove the links? From the pics it doesn't have any holes on the sides of the links to push pins. I am assuming its an underside mechanism.
I also ordered a black sports band from MA seller, and it came from China. I complained that it had been 10 days and no band yet, and they refunded me the entire purchase and told me to keep it when it arrives...
And my LL shipped from NJ STILL hasn't made it to me in NJ. I complained to them (Inkoo88) and all they said was 'its with USPS, please check local USPS for delivery' - after I explained its still in Secaucus for 7 days, they said that it had finally moved and should be here in 2-3 days. I also requested the difference as I paid $41 for it, and its now listed at $37 but they didnt respond to that.
And my LL shipped from NJ STILL hasn't made it to me in NJ. I complained to them (Inkoo88) and all they said was 'its with USPS, please check local USPS for delivery' - after I explained its still in Secaucus for 7 days, they said that it had finally moved and should be here in 2-3 days. I also requested the difference as I paid $41 for it, and its now listed at $37 but they didnt respond to that.
Guess what just came in the mail today
Looks pretty good as far as the finish goes. Just a matter of time now before we see 100% 1:1 clone. I'll wait for the Space Black version since I already own the OEM Link Bracelet.
For those of you getting the current link clones (not 1:1) that have a clasp like the above pics, what is the all day comfort of that thing like?
More than likely. I'm using Tapatalk so that could be it. In the mean time if I want to see images in using Safari instead.
Guess what just came in the mail today
Looks good, only with $169,- it's a little to steep priced.
It is totally fine. I was also wondering what feeling that clasp might leave on the skin as it looked a little bit narrow but you really completely forget about it once it is closed.
It's exactly the same as the video that ianfann posted, except it's all done on the underside of the band, so there are no holes on the side (you can see the little gaps in the photos with the exposed spring pins). Mine didn't come with a tool though, so I just used the tip of a knife.
Attachments
wow thank you very much for taking the time to do that for me. Much appreciated!
I very much like the look without the holes on the side. Is it comfortable despite have that clasp sticking out on the underside when worn?
Review: Link Bracelet 0.5:1 clone
Currently there is a lot of buzz about the Link Bracelet clones that are showing up on AliExpress and eBay in increasing numbers. The best one of those clones looks pretty much like its inspiration except for the clasp and the tool-free link adjustment mechanism. With the news that the real 1:1 clone has been delayed again due to complications in part designs after being said to have already entered production stage this clone is as good as it gets for probably another two weeks or so.
Video
What's in the box?
The band comes in the same simple cardboard box that we also have seen for the Leather Loop. The only twist is that the box is gold now - likely expressing to its customer that she or he is going to need to shell out a little more cash in order to gain possession. Talking about she or he: This Link Bracelet clone comes in silver and space black color variations but only as a 42 mm version at this point in time.
After removing the tray holding the band in place the little tool used for adjusting the band becomes visible. It has the form of a regular SIM-tray opener for iPhone but the metal is much harder (you can still bend it though - and you likely will until you understand how to correctly adjust the links on the band - more on that later).
The band
The band is secured using two pieces of foil wrapped around it so it doesn't scratch during shipment. After removing those you're ready to connect it to your Apple Watch. I can't deny that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of materials used. Every link piece on the band is finely made and fits perfectly into the one above or below it. The metal is brushed slightly giving it the look of the original. That's still a little bit more shiny and a little bit darker than the anodized aluminum of the Apple Watch Sport so this combination is not really a perfect fit in my opinion but I'll leave that to your taste.
If you were wondering how many of the links are adjustable: There are 10 identical links that can be freely removed or added. They are all located in the middle of the band thus enabling the links to grow in width towards the ends as the original band does.
The ends of the band are also a pleasant surprise. They are extremely precise. On my watch I was not able to spot gaps or unevenly molded side parts. Inserting the band is easy and went butterly smooth on my sample. One thing to take attention: When removing the original Link Bracelet it is easy to remove a link so the band is split in two parts and then removing each of the parts from the watch for easier access. Since the clones locking mechanism is not identical this method is not that convenient. I suggest removing or inserting the band in one piece by alternately sliding each end out of the watch by a few millimeters. When the ends come out be careful not to scratch the watch.
Adjusting the links
This is my favorite part of this clone. At first it would seem like you take that SIM-tool and just push out little metal sticks holding the links together, right? EEENNN! Wrong. In each removable link there is a little metal tube with a spring mechanism inside. On each side of this tube there is a little metal stick like end coming out which can be pushed into the tube.
So after you have tried the band and decided on how many links you want to remove you take the SIM-tool and press in one hole of the link you're intending to remove. Don't press too hard just go by a millimeter or two and you will suddenly feel or even see the link coming loose. It might take a little while. Just try it with feeling - otherwise you will only push the SIM-tool inside the tube and the link will still be locked in place.
Why do I like this mechanism? Because to me it symbolizes the technical advancement of the Chinese shanzhai industry in the last 5 years or so. These parts are ridiculously small and precisely made and when testing my sample I had the feeling they were very rigid too. It doesn't feel like these parts will come lose and that is all you probably care about before strapping a few hundred dollars onto your wrist with this band.
After the unnecessary links have been removed you connect the two parts of each band side by sliding the metal tube on one link into the corresponding hole of the other link and push the metal stick on the opposite side back into the tube while gently pushing the two links into each other. Sounds confusing? If no one did this already I will show it in an upcoming video about the band.
Look and feel
Sliding the band onto your hand is easy and while the clasp is not a 1:1 copy it does its job well. You also won't feel it rubbing your skin or having any other negative effects on the overall experience. Once you wear the band that clasp will just disappear and you won't think about it again. The band might be a little tight depending on your wrist size but will slightly loose up a little during your first day of wear.
For a clone the biggest question will always be: Can you distinguish it from the original when casually looking at someone wearing it? In my opinion the answer to that question is no. Yes the clasp looks different from the bottom and yes there are little holes in 12 of the links of the band when looking from the side but come on - no one will notice unless he really takes you arm and starts twisting it in front of his eyes. - Ouch! I suggest you book a physician appointment now.
Something I noticed: The links seem to be lubricated with a black colored oil from the inside. During initial wear of the band some pieces of this oil film might fall out of the links but can be easily cleaned away by using a piece of microfibre cloth drowned in a bit of alcohol.
Also: There seem to be several versions of this clone band on the market and not all of them have the same quality. The best I have seen so far should be distinguishable by looking at the final two link pieces above the clasp. (At the time of writing this review.) They should be different then the rest and have a straight shape with little curves towards the edges.
UPDATE:
Seller
I was asked by several people for a good seller for this band. I can recommend Regis Electric Mall on AliExpress. He will give you a discount when you order the band from him and leave "SupplyChainCN" as a comment with your order.
After discount prices will be:
Silver Link Bracelet: 70 USD
Black Link Bracelet: 90 USD
+ shipping
Currently there is a lot of buzz about the Link Bracelet clones that are showing up on AliExpress and eBay in increasing numbers. The best one of those clones looks pretty much like its inspiration except for the clasp and the tool-free link adjustment mechanism. With the news that the real 1:1 clone has been delayed again due to complications in part designs after being said to have already entered production stage this clone is as good as it gets for probably another two weeks or so.
Video
What's in the box?
The band comes in the same simple cardboard box that we also have seen for the Leather Loop. The only twist is that the box is gold now - likely expressing to its customer that she or he is going to need to shell out a little more cash in order to gain possession. Talking about she or he: This Link Bracelet clone comes in silver and space black color variations but only as a 42 mm version at this point in time.
After removing the tray holding the band in place the little tool used for adjusting the band becomes visible. It has the form of a regular SIM-tray opener for iPhone but the metal is much harder (you can still bend it though - and you likely will until you understand how to correctly adjust the links on the band - more on that later).
The band
The band is secured using two pieces of foil wrapped around it so it doesn't scratch during shipment. After removing those you're ready to connect it to your Apple Watch. I can't deny that I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of materials used. Every link piece on the band is finely made and fits perfectly into the one above or below it. The metal is brushed slightly giving it the look of the original. That's still a little bit more shiny and a little bit darker than the anodized aluminum of the Apple Watch Sport so this combination is not really a perfect fit in my opinion but I'll leave that to your taste.
If you were wondering how many of the links are adjustable: There are 10 identical links that can be freely removed or added. They are all located in the middle of the band thus enabling the links to grow in width towards the ends as the original band does.
The ends of the band are also a pleasant surprise. They are extremely precise. On my watch I was not able to spot gaps or unevenly molded side parts. Inserting the band is easy and went butterly smooth on my sample. One thing to take attention: When removing the original Link Bracelet it is easy to remove a link so the band is split in two parts and then removing each of the parts from the watch for easier access. Since the clones locking mechanism is not identical this method is not that convenient. I suggest removing or inserting the band in one piece by alternately sliding each end out of the watch by a few millimeters. When the ends come out be careful not to scratch the watch.
Adjusting the links
This is my favorite part of this clone. At first it would seem like you take that SIM-tool and just push out little metal sticks holding the links together, right? EEENNN! Wrong. In each removable link there is a little metal tube with a spring mechanism inside. On each side of this tube there is a little metal stick like end coming out which can be pushed into the tube.
So after you have tried the band and decided on how many links you want to remove you take the SIM-tool and press in one hole of the link you're intending to remove. Don't press too hard just go by a millimeter or two and you will suddenly feel or even see the link coming loose. It might take a little while. Just try it with feeling - otherwise you will only push the SIM-tool inside the tube and the link will still be locked in place.
Why do I like this mechanism? Because to me it symbolizes the technical advancement of the Chinese shanzhai industry in the last 5 years or so. These parts are ridiculously small and precisely made and when testing my sample I had the feeling they were very rigid too. It doesn't feel like these parts will come lose and that is all you probably care about before strapping a few hundred dollars onto your wrist with this band.
After the unnecessary links have been removed you connect the two parts of each band side by sliding the metal tube on one link into the corresponding hole of the other link and push the metal stick on the opposite side back into the tube while gently pushing the two links into each other. Sounds confusing? If no one did this already I will show it in an upcoming video about the band.
Look and feel
Sliding the band onto your hand is easy and while the clasp is not a 1:1 copy it does its job well. You also won't feel it rubbing your skin or having any other negative effects on the overall experience. Once you wear the band that clasp will just disappear and you won't think about it again. The band might be a little tight depending on your wrist size but will slightly loose up a little during your first day of wear.
For a clone the biggest question will always be: Can you distinguish it from the original when casually looking at someone wearing it? In my opinion the answer to that question is no. Yes the clasp looks different from the bottom and yes there are little holes in 12 of the links of the band when looking from the side but come on - no one will notice unless he really takes you arm and starts twisting it in front of his eyes. - Ouch! I suggest you book a physician appointment now.
Something I noticed: The links seem to be lubricated with a black colored oil from the inside. During initial wear of the band some pieces of this oil film might fall out of the links but can be easily cleaned away by using a piece of microfibre cloth drowned in a bit of alcohol.
Also: There seem to be several versions of this clone band on the market and not all of them have the same quality. The best I have seen so far should be distinguishable by looking at the final two link pieces above the clasp. (At the time of writing this review.) They should be different then the rest and have a straight shape with little curves towards the edges.
UPDATE:
Seller
I was asked by several people for a good seller for this band. I can recommend Regis Electric Mall on AliExpress. He will give you a discount when you order the band from him and leave "SupplyChainCN" as a comment with your order.
After discount prices will be:
Silver Link Bracelet: 70 USD
Black Link Bracelet: 90 USD
+ shipping
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All the things I've ordered that come from China go through Secaucus, Chicago, NY, or somewhere in CA for customs. Customs holds them from anywhere from 1 day to a week. I've even had something come into NY and then go to CA before heading my way. So if you're seeing things going to any of these places and not moving, it's probably because they came from China and are sitting in customs.
It's not too bad, you don't really notice it throughout the day. If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for yours? I paid $200us but was expecting the 1:1 based on their photos and the price. They told me that they accidentally sent the wrong one and will send the 1:1 ASAP. I'd happily pay maximum $100 for this band since it's a really nice band, and you can't even tell it's different when your wearing it. But the 1:1 I would assume is much more comfortable.. Hopefully they stick to their word..
Is this the 1:1 Link Bracelet you've been talking about the last few days/weeks? Looks like a normal AliExpress clone, not much of similarity compared to the real deal
Of course not. Have you read what I wrote? As you can see from the title I'm referring to this band as 0.5:1 clone or "almost there" Link Bracelet. It is not the 1:1.
The "holy grail of watchband clones" has run into another problem at the beginning of this week and according to what I've heard production has been halted for the moment. If someone claims he can send you one right now it's either BS or an early sample but not the final product.
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Your review is unbelievably detailed and very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to post it.
That's the same game he played with me. There are people on this forum that are convinced he is shipping from New Jersey but he's not. His items are coming from China. His eBay store states that his items are located in New Jersey but they aren't. It took mine 10 days and my tracking didn't get updated till after I recieved my band. Very frustrating