Review: Link Bracelet 0.5:1 clone
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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.
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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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