Non-OEM (FAKE/CLONE) Apple Watch Bands

[iVegas]

Got a special treat from the Utica seller today, I've been in close contact with him for a while now. Sent me these pictures this morning. This is the 0.90:1 clone with the butterfly clasp looking like the apple one but uses a different locking mechanism.

The bands are on their way to him from China via DHL overnight, 50 in the initial shipment. Another 100 will arrive next week for any additional orders. I am securing a discount for macrumors members so stay tuned. It appears in intial talks he is considering selling at cost, so to avoid any possible undercutting. (Like inko88 seller and the Milanese band well below what Utica guy is selling but its the same product). Also if anyone is still interested in Milanese loops i should be able to secure a lower price than inko88. Thanks to Richard!

I will have a review model of the steel link bracelet in hand by Monday hopefully.

For now here are pictures of how to resize the band.

That's great news! I was the first to order from his so looks like it'll get here earlier than expected. Thanks for the update.

 

[Time Less]

Got a special treat from the Utica seller today, I've been in close contact with him for a while now. Sent me these pictures this morning. This is the 0.90:1 clone with the butterfly clasp looking like the apple one but uses a different locking mechanism.

The bands are on their way to him from China via DHL overnight, 50 in the initial shipment. Another 100 will arrive next week for any additional orders. I am securing a discount for macrumors members so stay tuned. It appears in intial talks he is considering selling at cost, so to avoid any possible undercutting. (Like inko88 seller and the Milanese band well below what Utica guy is selling but its the same product). Also if anyone is still interested in Milanese loops i should be able to secure a lower price than inko88. Thanks to Richard!

I will have a review model of the steel link bracelet in hand by Monday hopefully.

For now here are pictures of how to resize the band.

Looks good without the holes on the side. Any pics of the front? Hopefully he will have 38mm in stock as well.

 

[Armski]

Looks good without the holes on the side. Any pics of the front? Hopefully he will have 38mm in stock as well.

He has not mentioned anything about 38mm, although i believe @Jmona has been speaking to him about the 38mm side of things.

But Utica's exact words were:
Shipping of bracelet link: Yesterday,chinese factory ship 50pcs 42mm by DHL,and we will receive it on wednesday,the next 100pcs will be shipped thursday,we will get it on Next monday,it should cover all order.

I have pictures of the front a few pages back.
<Edit> Post with pictures of front here https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ple-watch-bands.1881150/page-28#post-21633262

 

[iVegas]

I've been swindled on AliExpress!

I bought THIS BAND when the seller first had it offered for $60 (now sells it for $100). I finally received it today and it sure isn't what I ordered. I've opened a dispute and sent in these pictures. This was my first experience with AliExpress so I'm not exactly pleased. I guess we'll see what happens. If anyone has any tips please feel free to share!

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[Armski]

I've been swindled on AliExpress!

I bought THIS BAND when the seller first had it offered for $60 (now sells it for $100). I finally received it today and it sure isn't what I ordered. I've opened a dispute and sent in these pictures. This was my first experience with AliExpress so I'm not exactly pleased. I guess we'll see what happens. If anyone has any tips please feel free to share!

View attachment 573360 View attachment 573361 View attachment 573362 View attachment 573363

Really sad to hear this but Aliexpress is prone to this type of thing. that is why i avoid it. Few weeks back i was about to order something, luckily the seller had no paypal option as payment. So i didn't complete the transaction. I ended up buying from a US seller and couldn't be happier getting the product sooner and as pictured.

As this point all i can say is if you want as good a clone as you can get right now 'Freedomoclock09' on ebay is the place to buy from. Also he mentioned his latest July 29th shipment of Milanese loops are way better than his previous stock he had. He doesn't mention this in his ebay listing so not to upset previous customers. Which i can understand. But the point is the product you get is the same/better than pictured.

I will have the steel link band in hand very soon, i will be doing a full review on the forum, pictures, video etc. I much prefer to deal with a seller i can speak to anytime, infact we speak almost everyday keeping me in the loop about his products. I haven't come across any other seller so responsive to every query i have had thus far.

Once again sorry you got swindled and i hope you can charge back. The seller should be shamed so that others can steer clear of him.

 

[tampabuc2004]

Will these only be in SS for now, or will there be space black available?

I have been trying to hold out with the sports band until a space black clone comes out, but i am getting tried with how easy the band can come off my wrist.

Also, do you know if any of the sellers have a way to get extra links, or if they are available for sale? I haven't tried on a stock link bracelet, but i think i might need an extra link or two.

Got a special treat from the Utica seller today, I've been in close contact with him for a while now. Sent me these pictures this morning. This is the 0.90:1 clone with the butterfly clasp looking like the apple one but uses a different locking mechanism.

The bands are on their way to him from China via DHL overnight, 50 in the initial shipment. Another 100 will arrive next week for any additional orders. I am securing a discount for macrumors members so stay tuned. It appears in intial talks he is considering selling at cost, so to avoid any possible undercutting. (Like inko88 seller and the Milanese band well below what Utica guy is selling but its the same product). Also if anyone is still interested in Milanese loops i should be able to secure a lower price than inko88. Thanks to Richard!

I will have a review model of the steel link bracelet in hand by Monday hopefully.

For now here are pictures of how to resize the band.

 

[Armski]

Will these only be in SS for now, or will there be space black available?

I have been trying to hold out with the sports band until a space black clone comes out, but i am getting tried with how easy the band can come off my wrist.

Also, do you know if any of the sellers have a way to get extra links, or if they are available for sale? I haven't tried on a stock link bracelet, but i think i might need an extra link or two.

Good questions!, I just shot him off an email asking about Space blacks in 42mm and 38mm and when he will have them for sale, and if extra links can be purchased. Although to be honest if you need extra links i don't see why other members whom purchased one wouldn't mind sending a spare link or two, i know i am not going to need all my links. I'll update later once i get his reply.

 

[tampabuc2004]

Good questions!, I just shot him off an email asking about Space blacks in 42mm and 38mm and when he will have them for sale, and if extra links can be purchased. Although to be honest if you need extra links i don't see why other members whom purchased one wouldn't mind sending a spare link or two, i know i am not going to need all my links. I'll update later once i get his reply.

Thanks!

 

[Armski]

Thanks!

You're welcome!

 

[iVegas]

Really sad to hear this but Aliexpress is prone to this type of thing. that is why i avoid it. Few weeks back i was about to order something, luckily the seller had no paypal option as payment. So i didn't complete the transaction. I ended up buying from a US seller and couldn't be happier getting the product sooner and as pictured.

As this point all i can say is if you want as good a clone as you can get right now 'Freedomoclock09' on ebay is the place to buy from. Also he mentioned his latest July 29th shipment of Milanese loops are way better than his previous stock he had. He doesn't mention this in his ebay listing so not to upset previous customers. Which i can understand. But the point is the product you get is the same/better than pictured.

I will have the steel link band in hand very soon, i will be doing a full review on the forum, pictures, video etc. I much prefer to deal with a seller i can speak to anytime, infact we speak almost everyday keeping me in the loop about his products. I haven't come across any other seller so responsive to every query i have had thus far.

Once again sorry you got swindled and i hope you can charge back. The seller should be shamed so that others can steer clear of him.

Thanks. I did order one from Richard, too, the morning he posted it. At least I can count on him to deliver.

Hopefully customer service will come through at AliExpress. If not I'll do a chargeback on my Visa. I'm just afraid shipping this back to China is not going to make it worth it.

 

[Armski]

Thanks. I did order one from Richard, too, the morning he posted it. At least I can count on him to deliver.

Hopefully customer service will come through at AliExpress. If not I'll do a chargeback on my Visa. I'm just afraid shipping this back to China is not going to make it worth it.

Doesn't aliexpress have that 'get what you paid for or you get a refund and keep the product' policy? I don't see why you should ship it back at your cost anyway. Charge back and state if they want the 'inferior' product returned it is on them. As far as your concerned you will place it outside your front door and, it's no longer your problem.

 

[iVegas]

Doesn't aliexpress have that 'get what you paid for or you get a refund and keep the product' policy? I don't see why you should ship it back at your cost anyway. Charge back and state if they want the 'inferior' product returned it is on them. As far as your concerned you will place it outside your front door and, it's no longer your problem.

Good idea. Thanks for the tip! I've never had to do this before so I'm a little clueless, LOL.

 

[Armski]

Here's what i see on the listing you purchased from and got swindled.

"Returns accepted if product not as described, buyer pays return shipping; or keep the product & agree refund with seller"

Clicking on Details, it brings up Aliexpress policy.

Returns & Refund Guarantee
Returns & Refund is a guarantee provided by sellers for every product they sell on AliExpress.com.
When you receive a product that was bought and paid for on our site, and you find it is not as described or is of low quality, you can contact the seller to resolve these problems (according to the seller's set of returns guarantees).You will then be able to request a full refund and return the item, or keep the item and agree a partial refund with seller.

Scope of Guarantee
All products on AliExpress.com have the Returns & Refund guarantee. Any product bought through the site is protected if the items you received are not as described.

The following situations are not included:
1. An item you claim is not as described, but the seller can prove that it is.
2. Items are as described, but you no longer want them (unless the seller offers Easy Returns)


Return Shipping Fee

If you agreed with the seller to return your item, please also check the seller’s shipping terms. If the seller pays the return shipping fee, please make sure you first agree on the shipping method and how the seller will pay you back the shipping fee.

I don't see why you should have to spend another cent on this, as you will be spending some time to charge back, time is money...

 

[iVegas]

Armski ... thanks for taking the time to help me out. I really appreciate it. I feel better now.

 

[Armski]

Armski ... thanks for taking the time to help me out. I really appreciate it. I feel better now.

You're welcome, glad i could help out at all.

 

[Armski]

Thanks!

Got a response from Richard (Utica guy)

1.Do you have 38mm version?

Frankly,the picture show is a 38mm version
Silver color: 42mm available now
38mm maybe 3-5 days later.

2.When will you have the space black one for sale, 42mm and 38mm?

For Space black gray,we are plan to make it,and i try to send you picture this week.

We should start to sell it next week,and shipping time should be end of Aug.

3.Do you sell extra links? For people with really big wrists

For extra links,we consider it,and in future,we will sell extra links 100%.

Now,factory just consider to produce enough band for order...It will process at Aug 18th around.

Hope that helps!

If anyone in interested in buying the silver one in 42mm or 38mm it's shipping now. Black 42mm and 38mm shipping soon.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Apple-W...d-Tool-/281757190392?var=&hash=item419a0988f8

 

[iDmac25]

Got a response from Richard (Utica guy)

1.Do you have 38mm version?

Frankly,the picture show is a 38mm version
Silver color: 42mm available now
38mm maybe 3-5 days later.

2.When will you have the space black one for sale, 42mm and 38mm?

For Space black gray,we are plan to make it,and i try to send you picture this week.

We should start to sell it next week,and shipping time should be end of Aug.

3.Do you sell extra links? For people with really big wrists

For extra links,we consider it,and in future,we will sell extra links 100%.

Now,factory just consider to produce enough band for order...It will process at Aug 18th around.

Hope that helps!

If anyone in interested in buying the silver one in 42mm or 38mm it's shipping now. Black 42mm and 38mm shipping soon.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/For-Apple-W...d-Tool-/281757190392?var=&hash=item419a0988f8

I hope his price for the Space Black is the same. id be the first one to order if it is

 

[odHbo]

I'm waiting for someone to post a photo of a Space Gray Sport with either the OEM Space Black band or a 1:1 clone band in black. If anyone knows of one, please share!

 

[Armski]

I hope his price for the Space Black is the same. id be the first one to order if it is

Shot him an email asking if that would be the case. Realistically i am not so sure, as production costs would obviously be higher. But miracles do happen. If the volume of sales is there then Richard may just accommodate.

 

[Armski]

I'm waiting for someone to post a photo of a Space Gray Sport with either the OEM Space Black band or a 1:1 clone band in black. If anyone knows of one, please share!

Closest i can think of right now is the mock up pictures of what the watches look like with the different bands.

http://mixyourwatch.com/

You can select aluminum space gray watch with the black link band so get a fair idea. Otherwise doing a search on the forums may garner more info. I'm sure there are some who have that watch and band combo and have posted pictures. So far no black link clones though. That will be end of August.

 

[peterlaca]

I just bought the 42mm SS on the Bay from Utica. I hope he ships faster than the dates listed on the auction. Have any idea if that is the case???

 

[Armski]

I just bought the 42mm SS on the Bay from Utica. I hope he ships faster than the dates listed on the auction. Have any idea if that is the case???

He has them in hand as of today and shipping them next week, i think Monday. So 3-4 days USPS regular mail should be in most peoples hands.

 

[peterlaca]

He has them in hand as of today and shipping them next week, i think Monday. So 3-4 days USPS regular mail should be in most peoples hands.

Hope so...thanks .
I ordered the 50:1 version from lnkoo88 a few days ago....now I'm sorry I did....he emailed that it shipped within 24 hours, but not sure that's true from what I've read recently.

 

[Armski]

Hope so...thanks .
I ordered the 50:1 version from lnkoo88 a few days ago....now I'm sorry I did....he emailed that it shipped within 24 hours, but not sure that's true from what I've read recently.

Yeah, i'm not so sure either based on my personal experience with him. Purchased 4 sports bands a while back, marked as shipped with no tracking. After 5 days i emailed him to ask that i needed a tracking number he just refunded me immediately. Suffice to say the bands never arrived.... He probably stopped the refunding now and just deals with the negative feedback instead. He doesn't have anything at hand to ship. His logistics is awful.

 

[Armski]

Update on the Utica guy Space Black Gray Link Clone.

1. Price of Space black gray: It should be 10$ higher,the price not confirmed yet,anyhow it should be 10$ at least.

Production cost won't be 10$ difference,but factory will consider the quantity,extra work,stock to make the price.

2. 1:1 Clone: I guess we won't sell it on ebay or amazon.

Apple bracelet link band: apple have two patent
1.Links removeress the button to remove
2.Clasp:It looks clasp+band a whole.

We change this two size avoid the patent,but it looks very similar.

3. Quality: i check the original and ours,i guess it is very similar on quality.Steel material+Adapter is almost same

Links not softly like apple,but when we wear,the feeling is almost same

4. 1:1 clone: The cost won't be drop for 1:1

I ask our factory before,all CNC job,clasp position is very precise and mechism...retail price will be 200$ definately at begining

Any further assistance,please kindly let me know.



Also a follow up email which was a surprise:

For link steel band,we are developing a light-weight steel band,make adapter+links looks like a whole set.

We focus on the bracelet link now,and that design should be ready to produce after Aug 20th.
If we decide to sell it i will let you know.