looks like for the link clones that's out right now you either get no gaps, no butter fly, holes on sides for adjustments, or butterfly/ with gaps/ no holes on sides. i think i'll wait for the next version.
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Non-OEM (FAKE/CLONE) Apple Watch Bands
- Thread starter appleboyy
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Somebody suggested the gap is a malfunction from the factory but it is not.
There are a couple of factory's producing this bands, a couple of them are selling everything they make to resellers, the reseller then determine if it's a band for $59,95 or $99,95
The sellers who sell the bands with gap know this and that's why they give discounts, free shipping, low pricing etc.
The other sellers who knows their product is like the original (and then I am not talking about the clasp) in finish and gap do just simply ask a higher price.
It's all question and demand with these things.
For example One comes from a factory where the make $5,- Rolex (Dolex) and the other ones are from factories who make the $500,- fake ones. That last factory is making the 1:1 clone but we have to wait for that.
I think that's something unique to a steel band, I wear mine loos but on al the pictures it looks tight.
There are a couple of factory's producing this bands, a couple of them are selling everything they make to resellers, the reseller then determine if it's a band for $59,95 or $99,95
The sellers who sell the bands with gap know this and that's why they give discounts, free shipping, low pricing etc.
The other sellers who knows their product is like the original (and then I am not talking about the clasp) in finish and gap do just simply ask a higher price.
It's all question and demand with these things.
For example One comes from a factory where the make $5,- Rolex (Dolex) and the other ones are from factories who make the $500,- fake ones. That last factory is making the 1:1 clone but we have to wait for that.
I think that's something unique to a steel band, I wear mine loos but on al the pictures it looks tight.
I received my silver ML bandfrom lnkoo88 and I have to say I am very disappointed in it. There are a couple of visible defects in the links, and one of the adapters does not fit correctly. I'm sorry I ordered it and I've contacted the seller about a return.
That said, the band does not unravel through (38mm size) , and the magnet does appear to be quite strong.
I am sick today so I'll try to post pics as soon as I feel up to it. I'm just posting now to alert others who might be considering ordering it. I based my order on the glowing reviews that others made, so I wanted to give feedback about my experience.
That said, the band does not unravel through (38mm size) , and the magnet does appear to be quite strong.
I am sick today so I'll try to post pics as soon as I feel up to it. I'm just posting now to alert others who might be considering ordering it. I based my order on the glowing reviews that others made, so I wanted to give feedback about my experience.
I just got mine the other day from the same seller and my links were all perfect...but it does unravel. Interesting.
I just received milanese loop from Inkoo888 as well. The links are perfect, looks near identical to the Apple band, but like yours, the magnet at the end can slip through unraveling. No issues with quality, or the adapters.
The only difference I can feel is the edge of the band isn't quite as smooth as Apples, but it's something I haven't noticed wearing it all day. Other than that, it feels identical.
It's shockingly good for the price, so it's off to the Apple store to return my legit milanese loop! But first, I'll take a few comparison shots and post them.
It's when the magnet end is small enough to get pulled through the slot in the lug ... potentially making it easier to fall off your wrist if the magnet should fail.
I've uploaded a bunch of photos and short clips comparing the two. After closer inspection, there are a few visible flaws with the 3rd party loop, but over all, most if not all of these are impossible to spot unless you're looking for them. The most obvious one I'd say is the banding that's visible under certain lighting conditions.
3rd Party:
Apple:
3rd part Left, Apple Right:
3rd part Bottom, Apple Top:
3rd part Bottom, Apple Top:
3rd part Left, Apple Right:
3rd part Left, Apple Right:
Full Gallery here.
I've also got a few short GFY clips showing the differences:
Clip 1
Clip 2
Clip 3
3rd Party:
Apple:
3rd part Left, Apple Right:
3rd part Bottom, Apple Top:
3rd part Bottom, Apple Top:
3rd part Left, Apple Right:
3rd part Left, Apple Right:
Full Gallery here.
I've also got a few short GFY clips showing the differences:
Clip 1
Clip 2
Clip 3
Okay. So I sent Richard, Utica Guy/ Freedomoclock the link for Alibaba asking him to please work on a forums discount and this is what he said to which now I understand how the pricing works and if anything it makes me happy to make business with a stand up guy that is trying his best to meet demand and provide good customer service. I love my link and think that even with the price paid, I still paid a heck of a price for it:
"Hey Jen!
Our cost for first lot:
Bracelet link cost: 48$
Shipping cost from china to USA: 2.5$ per piece because it is small packaging shipment,6-8kg per shipment
USPS Proirity: 7$ each per order
EBAY+PAYPAL COST: 13% of our listing price = 7.5$ per order
Total: 65$ we sell 68.99 finally...gross profit $0 and sometimes we pay more when a unit defective.
And If there is any one though the defective unacceptable, returned...we lose more money frankly, we already lose money,because of return because we pay shipping expense and is why we give 180 warranty but no work out always.
The first 250pcs i order is 48$ per piece,that is why i can get them early...
3 days ago,i order 200pcs silver+100pcs with color more,the silver color cost is drop,the updated cost is 40$,for color version(space black gray) is 50$, and pay cash at the day i order.
In that case,the gross profit is 10%...if return rate is small,say 3%,we can make some money 8-7% pure profit,i guess.
I just wonder how it can be so cheap on aliexpress
,the link you send me is alibaba,the price they list have no guarantee,because you can't make order on it directly,it just show,many seller will list a crazy low price to attractive buyer.
Thank you so much for business you make with me buying so much.maybe in later future when price come down a little we can work on discount for everyone but controlled to help every people but now is hard because price is still very very high for retail and make no profit.
I wish you understand.
Wish you a nice mood every day!
Richard"
"Hey Jen!
Our cost for first lot:
Bracelet link cost: 48$
Shipping cost from china to USA: 2.5$ per piece because it is small packaging shipment,6-8kg per shipment
USPS Proirity: 7$ each per order
EBAY+PAYPAL COST: 13% of our listing price = 7.5$ per order
Total: 65$ we sell 68.99 finally...gross profit $0 and sometimes we pay more when a unit defective.
And If there is any one though the defective unacceptable, returned...we lose more money frankly, we already lose money,because of return because we pay shipping expense and is why we give 180 warranty but no work out always.
The first 250pcs i order is 48$ per piece,that is why i can get them early...
3 days ago,i order 200pcs silver+100pcs with color more,the silver color cost is drop,the updated cost is 40$,for color version(space black gray) is 50$, and pay cash at the day i order.
In that case,the gross profit is 10%...if return rate is small,say 3%,we can make some money 8-7% pure profit,i guess.
I just wonder how it can be so cheap on aliexpress
,the link you send me is alibaba,the price they list have no guarantee,because you can't make order on it directly,it just show,many seller will list a crazy low price to attractive buyer.Thank you so much for business you make with me buying so much.maybe in later future when price come down a little we can work on discount for everyone but controlled to help every people but now is hard because price is still very very high for retail and make no profit.
I wish you understand.
Wish you a nice mood every day!
Richard"
I've uploaded a bunch of photos and short clips comparing the two. After closer inspection, there are a few visible flaws with the 3rd party loop, but over all, most if not all of these are impossible to spot unless you're looking for them. The most obvious one I'd say is the banding that's visible under certain lighting conditions.
3rd Party:
Apple:
3rd part Left, Apple Right:
3rd part Bottom, Apple Top:
3rd part Bottom, Apple Top:
3rd part Left, Apple Right:
3rd part Left, Apple Right:
Full Gallery here.
I've also got a few short GFY clips showing the differences:
Clip 1
Clip 2
Clip 3
Great update dude.
Maybe the apple one is more expensive but the mesh on the band looks like a more refined product on the pictures.
I did have the Android tungsten for a week or so and I LOVED it! However, when Freedomclock09 posted this link replica, I sent the tungsten back...couldn't afford both. I have always wanted the link, but wasn't about to pay Apple prices.
Now that I have the link from Freedomclock09, I LOVE this band. The only thing that may make me send it back is the gap at the adapter. It's pretty big. It's more lightweight since its stainless steel. The tungsten band was HEAVY and had a polished look...it looked more like the watch casing...but also looked darker in certain lighting. That thing never scratched, though. I've worn this link for a couple days and I've already got scratches. I also have the three bead HOCO band...my wife likes that look the best.
I'm torn between the HOCO, link and tungsten now. If I had to rate them currently it would be 1) Android Tungsten 2) Link 3) HOCO. If the gap wasn't as big or even smaller, the link would be #1. For me...keeping the Apple Band look is awesome.
Okay. So I sent Richard, Utica Guy/ Freedomoclock the link for Alibaba asking him to please work on a forums discount and this is what he said to which now I understand how the pricing works and if anything it makes me happy to make business with a stand up guy that is trying his best to meet demand and provide good customer service. I love my link and think that even with the price paid, I still paid a heck of a price for it:
"Hey Jen!
Our cost for first lot:
Bracelet link cost: 48$
Shipping cost from china to USA: 2.5$ per piece because it is small packaging shipment,6-8kg per shipment
USPS Proirity: 7$ each per order
EBAY+PAYPAL COST: 13% of our listing price = 7.5$ per order
Total: 65$ we sell 68.99 finally...gross profit $0 and sometimes we pay more when a unit defective.
And If there is any one though the defective unacceptable, returned...we lose more money frankly, we already lose money,because of return because we pay shipping expense and is why we give 180 warranty but no work out always.
The first 250pcs i order is 48$ per piece,that is why i can get them early...
3 days ago,i order 200pcs silver+100pcs with color more,the silver color cost is drop,the updated cost is 40$,for color version(space black gray) is 50$, and pay cash at the day i order.
In that case,the gross profit is 10%...if return rate is small,say 3%,we can make some money 8-7% pure profit,i guess.
I just wonder how it can be so cheap on aliexpress
Thank you so much for business you make with me buying so much.maybe in later future when price come down a little we can work on discount for everyone but controlled to help every people but now is hard because price is still very very high for retail and make no profit.
I wish you understand.
Wish you a nice mood every day!
Richard"
Jmona,
I contacted the seller from this link at alibaba for 50 silver pieces they want 27/band plus shipping for the whole lot.
http://www.eraysun.en.alibaba.com/p..._Bracelet_for_Apple_Watch_Band_38mm_42mm.html
Haha if that ebayer really is paying $48,- (witch he is not) then he got ripped of hard.
Perhaps you'd like to be the guinea pig and order one and once you get it you can let us know so that orders may follow.
Got my black replica link in yesterday, a pleasant surprise being 5 days earlier than the beginning of the estimated arrival window. Sold my HOCO band and the difference between the two is NIGHT AND DAY. Amazing how much better this band not only looks, but feels as well. Probably could have gotten the closer closure replica had I waited another week or so to order, however I am very satisfied with this! Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/28176208824...49&var=580766053612&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Attachments
Thanks for the review. It appears the link is darker than the space gray body, no?
I hope it's okay to cross post since it's the link replica and it belongs here as the non OEM thread as well.
I got my Freedomoclock Link Band today. Surprised that it was here when I got home from the hospital and well, needless to say I'm thrilled!
Removed 6 links because sadly for my tiny wrist I actually would've needed more removed so now fits a little on the lose side which I don't mind if I don't care much about the heart rate monitor to work correctly. I absolutely love it and I'm surprised by the quality of it.
No gaps whatsoever to report unlike other bands and it fits comfortably on my wrist.
I think I found my favorite band of them all considering I had the link before and because I couldn't justify the $489 for it, I returned it and I'm not one bit upset for having done so.
This one is just as good as the Apple OEM Link and it fits nicely and for a girly girl with a little bit of Tomboy, this hits he spot!
Here's some photos for it.
I have to admit though, the link removal process was a little bit of a pain but all things considered, it's totally worth the $70 I paid for it so now I'm considering buying the gold and the blue. I'm not sure if either including space black would look good with the stainless steel but, let it suffice to say that I'm the "never say never" kind of gal!️
️
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=281757190392
️
️@Jmoma:
You got the 38mm correct?
Maybe these 38mm do not have the big gap next to the connector?
Does anybody else have the 38mm link bracelet?
warning!
My link bracelet with holes on side no butterfly clasp is very loose and links can easily fall off!!!
One drop outside and I'm sure that would be the end of my SS watch.
Anyone else seen such issues? Quality of my band overall is great it's just the connector springs for the adjustable links that don't seem to be of a high standard.
I've since taped the inside of my watch to avoid any links detaching whilst I'm wearing...
My link bracelet with holes on side no butterfly clasp is very loose and links can easily fall off!!!
One drop outside and I'm sure that would be the end of my SS watch.
Anyone else seen such issues? Quality of my band overall is great it's just the connector springs for the adjustable links that don't seem to be of a high standard.
I've since taped the inside of my watch to avoid any links detaching whilst I'm wearing...
Attachments
Thank you for the warning. I'm hoping to receive my link bracelet very soon (same version as yours). I'll check if that's the case on those I receive.
I received my link band from Utica and – wow! My whole watch really took a big step over how it has looked the last 3 months with black sport band. I can't see wearing it all the time as the sport band is really light and comfortable, but it sure looks sharp. It really makes the whole watch command more attention.
And here is what everyone is waiting for... It is not perfect. I see the gap, the open buttons don't hug close and it is harder than the Apple band to size. It was also FIFTY EIGHT FRIGGIN DOLLARS! I've deliberately baited several people and told them there is flaw with the replica and no one pointed out the gap. So it must not be all that prevalent or we may be way too picky about this band. You could also make the argument that it is still "expensive" for a knockoff. Maybe so, but that is because it is early. I'll gladly pay a little more to get a not-yet-perfect replica earlier. When there is a perfect 1:1 clone available and is $25 or whatever, I will buy one of those. And I would have still shelled out less than 20% the cost of Apple's perfect OEM link band.
Here is the tl;dr version: Whether you have a gappy band from Utica, a crooked mesh from Alibaba or an extra long loop from the Amazon... Slap that bad boy onto your wrist and go enjoy your watch from the future, kiddos.
And here is what everyone is waiting for... It is not perfect. I see the gap, the open buttons don't hug close and it is harder than the Apple band to size. It was also FIFTY EIGHT FRIGGIN DOLLARS! I've deliberately baited several people and told them there is flaw with the replica and no one pointed out the gap. So it must not be all that prevalent or we may be way too picky about this band. You could also make the argument that it is still "expensive" for a knockoff. Maybe so, but that is because it is early. I'll gladly pay a little more to get a not-yet-perfect replica earlier. When there is a perfect 1:1 clone available and is $25 or whatever, I will buy one of those. And I would have still shelled out less than 20% the cost of Apple's perfect OEM link band.
Here is the tl;dr version: Whether you have a gappy band from Utica, a crooked mesh from Alibaba or an extra long loop from the Amazon... Slap that bad boy onto your wrist and go enjoy your watch from the future, kiddos.
I had the same problem. Seems they are sometimes using spring bars 1 or 2 mm too short.
You can simply replace them with slightly bigger ones. Multi sizes kit are quite cheap on eBay or Aliexpress.