Non-OEM (FAKE/CLONE) Apple Watch Bands

[Donstil-nl]

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...

Thnx for warning, just another thing to look for if you want the best quality.
I am wearing my clone band for 10 days now and it's still tight, but a warning is never wrong (I am wearing my watch on the left, so it's often

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.

Good find, never turf this but always needed extra springs
Ordered directly

 

[Nadim-Aziz]

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.

Thanks for the tip, wasn't sure if they would fit if buying elsewhere.

Have you found since replacing spring bars strap is now sturdy with no signs of links coming off?

 

[zetaplus93]

@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?

I was thinking the same thing, that perhaps he 38mm doesn't have this issue.

My 38mm arrives Monday, I'll report back then.

 

[Marco123]

I'm really wanting a silver link for my 38 but the choice confuses me.
I'm looking for one as close to apples as possible.

 

[diaph]

Thanks for the tip, wasn't sure if they would fit if buying elsewhere.

Have you found since replacing spring bars strap is now sturdy with no signs of links coming off?

Definitively no signs of links coming off, as long as you use the perfect size with good spring bars.

 

[Jmona]

I was thinking the same thing, that perhaps he 38mm doesn't have this issue.

My 38mm arrives Monday, I'll report back then.

Yup. I do have the 38mm. However there was someone on this thread that has a 42mm I believe and it was seamless. Some 4 or 5 pages back I think. It's this one as well and ordered from Aliexpress and not from Utica Guy Freedomoclock. So you might want to check back and see if it has pins on the sides because that I don't remember. Mine has no pins on the sides but inside. And again it's seamless. It also is part of the first batch that Richard ordered and he wasn't even the one that sent it since he is in China buying from the factory and shipping to the U.S. for distribution so.

 

[Mac2me]

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/281762088249?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=580766053612&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Are you suppose to see all those silver parts in that link band?

 

[peterlaca]

Received my 42mm Bracelet from Richard (Utica) and it does have a gap between the connector and the first link, but it isn't so bad that it is a deal killer.
I needed to remove a link (first removed 2, but it was too tight) and that was so difficult that I broke the tool that accompanied the bracelet. I had my watchmaker re-size it and lucky that I did....since, one of the link pins was weak and a small tug pulled it apart. He used the removed link and tested it....all is good now. I would suggest that you test the link strength before wearing to make sure you don't have a very expensive accident.

 

[terrorsource]

Received my 42mm Bracelet from Richard (Utica) and it does have a gap between the connector and the first link, but it isn't so bad that it is a deal killer.
I needed to remove a link (first removed 2, but it was too tight) and that was so difficult that I broke the tool that accompanied the bracelet. I had my watchmaker re-size it and lucky that I did....since, one of the link pins was weak and a small tug pulled it apart. He used the removed link and tested it....all is good now. I would suggest that you test the link strength before wearing to make sure you don't have a very expensive accident. View attachment 575359 View attachment 575360 View attachment 575361

Could you upload some pics of the gap and the clasp on the inside? Thanks!

 

[peterlaca]

Could you upload some pics of the gap and the clasp on the inside? Thanks!

The gap looks much worse in a closeup shot than when worn...

 

[terrorsource]

The gap looks much worse in a closeup shot than when worn... View attachment 575365 View attachment 575366

Gap looks a bit large but the picture is made while zoomed in on the gap, i think indeed that the gap is still there but you still could live with it

Looks like the butterfly clasp on the inside, any skinmarks yet on your arm?

 

[peterlaca]

Gap looks a bit large but the picture is made while zoomed in on the gap, i think indeed that the gap is still there but you still could live with it

Looks like the butterfly clasp on the inside, any skinmarks yet on your arm?

Nope....it curves just like any butterfly clasp....plus I didn't size it too tight.
Overall, a bargain for the money and Richard is a pleasure to do business with.

 

[Joshoon]

I'm looking for a black milanese loop, which also ships in The Netherlands, because most of them doesn't ship in The Netherlands.

Does anybody have suggestions for me?

 

[terrorsource]

I'm looking for a black milanese loop, which also ships in The Netherlands, because most of them doesn't ship in The Netherlands.

Does anybody have suggestions for me?

I found one for you Was watching for myself and saw your post. We both live in NL

Already asked for some other pictures but so far only recieved pictures from the band in the plastic box. not quite good enough to see the quality. Asked for more pictures.

Also, no reviews for this item so far.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Orig...le-watch-42mm-38mm-Watchband/32433242834.html

 

[AppleTech22]

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/281762088249?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=580766053612&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Yes it is a tad darker, not an exact match but then again neither is the SS and the Apple Link. Still a great pairing!

 

[AppleTech22]

Are you suppose to see all those silver parts in that link band?

Depending on the angle you will see them in the gaps between any of the links, I feel as though it is a very normal occurrence.

 

[Joshoon]

I found one for you Was watching for myself and saw your post. We both live in NL

Already asked for some other pictures but so far only recieved pictures from the band in the plastic box. not quite good enough to see the quality. Asked for more pictures.

Also, no reviews for this item so far.

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Orig...le-watch-42mm-38mm-Watchband/32433242834.html

I have my doubts on that one.
Not many orders have been played yet.

I had my eyes peeled on this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnetic-Mi...83458?var=550904771759&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

 

[johnefriendly]

I got my link bracelet today from Freedomoclock09 aka Utica guy. I like it. It does have a gap but I don't mind it. It's well made and great quality for $59. The tool was not very helpful in taking out the links. I used a sharp knife since it was thinner and could reach in between the pin and the link easier... way easier.

 

[Mac2me]

sorry duplicate post made. see below.

 

[Mac2me]

Depending on the angle you will see them in the gaps between any of the links, I feel as though it is a very normal occurrence.

I guess maybe a better question would have been aren't all the link parts black as well? Just surprised to see the look of plain stainless underneath. Reason I ask is because the link bracelet this guy posted about with photos shows everything in black: https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...ple-watch-bands.1881150/page-55#post-21700331

 

[Jmona]

Idk you guys.
After trying to remember whom for a while has an OEM 38mm link, and doing some re- research on the forums today, I came across this post and I found what I was looking for. An official Apple Link with a gap, so it very well may be not a factory defect after all.

My link bracelet arrived. I took out all 8 removable links and it fits perfectly. I don't find it to be "too" masculine at all, but I think that will ultimately be up to the individual. I'm really loving it, so much more than the sports bands. I'm sure I'll switch it out on occasion, but I'm guessing not as much as I switched between the different color sports bands when that's all I had. This is just so... classic watch... now.

 

[Javabird]

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.

Here are some pictures. You can see the inconsistencies and dark spots in the band, which are quite visible when it's worn and it bothers me. Also, although I said before the band didn't unravel, it actually does (it unraveled on me while trying to take these photos).

 

[Mac2me]

Idk you guys.
After trying to remember whom for a while has an OEM 38mm link, and doing some re- research on the forums today, I came across this post and I found what I was looking for. An official Apple Link with a gap, so it very well may be not a factory defect after all.

I don't use photobucket and so could not really see these pictures zoomed in, only made it at one level up using the + at one point, however what I saw was a pretty tight linkage and no visible parts underneath. Even at the first/second piece connector. Not really shot close up to show that angle though. I personally think that looks way better than photos I'm seeing of recent postings where the connecting links are so very visible and the gaps there especially looking pretty wide.

BTW I did locate a photo on Pg 181 of the Show off your Watch thread of a 42mm link bracelet (pcall1128 I think) in it's watch box that you can see a small gap and parts underneath. So who knows. It's not the 38mm size you were referencing Jmona and I'm out the door now so can't try to bring the post link here now.

 

[terrorsource]

I don't use photobucket and so could not really see these pictures zoomed in, only made it at one level up using the + at one point, however what I saw was a pretty tight linkage and no visible parts underneath. Even at the first/second piece connector. Not really shot close up to show that angle though. I personally think that looks way better than photos I'm seeing of recent postings where the connecting links are so very visible and the gaps there especially looking pretty wide.

BTW I did locate a photo on Pg 181 of the Show off your Watch thread of a 42mm link bracelet (pcall1128 I think) in it's watch box that you can see a small gap and parts underneath. So who knows. It's not the 38mm size you were referencing Jmona and I'm out the door now so can't try to bring the post link here now.

Ah, you ment this post. Indeed you see some kind of gap.

Btw. the way this band is put on the picture says everything, you see the gap, the quality and the clasp. Really hope that more people will make pictures of their bands this same way.

Just got this beauty for my watch. I know it was expensive but every time I saw the stainless steel link somewhere, I wanted it more and more. Feeling a lot lighter lately

 

[Donstil-nl]

Off course there is a little gap on the real band, if there where no gaps you cannot wear it on a wrist

Only on the cheap fake bands the gaps are just to big, no problem because they are cheap $50/60 on eBay ($15/$25 from factory) but it's nicer if there are less gaps on it.

The finish on the real and more expensive fake one is also a lot better.