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The Great "Third Party Band/Strap" Thread
- Thread starter appleboyy
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This is the only thing that worries me about cheaper 3rd party "rubber/plastic" bands from overseas. I like the price, but I'm afraid of the chemicals they may use in their products being absorbed by my body thru heat/sweat or long durations of contact. Usually if there is a strong smell or degassing of the rubber/plastic, it can mean potential toxins are present in the materials. I've heard others complain about strong odors when receiving shipments from overseas. If you smell a fresh Apple Sport Band, you will notice it is odorless. I may just be paranoid.
I have some SG adapters coming today, and I'm going to mount the watch on an old cuff style band that's been sitting in a drawer. I plan on cutting out the cuff portion (it's 3 separate pieces) to allow the sensors to make contact - using a charging puck as a stencil. I'll make a thread and post photos when I get started 
Just sitting the watch on the band like it will be mounted looks pretty darn good, so I'm confident the finally results will be solid. Since the watch will cover the hole, I'm not too concerned about how perfect the cutout looks either.
Just sitting the watch on the band like it will be mounted looks pretty darn good, so I'm confident the finally results will be solid. Since the watch will cover the hole, I'm not too concerned about how perfect the cutout looks either.
Try this (from post in another thread):I have some SG adapters coming today, and I'm going to mount the watch on an old cuff style band that's been sitting in a drawer. I plan on cutting out the cuff portion (it's 3 separate pieces) to allow the sensors to make contact - using a charging puck as a stencil. I'll make a thread and post photos when I get started
Just sitting the watch on the band like it will be mounted looks pretty darn good, so I'm confident the finally results will be solid. Since the watch will cover the hole, I'm not too concerned about how perfect the cutout looks either.
My husband first drew the hole using an ⌚️ cover/protector for the exact size. He then used a tool called a "punch" (it may have a more technical name) and punched holes around perimeter of drawn hole. (See pix below for punch & ⌚️ cover.) After the entire hole was punched out, he used a Dremel tool to "sand" the hole area smooth. It didn't take but about 15 minutes from start to finish. I hope this makes sense!
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Yeah, can't say that hasn't crossed my mind. The bands I got through eBay and the MOKO band thankfully didn't have any smell to them.
"I'm only paranoid because everyone is out to get me."
-Steven Wright (and I'm sure many others)
Try this (from post in another thread):
My husband first drew the hole using an ⌚️ cover/protector for the exact size. He then used a tool called a "punch" (it may have a more technical name) and punched holes around perimeter of drawn hole. (See pix below for punch & ⌚️ cover.) After the entire hole was punched out, he used a Dremel tool to "sand" the hole area smooth. It didn't take but about 15 minutes from start to finish. I hope this makes sense!
View attachment 591099
Very cool, your hubby and I think the same, I was thinking of a Dremel to clean hit up too. I wound up just using a small paring knife, once I got it started it cut it easily. I may still use a Dremel to smooth the edges but it doesn't even show!
The finished product looks *great*. The cuff makes it really look like a finished product, like really intentional design (if that makes sense). One if the problems I have with non-Apple bands is how it makes the watch look clunkier, since they don't have that nice tapered/blended connections point - this kind of hides that. Pictures a little later.
My apologies.
Apple Watch Band with Metal Clasp, Jisoncase® 42 mm Genuine Cow Leather Watchband Strap with Stainless Steel Buckle for Apple Watch iwatch 42 mm - Brown
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010DBXP5C/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_FcggwbYRD9CFX
Cool-- the color looks almost spot-on with the new saddle brown classic buckle from Apple.
I like the colour, but not how it's narrower than the adapter's bars so it looks like it would "slide" around. Interestingly the Amazon link you posted doesn't look like that in their photos.
I have not seen the apple version in person so I can't say for sure on how close it is.
Honestly, there is not that much play but I am not a fan of the arms sticking out. Pretty sure they used computer gen image. If Apple can make the back facing camera more flush them why not band makers? Wish it would be more flush. Going to try a spring bar adapter but hey it's a $30 band. It's not going to be perfect.
I have a couple of the process, but they're not all that interesting
So here's the finished product:
Try this one on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Lea...mm-USA-/381419995620?var=&hash=item58ce6741e4
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Lea...mm-USA-/381419995620?var=&hash=item58ce6741e4
Finally got mine today, the tracking never worked.
But there was a problem. I ordered a 42mm band, they sent me a 38mm band. When I contacted Groupon they said there was nothing they could do except I can return it for a refund, no exchanges. So pissed.
This message is supposed to be for kjotwani:
This seller on eBay makes a perfect clone. I own one & have compared it with my own OEM.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/252070114200?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=550922470662&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
This seller on eBay makes a perfect clone. I own one & have compared it with my own OEM.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/252070114200?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=550922470662&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
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New strap arrived today, by Leathersy on Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/shop/Leathersy
Nice grade of leather, no stiffness and very comfortable to wear. Good quality adapters that slide smoothly and click firmly into place. Really like the simplicity of the band and the single stud clasp. Very happy with the purchase.