The Great "Third Party Band/Strap" Thread

[AZhappyjack]

Can anybody comment on this option I found in Amazon ?

Thanks

http://www.amazon.ca/JETech®-Genuine-Leather-Magnet-Replacement/dp/B014T0UQPU/ref=pd_sbs_504_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41M6OcU4J+L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1P1SEC81XRZMNX3J97QR

I cannot comment directly on the band, but I have several iPad cases from JETech, and can vouch for their quality. I even bought one of the cases for the iPad Mini 4 (less than $10) and they send a replacement without being asked/prompted when they discovered that the sleep/wake magnet was not working properly on the initial case. From where I sit, they are a stand up company that goes above and beyond.

 

[maflynn]

can you comment on that now that you have it?

The retailer was telling me that the magnet sounds defective and is replacing it. What I really like, is that they reached out to me after a left a somewhat negative review on the band. I liked the fit and finish of the band, and felt it was good quality, except for the magnet.

Hopefully I'll get that soon and then I can confirm its an aberration or not.

 

[AZhappyjack]

The retailer was telling me that the magnet sounds defective and is replacing it. What I really like, is that they reached out to me after a left a somewhat negative review on the band. I liked the fit and finish of the band, and felt it was good quality, except for the magnet.

Hopefully I'll get that soon and then I can confirm its an aberration or not.

For what it's worth, I find myself having to tighten up the Apple Milanese band several times throughout the day when I choose that band. Seems to be more frequently the longer I have the band.

 

[maflynn]

Seems to be more frequently the longer I have the band.

I was wondering about that, because I could have sworn that the magnet on was stronger on my milanese loop band. I wonder if oils, dirt or just weakening is the cause.

I compared Apple's milanese loop band with mine, and the difference was night and day, which led me to post the 2 star review on amazon. I'll have to wait and see what happens with the replacement.

 

[deany]

Received my leather band from aliexpress yesterday day, from this seller:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/100-...-Apple-Watch-Band-for-iWatch/32440578328.html

It took about two weeks to get to The Netherlands. Feels like a very good quality leather and the connectors also feel very good. I really like the product and can only highly recommend it! Price was a bargain at €19,-

Hi Buddy

Invested in one, same as above from link, and still one if my favourites. Thanks again.

Just to let you know another 'aliexpress' strap that I bought a screw fell out while wearing the watch nearly ending in disaster.
I have replaced all my lugs (because I have space grey) with black lugs.
But on removing the screws from the lugs from the strap you posted above the screws unscrewed _very_ easily and there was no blue Loctite residue to be found.

So I would recommend at least some Loctite thread glue on the screws.

from another of my posts this may help-



.........the other day without warning my watch was dangling precariously off my wrist.
One of the screws had fallen out. I was lucky if the watch had fallen on concrete it would have smashed the screen.

So a fix......

I have used loctite thread glue on the screws on all my 'lugs' now.
If you want semi permanent use 'blue' or 'red' for a permanent fix.

A few UK links:

ACENIX® 25 in 1 Repair Opening Tool Kit Pentalobe Torx Phillips Screwdriver for iPhone 5 4S 4G

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K0GPDII/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_TKWGwb4R8RP9Z

the correct pentalobe is top right row, second one along.

Also bought & used this (blue):

Loctite 243 Lock 'n' Seal Fast Acting Thread Lock and Sealant - 3 ml https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003ZUXQIA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_nMWGwbACDAZR5

having read about the 'red' permanent loctite I'm thinking should I re-do with 'red' and make it totally permanent.

I didn't shake the 'blue' tube (didn't think of doing that) and it was runny quite 'watery'.

I guess its whether the 'blue' is strong enough (I change my straps regularly).

I've invested in some 'red' cheaper product also. (The Loctite 'red' was off the scale pricewise for a tiny tube.)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00442C14I?vs=1

hope this helps

 

[msink]

Interestingly enough I've had interest in The Strap as well and was looking for a cheaper alternative. I like yours but would just prefer getting it made already as is instead of tinkering with it. I know. I'm lazy.

Ok Sean, here it is all put together for you

Parihy Genuine Nubuck Leather Watch Band with Metal Clasp for Apple Watch Band 42mm Include Connection Adapter (Brown) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016EXXDFU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_r.iHwb8PQN97D

 

[AZhappyjack]

Got my bands from Amazon, here's the red MoKo sports band,

Seems softer then the apple band, and maybe a bit thinner, but at 15 bucks vs. 50. I'm happy with it. I may mix/match it with my green band for Christmas

One more question... I got my red Moko sport band today... the band is extremely soft and comfortable to wear, but I'm a little concerned that the part of the band where the strap tucks in will not be durable over time. The opening does not seem to be reinforced the way the Apple bands are. Any concerns from your experience?

 

[maflynn]

So far, my red Moko band is wearing just fine, no issues or concerns

 

[viewfly]

Just got an email that my Click space grey aluminum adapter has been shipped.

I ordered it in June — completely forgot and gave up on it.

Very happy with my black 3 bead HOCO band however.

Amazing. But at least they came through.

1x Click M - Aluminum for $24.99 each
38mm-Space Gray

 

[deany]

Just got an email that my Click space grey aluminum adapter has been shipped.

I ordered it in June — completely forgot and gave up on it.

Very happy with my black 3 bead HOCO band however.

Amazing. But at least they came through.

1x Click M - Aluminum for $24.99 each
38mm-Space Gray

Wow you have patience, fair play.

I have found with 'Loctite thread lock' these:
38MM /42MM Mini Replacement Watch Band Connection Adapter For Apple watch
http://s.aliexpress.com/BFVVjIRj are fine, sold in singles and a pentelobe screwdriver required (black for space grey sport).

 

[Daremo]

I got a band from a friend of mine who runs a leather business in Orlando, FL.

http://hellbrandleather.com/ is his site. I got a 42mm w/space grey hardware and grey leather. View attachment 596125
View attachment 596126

Quite possibly the first strap I am jealous of. Beautiful in every way.

 

[Daremo]

After some trial and error, I found something I'm pretty happy with. I have the 42mm Space Gray Sport version, so here's what I grabbed from Amazon...

***** black leather band
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018VOES4U?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

And since the adaptors came in silver, I picked up matt finish Space Gray adaptors from Bandsai...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011PTGTEA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

I WISH the buckle was in Space Gray, and I MIGHT find some sort or way to darken the threads some, but I'm ALMOST there to what I want. Here's some photos.

 

[AlliFlowers]

Just got an email that my Click space grey aluminum adapter has been shipped.

I ordered it in June — completely forgot and gave up on it.

Very happy with my black 3 bead HOCO band however.

Amazing. But at least they came through.

1x Click M - Aluminum for $24.99 each
38mm-Space Gray

Got my Click a few days ago. Pictures in this thread :https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/click-whats-the-obsession.1885358/ post 288.

 

[IphoneIssues]

I don't trust those easy release links for a $600 watch for a knock-off band

Exactly why I'm cautious about buying 3rd-party bands. If the brand doesn't have any kind of reputation, I won't buy it.

Has anybody actually found a good quality 3rd party 38mm Apple Watch Leather Loop band that hasn't had leather separating from the connector or other issues? I still don't understand why Apple doesn't make these for 38mm watches. If they did they would have my money so fast.

I can't believe what I'm reading. You'd expect something like that from Samsung, but not Apple. Between this, and the lack of advertisement of their Space Black SS (or more bands with the blank metal dimple, because, after all, there is a Space Gray sport watch), I'm really surprised at their marketing.

 

[nicho]

I can't believe what I'm reading. You'd expect something like that from Samsung, but not Apple. Between this, and the lack of advertisement of their Space Black SS (or more bands with the blank metal dimple, because, after all, there is a Space Gray sport watch), I'm really surprised at their marketing.

there's a gold sport and a rose gold sport too... SKU management would be a nightmare. who knows what other colours and materials are on the way, too...

i think the reason the space black isn't featured more is, well, it's not much to look at is it, really? the reason people like it also makes it hard to market, it doesn't make an impact the same way the SS does.

w38sb-sbbk-gallery-1

 

[IphoneIssues]

there's a gold sport and a rose gold sport too... SKU management would be a nightmare. who knows what other colours and materials are on the way, too...

I've seen the gold often. Rose gold, not so much.

i think the reason the space black isn't featured more is, well, it's not much to look at is it, really? the reason people like it also makes it hard to market, it doesn't make an impact the same way the SS does.

w38sb-sbbk-gallery-1

Completely disagree. You go through the trouble of making one model with a DLC coating, meaning improved durability, and you barely market the thing? It's crazy.

Those kind of pictures don't even do it justice. It blends with the bezel so well that it looks like a big face of onyx, wherein the display just floats. It's something you really don't see often.

 

[nicho]

I've seen the gold often. Rose gold, not so much.



Completely disagree. You go through the trouble of making one model with a DLC coating, meaning improved durability, and you barely market the thing? It's crazy.

Those kind of pictures don't even do it justice. It blends with the bezel so well that it looks like a big face of onyx, wherein the display just floats. It's something you really don't see often.

which they weren't sure they could deliver en masse at first, hence only having it paired with the expensive black link bracelet.

replace the apple watch in any of their marketing pictures (instead of say, the milanese loop, the modern buckle) and you'd be left with a boring black slab with no details. not enough to attract you to look at the billboard.

i'm not dissing the space black by the way (i kind of wish i had one instead of my SS) but it's just hard to market. there's no details or features that stand out on a picture.

 

[IphoneIssues]

which they weren't sure they could deliver en masse at first, hence only having it paired with the expensive black link bracelet.

replace the apple watch in any of their marketing pictures (instead of say, the milanese loop, the modern buckle) and you'd be left with a boring black slab with no details. not enough to attract you to look at the billboard.

i'm not dissing the space black by the way (i kind of wish i had one instead of my SS) but it's just hard to market. there's no details or features that stand out on a picture.

Again, it's one of it's kind. Very easy to sell individuality. It should be getting a push.

The difference of opinion about the look seems to just represent why some guys didn't want that model and others did. They liked what they saw and others didn't, which is fine.

Around half or more of the Sport sales are for the Space Grey. More than half the pre-orders were for that model. I just saw in an email that the Space Grey sport is one of the 4 most viewed items on Best Buy lately, and the most viewed Apple Watch. Many on the forum have said they wanted the Space Black, but it was expensive. It's just strange that, knowing this and more, they wouldn't really try to advertise a unique, dark watch option, the next level up, based on that info.

And I almost didn't get the thing because of the pictures online. It looks like black aluminum in some of the sale pictures. When you've got the thing in front of you though? "Boy, is she purrrty!"

 

[Mac2me]

I have seen lots of great photos on here of the Space Gray or Space Black watches. I have a 42mmSS but if I wanted to spend the extra cash for a second one would likely buy one or the other black versions maybe in a 38mm. I think the appeal from the photos depends on how it was taken, some people's personal photos just sell it. Apple certainly is capable of stunning camera work so doubt shooting an all black version isn't a problem for a promotional ad. IMO you just need to have a watch face displayed when taking the photo to add more interest and pair it with a great looking band. I think the black Milanese band that is rumored to be coming out will push these black versions to even greater popularity. Based on the number of people's photos I've seen here, the 3rd party versions of these are selling well.

I'm more inclined to think the reason you don't see promotion of the black versions is because it already sells well without, may cost more to make so profit could be less, and production time could be longer.

 

[nickmSF]

First time poster here - excellent info in thread, much thanks to all.

Question: looking for understated leather band for 42mm brushed aluminum apple sports watch - will pair with LUVVITT brushed aluminum matte adapters.

Anyone have info for 24mm black leather band - I LOVE the Habitue black calf posted in thread past but cannot located in 24mm - prefer no emblems on claps like the Jisoncase leather band.

Please post links, ideas, thoughts.

 

[bronksy]

Alas, my Nomad strap came to it's demise today - watch fell off the straps.
It was lovely and worn in - but it's no use when the strap connectors fall apart and cause the watch to fall off.

Anyone else had this?

 

[johnnilcru]

I just ordered a 42mm Double Tour band yesterday from LUCRIN. The one on the Apple website is only available for the 38mm.

Reeeally looking forward to that! Will post pictures as soon as I get it. Unfortunately, that would be in 10 days... and that's a bugger.

 

[IphoneIssues]

Finally got some adapters. Feels like a whole new world just completely opened up, and I don't know where to start. Any suggestions on straps or brands to look into?

Alas, my Nomad strap came to it's demise today - watch fell off the straps.
It was lovely and worn in - but it's no use when the strap connectors fall apart and cause the watch to fall off.

Anyone else had this?

Isn't that a $180 band? Absolutely unacceptable.

 

[pcall1128]

Pad & Quill slim strap. The bast quality strap I own, the leather is absolutely beautiful. Even has that leather smell Looking forward to the patina it developes over time...

 

[bronksy]

Finally got some adapters. Feels like a whole new world just completely opened up, and I don't know where to start. Any suggestions on straps or brands to look into?



Isn't that a $180 band? Absolutely unacceptable.

Their solution:
We will send you some more screws and a screwdriver. Oh and you should buy some locktite too.

Seriously!