The Great "Third Party Band/Strap" Thread

[heyyitssusan]

Curious what kind of issues you've had--band failures or cosmetic? I only have one 3rd party band, bought off ebay from China, solely because of the color that I couldn't have bought otherwise. I don't wear it much but for wearing certain clothing items with it so can't really give feedback on it. I do have a few Apple sport bands I've bought since last April and love wearing them which I do most of the time for daily wear. I was tempted to buy another 3rd party after getting my first but in the end decided to just stick with the SB even if it took me longer to get the colors I wanted so understand your comment on going with Apple's.

I had a "JeTech" leather band which is obviously fake leather but it's so thin it broke.. And then I bought a geotech Milanese loop currently and the magnet is weak and it's so damn hard to get the adapter to come out of the watch. So at this point the money I spent on both I could've gotten 2 Apple Watch bands.

 

[irod87]

Can anyone point me in the direction of a picture of the 42mm Gold Sport watch with a JeTech Black Milanese loop band?

 

[nicho]

new in: brown 3rd party sports band.

feel is off from the apple ones (it doesn't feel as dense) but they are visually identical, down to now having colour matching bumps and the S/M M/L and 38mm markings on the inside.

 

[mlovergaard]

new in: brown 3rd party sports band.

feel is off from the apple ones (it doesn't feel as dense) but they are visually identical, down to now having colour matching bumps and the S/M M/L and 38mm markings on the inside.

Link please

 

[nicho]

Link please

Unless you're in China I can't help there

I'm not sure if these are moko mk 2s (every colour has the same markings and colour matching bumpers; apart from purple the rest match Apple colours) or if they're a new copy that'll get around the world over the next weeks.

Either way, the knockoffs are improving

The only other place I've seen knockoffs with these features is someone's post from "baoxing trading" on Amazon but i can only get on Amazon China so not much help there - good luck!

 

[IphoneIssues]

Got a cuff. Was surprised by how the texture feels. Also came with a double-tour strap. Hope it holds up. Not bad for $40.

 

[Mac2me]

I didn't think I would like a cuff band look but that looks really nice on you. Especially with a shirt and sweater.

 

[IphoneIssues]

I didn't think I would like a cuff band look but that looks really nice on you. Especially with a shirt and sweater.

Thanks, Mac. The really odd thing was that's what I was going to wear that day, and I actually didn't wear my watch. Came home and saw my cuff got delivered really early. Put it on and it was a nice look, so I took the shot.

 

[xDKP]

I have used the space black link bracelet since the day I got it (only separated from my wrist when charging the watch or when doing sports with the sports strap)

But it broke this morning (in dialog with HOCO to replace it) so I needed something else - fast... I had previously bought a set of Space Black adaptors, but never ordered the strap I wanted.

Luckily my MVMT Watch uses the same size, so for now, this is my go-to-work-strap ... And I kind of love it! What do you guys think? Already has some wear, that only makes it look even better.

 

[nicho]

hirsch mariner; waterproof to 100m and fitted with a deployant clasp.

i've been waiting weeks for the various pieces to arrive (i needed to get the adapters first as if the springbar ones were rubbish and i went for the classic buckle style, it would mean 22mm band instead of this 20mm) and the band came today. added a deployant clasp, although i'm not 100% sure about it - the 1st keeper is stitched quite close to the buckle which makes it a little awkward to get through, i'm hoping it'll loosen up over time or i'll get a little more pro at it.

 

[mhoutman]

Got a cuff. Was surprised by how the texture feels. Also came with a double-tour strap. Hope it holds up. Not bad for $40.

Cuffs are not my favorite, but this looks very classy indeed. Nice vivid dark color, buckle and leather grain too. What brand is it ? Really great buy for 40 bucks

 

[IphoneIssues]

I have used the space black link bracelet since the day I got it (only separated from my wrist when charging the watch or when doing sports with the sports strap)

But it broke this morning (in dialog with HOCO to replace it) so I needed something else - fast... I had previously bought a set of Space Black adaptors, but never ordered the strap I wanted.

Luckily my MVMT Watch uses the same size, so for now, this is my go-to-work-strap ... And I kind of love it! What do you guys think? Already has some wear, that only makes it look even better. View attachment 617629 View attachment 617628

Not bad at all.
[doublepost=1456142015][/doublepost]

hirsch mariner; waterproof to 100m and fitted with a deployant clasp.

i've been waiting weeks for the various pieces to arrive (i needed to get the adapters first as if the springbar ones were rubbish and i went for the classic buckle style, it would mean 22mm band instead of this 20mm) and the band came today. added a deployant clasp, although i'm not 100% sure about it - the 1st keeper is stitched quite close to the buckle which makes it a little awkward to get through, i'm hoping it'll loosen up over time or i'll get a little more pro at it.

View attachment 617724 View attachment 617725 View attachment 617726

Usually not a fan of the contrasting stitching. And it stands out if things aren't lined perfectly.

I wouldn't mind wearing this band at all though.
[doublepost=1456142303][/doublepost]

Cuffs are not my favorite, but this looks very classy indeed. Nice vivid dark color, buckle and leather grain too. What brand is it ? Really great buy for 40 bucks

I was looking for something other than that lighter brown cuff with the lighter stitching that seems to be the go-to. I wanted something with texture. Found this one and decided to try it out. I was pleasantly surprised by how it feels, because it doesn't feel as cheap as I expected. Already had a pair of space black spring adapters delivered and swapped in.

This is the one I got. You see there are other color options:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...Apple Watch&qid=1456141590&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

That 5th picture down is what sold me.
[doublepost=1456142345][/doublepost]

Cuffs are not my favorite, but this looks very classy indeed. Nice vivid dark color, buckle and leather grain too. What brand is it ? Really great buy for 40 bucks

I was looking for something other than that lighter brown cuff with the lighter stitching that seems to be the go-to. I wanted something with texture. Found this one and decided to try it out. I was pleasantly surprised by how it feels, because it doesn't feel as cheap as I expected. Already had a pair of space black spring adapters delivered and swapped in.

This is the one I got. You see there are other color options:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...Apple Watch&qid=1456141590&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

That 5th picture down is what sold me.

 

[nicho]

Usually not a fan of the contrasting stitching. And it stands out if things aren't lined perfectly.

I wouldn't mind wearing this band at all though.

agreed, it's what put me off the chocolate brown and black colours but i think it works with the colour and the shape, specifically.

 

[mhoutman]

Not bad at all.
[doublepost=1456142015][/doublepost]

Usually not a fan of the contrasting stitching. And it stands out if things aren't lined perfectly.

I wouldn't mind wearing this band at all though.
[doublepost=1456142303][/doublepost]

I was looking for something other than that lighter brown cuff with the lighter stitching that seems to be the go-to. I wanted something with texture. Found this one and decided to try it out. I was pleasantly surprised by how it feels, because it doesn't feel as cheap as I expected. Already had a pair of space black spring adapters delivered and swapped in.

This is the one I got. You see there are other color options:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017R4XPLW?keywords=Coffee Apple Watch&qid=1456141590&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

That 5th picture down is what sold me.
[doublepost=1456142345][/doublepost]

I was looking for something other than that lighter brown cuff with the lighter stitching that seems to be the go-to. I wanted something with texture. Found this one and decided to try it out. I was pleasantly surprised by how it feels, because it doesn't feel as cheap as I expected. Already had a pair of space black spring adapters delivered and swapped in.

This is the one I got. You see there are other color options:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017R4XPLW?keywords=Coffee Apple Watch&qid=1456141590&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

That 5th picture down is what sold me.

Strange this links send me to Amazon.de but I think this is the same ?

http://www.amazon.com/Leather-Icare...=1456144690&sr=8-12&keywords=apple+watch+cuff

Did you also they the band only ? (without cuff)

 

[xDKP]

Strange this links send me to Amazon.de but I think this is the same ?

http://www.amazon.com/Leather-Icare...=1456144690&sr=8-12&keywords=apple+watch+cuff

Did you also they the band only ? (without cuff)

I have seen recently as well, that they have started to redirect me to Amazon.co.uk that I use, instead of the original place - not bad actually because of tax-hell here in Denmark, it's a smart move to order from there rather than the US or Asia...

 

[ladytonya]

I know this is off-topic for this thread but which screen protector are you using? Just curious because in addition to looking at bands I'm also in the market for a screen protector and yours doesn't look like it held up very well. How long has that been on there?

Confirmed.

 

[Skorpio]

I know this is off-topic for this thread but which screen protector are you using? Just curious because in addition to looking at bands I'm also in the market for a screen protector and yours doesn't look like it held up very well. How long has that been on there?

The film screen protector is/was made by Tech Armor and bought on Amazon. Link- http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S8...+screen+42&dpPl=1&dpID=51moYg8KwRL&ref=plSrch
To be fair to Tech Armor, I work in a hostile environment with a lot of metal, grease and oil among other contaminants and no screen protector would've looked any better. And it did do it's job well, because I tore it off awhile ago and now I have a ton of scratches all over the watch

 

[ladytonya]

Nice! I have the rose gold Sport and have had a hard time finding a bird party strap I like. Yours looks nice and I also found a ML rose gold knockoff on Amazon. I've had my watch for all of 2 days but I would like a metal band to back up the Apple lavender sport. Has your impression changed since you've had it over a week now?

I received a "pink gold" Milanese loop from eBay seller winnerslane. It's a much better match to the Rose gold Apple Watch than a "Rose gold" metal.

View attachment 614053

Can't comment on longevity yet but quality seems standard so far. I hope we see some "pink gold" screw adapters for sale soon!

View attachment 614054

View attachment 614055

View attachment 614056

It seems like winnerslane is sold out of the 38mm pink gold but just run a search for "pink gold Milanese loop" on eBay and you'll find other sellers.

[doublepost=1456166874][/doublepost]Wow, yeah, that's pretty scratched up now! I've only had my watch for 2 days but I've got the Sport and am paranoid that it's going to start getting scratched up. I have a bumper type case on it already, the Casemate Naked Tough case which is the same case I have on my 6s Plus. I like the look of this and I think it will take care of the watch case getting scratched up but I want a good screen protector to go along with it.

Now for bands I am trying to find nice third party bands that match the rose gold watch. I think I need to concentrate on the protection first but I want to follow this thread for bands.

The film screen protector is/was made by Tech Armor and bought on Amazon. Link- http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S8...+screen+42&dpPl=1&dpID=51moYg8KwRL&ref=plSrch
To be fair to Tech Armor, I work in a hostile environment with a lot of metal, grease and oil among other contaminants and no screen protector would've looked any better. And it did do it's job well, because I tore it off awhile ago and now I have a ton of scratches all over the watch

 

[IphoneIssues]

Strange this links send me to Amazon.de but I think this is the same ?

http://www.amazon.com/Leather-Icare...=1456144690&sr=8-12&keywords=apple+watch+cuff

Did you also they the band only ? (without cuff)

The band is always referred to as "Coffee". It's on eBay and Amazon.

No idea about the second question.

 

[Skorpio]

[doublepost=1456166874][/doublepost]Wow, yeah, that's pretty scratched up now! I've only had my watch for 2 days but I've got the Sport and am paranoid that it's going to start getting scratched up. I have a bumper type case on it already, the Casemate Naked Tough case which is the same case I have on my 6s Plus. I like the look of this and I think it will take care of the watch case getting scratched up but I want a good screen protector to go along with it.

Now for bands I am trying to find nice third party bands that match the rose gold watch. I think I need to concentrate on the protection first but I want to follow this thread for bands.

When I first got my watch (June 2015) I too, was very paranoid about scratching my precious. Then, somewhere after a couple scratches I gave up . But, I think you're on the right path to protecting your precious with research and following these threads.

 

[IphoneIssues]

I know this is off-topic for this thread but which screen protector are you using? Just curious because in addition to looking at bands I'm also in the market for a screen protector and yours doesn't look like it held up very well. How long has that been on there?

Tried Skinomi. Edges came up, because it doesn't play well with cases. Might have worked out if I didn't want to wear cases. Skinomi and Armorsuit are good ones, and they have installation videos to follow.
[doublepost=1456172233][/doublepost]Beige Leather Loop from Lnkoo.

Remnants of some glue-like paste under the black ovals of this connector. Almost looked like maybe they were glueing the connectors on and things got messy.

Connector gaps don't seem bad, for those who care. Actually might be better than on the blue one I got from the same seller.

Also, this one seems to have a different smell to it than the dark blue one I have.


That's about it...

 

[xDKP]

Just an update on my MVMT straps on my Space Black - had a second MVMT watch, I just tried taken the strap off and put on my AW - and actually fancy it A LOT

 

[ladytonya]

Have you worn this band much yet? I've just had my rose gold sport for 3 days and I really like the ML bands. I have the lavender sport that come with my watch, the only other bands I really want are a rose gold ML and a black LL. I'd love some feedback and a link to your ML!

I received a "pink gold" Milanese loop from eBay seller winnerslane. It's a much better match to the Rose gold Apple Watch than a "Rose gold" metal.

View attachment 614053

Can't comment on longevity yet but quality seems standard so far. I hope we see some "pink gold" screw adapters for sale soon!

View attachment 614054

View attachment 614055

View attachment 614056

It seems like winnerslane is sold out of the 38mm pink gold but just run a search for "pink gold Milanese loop" on eBay and you'll find other sellers.

[doublepost=1456292693][/doublepost]Yeah, I am still in paranoid mode but apparently with good reason! Still don't have a screen protector but I am using a case. Knocked my watch on a door jam a little while ago and the case is marred, very glad it wasn't the aluminum case!

When I first got my watch (June 2015) I too, was very paranoid about scratching my precious. Then, somewhere after a couple scratches I gave up . But, I think you're on the right path to protecting your precious with research and following these threads.

 

[IphoneIssues]

Applied a coat of leather conditioner to each of my leather loops.

Actually noticed a spot on my beige one that looked a bit distressed. Might mean trouble down the line. Looks slightly better now with the conditioner applied, so who knows.

Will check them out in the morning

 

[nicho]

Applied a coat of leather conditioner to each of my leather loops.

Actually noticed a spot on my beige one that looked a bit distressed. Might mean trouble down the line. Looks slightly better now with the conditioner applied, so who knows.

Will check them out in the morning

who knows what that "chinese leather" really is...