The Great "Third Party Band/Strap" Thread

[Mac2me]

Thanks. The other screws were fairly loose as well, so I gave them all some loctite and waiting for them to cure. Strangely, the clockwork synergy lugs are the only ones in my collection that use philips head screws. I didn't even notice until I went to look at the screwdrivers that came with the other bands and saw they didn't match.

As for purple or blue, the purple is low strength (blue is medium strength) and good when you want to get the screw back out "with the same tool used to put the project together". Since I'd like the screw to stay in there forever, and purple is hard to find at big box stores, I went for blue (quick trip to home depot).

More info here: http://us.henkel-adhesives-blog.com...kers/When-and-Why-to-Use-Purple-Threadlocker/

Probably not at a Hardware store, generally more automotive. I called a few auto stores but found it simply easier to order it off Amazon. Here's the general listing. There are a few sellers listed and I chose one in State. Figure less than $10 for piece of mind.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop

 

[MrBTec]

Hoco 'Tarnish' bracelet arrived today. They even included a link removal tool which was nice.

Quite happy with how it looks on my SGS 42mm, a bit better for formal wearing. Surprised at the fit and quality of the fit. As near as perfect in my opinion. Obviously adds a lot more weight to the wrist but I'll get used to that.

 

[luckyblue]

I know. I'm bad. Two more coming. One leather and canvas.. Will show you when I get those.
Right side is all Apple. Left side is 3rd party.
View attachment 572084

Nice collection. Where did you get the two tone metal band?

 

[fischersd]

I loved my Clockwork Synergy nylon band (had it for about two weeks) and this happened today. My order took about a week longer to ship since they told me they were waiting for a shipment of adapters to come in. Anyone else order recently and have this happen? Good thing I was sitting on the couch when I noticed. I emailed them about it, but I guess it's time to order some loctite to keep in the toolbox.

Wow! Looking at that pic, it looked like it already had blue loctite on it, no?

Apple's spec says that they have to use a thread-locking compound to prevent that from happening. If we're seeing some screws without loctite (or another brand) applied, then CWS needs to tighten up their QC.

 

[fischersd]

Would anyone with the Clockwork Synergy nylon bands tell me how wide they are for the 38mm and the 42mm and how long they are also please?
Are the 38mm and 42mm the exact same width?

I have the navy and black nylon bands for the 42mm. The long part of the band is 5 3/8". The short part is 3", not including the buckle, or 3 3/8" including the buckle. (this is the nato/zulu style - small buckles). The bands are 15/16" wide.

I have an 8" wrist and I'm using the second last hole (for sizing). If you have a bigger wrist, you could actually punch another hole or two in the band - you just wouldn't have the band through both of the buckles on the short side. (took a couple pics so you know what I mean).



Those measurements do NOT include the adapters, only the bands.

 

[DynaFXD]

Agreed! Even the usual chinese sites don't have anything!

I thought Apple got a patent on the lugs used to connect the bands to the watch body. Is that true? If so, are they licensing that design for others to use? If so, how much? Maybe it is cost prohibitive at this point to makes bands cheaper than what Apple is offering (? I honestly have no idea)

 

[DynaFXD]

You think someone's going to come out with a pocket watch chain for it? Will the WATCH actually work properly in this particular setup, given its wake feature and sensors?

I have never used the word "hipster" to refer to anyone or anything. After seeing this picture, I may need to reevaluate that policy.

 

[AlliFlowers]

Gorgeous! What color is the lug? I've decided it doesn't really matter what color they are, cause they change depending on the light.

Hoco 'Tarnish' bracelet arrived today. They even included a link removal tool which was nice.

Quite happy with how it looks on my SGS 42mm, a bit better for formal wearing. Surprised at the fit and quality of the fit. As near as perfect in my opinion. Obviously adds a lot more weight to the wrist but I'll get used to that.

 

[pbody]

Wow! Looking at that pic, it looked like it already had blue loctite on it, no?

Apple's spec says that they have to use a thread-locking compound to prevent that from happening. If we're seeing some screws without loctite (or another brand) applied, then CWS needs to tighten up their QC.

I got a phone call from Clockwork Synergy today. They have excellent customer service! They apologized and have already sent me out a new band and emailed me a label to return this one.

Yup, the screws already had a thread locker on them it seems. I tested the rest and two more came out with almost no effort of the screwdriver. I applied loctite blue to all of them and let it sit for 24 hours. Interestingly, the CWS lugs all had Phillips head screws and none of my other three bands do. Even though I re-applied loctite, I told CWS I would still like to opt for an exchange (I haven't worn it yet since my repair). Apple specs say the screws shouldn't be reused and I'd feel more better with a new one.

 

[iBighouse]

Here's an interesting "band" you could get for your Apple watch...if you happen to have $112,000 you're wondering what to do with...and, good news, it actually COMES with the 38mm edition watch so you won't have to bother with third party adapters on it!

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/nico-gerard-sunrise-pinnacle-apple-watch.1905311/

 

[easheer]

here are some bands that i created to help with my style.

http://kck.st/1KolcGq

$40 for a NATO strap?? No way.

Way too overpriced.

 

[damant]

I just received my first strap from Gordon Straps today.

View attachment 572286 View attachment 572287 View attachment 572288 View attachment 572289 View attachment 572290

Strap quality is excellent. Easily compares in quality and craftsmanship to several other custom bands I've had made for my mechanical watch collection, at half the cost I paid for those. I was so impressed I just ordered a second. Customer service is top notch as well. Awesome guy making those straps.

I ordered a custom black alligator embossed and I love it!

That's impressive workmanship.
Excellent edge work & details.
Is that a 25mm straps for 42mm aw?
Thanks for the pics.

I'm patiently waiting for mine ... stingray

 

[thewired1]

Are there any 42mm adapters on the markets that properly fit a 22mm band? I have a "click" adapter on preorder that is supposed to be setup for 22mm bands. I also have a few "utica guy" adapters but they're better suited for 24mm bands. I love my bands but the sliding back and forth on the 24mm adapters is bother me.

 

[MrSwetz]

there is a saying: "everyone needs an orange band". Use this to replace the sport band from Apple. I prefer the "little gap" between the face and the strap since it creates a little more edgy look for the watch.

here is mine:

cheapo bands from local watch store, took me quite a while to get the shade of orange that i like. Also thin enough for my tiny wrist. Most of the silicon rubber bands on the market are quite thick for my taste

cheapo black buckle from ebay to match the space gray. SS buckle just look terrible on this watch

Adapters from Ebay as well. its a hit and miss. This one is a perfect fit, flush with the body comparing to most of the adapters you can see on this thread which kind off pop out of the face a bit.

View attachment 571822 View attachment 571819 View attachment 571820
View attachment 571821

I love this band! Do you have any idea the brand?

 

[toph2toast]

Be comforted, they were better than I expected!

Just showed up yesterday. I like how it feels better than the Apple one. Only downside is that it seems to collect a lot of lint/dust/etc quite easily. It might just be more noticeable though because I got the black band. Definitely better than expected though.

 

[maflynn]

Any advice regarding monowear nylon bands vs. clockwork Synergy. I noticed a high occurrence of band failure, specifically the hardware that attaches to the watch (called lugs?).

I see monowear is much more expensive then Clockwork Synergy.

 

[pooleman]

Less than 5 days, including a weekend, if I recall correctly (from Maryland to Chicago).



42

I ordered mine on Thursday and received a shipping notification the next day. As on yesterday (Monday) the tracking info didn't change from "A shipping notification has been sent to USPS". They charged my credit card so I assumed it shipped. I called yesterday to find out what was going on. Apparently they are waiting for more adapters to come in.

They shouldn't have generated a shipping notification or charged my card if the strap wasn't ready to ship.

 

[djibso]

I have the navy and black nylon bands for the 42mm. The long part of the band is 5 3/8". The short part is 3", not including the buckle, or 3 3/8" including the buckle. (this is the nato/zulu style - small buckles). The bands are 15/16" wide.

I have an 8" wrist and I'm using the second last hole (for sizing). If you have a bigger wrist, you could actually punch another hole or two in the band - you just wouldn't have the band through both of the buckles on the short side. (took a couple pics so you know what I mean).

View attachment 572764 View attachment 572765

Those measurements do NOT include the adapters, only the bands.

Hey Fischersd..can you take a pic of the front and side. I really like that navy nylon

thanks

 

[pbody]

Any advice regarding monowear nylon bands vs. clockwork Synergy. I noticed a high occurrence of band failure, specifically the hardware that attaches to the watch (called lugs?).

I see monowear is much more expensive then Clockwork Synergy.

Even though my clockwork synergy and failed at the lugs, their customer service response and communications are excellent and a new band will be here tomorrow. I thought that the lug and band looked and fit perfectly (I have the SS AW). Now if this second lug fails ...

Also, they told me that they will work on new clasps/buckles for their leather bands. The current ones are too big and not my style. She also told me that they are "launching a new website soon with additional products in the near future, so keep your eye out "

 

[luckyblue]

Just showed up yesterday. I like how it feels better than the Apple one. Only downside is that it seems to collect a lot of lint/dust/etc quite easily. It might just be more noticeable though because I got the black band. Definitely better than expected though.

I think it's because it's the black one. The black apple sport band that I returned to apple did the same thing.

 

[luckyblue]

Any advice regarding monowear nylon bands vs. clockwork Synergy. I noticed a high occurrence of band failure, specifically the hardware that attaches to the watch (called lugs?).

I see monowear is much more expensive then Clockwork Synergy.

I've been very happy with my two nylon bands from clockwork synergy! Their customer service is great too.

 

[maflynn]

I've been very happy with my two nylon bands from clockwork synergy! Their customer service is great too.

I've seen great results regarding the support of the strap, but there seems to be a trend regarding the screws coming off. Also they're quite a bit cheaper then monowear. I'm not saying they're cheap, but I'd like to know the difference between the two.

Thanks for the update and information

 

[JTR555]

Have you seen these?

http://www.amazon.com/MoKo-Silicone...d=1438099301&sr=1-3&keywords=moko+apple+watch

Several of us over in the FAKE/CLONE OEM Bands thread have received them, myself included, and the quality is excellent. And easy returns via amazon. I was able to get one via prime which is best case for return if they don't work.

But has anyone seen a clone sports band in navy blue yet? My wife would love one that color.

 

[broadbean]

Any advice regarding monowear nylon bands vs. clockwork Synergy. I noticed a high occurrence of band failure, specifically the hardware that attaches to the watch (called lugs?).

I see monowear is much more expensive then Clockwork Synergy.

My Monowear Nylon has been fine on and off since beginning of June.

 

[fischersd]

Hey Fischersd..can you take a pic of the front and side. I really like that navy nylon

thanks

Not entirely sure what you meant by front and side, but here's a couple more: