Trying to justify the $149 price tag on the Classic Buckle band from Apple

[Mac2me]

I would definitely recommend the BCB for the adapters since they are OEM, but I do NOT recommend using only 1 set to keep swapping by unscrewing it every time you want to change straps.

The screws are not only very small, but the thread is very delicate. It comes with some threadlock on it, and Apple recommends that the screws be discarded after each use. I think you can get away with 1 swap, but doing so repeatedly may strip the screws threading. I've already done a swap, and it is not something I would want to do every week.

I ended up ordering both the adapter with the bars that you use the itsy bitsy screws on for a more permanent install on a band I really think I'll wear a lot, and then also bought the adapter with the spring tension bar for any bands that I may occasionally want to use and swap out more frequently. Of considerable importance is getting an adapter that doesn't damage your watch or come loose so your band detaches while wearing and sending your watch to the floor.

 

[techno-Zen]

Just got my Hoco black classic buckle. The leather to me is of high quality and it's $110 cheaper. Done

 

[Mac2me]

So how about a few closeup photos? I saw an ad photo of a leather band from them that someone posted in another thread and the adapters looked silvery but the clasp looked more golden.

Here's a different person's post with photos: hock band

Here's the ad photo that I originally saw: hock band

I like the look of their red band and found the Hoco red being sold by this seller on e bay but the photo of the red leather band looks like it has a SS clasp but some gold colored adapter:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOCO-New-Lu...t=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item3aab3a6816

Makes me wonder if resellers got rejects of some of the bands with mismatched adapters and clasps. I definitely want mine to match so am trying to be careful who I will buy one from.