UK non OEM band reviews

[Nixtoo]

i now have two non OEM bands here are the reviews, both bought in the UK.

Leather loop 38mm in black, £29 from eBay. Seller details here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141714670...49&var=440842801331&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
It came in a brown cardboard box, which seems to be common packaging through the other threads.

Initially it had a strong chemical smell, washing it with hand soap and water reduced this. It fits the watch securely but there is a small gap either side (see photos). The magnet is strong, I haven't managed to accidentally undo it. I've been wearing it for a week and I think the band may be softening. I have really sensitive skin and I have had no reaction to it (I react to my genuine sports band).

Milanese loop £49 from www.protectyouriphone.com. Also from eBay (now £34.99) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Milanese-...t=LH_DefaultDomain_3&var=&hash=item51d41af498

The adapters fit the watch perfectly, the loop it's self seems as fine as the real thing. The first one I was sent didn't quite line up when folded over (I was being very fussy). This was quickly rectified by the seller and the second one is much better. The magnets are strong and I have no worries about it coming undone.
It's a little stiffer than the real thing and on the fixed side it doesn't flex for the first 2mm, these are minor issues and only noted when doing a direct comparison. Time will tell how it wears, I will update after a week or two. At the moment I think it is worthwhile for £49, fantastic if you can get one for £35!
Update- having worn it for a day it's great. Doesn't come loose even when doing lots of manual tasks. It's really light weight. I would highly recommend.

I can highly recommend the seller above for the Milanese loop, excellent customer service.

However I would avoid this seller http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Milanese-...-band-Strap-For-iWatch-38-42mm-/231617346350?
They never sent the item, refunded quickly but didn't cancel the order, it's now unpaid on eBay!

 

[landahoy55]

I have both bands, with the leather loop being the blue version.

For £34.99 the milanese really is really worth while, I paid £49. The fit is snug and magnet strong, build quality is more than sufficient. My strap also is stiff where it joins the connector, I assume it is to hold both parts in place - it's not really that big a deal though.

My blue leather loop again had a chemically smell that has disappeared now. The lower connector also is out by around 1mm and there are a couple of what look like glue marks where the top and sides are sealed. Magnets are super strong - the watch isn't going anywhere.

One gripe with the leather loop is that it doesn't follow the same shape as the 42mm Apple version, hopefully the next batch will, it doesn't quite look right but is growing on me. Being impatient I paid a little over the odds a few weeks ago as the bands were in the UK and the seller had pics - personally I wouldn't pay over £30 if I was to order another one. They should experiment with colours, a racing green version would be swish!

Are you going to order a replica link band?

 

[mypyh4ooo]

It's just not worth the risk with the third party leather loops to me purely because of the chance of the magnets failing over time and can't be risking it falling off. Third party straps with buckle seem ok though

 

[Binarymix]

It's just not worth the risk with the third party leather loops to me purely because of the chance of the magnets failing over time and can't be risking it falling off. Third party straps with buckle seem ok though

If the magnets are strong in the beginning, they aren't going to lose enough strength to become ineffective; at least not in the bands lifespan.

 

[Nixtoo]

The magnets are not a concern in either band. Both are really strong!

 

[russkn87]

I just ordered a non OEM Milanese & also a Steel Link Bracelent. OEM versions of these would cost about £510, so I've got exact clones for £92 with free postage.

I'll post pics when they arrive

I'm not fussed about leather loops since I already have the original brown one, and also an official sport band. The difference in these two versus non OEM ones is I worry about the materials not feeling right, but with the metal based bands I doubt much could go wrong!

 

[landahoy55]

Keep us in the loop.

 

[cambookpro]

Any consensus on what the best leather loop replica is? Seen quite a few on eBay but not sure if they're the same or not.

 

[SarZ]

Any consensus on what the best leather loop replica is? Seen quite a few on eBay but not sure if they're the same or not.

I posted this on another thread
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...yone-get-one-yet.1895550/page-5#post-21640265

 

[cambookpro]

I posted this on another thread
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...yone-get-one-yet.1895550/page-5#post-21640265

Thanks. There are so many threads on clone leather loops it's hard to keep up! Seems like a pretty good price. How's the fit at the connector ends and the strength of the magnets?
Thinking of picking up a blue or red one for my silver Sport.

 

[SarZ]

Thanks. There are so many threads on clone leather loops it's hard to keep up! Seems like a pretty good price. How's the fit at the connector ends and the strength of the magnets?
Thinking of picking up a blue or red one for my silver Sport.

I am extremely impressed with mine. I didn't expect much for a clone but the quality, fit and finish are excellent
I do have the 38mm size so I'm, not too sure what the 42mm is like in terms of the connectors fitting
The magnets are very strong and I've been wearing mine daily for the past week without any issues.
I'm actually thinking of buying another colour but not too sure which one

 

[Treble]

I have the black link bracelet on the way from HK £51 del I wanted the exact clone but it will have to wait until it's freely available

 

[Marco123]

Would really appreciate some reviews from any UK owners of link bracelet clones.
Thanks.

 

[tony_glasgow]

Would really appreciate some reviews from any UK owners of link bracelet clones.
Thanks.

Great idea ... would also ask if anyone who has got one from China it would be helpful if they say if they for stung for customs. My guess you'd be looking at an extra £20 on top of the £50 that the links are roughly going for just now. £70 is just a bit too much of a risk for something that might be a 'cheap copy'.

Thanks in advance!