If you're interested in a replacement band or 3rd party band for your
Apple Watch, we're taking a look at the newest replica link bracelet, which is nearly identical to the real one from Apple
which costs $549.
We're also doing a giveaway so be sure to check at the bottom of the page!
Left: Genuine Apple Bracelet, Right: Replica Link Bracelet
In one of our previous videos we reviewed the 3rd generation link bracelet, which is also a great option for $60 bucks or less. The 4th gen is more expensive at $100 bucks, because it adds the same mechanism to resize the links just like the genuine Apple link bracelet.
Keep in mind it is a replica which means it’s not perfect, hence the price. We discovered these bands have tons of tiny parts keeping the links together. We actually had a problem with the first one we got where one link was not holding up, tiny screws and springs came out. Fortunately the seller sent us a replacement which fixed the issue. We were told very few bands have this issue, and we were unlucky. However this could be a major issue if the watch comes flying off your wrist.
Pictured, top: While the 3rd gen bracelet doesn't have the quick resize buttons, we found longer pins holding each link. If you’re buying these bands, make sure you double check they are sturdy before putting it on your watch!
Looking at the color and finish, this band looks nearly identical. You can see the replica bracelet on the right here, it’s only slightly more black than the real one from Apple on the left. The 4th gen replica bracelet has more shine than the 3rd generation replica link bracelet. The gaps between the links on the 4th gen are slightly smaller than the 3rd version, but still visible compared to the genuine bracelet from Apple — where the gaps are not as visible.
The sides of links on both the 3rd and 4th gen band are much more of a matte black while the real Apple band has a more shiny finish. When looking at the connection to the Apple Watch, it comes on and off as expected and clicks in nicely to both our Sport and Steel watches.
One slight imperfection we found with these replica bands is that the butterfly clasp doesn’t always close perfectly, you have to press it down harder for it to click in, while the Apple version always latches smoothly each time. Both the 3rd and 4th generation replica bands suffer from this.
At at the end of the day and issues aside, for a fraction of the price you can get the same Link Bracelet look on your Apple Watch Sport, and Space Black Steel. It’s available in both silver and black, see links below:
3rd Generation - $64.99 on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0144RQLVG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=smartwatch0b9-20&linkId=a52d480857d260fa1df9863b3b56a95f
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012ICBLW8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=apple%20watch%20link%20bracelet&qid=1444694031&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=applewatch030-20&linkId=3ddd7686b7174e683376eceff81f99a8&linkCode=sl1&tag=smartwatch0b9-20&linkId=ae5a89bb9f8e2a23e1c15f64c167985c
4th Generation (With Push Release Links) - $100 on eBay
4th Gen Bracelet Giveaway for our subscribers - Sign up here!
