Best third party bands for Apple Watch

[Spencerdl]

Bummer

Yeah

 

[jmerrey]

Clockwork Synergy Light Brown Worn Leather Band, with the two E3 bands I received last week. The E3 leather is much softer/nicer. The Clockwork Synergy is still nice, just really stiff. I'm sure it will soften over time. The E3 bands have more of a handmade feel to them, while the Clockwork Synergy has an off-the-shelf feel. Still a nice band.

 

[tcuprof]

This is a picture of the Clockwork Synergy band I purchased last week. It is the black aged leather from the Gentlemen's Collection. I am sad to report that I sent it back today. It is a premium quality product and I loved that it had black buckle and lugs. There were unfortunately two problems. First, it was just too big for my wrist. When buckled, it wrapped all the way around my wrist so that the end of the band was almost touching the watch. This meant that the buckle was on the side rather than the middle of my wrist - awkward and uncomfortable. Second, the band was much too thick and stiff. It seemed to weigh more than the watch.

So, the search for a black leather band continues. I might consider spending $150 for an Apple if I could get last year's model that @Spencerdl shows here.

Because I've had good luck with Moko and Kartice bands, I'm considering their black leather loop knockoff. Anyone own either of these??

Moko Black Leather Loop Band

Kartice Leather Loop Band

 

[jmerrey]

I purchased a FANtek black leather loop from Amazon, and it had an almost sparkly finish. Returned immediately. I'd stay away from that brand. I eventually purchased a used Apple Leather Loop from eBay, maybe search there. If you do, make sure it's medium. Large was much too long for me, and it sounds like it would be for you too.

 

[jmerrey]

I recently purchase a few bands from E3 Supply. Very nice. They have options for band length and hardware color. The Shell Cordovan leather, while a bit more expensive than their Chromexcel, is a really soft and supple band. I'm not sure exactly what you are looking for, but they aren't what I would call "refined". Very nice, but they definitely have a hand made feel to them. Maybe give that a shot? Lucrin might also be a good option, though strangely they only offer custom lug colors, not matching buckles.

View attachment 114963

This is a picture of the Clockwork Synergy band I purchased last week. It is the black aged leather from the Gentlemen's Collection. I am sad to report that I sent it back today. It is a premium quality product and I loved that it had black buckle and lugs. There were unfortunately two problems. First, it was just too big for my wrist. When buckled, it wrapped all the way around my wrist so that the end of the band was almost touching the watch. This meant that the buckle was on the side rather than the middle of my wrist - awkward and uncomfortable. Second, the band was much too thick and stiff. It seemed to weigh more than the watch.

So, the search for a black leather band continues. I might consider spending $150 for an Apple if I could get last year's model that @Spencerdl shows here.

Because I've had good luck with Moko and Kartice bands, I'm considering their black leather loop knockoff. Anyone own either of these??

Moko Black Leather Loop Band

Kartice Leather Loop Band

 

[rangerdeyo]

View attachment 114963

This is a picture of the Clockwork Synergy band I purchased last week. It is the black aged leather from the Gentlemen's Collection. I am sad to report that I sent it back today. It is a premium quality product and I loved that it had black buckle and lugs. There were unfortunately two problems. First, it was just too big for my wrist. When buckled, it wrapped all the way around my wrist so that the end of the band was almost touching the watch. This meant that the buckle was on the side rather than the middle of my wrist - awkward and uncomfortable. Second, the band was much too thick and stiff. It seemed to weigh more than the watch.

Too bad the band didn't work for you. What I find interesting is you say the buckle wasn't n the middle of your wrist. Was that portion of the band too long or short? Which made me think how much of a difference is there in that portion of the bands between manufacturers?


Here are the buckle portions of 4 different bands I have, The left ones are Clockwork Synergy leather and NATO bands, The right ones are Apple Nylon and Sport bands. The leather one is the longest overall but sport band is pretty close.

 

[Mac Guy]

Which made me think how much of a difference is there in that portion of the bands between manufacturers?

Good question. Usually it's the other band that that's too long for some people. I could imagine that a buckle might be slightly off center depending on the manufacturer, though I wouldn't expect it to be much. But if it doesn't fit, you must return it.

 

[Spencerdl]

I'm also in search of a "quality" Black Leather band and I would like to purchase the Apple Black Leather Watch Band, but it doesn't come with a black buckle or black lugs. I still might get though...I dunno

 

[afctee]

I know EXACTLY what you mean about the Clockwork Synergy band being 'think' and 'stiff'! I'm still trying to break mine in. I bend it countless times before placing it on my wrist. Albeit, the watch still sits off to the left of my wrist bone. Thus I miss notifications.

I'm giving it a few more days - leather takes a while to break in...

View attachment 114963

This is a picture of the Clockwork Synergy band I purchased last week. It is the black aged leather from the Gentlemen's Collection. I am sad to report that I sent it back today. It is a premium quality product and I loved that it had black buckle and lugs. There were unfortunately two problems. First, it was just too big for my wrist. When buckled, it wrapped all the way around my wrist so that the end of the band was almost touching the watch. This meant that the buckle was on the side rather than the middle of my wrist - awkward and uncomfortable. Second, the band was much too thick and stiff. It seemed to weigh more than the watch.

So, the search for a black leather band continues. I might consider spending $150 for an Apple if I could get last year's model that @Spencerdl shows here.

Because I've had good luck with Moko and Kartice bands, I'm considering their black leather loop knockoff. Anyone own either of these??

Moko Black Leather Loop Band

Kartice Leather Loop Band

 

[afctee]

Tweet sent to Clockwork Synergy. Hopefully they have some answers...

 

[Spencerdl]

Tweet sent to Clockwork Synergy. Hopefully they have some answers...

View attachment 115012

WOW....it's that stiff/hard? Humm

 

[afctee]

...there you have it:

 

[tcuprof]

Too bad the band didn't work for you. What I find interesting is you say the buckle wasn't n the middle of your wrist. Was that portion of the band too long or short? Which made me think how much of a difference is there in that portion of the bands between manufacturers?

I'm not sure, I just know that the buckle wasn't in the middle of my wrist. It probably wasn't off as far as I think, it's just that the stiffness of the band made it seem worse.

 

[tcuprof]

I'm also in search of a "quality" Black Leather band and I would like to purchase the Apple Black Leather Watch Band, but it doesn't come with a black buckle or black lugs. I still might get though...I dunno

Are you referring to the classic buckle? I don't think I'd want that mostly because of the silver buckle. Of course the $200 price is a bit much as well.

 

[bluesqueen23]

Is that a third party band or did you buy a Nike+? If the former, what brand and how does it compare (if you know) to the Apple band?

Bought it from Amazon. Apple Watch Band - Vitech Soft Silicone Nike+ Sport Style Replacement iWatch Strap band for Apple Wrist Watch Series 1 Series 2 (38mm M/L Black/Volt) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N8S407...ag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUimUvbUpU2869153

 

[bluesqueen23]

Yes. I like that watch band. Nice...VERY NICE

Apple Watch Band - Vitech Soft Silicone Nike+ Sport Style Replacement iWatch Strap band for Apple Wrist Watch Series 1 Series 2 (38mm M/L Black/Volt) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N8S407...ag=hawk-future-20&ascsubtag=UUimUvbUpU2869155 love it. Haven't tried the official Nike one, so I can't comment on the difference.

 

[Mac Guy]

Of course the $200 price is a bit much as well.

Well, knock a bit off and it's yours! The Classic Buckle is is only $149. I'm close to pulling the trigger on it...

 

[afctee]

UPDATE:

After a little bending over the past few days, I think the Clockwork Synergy band is finally starting to fit better. It was certainly easier to put on this morning...

 

[Spencerdl]

UPDATE:

After a little bending over the past few days, I think the Clockwork Synergy band is finally starting to fit better. It was certainly easier to put on this morning...

View attachment 115032

Good to hear. Mine is sitting in a Post Office approx 40 minutes from my home. Hopefully it will be delivered today.

 

[rangerdeyo]

I got an early Christmas present yesterday...



Black aged leather band. Now I have brown, black and blue leather bands. I'm set, :biggrin: