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 Luxury Leather Loop Strap Band For Apple Watch 38/42mm With Magnetic Closure | eBay
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 Welcome to Protect Your iPhone - Protect Your IPhone. Also from eBay (now ?34.99) https://forums.imore.com/e?link=htt...var%3D%26hash%3Ditem51d41af498&token=0-aqeSX9
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 Milanese Stainless Steel Strong Magnet Lock Watch band Strap For iWatch 38/42mm | eBay
They never sent the item, refunded quickly but didn't cancel the order, it's now unpaid on eBay!
Leather loop 38mm in black, ?29 from eBay. Seller details here Luxury Leather Loop Strap Band For Apple Watch 38/42mm With Magnetic Closure | eBay
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 Welcome to Protect Your iPhone - Protect Your IPhone. Also from eBay (now ?34.99) https://forums.imore.com/e?link=htt...var%3D%26hash%3Ditem51d41af498&token=0-aqeSX9
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 Milanese Stainless Steel Strong Magnet Lock Watch band Strap For iWatch 38/42mm | eBay
They never sent the item, refunded quickly but didn't cancel the order, it's now unpaid on eBay!
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