Bracelets for the Apple Watch: is it also cheaper? - Market Research Telecast

2021-12-29 07:21:08 By : Mr. William Wang

You can get replacement or exchange wristbands for the Apple Watch series from almost hundreds of no-name manufacturers. While the prices for original tapes are between 50 and 400 euros, the cheaper alternatives only cost a fraction. It starts at around 5 euros. For our overview, we have tried various models in the lower price range.

Elementary differences between a cheap replica and an expensive original can seldom be made out at first glance. Small deviations only become apparent when you look very closely. For example, the magnetic lock on the original fits perfectly. The cheap bracelets are often not made quite as precisely and have minimal deviations. They can be moved about a millimeter. This is not noticeable in everyday life, the quality deviations are too small for that.

The decisive question is whether the bracelets hold the watch properly. The bracelets we tested hold just as well on the watch as the originals. This also applies to the magnetic closure, even when doing sports.

Prints and playful patterns are not uncommon with the cheap providers. Unfortunately, graphics that have just been printed on are not durable and can be worn out quickly.

How it looks with the materials used for the cheap ribbons is much more difficult to answer. Most of the models we examined made a reasonable impression. The metal bracelets have no sharp edges and are neatly processed. The silicone bracelets are also neatly processed and do not smell unpleasant. The tests also did not show any skin reactions. Whether this applies to all the cheapest models, however, cannot be answered across the board without tests. If in doubt, we would not go for the cheapest bracelet.

Strap sizes for the Apple Watch

No matter which bracelet you choose, it should be ordered in the right size to avoid frustration. Since the release of the new Apple Watch 7 (test report), the popular smartwatch has been available in a total of six different sizes between 38 and 45 mm wide.

Apple Watch Original, Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3 are available in sizes 38 and 42 mm. The successor models Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6 and the Apple Watch SE are available in 40 and 44 mm. The current Apple Watch 7 has grown a bit and is available in the dimensions 41 and 45 mm.

Fortunately, most manufacturers don’t offer six different strap widths. Ultimately, the bracelets are usually available in two dimensions. The narrower straps fit the watches in 38, 40 and 41 mm, the wider straps for the watches in 42, 44 and 45 mm. If you want to be on the safe side, you should always take a look at the manufacturer’s description.

The original Milanese-Armband With a price starting at 99 euros, it is one of the more expensive straps for the watch series. It consists of a close-meshed metal mesh and a magnetic clasp. The bracelet looks classy and casual at the same time. It has a very pleasant feel and almost feels like it is made of fabric. In summer, the close-meshed bracelet allows air to reach the wrist, which prevents perspiration.

Apple Milanaise bracelet graphite for the Apple Watch

In addition to the original Apple Milanese bracelet, we also got an inexpensive one for this guide. At first glance, they can hardly be distinguished from one another. The processing of the small meshes is also good on the cheap bracelet. The magnetic lock holds reliably and is in no way inferior to the original. Only the fit between the bracelet and the watch is, as mentioned above, not quite as exact as with Apple’s bracelet. In addition, the original is a bit stiffer and slightly heavier. During the test, the Milanese bracelet became our personal favorite due to its feel.

In some forums and customer comments, buyers of very cheap copies complain about the formation of rust spots on the bracelet. However, this only seems to be a problem with a few cheap models. At least nothing of this can be seen (yet) on our bracelet. When it comes to colored Milanese bracelets, the question of durability arises. There is a risk that the paint will wear off and reveal the bare metal. Here, too, we would rather recommend classic silver straps.

We have an inexpensive Milanese bracelet for just under 16 euros in use for a good year. Despite some concerns, the bracelet has done very well in practice. The magnetic buckles hold reliably. The very fine metal grille is in good condition despite daily use and shows only minimal color abrasion. But this is only an optical defect. The structure of the filigree bracelet is completely undamaged. The fear that it would break down into its individual parts over time has not been confirmed. The wearing comfort is pleasant. We cannot determine any skin intolerance. We have a buy recommendation. Even if you buy a new one every twelve months because of the color abrasion, you save a lot of money.

If you still don’t want to do without the look, you can get away with bracelets from third-party suppliers worlds cheaper. The Jetech model we tested costs just under 14 euros. Despite the budget price, the stainless steel bracelet, a special tool and three replacement spring pins are included in the scope of delivery. The tool made of metal is not of high quality, but fulfills its purpose. Shortening the bracelet by removing individual elements works without any problems.

The build quality is overall okay, if not high. The manufacturing tolerances are not comparable to expensive bracelets. Even so, the Jetech bracelet serves its purpose. The magnetic connection to the Apple Watch and the folding clasp hold reliably. Nevertheless, we discovered a weak point in the black version. The surface is prone to scratches, which bring out the bare metal. If you opt for a link bracelet from a third-party manufacturer, you should opt for a silver bracelet or a variant in the higher price segment.

Classic Leather bracelets are very comfortable to wear and have a classic to modern look. Apple sells the original bracelets for around 100 to 150 euros. For the price, there is a very high-quality processed real leather bracelet with a magnetic clasp in one of eight colors. Branded bracelets from Belkin or Hama, for example, cost between 20 and 60 euros. Here, too, the manufacturers rely on good workmanship and, in some cases, real leather. However, the straps usually have a more classic look, often with a standard clasp.

If you want something more colorful and unusual, you can get a huge selection of different budget models for less than 20 euros. Experience has shown that the very cheap variants are not made of real leather. The second weak point of the cheap imitation leather straps is that they are much less durable than the original. After a few weeks, the result is bracelets that have gotten out of shape with cracked edges and color abrasion.

Accordingly, if you want a leather bracelet, you should dig a little deeper into your pocket or replace the bracelet every few months.

The ones available in different colors Plastic bracelets are suitable for everyday use as well as for sporting activities. Anyone who opts for an original pays around 50 euros. Even well-known manufacturers such as Hama often charge less than 10 euros for a comparable bracelet. Some models even cost just under one euro.

The silicone straps we tested made a very positive impression overall. They look good, are pleasantly well made and do not smell unpleasant. Fit and hold on the wrist are indistinguishable from the expensive Apple bracelet. And for a fraction of the price. Another significant advantage of the cheap models is the huge selection of colors, patterns and designs. Those who like it colorful and eye-catching are well advised here. The accuracy of fit between the watch and the bracelet is not quite as exact even with these straps, but this is not noticeable in everyday life. If you don’t feel like the magnetic clasp, you can also get models with a classic clasp. Models with a simple loop for size adjustment are also available. Here, however, you have to readjust regularly, as the bracelet loosens over time.

In addition to the models listed, Apple also has various combination variants and special shapes of bracelets for the watch series. Of course, a third-party supplier cannot keep up with the Hermès collection. For the 350 euros of a Hermès bracelet you get a life supply of colorful cheap bracelets. The quality of the bracelets varies from case to case. However, we know from experience that the workmanship is mostly sufficient to good and that the straps hold the Apple Watch reliably.

For outdoor activities, wristbands made of nylon or those with integrated housing protection are interesting. These give the watch a good hold and protect it from scratches.

Overall, we are positively surprised by the affordable bracelets. Although none of the models we tested can keep up 100 percent with the original Apple products, the difference is minimal and not noticeable in everyday life. The sometimes extreme price difference alone justifies a closer look at the third-party bracelets.

Of the variants we tested, the sports models and the Milanese bracelet in particular leave a positive impression. If you have to pay attention to your budget, you can buy it without hesitation. Even if the quality or durability may not be good in individual cases – the risk is manageable with prices around 20 euros.

With the cheap leather and link bracelets made of metal, the qualitative difference to the original Apple products is slightly higher. Nevertheless, the third-party products do not fare badly. In view of the extreme price difference, the purchase is worthwhile at least for those users who like to change their bracelet more often.