Bracelets for the Apple Watch: is it cheaper?

April 11, 2020

Original bracelets for the Apple Watch cost more than some smartwatches. We reveal whether the cheap alternatives are worthwhile.

Accessories such as display and housing protection for the Apple Watch (guide) or charging docks for iPhone, Apple Watch and Airpods (guide) are available in numerous versions. It looks similar with the bracelets. Replacement or replacement wristbands for the Apple Watch series are available from almost hundreds of no-name manufacturers. While the prices for original tapes are between 50 and 150 euros, the cheap alternatives only cost a fraction. It starts from around 5 euros. For our overview, we have tried different models in the lower price range.

Original vs. Replica

A fundamental difference between a cheap replica and an expensive original is seldom apparent at first glance. Small deviations are noticeable only after a very close look. For example, a magnetic lock fits the original perfectly. The cheap bracelets are often not worked so precisely and show deviations. They can be moved back and forth by about a millimeter. This is not noticeable in everyday life, the quality deviations are too low.

The crucial question is whether the bracelets keep the watch properly. The bracelets tested by us hold the watch just as well in the Review as the original. This also applies to the magnetic clasps, they hold reliably, even during sports.

What it looks like with the materials used for the inexpensive tapes is much more difficult to answer. The models we inspected have mostly left a sensible impression. The metal bracelets have no sharp edges and are reasonably processed. The silicone bracelets are also processed properly and do not smell unpleasant. Skin reactions also failed to appear in the tests. Whether this applies to all cheapest models, however, cannot be answered across the board without tests.

Milanese bracelet

The original Milanese bracelet, with a price starting at 99 euros, is one of the more expensive bands for the watch series. Milanese bracelets consist of a fine-meshed metal braid and a magnetic clasp. The bracelets look classy and casual at the same time. They have a very pleasant feel and almost feel as if they were made of fabric. In summer, the close-meshed wristband allows air to reach the wrist, which prevents sweating.

The original Milanese bracelet is almost indistinguishable from our Noname model. The processing of the small stitches is also flawless with 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, as mentioned above, is not quite as precise as with Apple's bracelet. In addition, the original is a bit stiffer and slightly heavier. During the Review, the Milanese bracelet became our personal favorite due to its feel.

In some forums and customer comments, some buyers complain about the formation of rust spots on the bracelet for very cheap specimens. However, this only seems to be a problem with a few and very cheap models. With our bracelet there is at least nothing of it to be seen. With colored Milanese wristbands, the question of durability arises. With cheap no-name tapes there is a risk that the color will wear out and the bare metal will appear. Again, we recommend classic silver ribbons.

We had a cheap Milanese bracelet for just under 16 euros in use for several months. The bracelet did very well in practice despite some concerns. The magnetic buckles hold absolutely reliably. The very fine metal grid is in good condition despite daily use and shows only minimal color abrasion. But this is only a visual defect. The structure of the filigree bracelet is completely undamaged. The fear that it would disassemble over time has not been confirmed. The comfort is comfortable and we could not find any skin intolerance. We have a buy recommendation here. Even if you buy a new bracelet every 6 months because of the color abrasion, you save a lot of money.

Link bracelet

Heavy stainless steel link bracelets look classy and give the Apple Watch a classic look. Anyone who previously thought that Apple's smartwatch was expensive must now be strong. The price for the original link bracelets is between 349 and 449 euros – that's just as expensive as the Watch Series 5 with aluminum case! Alternatively, there is also a Skagen Falster 3 (Review report) and a Huawei Watch GT 2 (Review report) for the amount.

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

Overall, the build quality is okay, if not high. The manufacturing tolerances are not comparable to expensive bracelets. Nevertheless, the Jetech bracelet does its job. The magnetic connection to the Apple Watch and the folding clasp hold reliably. In the black variant, however, we discover a weak point. The surface is susceptible to scratches, which reveal the bare metal. If you choose a link bracelet from a third-party manufacturer, you should either choose a silver bracelet or a variant in the higher price segment.

Leather bracelet

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 magnetic closure in one of eight colors. Branded wristbands from Belkin or Hama, for example, cost between 20 and 60 euros. Here, too, the manufacturers rely on good workmanship and some genuine leather. However, the straps usually have a more classic look, often with a standard clasp.

If you want it to be more colorful and fancy, you can get a huge selection of different budget models for under 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 tapes is a much poorer durability compared to the original. The result is bracelets that are out of shape after a few weeks, with ripped edges and color abrasion.

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

Sports armband

The plastic bracelets, available in different colors, are suitable for everyday use as well as for sporting activities. Whoever opts for an original pays around 50. Even the well-known manufacturers, such as Hama, often charge less than 10 euros for a comparable bracelet. The multicolored model from Tpulling costs less than one euro.

The tapes we tested make a very positive impression overall. They look good, are pleasantly well made and do not smell unpleasant. Seat and hold on the wrist are indistinguishable from the expensive Apple bracelet. And for a fraction of the price. Another significant advantage of the affordable models is the huge selection of colors, patterns and designs. Anyone who likes it colorful and eye-catching is well advised. The accuracy of fit between the watch and the bracelet is not quite as precise 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.

Other bracelets

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 provider cannot keep up with the Hermès collection. For this you get a life reserve of colorful cheap bracelets for the 350 euros of a Hermès bracelet. The quality of the bracelets varies from case to case. However, we know from experience that the workmanship is mostly sufficient to good and the straps hold reliably on the Apple Watch.

Bracelets with integrated housing protection (such as the Hama silicone strap linked above) are interesting for outdoor activities. These give the watch a good hold and protect the watch from scratches.

Conclusion

Overall, we are pleasantly surprised by the cheap bracelets. Although none of the models we tested can compete 100 percent with the original Apple products, the difference is minimal. The sometimes extreme price difference alone justifies a closer look at the bracelets from third-party suppliers.

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

With the cheap leather and link bracelets, the qualitative difference to the original Apple products is slightly higher. The third-party products therefore do not perform 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.

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