Found the perfect strap for Apple Watch. And inexpensive

His first Apple Watch (I immediately took Series 2) has already managed to try several different straps. And I found the perfect universal solution for almost all occasions - the Milanese Spigen loop.

Quick change straps - the main feature of the watch

The Apple Watch has been on the market for three years now. All this time, I did not even think about buying smartwatches from my favorite manufacturer and was content with a small collection of sports and classic Casios (G-Shock, Edifice, and so on).

But suddenly I felt an urgent need for an Apple watch. They were needed by the nature of their activity - writing about what they did not fully use is extremely difficult and dishonest in relation to the reader.

Pleasantly surprised. Until 2017, the watch got rid of most childhood diseases and proved to be useful. They already work a couple of days without recharging, allow you to leave your iPhone at home while jogging, and please with convenience.

Most of all, I liked the ability to quickly change the straps for different scenarios from life. But after a couple of months of use, I found the perfect solution that I don’t want to take off. I'll talk about it a little later.

Leather and silicone for AW are definitely not for every day

With the purchase of a sports Apple Watch on a black silicone strap, I was once again convinced that the manufacturer really knows how to make high-quality premium devices. But his accessories are complete nonsense.

Like a silicone iPhone case, the watch strap quickly became scratched and worn, and its top layer began to peel off slowly like some kind of film. I use the watch aggressively, but I definitely did not expect such a turn.

And the comfort of wearing from a silicone strap is not to be expected. It doesn't fit all clothes. And the hand under it mercilessly sweats. It is suitable for swimming, but for everyday wear or jogging - so-so.

Any leather straps seem even less universal to me. I have already tested the handmade version with universal fasteners from AliExpress and confirmed my fears - the hand sweats, and the material absorbs moisture and quickly starts to smell frankly bad.

Why I chose the metal Milanese loop

Compared to leather and Apple's weird silicone, metal has obvious advantages, which is why I chose this material. And the form factor of the Milanese loop, which many do not like, seemed to me an ideal option.

Firstly, the metal strap on the watch makes it a versatile accessory for every day. So Apple Watch is perfect for both classic and modern youth clothes. And they behave well during sports.

Secondly, it is the Milanese loop format that allows you to optimally adjust the size of the strap on the watch in order to fix it with the right force and in the right place on the hand - we have already discussed all these wisdoms.

Third, a strap in a similar form factor is comfortable to use even in summer. The Milanese loop is actually a metal mesh that is perfectly blown. The hand under the strap does not sweat, and it is not afraid of water and dirt.

Refused the original and other options

Despite being skeptical about the quality of official Apple accessories, at first I had thoughts about buying a metal Milanese hinge from my favorite company.

But two things stopped me. First, the official black Milanese Apple loop costs 15,990 rubles. . Secondly, it is designed for space black steel Apple Watch, and I have space gray aluminum - they are incompatible.

Colleagues on the site advised not to fool around and seek help from AliExpress. But I didn’t want to wait for delivery, so I found a copy of the Milanese Apple hinge in the coveted dark gray color from COTEetCI in the “basement”.

The bracelet turned out to be with a number of flaws. It did not correspond to the “gray space” of the Apple Watch, it shone frankly green at an angle, it is not fastened in the most reliable way with the same magnet and “pleased” with peeling paint. Horror.

Spigen Milanese loop - it fit perfectly

I met Spigen a long time ago - for every iPhone, starting from 2013, I buy a case of its production. I use it in cases where the smartphone needs additional protection - it's like a tradition.

Therefore, I drew attention to the metal Milanese loop, which I came across absolutely by chance on the pages of the World Wide Web, namely Spigen. It costs only $35 or up to 3 thousand rubles. in Russian realities.

A couple of days after ordering, the strap came to me. I opened the package and was surprised. It fits perfectly with the "gray space" of my sports Apple Watch. And it is made with the highest quality - there is even an elastic band on the magnet so that the metal does not scratch.

This Milanese loop fits perfectly on the arm. And for a couple of weeks of active use, I did not notice a single minus. This quality accessory is the perfect strap for the sporty Apple Watch in the popular space grey.

When buying an Apple Watch, I was sure that one strap would be enough for me. It wasn't here. Within one month, I managed to buy eight more straps of different types and colors. It's really addictive.

The best part is that you do not need to spend fabulous money on straps. Good replicas are much cheaper than original bracelets. For example, Milanese loop cost me $149 leather loop at 149$ 12$ , and Sports strap- 49$. Oh God, how profitable. But to the point.

Why Aliexpress

You can buy straps for Apple Watch on Amazon, eBay and Aliexpress. I searched on all three sites and, as usual, leaned towards Amazon. But judging by the photos of the packages from the comments, the straps are the same everywhere. But the lowest prices are still on Aliexpress. Yes, and delivery, although long, but free. So the choice is obvious. And here's what I bought.

1. Milanese Loop (Milan loop), $12

The Loop of Milan caught my eye during the presentation of the Apple Watch. On Amazon and Aliexpress, this is one of the most purchased straps with many positive reviews. I got myself a black one.

🛍 Milanese loop on Aliexpress: 38/40 mm , 42/44 mm

The parcel reached Kyiv in about 16 days. The bracelet was simply in a cardboard box, wrapped in a bunch of “pimples”.

I liked the option from the Chinese right away. The guides look reliable: they go into the watch confidently, they are fixed tightly, there is no backlash. And it’s nice to put on something “breathable” after standard silicone.

The bracelet is very flexible. At its tip there is a magnet-lock, which helps to quickly and accurately adjust the strap under the arm: loosen it in the heat, tighten it if necessary. Silicone and leather straps cannot boast of such accuracy.

The design does not allow the bracelet to completely break the loop, so the watch is easy to remove and put on your hand. When fastening, I am sure that the watch will remain on the wrist, and will not fly to the floor.

Well, if they fly, then only hope for good luck. The Milanese loop weighs 40 grams: heavier than the watch itself and almost twice as heavy as the silicone strap. If the Apple Watch falls on a hard surface, the chances of survival are minimal. My watch has gone to pieces. It's a shame, of course, but my carelessness, not the strap, is to blame.

Now for the cons. Black paint about a month later began to "polish" on the bend from the inside. Noticeable when removing the watch from the wrist, but when wearing everything is ok. They would venture to suggest that there is no such jamb in the silver version.

Milan loop is not the best option for active sports. Although the magnet is strong, it moves a little when shaking and the strap has to be tightened. But all this is only with active shaking: bicycle, TRX, running. While walking, exercising in the gym or on an exercise bike, this problem is not.

Why buy: universal appearance; not afraid of moisture; precisely adjusts to the size of the hand; "breathes".

2. Sport Band (Sports strap), $3

This is probably the most popular type of straps on Aliexpress. Worth a penny, and the quality is at the level of the original. I ordered the colors Blue and Fog.

🛍 Sports strap on Aliexpress: 38/40 mm , 42/44 mm

The straps arrived in Kyiv in 18 days. They were packed simply in cellophane bags, which were in an envelope with pimples.

The straps are almost identical to the original ones. The difference can only be felt to the touch: they are a little thinner, 7 grams lighter and not so "velvet". But in real life you don't see it. Most of my friends could not determine which of the straps is better (I posed the question that way). I gave the original black and a replica with "Ali" to touch.

An important point: the holes on the strap clasp are offset by about a millimeter. It is because of this "feature" that I always prefer the replica. Its holes better match the diameter of my wrist. But the original bracelet either dangles or presses ... But this is all very individual.

There are no cons to straps. And given the price, you can take several or even all colors at once. Personally, I ordered three additional ones: Midnight Blue, Stone and Orange.

Why buy: a huge selection of colors; quality at the level of the original; ideal for sports; price.

Leather Loop (Leather loop), $12

In absentia, I liked this type of straps the least. But as soon as I put on Midnight Blue, it immediately became my favorite.

🛍 Leather loop on Aliexpress: 38/40mm, 42/44mm.

Straps in blue and black reached me in 12 days. They were packed in thick cardboard boxes, each of which contained a microfiber cloth. For straps, it is definitely useless, but you can wipe the watch itself. Like.

The straps themselves look expensive and smell like real leather. Of course, I doubt its naturalness, but a month has passed, and the pleasant smell has not disappeared anywhere. I often sleep in this strap, so I pay attention to it every time. Definitely a smart perfume.

The Leather Loop has the nicest and most comfortable clasp. The fixation is even and reliable: the halves of the strap line up exactly to the funny sound of trrrrrry. All this thanks to the magnets in seven sections at once, and not in one, as in the Milan loop. The strap feels good on the wrist. Of all the three types that I have, this is the most comfortable option.

Leather Loop consists of two halves, one of which makes a loop and overlaps. When removed from the wrist, the halves often separate. You get used to it quickly, but I'm always afraid that the watch may fall when removed. Echoes of a recently broken watch :) But if your wrist size is smaller than mine (18 cm), then there may not be such a problem.

But what I definitely did not like was the mount. Everything is ok with its quality, but it is metal-colored. In the black version of the strap, I constantly notice this light stripe and it infuriates me. It is not visible in blue, from which I conclude that the black version is defective.

In general, the strap is cool and looks very good. But, as elsewhere, there are options with marriage. I think the black one was just that. But blue turned out to be right.

Alas, I managed to lose half of the blue bracelet somewhere in the city when I changed the straps. I had to order a new one. He's pretty damn good.

Why buy: looks expensive; reliable fastening on a wrist; pleasant to the skin.

How to change the band on your Apple Watch

There are two small buttons on the back of the watch. Press them with your fingernail and pull the strap in any direction, it should come off easily. If it doesn't work, just press the button harder.

To put on a new strap, insert it back into the watch guides. If you don't hear a distinctive click and the strap doesn't lock, then you've inserted it the wrong way. Just turn over and try again.

In conclusion

In the text there are links to stores where I personally bought. But you can “rummage around” on Aliexpress yourself and look for cheaper options. Often stores arrange sales, where straps can be bought at all for a penny. But, be sure to look at the reviews and reputation of the seller.

We've been told time and again that the Apple Watch is the most personalized device Apple has ever made, and the abundance of available bracelets and straps to choose from when buying a watch really proves it. However, not everyone is satisfied with them: someone because of the prices, someone because of the design or materials. But third-party manufacturers have already jumped in to fix it. Here are ten of the best alternative straps and bracelets for every taste and budget.

Baseus Milanese Mesh Bracelet ($32)

Apple's signature Milanese loop looks damn elegant and eye-catching, but it's not cheap, 10,690 rubles. The analogue from the Chinese accessory manufacturer Baseus looks very similar to the "native" one, but differs in the clasp - it is ordinary here, not magnetic. Given the more affordable price, this fact can be forgiven.

For now, the bracelet is available in silver, but gold and steel are coming soon.

@ccessory Black Milanese Bracelet ($17.99)

An even more affordable mesh bracelet in the recognizable space grey. This bracelet is ideal for watches with a steel case and sports aluminum versions. The clasp, unfortunately, is not magnetic, but ordinary. However, this bracelet will be a great choice for fans of Apple's signature color. Although there is also a silver version.

JETech Milanese Mesh Bracelet ($49.99)

Like the original Apple mesh bracelet, it also has a magnetic closure that allows you to adjust the length to fit any wrist. The interlacing of links, of course, is not so elegant, but the price is three times less. Great option as an extra replacement bracelet for suitable occasions.

Hoco Stainless Steel Bracelet ($79)

The block steel bracelet is the most classic. Apple asks for almost 32 thousand rubles for this. And although there is a "special" butterfly clasp, it is still very expensive. A similar stainless steel bracelet from Hoco has a more humane price tag. It looks just as good as the branded one, plus it comes with a tool that allows you to remove the links to fit the bracelet to the size of your wrist and ensure reliable operation of the heart rate sensor.

The bracelet is available in silver, space gray, gold, and rose gold for both Apple Watch sizes.

Genuine leather strap from Olixar (1842.99 rubles)

Prices for Apple branded leather straps start at 10,690 rubles, which is quite expensive. A strap similar in materials and style from the popular accessory manufacturer Olixar costs just over 1,800 rubles (plus another 100 rubles for shipping), and this comes out even cheaper than the simplest Apple silicone strap. The accessory is made of very high quality and goes well with the Apple Watch version in a steel case.

The strap is available in four colors, including the classic black and brown, as well as blue and red.

Vintage leather strap by Jisoncase (£24.90)

Are you into vintage leather? Jisoncase can offer a wide variety of leathers (including crocodile) in colors ranging from light brown to black. The most beautiful, perhaps, can be called the version in red. The clasp mechanism here is classic, without any frills.

Olixar soft silicone strap (1326.99 rubles)

Sports straps are a great choice for lovers of bright colors. However, if the colors offered by Apple do not seem bright enough for you, Olixar will be able to please your taste.

In total, this version of the strap is available in five colors: white, red, black, green and blue. The price should also pleasantly surprise you.

Polymer "woven" strap from Case-Mate (1842 rubles)

Like the Apple sports bands, this one is made from the same material - elastomer. An interesting braided design and a small pendant attached to the strap (like the pink color) make it exceptionally feminine. The low price allows you to buy it for use as a replacement strap.

Poetic Silicone Sports Band with Protective Case ($5.95)

An ultra-budget strap with additional watch case protection is a good choice for sports fans who are worried about the safety of their Apple Watch. The design of the strap and clasp is similar to the original Apple sports straps. The edge of the cover that protrudes above the screen will protect the display from impacts. The only thing you should be afraid of is water.

The accessory is available in five basic colors, including blue, white and black.

Case-Mate Sheer Glam Elastic Strap ($35)

There are so many sparkles on this strap that it will shine like gold. Although, perhaps, you should not use it with the gold version of the Apple Watch - it is, of course, far from real gold. But in any case, this is a great catchy strap made of elastic material that will appeal to many fashionistas. And the price isn't that high either.

It is available in one color for now, but the manufacturer should release a brilliance version soon.

I really like the new inexpensive nylon Apple Watch strap - it's very comfortable, cool, not a question at all, but there is one caveat. If you wet the strap, then the water drains very quickly, but the material remains wet and dries for some time. In winter, yes, in Rus', but when you often walk or are on the street, this is not very cool. Therefore, I decided to try to buy a “Milanese loop” for Apple Watch and, at the same time, tell you whether it is worth spending 10,990 rubles or not. I chose a black bracelet, the official description says that the little thing is made on special Italian equipment, the material is stainless steel. Feelings are strange. Firstly, water does not linger here, it flows away through the cracks and the strap is always dry. Secondly, the strap looks very nice and unusual. Thirdly, it is very comfortable to wear, easy to fasten, invisible on the hand until you pull out a hair or two. There is nothing wrong with that, a sort of small epilation. Finally, the strap can be worn in any situation, even for sports, even with a suit - it goes with everything, and it's very cool.

You can easily put the watch on its side to use the night mode.

The strap is neither wide nor narrow, neither thick nor thin.

The fixation on the arm is excellent, the strap does not move, it is easy to tighten. The verdict is simple: you can safely take it. For a silver watch, I have a Link bracelet in store, I will try to write about it too - and show how the bracelet has been rubbed since the days of the first Apple Watch.

At the moment I am preparing material about the Apple Watch series 3, if you have any questions about this model, please write to [email protected].

It doesn't look like the picture

The first thing to consider is that in life the Milanese bracelet is very different from those of its images that can be found on the Apple website. The differences are in how the links of the bracelet are woven: look at the pictures.

It does not change color or deform

This is possibly the most impact resistant strap. Rubber straps change color, or get dirty, to put it simply. Leather straps can warp, and the steel strap is easily rubbed and scratched. All this does not happen with the Milanese bracelet.

Doesn't protect hair

From time to time, the Milanese bracelet gets tangled in your hair, which can make you uncomfortable while wearing or removing your watch.

Relaxes when worn

This is a problem with Milanese bracelets, which can be found not only in the case of Apple Watch. The magnetic clasp makes it easy to put on and take off the watch, but it doesn't help it stay securely in place at all. During the day, you have to tighten the strap several times so that the watch does not sit too loose.

Not too comfortable

This applies to all steel straps. They are not suitable for all life situations, and for sports, for example, it is better to change the strap to rubber.

Breathing

But, unlike a rubber strap, a Milanese bracelet allows your skin to breathe, which will likely make your hand sweat less where you're wearing it.

Size

The magnetic clasp allows you to wear the Milanese bracelet on any hand size. The size of the bracelet is also quite convenient to adjust throughout the day. Watches with other clasps will be less convenient in this regard.

Here, in fact, are all the pros and cons that a colleague from 9to5Mac could note. He concluded by saying that he was pleased with his choice and thought the Milanese bracelet was worth the money. However, for sports, he still advises getting a rubber strap and putting it on before training. It is also worth noting that if you chose and want to wear them with a Milanese bracelet, this combination will not be to everyone's taste.

Based on 9to5Mac