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How to detect fake versus genuine authentic OEM Apple bands
- Thread starter twanj
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You get what you pay for. Always true.
I expect I will get both types - authentic (Black Pride, maybe Nike sport) and third party (similar to Nike sport band to see if I like that style before paying $50).
However, I have no expectation that the third party will be as good as Apple/Nike in the long run.
Could I get some of your thoughts on the authenticity of this strap, and the others the seller is selling please? This one is in its packaging which looks legit to me, but it would be good to get other opinions to be sure. I’m after this colour as it’s a discontinued one and I really like it. Thanks! Link to eBay auction.
Seller seems legit, all the box-less bands look good and Peacock you’re after appears to be sealed/authentic. I don’t want to live in a world where some third party is making fake boxes with the green seal tape haha.
Any ideas on whether or not this UK Ebay shop is legit? Interested in the sport loops in particular, thankful for any inputs! (Link to eBay seller)
Also, any input for this listing of a Milanese band (Listing) would be appreciated!!
Also, any input for this listing of a Milanese band (Listing) would be appreciated!!
Just based on their join date and profile reputation and eBay’s money back guarantee, looks great. I generally trust wholesalers without actual pics of the items, but they even have that.
Ah I was wondering why that post was in the discount thread! It’s fake, though one of the better ones I have seen. The buckle attaching through the leather is the biggest giveaway. On the genuine band, you can see the complete oval of the clasp because the spring bar that connects it to the leather is cleverly hidden inside the clasp.
I dont think anyone would be fooled by this but a good reminder that people like to employ real boxes in the sale of fugazi items:
![1643157799261.png]( "1643157799261.png")
As a corollary to this, always check bands bought Open Box from legitimate retailers like Best Buy and Amazon carefully. Scammers will buy a new band, swap it out with a fake and return the fake in the genuine box back to the retailer. The average Best Buy employee doesn’t have a clue how to tell a fake from a genuine band and accepts the return. The fake band is then unwittingly resold as an Open Box item.
Not super common but definitely does happen.
SBML is prob fake but it looks fine. SSML might just be a weird photo. Nikes look fine but the colors are weird, and they wouldn’t be dumping a Celestial like this, right?
Almost got fooled not looking closely at one! That dark sport band’s buttons could go either way. No wait, change my vote to fake on that one.
Also I mean fakes with colored buttons do exist, right?
Good eye 
First six on first row authentic. The rest are fakes.
Bought the fakes for a total of 30$ in 3 batches (#1 all the sport loops - including the new nikes which are all really good knockoffs, although black has no vibrant greys while white is fantastic #2 the two MLs black looks identical to the genuine, silver not so much indeed and #3 nike sport which I think are the worst as colors are a bit off and not heavy enough)
I didn't mind spending the extra $$ as I wanted to see which ones I really liked before I start spending on the genuines which are definitely going to be -> SBML, Desert Sand and Celestial Teal, Flash, Tornado and the White Swoosh
First six on first row authentic. The rest are fakes.Bought the fakes for a total of 30$ in 3 batches (#1 all the sport loops - including the new nikes which are all really good knockoffs, although black has no vibrant greys while white is fantastic #2 the two MLs black looks identical to the genuine, silver not so much indeed and #3 nike sport which I think are the worst as colors are a bit off and not heavy enough)
I didn't mind spending the extra $$ as I wanted to see which ones I really liked before I start spending on the genuines which are definitely going to be -> SBML, Desert Sand and Celestial Teal, Flash, Tornado and the White Swoosh
Wow they got the terminator nice and round on Summit 2. I’d love to see it next to the real thing, compare the swoosh and the density of the weave.Good eye
Bought the fakes for a total of 30$ in 3 batches (#1 all the sport loops - including the new nikes which are all really good knockoffs, although black has no vibrant greys while white is fantastic #2 the two MLs black looks identical to the genuine, silver not so much indeed and #3 nike sport which I think are the worst as colors are a bit off and not heavy enough)
I didn't mind spending the extra $$ as I wanted to see which ones I really liked before I start spending on the genuines which are definitely going to be -> SBML, Desert Sand and Celestial Teal, Flash, Tornado and the White Swoosh
Mods - move to another thread if needed.
If a band is described as lightly used (almost new), but it arrives and can tell the difference between the color shade of which strap was used if not seen the tell-tale sheen on the strap with the pin....
I see some ads saying Magic Eraser not *used* as well. Riddle me on the bands listed as *like new* but it's more a attempt to make a look like new...
For those that don't know, ME is abrasive, even though it may be appear to be. Once can call it a micro-abrasive...
If a band is described as lightly used (almost new), but it arrives and can tell the difference between the color shade of which strap was used if not seen the tell-tale sheen on the strap with the pin....
I see some ads saying Magic Eraser not *used* as well. Riddle me on the bands listed as *like new* but it's more a attempt to make a look like new...
For those that don't know, ME is abrasive, even though it may be appear to be. Once can call it a micro-abrasive...
There’s legitimate dishonest sellers and then a slightly more forgivable discrepancy where we have to accept people don’t have our eagle eyes for pin shine etc.
And yeah I would never use anything beyond dish soap. I’d rather have blemishes than compromising overall color.
🤦♂️ Did not read the fine print and =assumed= it was like me previous orders from chargerstore...
Band appears new and genuine. Both SML straps included. Threw me for a curveball that is was just in a baggie...
Upon checking the listing, it clearly states no box.
I'm always a bit weary when ordering these things overseas....and knock offs. No clue where he is getting the colors or qty and stock replenishes. Mine had qty 1 left. When I bought it....he updated the same listing and added a qty of 1 left. I suppose to make it feel like it's a Hard to Find band...
Band appears new and genuine. Both SML straps included. Threw me for a curveball that is was just in a baggie...
Upon checking the listing, it clearly states no box.
I'm always a bit weary when ordering these things overseas....and knock offs. No clue where he is getting the colors or qty and stock replenishes. Mine had qty 1 left. When I bought it....he updated the same listing and added a qty of 1 left. I suppose to make it feel like it's a Hard to Find band...
Does this seems authentic to you? Looking for a saddle brown leather loop, but price and the fact that is available seems too good to be true
GENUINE ORIGINAL AUTHENTIC APPLE WATCH LEATHER LOOP BAND 44MM | eBay
ORIGINAL APPLE WATCH LEATHER LOOP BAND44MMBRAND NEW SEALED IN RETAIL PACKAGEYOU CAN CHOOSE COLOR AND SIZE <br> <br>The Venezia leather for this band is handcrafted in Arzignano, Italy. With an artisan heritage spanning five generations, the tannery has a history of partnership with some of the...
www.ebay.com
Nah very normal prices for Leather Loops/Links. I trust all these wholesalers with massive feedback records. And as ever, eBay will refund your money every time.Does this seems authentic to you? Looking for a saddle brown leather loop, but price and the fact that is available seems too good to be true
GENUINE ORIGINAL AUTHENTIC APPLE WATCH LEATHER LOOP BAND 44MM | eBay
ORIGINAL APPLE WATCH LEATHER LOOP BAND44MMBRAND NEW SEALED IN RETAIL PACKAGEYOU CAN CHOOSE COLOR AND SIZE <br> <br>The Venezia leather for this band is handcrafted in Arzignano, Italy. With an artisan heritage spanning five generations, the tannery has a history of partnership with some of the...www.ebay.com
Thanks, just ordered a Saddle Brown. Yeah, the feedback was promising, but it is my first time buying a band or loop from a third party, wanted to check with those more knowledgeable here.