Is the 44mm black genuine Apple link band really worth it?

The Apple Black 42mm link bracelet is easily one of the most expensive you can get for the watch. It cost as much or more than the watch depending on which one you get. That said you will be hard pressed to find a better built watch band that is a link even on other watches. The attention to detail is definitely there and the build quality is great. You can actually feel it when you pickup the band for the first time. The genuine Apple band will have more weight to it and the fit of the clasp and links will be flawless. All that said if you go for it in Black there is one major draw back. The black coating will eventually wear and scratch. If this gets bad enough you will see the silver of the stainless steel below coming through. This seems to be especially an issue at the edges of the band as the wear will generally start there. Once that happens the wear will continue. To date I don't know of anyone that can repair or re-color the issue. My first experience with an Apple link band was a very convincing looking knock off. It had the adjustable links that don't require tools and without a close look would fool most. The band was very light and felt cheap in your hand though. The clasp also didn't close flat like it should and the band links were not tight. If you flicked your wrist too hard or gave it a tug it would pop apart. At this point I bought a used one with damage just to see the difference. It was night and day. Even with a used band with wear on it the fit and feel was light years ahead of the knockoff. After that I was convinced. I sold the used band I had and bought a genuine Apple open item band out of China ( was a bit worried about that, but the band is like new and genuine Apple ). If you plan to hold onto this band then don't be afraid to spend the money. It WILL last and you will be much happier with a real one. If you are scared of scratching a black one go for the regular silver stainless steel. It is the same watch without the black coating on it.Read full review

Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned