The X-Doria Mesh Band for Apple Watch Offers a Stylish Look for Less

I’ve always been a big fan of the Milanese Loop band for the Apple Watch but have never had the desire to spend $149 or more for the look. I tried out a replica last year and enjoyed wearing it with my original watch.

But when I made the move to Series 2 last month, I selected the Space Black stainless steel model. So that meant I was back in the market for a matching band.

Apple’s official matching model costs a cool $199, so I once again went looking for a replica. While there are some space black models costing less than $20 available from amazon.com, many reviewers said that the black coating had a tendency to eventually scratch or chip.

X-Doria has been a long-time accessory manufacturer focusing on iPhone and iPad cases. But the company has also done a great job with a line of Apple Watch accessories including a number of bands and cases. Its latest is the Mesh Band, a stylish take on the Milanese Loop.

Retailing for $49.99, buyers can select from a silver or black version of the band. It’s only available for the 42mm watch and fits all generations of the device.

I’ve been wearing the band for a few weeks, and have really enjoyed it. It looks exactly like Apple’s version and is very comfortable to wear. With the magnetic closure system, I can quickly and easily adjust it to get a perfect fit. X-Doria says the band can fit wrists from 130-180mm.

The black coating has also faired well and hasn’t chipped or worn off, and I’m definitely tough on my watch bands.

While the lugs are sometimes a problem spot on some third-party bands, X-Doria has done a nice job with those as well. They fit right into the Apple Watch and don’t protrude at all.

So if you’re looking for a reasonably priced way to sport the unique Apple Watch look, X-Doria’s band is highly recommended.

• Looks identical to Apple’s official space black Milanese Loop.
• Very comfortable to wear.
• Thanks to the magnetic closure, the band can be perfectly fitted to your wrist.
• Space black lugs match the watch perfectly.

• More expensive than other Apple Watch band replicas found online.
• Like other similar bands, does have a tendency to pull arm hair.