After 3 days, my Black Sport Band is wearing down.

[Mr. Buzzcut]

"It's going to wear! For christ sake. Do you freak out on your shoes when you wore them for one day and they get dirty and the sole is scuffed? No."


Let's say that you are right. Your shoes aren't so expensive. Imagine that you buy expensive leather shoes and in 2 days it shows wear use. unacceptable.
Stop excusing Apple. Come on they could be wrong sometimes, it's not that bad.
if you pay a premium price, you expect this. I saw in the web that the watch cost 80 to apple, that's the problem with big profits, people expects high quality and durability.

Yes, $200 leather shoes with leather soles will show wear the moment you step off of carpet and the upper will crease within minutes of putting them on.

What does cost have to do with durability anyway? Expensive items are often very delicate. While I wouldn't call the watch delicate, I certainly would not call it rugged.

 

[KateGladstone]

There's an article couple days ago mentioning about Black Sport Bands were defective, those bands needed to be soaked in some chemical longer otherwise they wear out and peel off prematurely.

I would ask Apple to replace...

What chemical do they need to be soaked in?

 

[WilliamG]

Mine had a big bald patch where the coating peeled off. Apple is sending me out a replacement. They originally called it "normal cosmetic wear"...but that didn't work for me with a ten day old watch lol.

I suspect the replacement will do the same.

 

[Mr. Buzzcut]

I've no idea what it was, but yes, it probably wasn't the same as Apple's.

Though I still think wear after a matter of days on a £40 band is unacceptable - if Timex can make one which was fairly comfortable and wear resistant for £10, Apple certainly can. Fine if it's after a few months, but there's a design/manufacturing flaw here somewhere.

I'm betting the Timex band is vinyl. The downside to those is they harden and crack. But they are cheap to replace.

 

[powerslave65]

Why is it most Apple Watch complaints are from people who just joined?

 

[studIOS5]

Not sure why people flock to the forums before trying a few things first. Yesterday, after a long workout, my watch was disgusting so I ran it under some running water in the sink. When I pulled it out, I dried it off with a microfiber cloth. The picture below was the result. It looks terrible. That being said, I was able to rub all of that layer off and it looks great again. No idea what it was, perhaps a layer of dust or protection from the factory. I'm on my phone so I'll have to post the after pic in another post.

 

[studIOS5]

Pic 2

 

[Newtons Apple]

NO it is NOT nature for a $50 band to wear in only 3 days.

It is likely only a $5 band

 

[jds4300]

So I got my Apple Watch Sport on Monday night and put it on Tuesday morning. I've been wearing it for about 2-3 days now and I'm already seeing wear on the Black Sport Band. Black Sport Discoloration

Now, I've owned other watches before with the same type of material and I've never seen a watch wear down this fast. Here's a comparison between a watch I've owned/worn for two years (going through sweat,dust,dirt,showers,etc) compared next to the Black Sport band that I got Monday night.

Timex vs Apple Watch Band Wear

I really don't think it should be wearing down this fast (I can understand if it wears down after a couple months, but not after 2 days). I've contacted Apple Support and the representatives were surprised and nervous as well since they ordered the same watch as what I have. They said it wasn't normal and they would look into it as well as replace the band for me since this was a special case.

For those wondering, it seems like the matte finish is coming off the watch and is not repairable (as in running through alcohol). Also, the wear is on both sides of the watch (front and back)

Does anyone else have the same issue as me?

Three days? I'm surprised it lasted that long. Apple is not a watch maker!

----------

It is likely only a $5 band

I'd guess $3.

 

[StophMac24]

The flaking and peeling is happening to my band as well. Called the Apple Store near me and they said to go by to do a swap.

Based on my reading through this thread, the white band doesn't seem to have the same issue the black band has.

 

[KateGladstone]

There's an article couple days ago mentioning about Black Sport Bands were defective, those bands needed to be soaked in some chemical longer otherwise they wear out and peel off prematurely.

I would ask Apple to replace...

What chemical does it need? I want to get that chemical before my watch arrives.

 

[jmmo20]

It's going to wear! For christ sake. Do you freak out on your shoes when you wore them for one day and they get dirty and the sole is scuffed? No.

This is a daily wear item that goes on your wrist of your arm that swings around, reaches for things, etc. you'll get scratches, dents, band scuffs, etc. it's nature. Nothing will ever be 100 prestige that's used daily, no matter how bad you want it. Peeling, that's a defect. Scuffs and smooth spots in the rubber finish that have been rubbing against each other, how do you avoid that? You don't in this case. Even the link bracelets will scuff/scratch, does that mean they're defective?

So, lets see.. you go to the shop and buy some running shoes. You go out and after just 2 runs, the sole comes off, and half of the colour begins peeling off.

Are you telling me you would consider this "normal wear and tear" after just 4 hours using the shoes? Are you really telling me you wouldn't go back to the shop to get your freaking money back???

Please.. !!


The lengths some people would go to justify things.
GET OVER IT... Apple has released faulty products in the past and they will continue to release faulty products in the future. Justifying will only make some people's lives a hell while they try to sort things out with Apple.

 

[NM08SRT8]

So, lets see.. you go to the shop and buy some running shoes. You go out and after just 2 runs, the sole comes off, and half of the colour begins peeling off.



Are you telling me you would consider this "normal wear and tear" after just 4 hours using the shoes? Are you really telling me you wouldn't go back to the shop to get your freaking money back???



Please.. !!





The lengths some people would go to justify things.

GET OVER IT... Apple has released faulty products in the past and they will continue to release faulty products in the future. Justifying will only make some people's lives a hell while they try to sort things out with Apple.

Lol okay, using your analogy, did the band fall off? No it didn't. It wore down. Let's keep the comparison somewhat similar here.

The lengths people like YOU go to justify things. GET OVER IT!

 

[BrandonRose]

I purchased a black sport band from my local apple store. After two days it was wearing down in the three spots. Took it back, the guy knew about this issue. They replaced it, but now this one is starting to have the same problem. I feel like this might be inevitable.

 

[Speedman100]

You will see some wear marks on the band. I think that's natural. It doesn't get any worse after the initial marks appear in about 3 days (at least mine hasn't gotten any worse). And the marks are on the side of the band that you cannot see when wearing it, so it's not really a problem.

 

[edm11]

Not sure why people flock to the forums before trying a few things first. Yesterday, after a long workout, my watch was disgusting so I ran it under some running water in the sink. When I pulled it out, I dried it off with a microfiber cloth. The picture below was the result. It looks terrible. That being said, I was able to rub all of that layer off and it looks great again. No idea what it was, perhaps a layer of dust or protection from the factory. I'm on my phone so I'll have to post the after pic in another post.

What did you use to rub the stains off?

 

[Sir Ruben]

I'm OCD with my stuff and I must admit the wear marks look far less noticeable in reality. The camera makes them look far worse than they actually are. These marks are also on the other colours but are even harder to see unless held at a certain angle under certain lighting.

I've had my black strap for over a week now and it's still immaculate, no peeling and any shiny wear marks are on the inside of the strap only. Still think they will refine the production of them to make them more hard wearing though.

 

[srshaw]

Hey! A Seiko Tuna. Now that watch has sole!

Well, I hate to carp, but I am starting to flounder. I'll let myself out....

At last, a serious response to such a 'serious' issue. A rubber watch strap wearing out when it rubs.

If Apple manage to do the impossible and make a rubber strap that doesn't wear out, they ought to start making car tyres, or shoes. Imagine that, rubber that never wears out..... Might not be too good at rubbing out pencil though, perhaps leave that to someone else.

 

[studIOS5]

What did you use to rub the stains off?

It actually peeled like a snake. Literally just applied some pressure while rubbing those areas on the band.

 

[Docsteel]

Three days? I'm surprised it lasted that long. Apple is not a watch maker!

----------



I'd guess $3.

Don't you ever tire of this "Apple isn't a watchmaker" spiel? Seriously, it's their first foray into the area, cut them some slack. They are doing a much better job at it I suspect than if some traditional watchmaker tried to make a Smartphone...

 

[redman042]

Just going to throw in my experience after 1 week with the SGS with black sport band.

When the watch is on, I see no wear on the exposed surfaces of my band whatsoever. Body oils tend to create very slight shiny areas on the edges but that washes off with a mild soap.

When the watch is off my wrist, I do see shiny areas on the surfaces that come into contact. They are not a big deal and not unexpected. They are not visible when the watch is on my wrist.

There is no peeling on my watch band at all. I have seen examples of this posted here. That, in my mind, is a faulty coating. I'm sure these bands have a base rubber material that is then sprayed or coated with one or more products. It is not a stretch to imagine that a batch wasn't manufactured properly. If you see that, you should ask for an exchange under warranty.

Also keep in mind the sport band is not an all-new product. Marc Newson was likely involved in its design, and he also founded the Ikepod watch company in '94 which features a VERY similar rubber strap. See here.

 

[tom2517]

As I have said in another thread, it looks to me like this is rubber blooming.

Definition:

"Bloom
A milky surface discoloration caused by the migration of certain compound components (such as antiozonants) to the rubber's surface after molding or storage. The waxy film serves as a protective coating shielding the part from oxidation. This discoloration DOES NOT adversely affect material performance"

I am sure Apple (or the supplier) does not coat the rubber, I am in the automotive rubber business and we use FKM (same as what Apple uses for the band) a lot. FKM is usually reserved for extreme heat and chemical environment. There's no coating that peels off.

What I think happen is maybe the supplier used too much wax. Wax is whats giving the band a nice smooth feel, and it also helps the band come off the mould easier during production. But excessive wax will make its way to the surface, and most obvious on black color. Shorten compression time resulted in undercured rubber will also cause blooming.

Aesthetics aside, it is technically not a defect. And because usually FKM rubber parts in automobile only goes into engine and transmissions, you don't see it. However, watch band is a different story, I can see how some people will be upset about it, because it looks bad.

If you see issues with your black band, just touch it, if it feels dry, it's likely just blooming, it might look bad but there's nothing wrong with the band itself, it won't break apart.

However, if it feels sticky, than you have a case of defective rubber and definitely should exchange it.

Blooming can be fixed, I am sure Apple will have their supplier improve the rubber compound and curing process.

Below are two cases of extreme blooming on rubber boots.

P.S. I am not talking about wear and tear, if two things rubs against each other, there will be signs of wear.

 

[redman042]

Don't you ever tire of this "Apple isn't a watchmaker" spiel? Seriously, it's their first foray into the area, cut them some slack. They are doing a much better job at it I suspect than if some traditional watchmaker tried to make a Smartphone...

Agreed. Blackberry once said the equivalent of "Apple is not a cell phone maker". Look how that ended up.

 

[Winter Charm]

These bands are most likely the same material as the iPhone 6/6Plus Silicone cases. They look great on day 1, but over time the "softness" wears off and that is what you are left with. Some colors are better than other, my White silicone case still looks flawless after months, but the black has totally changed.

That's apple for you, they make things that look better than others, but they don't weather as well...

It's fluoroelastomer, not silicone.

 

[Buckeyestar]

As I have said in another thread, it looks to me like this is rubber blooming.

Definition:

"Bloom
A milky surface discoloration caused by the migration of certain compound components (such as antiozonants) to the rubber's surface after molding or storage. The waxy film serves as a protective coating shielding the part from oxidation. This discoloration DOES NOT adversely affect material performance"

I am sure Apple (or the supplier) does not coat the rubber, I am in the automotive rubber business and we use FKM (same as what Apple uses for the band) a lot. FKM is usually reserved for extreme heat and chemical environment. There's no coating that peels off.

What I think happen is maybe the supplier used too much wax. Wax is whats giving the band a nice smooth feel, and it also helps the band come off the mould easier during production. But excessive wax will make its way to the surface, and most obvious on black color. Shorten compression time resulted in undercured rubber will also cause blooming.

Aesthetics aside, it is technically not a defect. And because usually FKM rubber parts in automobile only goes into engine and transmissions, you don't see it. However, watch band is a different story, I can see how some people will be upset about it, because it looks bad.

If you see issues with your black band, just touch it, if it feels dry, it's likely just blooming, it might look bad but there's nothing wrong with the band itself, it won't break apart.

However, if it feels sticky, than you have a case of defective rubber and definitely should exchange it.

Blooming can be fixed, I am sure Apple will have their supplier improve the rubber compound and curing process.

Below are two cases of extreme blooming on rubber boots.

P.S. I am not talking about wear and tear, if two things rubs against each other, there will be signs of wear.

I agree. I'm in aerospace manufacturing and deal with various rubber blends. Bloom is common sight with certain blends. It's not a defect, though it can cause problems for what I do since it could impact its ability to bond to adhesive.