Apple Watch Classic Band Faux?

[AdmiralArmchair]

So, I just got the Apple Watch with the 42mm with the classic buckle. I am overall pleased with the product but I have a concern. The band does not feel like real leather from an animal. There is just something off about it. There's no stitching, smells like plastic and feels like a mc chicken nugget. My skin also gets very irritated after a short period of the from wearing the watch with this band. Has anyone else questioned the quality of the band or is it just me? Also, is it possible for me to exchange the band at an Apple store?

 

[flur]

There is stitching, it's just very small. You can see the joins on the inside of the band, near where it attaches to the watch, and on the inside of the strap holder. It is real leather. It breaks in like real leather (I've only had mine since Tuesday so not a lot of break-in, but a little).

If you want something else you can exchange, but stores don't have the bands yet, so you're pretty much looking at returning the whole watch and ordering something else.

 

[discorevilo]

If you want something else you can exchange, but stores don't have the bands yet, so you're pretty much looking at returning the whole watch and ordering something else.

You don't have to return the whole watch, you can just return the band and have that replaced- But you will have to do it over the phone rather than in an Apple Store (or over the phone in an Apple Store) as the stores don't have any.

From what others have said, if you have AppleCare+ they will ship you a replacement band first and put a hold on your card for the value, then if/when you return yours the hold is cancelled. Otherwise you have to send your band back first before receiving the replacement. I'd guess if the band you want is in the same price range you can do a straight swap, else, you'll probably have to pay the differences (or be refunded in the case of swapping to a sports band).