Black OEM Leather Loop Band

[BoneHead001]

Why in the world did Apple discontinue the black leather loop band? I tried the Charcoal Grey and it was too warm and too light in color. I know you can buy knock-offs, but the quality and fit is bad.

I got lucky and purchased one on eBay. The one I bought was a medium 42mm warranty replacement — never worn. The only thing was it did not have the 42mm inked on the short end.

 

[NagasakiGG]

It seems like Apple wants to discontinue all Loop versions. Here in Germany you cannot order them at Saturn anymore - Germany’s hugest retailer for electronics.
Luckily they sold them for a small price. I got my S3 LTE for 351€ (about 380$ I think) in spacegrey with olive band

 

[Apple_Robert]

Why in the world did Apple discontinue the black leather loop band? I tried the Charcoal Grey and it was too warm and too light in color. I know you can buy knock-offs, but the quality and fit is bad.

I got lucky and purchased one on eBay. The one I bought was a medium 42mm warranty replacement — never worn. The only thing was it did not have the 42mm inked on the short end.

It should have been inked, especially if it wasn’t worn.

 

[BoneHead001]

It should have been inked, especially if it wasn’t worn.

The long end of the loop was inked with the icon and “Genuine Leather” as they all are. The short end usually says “42mm” but is blank. The seller said it came from Apple as a warranty replacement.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The long end of the loop was inked with the icon and “Genuine Leather” as they all are. The short end usually says “42mm” but is blank. The seller said it came from Apple as a warranty replacement.

What did the packaging look like?

 

[BoneHead001]

What did the packaging look like?

I received the eBay item in the original packaging. The seller put the white box replacement band in the original packaging from the first loop band that was defective.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I received the eBay item in the original packaging. The seller put the white box replacement band in the original packaging from the first loop band that was defective.

Did the packaging you received look like the same box size the sport bands come in, or was it different?

 

[BoneHead001]

Did the packaging you received look like the same box size the sport bands come in, or was it different?

No, it was the original pre-eco-friendly hard plastic case Apple used 2-3 years ago. The current leather loop packaging is all paper — no plastic.

 

[Apple_Robert]

No, it was the original pre-eco-friendly hard plastic case Apple used 2-3 years ago. The current leather loop packaging is all paper — no plastic.

Good. Just checking. I have most of the leather loops and wanted to make sure you were done right.

 

[BoneHead001]

Good. Just checking. I have most of the leather loops and wanted to make sure you were done right.

The seller said he kept the original packaging from the defective band. When Apple gave him the warranty replacement, he told me that he put the replacement in the previous original packaging. My question is I wonder why the warranty replacement did not have the 42mm ink on the short end.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The seller said he kept the original packaging from the defective band. When Apple gave him the warranty replacement, he told me that he put the replacement in the previous original packaging. My question is I wonder why the warranty replacement did not have the 42mm ink on the short end.

That is why I posted originally. It should have. I don’t know why it wouldn’t.

Look on the long side of the band and count away from the watch center, noting what inner number loop number the m logo is stamped, as well as the genuine leather stamp and logo above it.

Take a pic. I want to see it up close.

 

[BoneHead001]

 

[Apple_Robert]

View attachment 751916

When you set the watch on its side with the band attached, does the band stay rigid?

 

[dmillar74]

The leather loop band is one of my favorites. I bought mine when I bought my first Apple Watch.

 

[BoneHead001]

When you set the watch on its side with the band attached, does the band stay rigid?

Yes

 

[Apple_Robert]

Yes

How long have you been wearing the band?

Here is a shot of my Bright Blue stamping.

Compare the sharpness of the logo above the "natural leather" lettering on mine to yours. There is a noticeable difference.

 

[BoneHead001]

How long have you been wearing the band?

Here is a shot of my Bright Blue stamping.

Compare the sharpness of the logo above the "natural leather" lettering on mine to yours. There is a noticeable difference.

I have been wearing it 4 days.
The Charcoal Grey one I bought from Apple was the same tone ink as this black band.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I have been wearing it 4 days.
The Charcoal Grey one I bought from Apple was the same tone ink as this black band.

Look at the end (metal part) of the band. Does it say "Assembled in China" ?

 

[BoneHead001]

Look at the end (metal part) of the band. Does it say "Assembled in China" ?

Yes, it says “Assembled in China” on the metal end

 

[Apple_Robert]

Yes, it says “Assembled in China” on the metal end

No way to know 100% if it is real. The signs are there that it could be real. At the same time, I have seen fakes match the same markings.

Like you, the lack of the 42 stamp is a concern for me. It is possible the stamp machine missed.

Bottom line is you are happy and it fits well for you.

 

[44267547]

Why in the world did Apple discontinue the black leather loop band?

I don’t know how long you have been following the Apple Watch, but I have since it’s inception back in April 2015. Apple changes the bands and discintinues bands regularly. They bring in new styles, colors, materials and it entirely keep the bands refreshed. It’s not just about the black leather loop, but all the bands they interchange frequently with the exception of the Milanese loop and stainless steel link bands, which have primarily been the same. Not to mention, no one here knows exactly why Apple would discontinue one specific band unless they stated otherwise.

 

[KrisLord]

I don’t know how long you have been following the Apple Watch, but I have since it’s inception back in April 2015. Apple changes the bands and discintinues bands regularly. They bring in new styles, colors, materials and it entirely keep the bands refreshed. It’s not just about the black leather loop, but all the bands they interchange frequently with the exception of the Milanese loop and stainless steel link bands, which have primarily been the same. Not to mention, no one here knows exactly why Apple would discontinue one specific band unless they stated otherwise.

I think the point is some of the “normal” bands that most people would purchase are discontinued, when they should be like the Milanese models and kept long term.

There’s a million shades of white/cream in the sport options and some garish colours too.

A simple black leather band should always be an option.

My black leather loop is showing the odd sign of wear on the sides so I’ve started wearing it less to preserve it. I’ve a sport loop and grey sport band now too.

 

[44267547]

I think the point is some of the “normal” bands that most people would purchase are discontinued, when they should be like the Milanese models and kept long term..

But in order for Apple to continue to attract customers to the bands, they can’t offer the same band color all the time, that would create too much of a convoluted lineup, so by discontinuing older colors, they introduce new colors to keep it refreshed. So I don’t blame Apple for doing so especially with the sport bands, which are the most popular, because they are the most affordable.

Not to mention, it’s much easier to manufacture the sport bands, because they’re made out of a mold, where as the milanese loop and stainless steel link are more costly to manufacture because of the materials used and machining process takes longer. And the metal bands are more specific to the stainless model, which offers a more ‘Premium’ aesthetic.

 

[Newtons Apple]

The leather loop is also my favorite and was lucky enough to score two new in the box black loops to go with my SBSS3. I also fear they will stop making them soon.

 

[KrisLord]

But in order for Apple to continue to attract customers to the bands, they can’t offer the same band color all the time, that would create too much of a convoluted lineup, so by discontinuing older colors, they introduce new colors to keep it refreshed. So I don’t blame Apple for doing so especially with the sport bands, which are the most popular, because they are the most affordable.

Not to mention, it’s much easier to manufacture the sport bands, because they’re made out of a mold, where as the milanese loop and stainless steel link are more costly to manufacture because of the materials used and machining process takes longer. And the metal bands are more specific to the stainless model, which offers a more ‘Premium’ aesthetic.

You’re 100% right about keeping things updated to attract new purchases, but basic colours like black/white/silver should be available as long as that band option is around.

Today we have cosmos blue and charcoal grey, which surely can’t be as popular as a black option?

The black sport loop isn’t even properly black, you need the Nike option for that