Black OEM Leather Loop Band

[sean000]

I've long wished they would offer a 38mm leather loop. I have a cheap knockoff for my 38mm watch, and aside from the poor materials and construction, it's the most comfortable band I own. It used to look fine, but the vinyl started to peel after a year. I'd gladly pay for the real deal if Apple offered it in my size.

 

[BoneHead001]

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.

They did discontinue the black leather loop. The closest you can buy is the Charcoal Grey leather loop.

 

[44267547]

They did discontinue the black leather loop. The closest you can buy is the Charcoal Grey leather loop.

I hope Apple refreshes the watchbands with in the next month or so. I know they like to refresh the sport bands regularly for obvious reasons. But I do hope they can pay somewhat more attention to the leather bands, because those do have a demographic appreciate the quality. Some of these third-party companies that make their leather loop iterations are not executed very well and the craftsmanship is poor.

 

[JTravers]

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.

I think you can tell by the quality of the leather. I may be wrong, but I haven't seen a fake leather loop that was anything even close to the quality of the Apple OEM leather loop. A fake should be obvious.

 

[44267547]

I think you can tell by the quality of the leather. I may be wrong, but I haven't seen a fake leather loop that was anything even close to the quality of the Apple OEM leather loop. A fake should be obvious.

That’s the thing with third-party watch bands, they may resemble and look exactly like the Apple Watch OEM bands, but they are not. You can usually tell by texture, thickness, materials and how they overall fit.

 

[Nell]

I like the fact that apple refresh the strap collection regularly but also think some basics like black leather should stay in production.

I’ve never had a leather strap but like the look of the leather loop. This thread made me go to the store and take a look. I now really want the cosmos blue leather loop but it’s sold out. Damn.

 

[Newtons Apple]

They did discontinue the black leather loop. The closest you can buy is the Charcoal Grey leather loop.

Agreed, I was hoping they do not discontinue making all leather loops.

 

[BoneHead001]

BTW, band fans, Target has been selling a discontinued "black" (actually grey) woven band. MM9Y2AM/A
I bought one. It is going back because it has some strange anomalies to the pattern where it is fastened to the clips. If you're not picky, like me, you'd like it.

 

[varunsanthanam]

Personally, I love my charcoal grey leather loop, but I totally agree with you. The basic colors (black, white) stay around indefinitely. I will say that getting a hold of the charcoal grey loop was kind of difficult -- I live in the Bay Area and yet none of my 5 local Apple stores had it in stock. I ended up having to order it online. Do you guys know if Apple is killing the leather loop? I sincerely hope not -- it's the best band imho.

 

[KrisLord]

Personally, I love my charcoal grey leather loop, but I totally agree with you. The basic colors (black, white) stay around indefinitely. I will say that getting a hold of the charcoal grey loop was kind of difficult -- I live in the Bay Area and yet none of my 5 local Apple stores had it in stock. I ended up having to order it online. Do you guys know if Apple is killing the leather loop? I sincerely hope not -- it's the best band imho.

I often wonder that with the push to waterproofing, they’re moving away from the bands that aren’t great with water.

 

[justiny]

I know of a couple of people who had some quality issues with their leather loop bands, notably the leather pulling away from the lugs. They returned them to Apple and got replacements.

If there are manufacturing issues, I hope Apple fixes them instead of just killing off the leather loop bands entirely. I don’t own one, but I’ve heard they are SUPER comfy and I really want the Cosmos Blue leather loop but they are completely sold out.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I know of a couple of people who had some quality issues with their leather loop bands, notably the leather pulling away from the lugs. They returned them to Apple and got replacements.

If there are manufacturing issues, I hope Apple fixes them instead of just killing off the leather loop bands entirely. I don’t own one, but I’ve heard they are SUPER comfy and I really want the Cosmos Blue leather loop but they are completely sold out.

I happen to know where you can get a brand new Cosmo Blue leather loop.

 

[justiny]

I happen to know where you can get a brand new Cosmo Blue leather loop.

You guys are a terrible influence on me (so the wife tells me).

 

[Apple_Robert]

You guys are a terrible influence on me (so the wife tells me).

If she who must be obeyed gives you permission, pm me.

 

[BoneHead001]

justiny said: ↑
I know of a couple of people who had some quality issues with their leather loop bands, notably the leather pulling away from the lugs. They returned them to Apple and got replacements.

The seller of my band explained that was the case with the band I purchase from him. The seller questioned the omission of the "42mm" and the Texas distribution center said it is indeed an Apple manufactured replacement, but may however look slightly different that the ordinary retail packaged version.