i just initiated an online return. ill drop it off at fedex tomorrow.
once i had the band in hand, i couldnt believe i paid $50 for that piece of rubber either. i have 3 knock-offs coming from aliexpress for $12 total. i'll give those a shot before i try another OEM. i have no problem paying for quality, but there's no way that band should cost $50.
i have around 2 dozen watch bands, and only 2 are OEMs—that came with the watch. all the rest are 3rd party knock offs that are close enough, at a far more comfortable price.