Classic Buckle design issue.

[Blacklabel34]

I have the same exact watch on order so I'll let you know when mine arrives, but I wouldn't hold your breath 😉

I'm going to the Apple Store later today or tomorrow and will report back.

 

[redshovel]

I have the same exact watch on order so I'll let you know when mine arrives, but I wouldn't hold your breath 😉



I'm going to the Apple Store later today or tomorrow and will report back.

Might take a run past the Belfast store tomorrow to confirm myself if I am down that way.
Like others have already said - it's a non issue really - just a characteristic of the design/function.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I really want the link bracelet but I can't get over the fact the watch is POLISHED stainless steel and the strap is BRUSHED stainless steel... why 2 different finishes!?!? does this not bother anyone else??

I used to be like you and couldn't understand it until a member pointed out that it's common for link bracelets to be brushed rather than polished as it's much easier to hide scratches that way. If you induce a scratch on a highly polished link bracelet it'll stick out like an sore thumb until you get it professionally polished.

 

[redshovel]

If you induce a scratch on a highly polished link bracelet it'll stick out like an sore thumb until you get it professionally polished.

I think Brietling perform a polish and service for about the cost of an 42mm SS

 

[sjinsjca]

I really want the link bracelet but I can't get over the fact the watch is POLISHED stainless steel and the strap is BRUSHED stainless steel... why 2 different finishes!?!? does this not bother anyone else??

Either brushed or matte would be a correct finish for a bracelet composed of flat segments. Otherwise you'd be a walking disco ball, reflecting light off of each facet in a most annoying manner.

So the real question is why the SS is polished and not similarly brushed. Seems to me that a brushed or matte finish would be less scratch-prone too.

 

[sbharj]

I used to be like you and couldn't understand it until a member pointed out that it's common for link bracelets to be brushed rather than polished as it's much easier to hide scratches that way. If you induce a scratch on a highly polished link bracelet it'll stick out like an sore thumb until you get it professionally polished.

This is very true, the watch i just replaced with my Apple watch has a polished SS bracelet and had this exact problem. But it still bothers me... To me its like wearing a black belt with brown shoes lol. I think I'm just way to fussy, I haven't heard anyone else complain about this haha

 

[redshovel]

So the real question is why the SS is polished and not similarly brushed. Seems to me that a brushed or matte finish would be less scratch-prone too.

Would have to agree with that - plus the fact I think it would ultimately look better also!

 

[sbharj]

Either brushed or matte would be a correct finish for a bracelet composed of flat segments. Otherwise you'd be a walking disco ball, reflecting light off of each facet in a most annoying manner.

So the real question is why the SS is polished and not similarly brushed. Seems to me that a brushed or matte finish would be less scratch-prone too.

agreed, make the SS brushed then!! just make the materials match 😛

 

[BreakingApple]

Maybe this is why almost all of the Classic Buckles are still processing...maybe they realized the defect and are remanufacturing all the bands.

 

[bizack]

Just observed that when worn the classic buckle does not sit flush with the watch body.
Checked out a few unboxing videos / try on videos and they all appear the same.

Everyone else the same? I take it this is a characteristic rather than a fault.

Image

I'm pretty sure this is by design. It's one of the reasons I chose this band (and the gap is pretty apparent in the Apple renderings).

 

[javisan]

So I received my 42MM Apple Watch with the classic buckle and I really love it. The only thing I have noticed is that the band adapter is not flush to the case. Is this normal or should I get that checked out at the genius bar? Maybe I'm being OCD but for $700 I would expect it to look flush just like in the marketing pics on the website.

What are your thoughts?

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Yes, that's normal.

Marketing pics are just renders.

 

[javisan]

I'm also noticing this in mine, its pretty annoying and it seems to be a design issue. I like 5 minutes (walking) from an Apple Store so I think I'll go there and have a someone at the genius bar take a look at it. I don't loose anything by trying, who knows, maybe they'll replace the band.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I'm also noticing this in mine, its pretty annoying and it seems to be a design issue. I like 5 minutes (walking) from an Apple Store so I think I'll go there and have a someone at the genius bar take a look at it. I don't loose anything by trying, who knows, maybe they'll replace the band.

Did you actually read through this thread? It's by design and normal.

 

[Binarymix]

Thanks for this thread. I thought all the 3rd party lugs I had bought were just garbage, now I know all lugs stick out a bit when worn.

After thinking about it, I guess it would be totally normal as the only locking mechanism is on the lug bottom, therefore the top would have some play.

Probably won't matter in a few days when I get my link 'clone' as I have a feeling I won't be wearing any other band again! lol.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Thanks for this thread. I thought all the 3rd party lugs I had bought were just garbage, now I know all lugs stick out a bit when worn.

Except many third party lugs have inconsistent fit such that the far end is either recessed or sticks out a bit relative to the case. E.g., recessed on one end and sticks out on the other end.

On Apple's bands, the far ends should be flushed, but it's normal to see a bit of it across the width when they're angled downward (on the wrist). Exchange it only if the ends aren't flushed (centered perfectly relative to the side of the case).

 

[NovemberWhiskey]

Did you actually read through this thread? It's by design and normal.

It is not by design. Stop posting nonsense.

I had two different BCBs, and one sagged on one side like that, and another sat perfectly flush.

There is a lot of variance amongst Apple's bands. Some sport bands wiggle and move around, some don't. Some BCBs have that sag, some don't. And I've seen link bracelets and milanese loops with their own variances (gaps at the connection point on some, not on others).

It is certainly NOT by design.

If it bothers anyone, you can try swapping it out. But you may end up playing a long game of swapping.

It's a first gen product, and quality control/machine specs seem to be all over the place.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

It is not by design. Stop posting nonsense.

This coming from someone who usually posts nonsense on this forum?

You're disputing many other members who've said it's by design, not just me.

 

[javisan]

It is not by design. Stop posting nonsense.

I had two different BCBs, and one sagged on one side like that, and another sat perfectly flush.

There is a lot of variance amongst Apple's bands. Some sport bands wiggle and move around, some don't. Some BCBs have that sag, some don't. And I've seen link bracelets and milanese loops with their own variances (gaps at the connection point on some, not on others).

It is certainly NOT by design.

If it bothers anyone, you can try swapping it out. But you may end up playing a long game of swapping.

It's a first gen product, and quality control/machine specs seem to be all over the place.

I agree with you, this is not by design, its a defect. The classic buckle I tried when I did my appointment did not have this issue. I didn't respond back since I did not want to waste my time with people who think know everything...

I did the only thing that could be done, I went back to Apple Store, the guy at the genius bar agreed with me and promptly replaced the whole watch. The new watch and band is completely flush, as it is supposed to be. The current band has some rattling sound (I assume its a loose magnet) but I rather have that sound, which could go away, than having the band adapter stick out as if it were a cheap knockoff band.