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Glue seeping out on Classic Buckle band

gusping

gusping

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Mar 12, 2012
2,031
2,368
I've attached some pictures where in one hole in the band you can see some white stuff which I assume is glue. The watch has not been near anything else, I have not put any cream or anything else on which it could be. When I look at the other holes, it looks like the band is made up of 2 bits of leather stuck together as i can see transparent shiny glue which I think has turned white in one of the holes. However, it makes no sense to have a band made out of 2 bits of leather....

Has anyone else had this issue?

IMG_6163.JPG

IMG_6164.JPG
 
Yeah it looks like glue, and it's likely from not having enough time to fully dry and cure between when it was made and shipped out. Leather workers a lot of times do use two flat strips of leather and usually stitch them together because it helps with the leather from not stretching and losing it's form too much as compared to a single piece of leather (I know for a fact they do this with belts so I would imagine they would also do this with watch straps too). In this case, Apple decided to glue the pieces together.

Keep and eye on it to make sure it doesn't start separating, but it will likely be fine. The dried up glue should be able to be scraped out and you won't be able to tell the difference. Or you can take it back to Apple and try to get a replacement if you feel it's necessary.
 
Haven't seen this, but it does to seem to be a manufacturing issue.

I agree that it doesn't make any sense that it would be made out of 2 pieces, otherwise it's bound to wear out and split eventually. Maybe the leather had a minor separation after the hole punch, and a little glue is used when this happens to seal it.

Exchange it, or get out the sharpie.
 
ninjadex said:
Haven't seen this, but it does to seem to be a manufacturing issue.

I agree that it doesn't make any sense that it would be made out of 2 pieces, otherwise it's bound to wear out and split eventually. Maybe the leather had a minor separation after the hole punch, and a little glue is used when this happens to seal it.

Exchange it, or get out the sharpie.
Click to expand...

It would wear out quicker if it was one piece.
 
largefarrva said:
Yeah it looks like glue, and it's likely from not having enough time to fully dry and cure between when it was made and shipped out. Leather workers a lot of times do use two flat strips of leather and usually stitch them together because it helps with the leather from not stretching and losing it's form too much as compared to a single piece of leather (I know for a fact they do this with belts so I would imagine they would also do this with watch straps too). In this case, Apple decided to glue the pieces together.

Keep and eye on it to make sure it doesn't start separating, but it will likely be fine. The dried up glue should be able to be scraped out and you won't be able to tell the difference. Or you can take it back to Apple and try to get a replacement if you feel it's necessary.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I'll keep an eye on it for a few days and try and scrape it out.
 
Notice how there's stitching just below the band connector? First indication that it's more than one bit of leather.
Notice that the texture is the same on both sides of the band? Second hint.
Notice how the thin edges of the band are smooth, almost rubbery? Third hint.

You probably do have a manufacturing defect. I'd get yourself sorted out with an appointment.

I have the same band as you.
 
gusping said:
I would when paying £600
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Then you grossly overpaid for that watchband! Still, I think there is no cause for petty concern when a Sharpie will cover it up. However, you always have the option to take it back to Apple for a replacement.
 
chabig said:
Then you grossly overpaid for that watchband! Still, I think there is no cause for petty concern when a Sharpie will cover it up. However, you always have the option to take it back to Apple for a replacement.
Click to expand...

I know it's nothing major but if I can get a replacement I may as well.
 
chabig said:
Then you grossly overpaid for that watchband! Still, I think there is no cause for petty concern when a Sharpie will cover it up. However, you always have the option to take it back to Apple for a replacement.
Click to expand...

$150 is still grossly overpaying for this level of quality. For that price the bands should be fully stitched... you know... like quality leather watch bands are.
 
gusping said:
I know it's nothing major but if I can get a replacement I may as well.
Click to expand...
Throw away an entire watch band just because of a tiny blob of glue?

We're turning this whole planet into a landfill garbage dump with our excessive consumption habits, and you're actively contributing to it.

Keep the band and use it until it is worn out. Then get another one, if you're still gonna use that watch. Don't throw away that which is a perfectly serviceable item.
 
Lennyvalentin said:
Throw away an entire watch band just because of a tiny blob of glue?

We're turning this whole planet into a landfill garbage dump with our excessive consumption habits, and you're actively contributing to it.

Keep the band and use it until it is worn out. Then get another one, if you're still gonna use that watch. Don't throw away that which is a perfectly serviceable item.
Click to expand...

No. I want what I paid for and I didn't pay £600 for 99% ok band.
 
Wear it for a few days. It'll get a few new marks from normal wear and tear. Then that little spot of glue won't bother you so much.
 
I find the attitude of some people rather strange. When I've just paid £600 for something I expect it come out of the box looking perfect and I also expect it to be fit for purpose. If it has a defect right out of the box or develops one within 48hrs of getting it then it's definitely not fit for purpose and the OP has every right to request it be replaced.
 
applepie2100 said:
I find the attitude of some people rather strange. When I've just paid £600 for something I expect it come out of the box looking perfect and I also expect it to be fit for purpose. If it has a defect right out of the box or develops one within 48hrs of getting it then it's definitely not fit for purpose and the OP has every right to request it be replaced.
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Thank you :)

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chabig said:
100% what?
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100% perfect
 
JayLenochiniMac said:
In the watch world, $150 is hardly anything for a quality leather band. Heck, $549 is considered cheap for a link bracelet.
Click to expand...

Actually, in the watch world $150 is plenty for a quality leather band, just not a high end or crocodile leather one.

$549 is not considered cheap for a bracelet either... its true that I have watches where a SS replacement bracelet would run me $1k+. I could also probably replace the bracelet on my old omega speedmaster for about $500. There are LOTs of perfectly quality SS bracelets for half that price.

Let's be honest here though. Apple is making a killing on the band margins. Their leather bands in particular are something that shouldn't ever be confused with a quality made product. It's BONDED LEATHER like on $20 Chinese watches. Every reputable brand I know stitches their leather bands, even if the leather isn't top notch.

Prediction: someone is going to post a NATO/Zulu band to show me I'm wrong.
 
gusping said:
Oh really, do you know what problem they had?
Click to expand...

See post #6.

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wit4breakfast said:
Actually, in the watch world $150 is plenty for a quality leather band, just not a high end or crocodile leather one.

$549 is not considered cheap for a bracelet either... its true that I have watches where a SS replacement bracelet would run me $1k+. I could also probably replace the bracelet on my old omega speedmaster for about $500. There are LOTs of perfectly quality SS bracelets for half that price.

Let's be honest here though. Apple is making a killing on the band margins. Their leather bands in particular are something that shouldn't ever be confused with a quality made product. It's BONDED LEATHER like on $20 Chinese watches. Every reputable brand I know stitches their leather bands, even if the leather isn't top notch.

Prediction: someone is going to post a NATO/Zulu band to show me I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

Don't confuse normal Apple markups with quality. The rubber band likely costs less than $2 to make, yet Apple charges $49 for it.
 
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