How to avoid watch face scratches with the SB ML?

[jaybar]

Because of a variety of issues which are beyond the discussion in this thread, I can only use the SB ML as my daily band.

How then can I minimize the likelihood of watch face scratching (S5, SBSS)?

I have a Belkin dock I purchased my local Apple store, which allows me to charge my iPhone 11 Pro Max and AW simultaneously. The watch charges on its side. I extend the band so it does not touch the back of the watch.

SO FAR (two weeks), I have not gotten scratches. Am I overly concerned? Should I just enjoy the watch and not worry? Otherwise, I really like the watch and band.

if I could’ve used another band, I would have.

Thanks.

 

[melman101]

I don't know but my SSSB has a bunch of scratches that I am attributing to my milanese loop. You can't see them unless you are really looking for them, but it definitely bothers me. I am now rocking the sport loop.

Mel

 

[Otflyer]

I have used my SB ML for over a year and haven’t scratched my watch. I don’t worry about it. Just be careful when you remove/install the ML, how you place it on the charger and how you lay it down. The watch really isn’t that easy to scratch in my opinion.

 

[jaybar]

I have used my SB ML for over a year and haven’t scratched my watch. I don’t worry about it. Just be careful when you remove/install the ML, how you place it on the charger and how you lay it down. The watch really isn’t that easy to scratch in my opinion.

@Otflyer

thanks

 

[iamasmith]

I don't have one but if I did and I was worried about it I would wrap the watch band around something to stop it coming into contact with the body (non DLC?) or face (including Sapphire).. hey, how about wrapping it around the corner or section of a towel in your sports bag if it's whilst training or some other object if not? It seems to me like the biggest risk is whilst it's off your wrist.

The problem really should only occur if you have the thing off your wrist so it can come into contact with other parts of the watch.. personally I wouldn't go there and won't buy it and aren't into the black watches that might make it appealing but this is just some of my musings on how I might deal with it.

Hope this helps

 

[jaybar]

I don't have one but if I did and I was worried about it I would wrap the watch band around something to stop it coming into contact with the body (non DLC?) or face (including Sapphire).. hey, how about wrapping it around the corner or section of a towel in your sports bag if it's whilst training or some other object if not? It seems to me like the biggest risk is whilst it's off your wrist.

The problem really should only occur if you have the thing off your wrist so it can come into contact with other parts of the watch.. personally I wouldn't go there and won't buy it and aren't into the black watches that might make it appealing but this is just some of my musings on how I might deal with it.

Hope this helps

@iamasmith

Hi

My only concern is if I had to have a medical procedure, that required me to remove the Watch and put it in my pocket.

Thanks

 

[jaybar]

@iamasmith

Hi

My only concern is if I had to have a medical procedure, that required me to remove the Watch and put it in my pocket.

Thanks

I may need an alternate band for the few times that might happen. Perhaps a sport or leather loop?

Which would be easier to get on and off, as hand dexterity is an issue for me?

 

[BaddAdvice]

I may need an alternate band for the few times that might happen. Perhaps a sport or leather loop?

Which would be easier to get on and off, as hand dexterity is an issue for me?

Sport loop is much easier to put on/take off than the leather loop, in my opinion. The leather loop requires a certain amount of dexterity to put on as you have to “thread” the long side through the slot on the short side. It takes a bit of doing.

The sport loop, on the other hand, is pretty easy - just slip your hand through and pull on the strap to tighten.

 

[Dr. Zenon]

You don’t avoid scratches.

I bought a launch day SBSS AW2 that came with SB Milanese. I upgraded to AL SG AW4 later.

The band shredded the Ion-X Glass and HR sensor window. And I was reasonably careful.

Looking the AW2 sapphire, I could see Milanese markings on the glass but nowhere like the Aluminum Watch.

 

[cappo3]

You don’t avoid scratches.

I bought a launch day SBSS AW2 that came with SB Milanese. I upgraded to AL SG AW4 later.

The band shredded the Ion-X Glass and HR sensor window. And I was reasonably careful.

Looking the AW2 sapphire, I could see Milanese markings on the glass but nowhere like the Aluminum Watch.

Main reason why I'm holding off of the SB ML for my AL SG AW5. Even if I really really love the band.

One question to you: Isn't the sensor glass on the back of the AW4 sapphire? Shouldn't it be a bit more resistant than the front Ion-X?

 

[danmart]

I bought the SB Milanese when it originally came out, and wore it with my SSSB Watch for probably a year. At the end, I had a few tiny scratches on the side of the Watch Body, where the strap might touch it when loose. I’ve circled in the picture below where you can see these if you really, really look hard.



The most high-risk thing you can do with the SB Milanese is have it loose when you take it off. For example, when going through airport security. My strategy is to wear a different strap when I know I will need to take it off, but I appreciate this may not be an option for the OP. Strategy 2 is to wrap the strap around something else so that it is taut and kept away from the body of the Watch whilst off your wrist. In a travel scenario you might wrap it round something like your sunglasses case or wrap a piece of cloth around it.

Re: the idea of wearing a Milanese SB strap with a SG Alu Watch - you are really inviting damage, here! The strap will be harder than the body and face of such a Watch and you will very easily get scratches. It’s not something I would personally do.

One question to you: Isn't the sensor glass on the back of the AW4 sapphire? Shouldn't it be a bit more resistant than the front Ion-X?

Sapphire is less hard than diamond, but tougher than the glass for sure. I haven’t had the strap scratch my sapphire Watch face, but other have in the past.