Link Bracelet Issue

[Mr. Buzzcut]

The clasp was built much different than the quick release taps on the links. The one major thing I have notice since owning the link bracket, is after you use the quick release you still have to give a firm pull to separate. This is going to be major wear and tear on the band. It's only a matter of time before it fails. I don't call it a design flaw because there is no way to build a link band like this that will not be put throw this kind of stress daily.

That's fine but I'd say they should not have made it if it could not stand up to regular use. Any mall jewelry counter clerk can size a steel band so why not the Apple clerks and geniuses? I suppose there just aren't enough Apple stores. But again, they shouldn't sell something that either isn't designed well enough for its intended use or can't be properly supported. For the price they charge, they could have included a voucher for a national jeweler to size it.

 

[bmac4]

That's fine but I'd say they should not have made it if it could not stand up to regular use. Any mall jewelry counter clerk can size a steel band so why not the Apple clerks and geniuses? I suppose there just aren't enough Apple stores. But again, they shouldn't sell something that either isn't designed well enough for its intended use or can't be properly supported. For the price they charge, they could have included a voucher for a national jeweler to size it.

What do you consider normal use? I don't consider taking a watch band on and off daily normal use. There is no other steel watch band that gets taken off daily that I know of. I am not sure Apple thought users would take the band off daily. Had Apple made a standard link bracelet it would have not worked with the quick release buttons we have on the watch. Then they would have had to make a steel band only watch. I don't think that was even considered. This band was the only thing that would work with the current system.

 

[Mr. Buzzcut]

What do you consider normal use? I don't consider taking a watch band on and off daily normal use. There is no other steel watch band that gets taken off daily that I know of. I am not sure Apple thought users would take the band off daily. Had Apple made a standard link bracelet it would have not worked with the quick release buttons we have on the watch. Then they would have had to make a steel band only watch. I don't think that was even considered. This band was the only thing that would work with the current system.

It's obvious to me from watching other people that anything with a quick release is going to get exercised a lot. That and the many different styles of bands should have been pretty good clues to predicting customer behavior.

Quite a few here were surprised about disconnecting the link to change the band. They were removing it by walking the two ends out of the watch. Apple could have provided a different procedure if they anticipated longevity issues.

 

[Mac2me]

I read through the thread and the User Guide section on the Link bracelet (Page 88) and I think that line: "Important: Press a quick release button first so that the Link Bracelet is in two pieces before you attempt to remove or resize it." is only meant to apply to the resizing since you wouldn't want to attempt resizing while the band was still attached to the case. I say this because that text is then is followed by diagrams and descriptions for each operation.

The sizing section says to 1) press Quick release on the bracelet, 2) pull apart and 3) remove the link.

The changing bands section says to 1) press Quick Release on bracelet, 2) pull apart (illustration of the clasp shows 3 operations: the button, pulling down to open showing it fully expanded, and closing the bracelet), then it says to 3) Press Band release button (on case), 4) slide band out, 5) slide new one in. No mention at all of removing any links in this section.

Seriously I think the "Important" wording about separating into two sections is intended for the resizing operation only. The diagrams and descriptions for each operation should have been labeled separately instead of layered together for more clarity. Proof-reading logic error of sorts most likely. I'd bet this section will be changed because the Watches were designed to change bands easily, although probably not as often as they will be in actuality, and no way should anyone be taking out links all the time just to change a band.

I love the looks of the link bracelet and glad to see that they sent it in for the OP. After all the messing around with link removal like that based on confusing guidelines, he should get a new bracelet. Apple aims for simplifying things not making them more difficult.

 

[Pug72]

I separate the band before removing, of which I do on Sunday night to take off and swap for a black Sport Band ready for the working week.
The link bracelet gets reattached on Friday afternoon.

When I do it I choose a random link point to separate. This way there is less likelihood of wear to the joints.

 

[Mac2me]

For those out there that haven't seen the band in person, here's a post someone made on another thread that shows a guy getting his link bracelet and installing the band and taking out links (video's in Polish btw). Man that's a beautiful watch and bracelet combo.

Show off your WATCH!

 

[bcollett]

I read through the thread and the User Guide section on the Link bracelet (Page 88) and I think that line: "Important: Press a quick release button first so that the Link Bracelet is in two pieces before you attempt to remove or resize it." is only meant to apply to the resizing since you wouldn't want to attempt resizing while the band was still attached to the case. I say this because that text is then is followed by diagrams and descriptions for each operation.

How else would someone resize the band? It HAS to be in at least two pieces to remove a link entirely. Also, removing the whole band from the watch after each time you take a link off to resize serves no purpose - thus, if you interpret the user guide as I do, removing the band from the watch is not needed to resize as it has to be attached to the watch for you to know if the band fits properly.

The changing bands section says to 1) press Quick Release on bracelet, 2) pull apart (illustration of the clasp shows 3 operations: the button, pulling down to open showing it fully expanded, and closing the bracelet), then it says to 3) Press Band release button (on case), 4) slide band out, 5) slide new one in. No mention at all of removing any links in this section.

Seriously I think the "Important" wording about separating into two sections is intended for the resizing operation only. The diagrams and descriptions for each operation should have been labeled separately instead of layered together for more clarity. Proof-reading logic error of sorts most likely. I'd bet this section will be changed because the Watches were designed to change bands easily, although probably not as often as they will be in actuality, and no way should anyone be taking out links all the time just to change a band.

You must have missed the directional lines above the Changing Bands section that show the illustration above the paragraph, a diagram of the quick release function and band release button, applies to the Changing Bands section.

I will agree with you that the layout of the guide is confusing, as it DID confuse you. The diagram of the quick release and band release buttons should be in place of the diagram of the butterfly clasp(which was never mentioned in either section, btw) instead of a line being drawn from the diagram to the section.

Additionally, as others and I have stated before in this thread, the method shown in the user guide, as I interpreted, is the same method taught and used by Apple's own employees.

Will all of that in mind, I refute your claim that the quick release function is only for removing links and resizing.

 

[Mac2me]

....
Will all of that in mind, I refute your claim that the quick release function is only for removing links and resizing.

Not sure where you got that impression from what I originally posted as both directions for sizing and changing bands list pressing the Quick Release as Step #1.

 

[mikezmac]

Yup, definitely doing it wrong.

 

[bcollett]

Not sure where you got that impression from what I originally posted as both directions for sizing and changing bands list pressing the Quick Release as Step #1.

Quick release is the separating of links to make the band into two parts - which you say you think is only for resizing.

 

[jaymc]

Please cite where Apple indicated this. Otherwise, you're spreading FUD.

I believe he is siting common sense.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

I believe he is siting common sense.

It might be common sense with other watches but most certainly not Apple Watch, which they've designed to be easily changed out on a daily basis. Think about it. They said the leather bands aren't water resistant and they know some people might not like exercising with their nice metal bands, so common sense dictates that they know people might change out to the sport band on a daily basis for working out.

 

[Mr. Buzzcut]

It might be common sense with other watches but most certainly not Apple Watch, which they've designed to be easily changed out on a daily basis. Think about it. They said the leather bands aren't water resistant and they know some people might not like exercising with their nice metal bands, so common sense dictates that they know people might change out to the sport band on a daily basis for working out.

This is all true and it may ultimately be a product planning mistake. Somehow Swatch, Casio, Seiko can make a hundred different watches for different tastes and occasions. Apple makes one watch in three different materials. Maybe, instead, they should have made a true sport model and a couple dress models. The sport could be the mid-priced but toughest model. Then they could have cheap and pricey casual / dress models. Just a random thought about how things could have been done a bit differently. I can see people getting upset about wear to the watch itself from switching out bands.

 

[LewisChapman]

If I have learnt anything from using Apple products for the majority of my life, it is that you just have to use them and not worry about things like this. It's a similar discussion to 'Should I go naked?' with iPhones as well as 'Do I need to turn my MacBook off every night?'.. Just use the product and cross the bridge when it comes to it, thats how the products have been designed - to be used.

In the case of the Link Bracelet, I have been told by several 'geniuses' that you should unlink the band before removing so that no tension is being put on the side of the band. I have also been told that you should avoid sitting the band on itself so that the face is facing upwards.

I'll continue to change my bands daily and take apart the link bracelet to remove it because I simply want to use the product that I have paid for, how I like. Whether my link bracelet will fail in two months time, it will not affect anybody else but me and chances are Apple will swap it out without an issue anyway - my local store is good to me.

Guys we aren't Android worriers that worry how much RAM is being used and how many cores are being utilised effectively in our phones - we are users that just get stuff done. Wear your watch how you like, take it apart how you like, it's your Watch.

 

[doppelganger]

I know this is an old thread but I just came across an Apple support document on how to properly remove the link bracelet. I hope this helps, op.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204831

 

[mark34]

I know this is an old thread but I just came across an Apple support document on how to properly remove the link bracelet. I hope this helps, op.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204831

That's goofy. Can't imagine doing it that way. The other way is so easy.

 

[ivandr]

That's goofy. Can't imagine doing it that way. The other way is so easy.

It may be 'goofy' to you, however that is the official way Apple has suggested that users put on/remove the link bracelet. I definitely plan to follow their recommendation, especially with how close the tolerances are between the watch body and where the link bracelet fits into it. Any slight mismatch on angle of entry could bind up and put pressure on the (myriad) of connection points along the bracelet.

I will pick a particular link that will by my 'attachement & separation link' and I will try to always disconnect/reconnect the bracelet at that specific connector whenever I attach or remove the bracelet [Almost daily given my gym/workout routines]. By doing so, if that connector ever wears out, I can swap the worn out link for one of the few replacement links I have and the bracelet should continue to function without issue.

 

[redman042]

The OP did the right thing. He is using the band as intended. The alternative method is probably fine too if one is careful, but that's a personal choice. And if unlinking the band isn't working perfectly, definitely return it for a replacement. It is an expensive band and there is no reason to "work around" an issue when it could be a defect.