Milanese loop scratched my SBSS

[Segata Sanshiro]

Hi all,

I bought an Apple Watch for Christmas two months ago.

I am extremely careful with my devices and I have never had the slightest cosmetic damage with my Apple products without ever falling into absolute paranoia.

Considering the strength of the Milanese loop magnet, I understood that I would have to be more careful than usual with this product. The strap is very attracted to the back, the edges, and the screen of the watch during removal.

After almost 2 months of use where I was really more cautious than usual, especially when removing the watch, the loops stuck to the edge of the watch last night and caused symmetrical damages.

Ia there something I can do with Apple. I am about to abandon the Milanese bracelet since I have the feeling for the first time that Apple has poorly designed this product, but at least I would like to have the possibility to start again with a watch in good condition before reinvesting in a bracelet.

Is it something possible? Knowing also that I bought the watch on December 20, so I have 2 days left to activate AppleCare if necessary.

 

[jz0309]

it's a known problem, unfortunately, many threads about it ... take it to the Apple store, and yes, I would get Apple Care regardless ...

 

[Itinj24]

Can’t tell exactly what color that is but if it’s the natural silver SS, you can probably polish and buff out the scratches. Good thing it didn’t hit the screen.

 

[Segata Sanshiro]

Thank you for your replies. It is a space grey watch so I’d rather not try to polish it.

I have set up an appointment at a Genius Bar tomorrow. Should I take AppleCare+ before to be sure my watch will be replaced?

 

[Itinj24]

Thank you for your replies. It is a space grey watch so I’d rather not try to polish it.

I have set up an appointment at a Genius Bar tomorrow. Should I take AppleCare+ before to be sure my watch will be replaced?

That’s Space Gray, as in the Aluminum version? Wow, had me fooled. It looks to be reflecting a lot of light for an aluminum watch. Like a mirror finish.

 

[Segata Sanshiro]

It is not aluminium but stainless steel.

 

[Itinj24]

It is not aluminium but stainless steel.

So space black then lol. Yeah, don’t polish it. Either way, good luck with the exchange.

 

[techno-Zen]

Activate Applecare monthly. Get replaced then cancel plan.

 

[jaybar]

One if the keys to avoiding scratches with the ML, is to charge the watch on its side with the loop extended. The Apple charging dock or the Belkin charger that wirelessly charges both the watch and phone, can handle thus in the proper way. Neither are cheap. Both are at tge Apple Store.

If you want to continue to use the ML, I suggest one of the above.

 

[dotzero123]

Sorry to hear this happened to your watch. Hopefully there will be some way to have it fixed. I purchased a sass w/ loop band but will only wear it on special occasions. I've seen a number of posts where this has happened to people. Apple should provide information about this so that people are aware on the front end that the devices band can attack the watch finish. Also, does AC cover scratches?? I've not looked to deeply into it and am just curious.

 

[jaybar]

Sorry to hear this happened to your watch. Hopefully there will be some way to have it fixed. I purchased a sass w/ loop band but will only wear it on special occasions. I've seen a number of posts where this has happened to people. Apple should provide information about this so that people are aware on the front end that the devices band can attack the watch finish. Also, does AC cover scratches?? I've not looked to deeply into it and am just curious.

I think your nation that Apple, in some way, should prepare ML users is unrealistic. The number of permutations and combinations and user variability in the way watches are charged and bands attached and detached is infinite. If Apple was to replace watches b/c of how customers interacted with their bands then there would be no end in sight regarding watch replacement.

 

[44267547]

My opinion might be a little harsh, but if you choose to support the Milanese loop, then be Prepared to accept the aftermath _if_ it comes in contact with the casing/display.

Now, I gather that many consumers don’t know the Milanese loop capability of scratching the Apple Watch, but I’m also willing to believe the majority of consumers probably don’t scour their Apple Watch for every little hairline scratch either and they just wear as they normally would without worrying about minuscule scratches, being its a just a depreciating smart watch at the end of the day.

 

[Segata Sanshiro]

Thank you very much for your replies. These are definitely the most useful and complete answers I got in the various threads I have opened to get support on this matter.

Activate Applecare monthly. Get replaced then cancel plan.

That is a great idea but the option to pay monthly does not seem to be offered when I try to subscribe to AppleCare+. Perhaps it is not available in my region? (France)

One if the keys to avoiding scratches with the ML, is to charge the watch on its side with the loop extended. The Apple charging dock or the Belkin charger that wirelessly charges both the watch and phone, can handle thus in the proper way. Neither are cheap. Both are at tge Apple Store.

If you want to continue to use the ML, I suggest one of the above.

This is exactly the way I charge it. The issue did not happen while charging it but while removing the band. I doubt there are any other option to remove the Milanese loop but to gently let the band slide on the bottom area of the watch in order to get enough space to remove my wrist (quite complicated to explain that, please excuse me since English is not my native language).

So the magnet strapped on the watch body when it reached to the max to release it. I am not sure if it is clear enough.

My opinion might be a little harsh, but if you choose to support the Milanese loop, then be Prepared to accept the aftermath _if_ it comes in contact with the casing/display.

Now, I gather that many consumers don’t know the Milanese loop capability of scratching the Apple Watch, but I’m also willing to believe the majority of consumers probably don’t scour their Apple Watch for every little hairline scratch either and they just wear as they normally would without worrying about minuscule scratches, being its a just a depreciating smart watch at the end of the day.

I was sincerely not prepared for that, and if I was I would have bought another band since day 1.

As I said, I am very careful with my devices and if I choose to go for a SS watch, it is because I care a little about how what I am wearing looks and does say about me. Apple or not a watch is still a luxury piece, especially when you decide to go with a premium case.

The appointment at the Genius Bar is in a few hours.

 

[dotzero123]

Best of luck!!

 

[Pug72]

Hard to tell from the photo but is that a bare stainless steel milanese loop?

If so the marks may come off the casing as it would be harder than the strap.

Also, is it an official strap as the fit doesn't look as flush at the end as it should be.

 

[dotnet]

Among the dust and reflections I can't actually see any damage.

What would bug me much more is the poor fit of the lug, it seems to stick out on both sides. Is this an original band? The Milanese loop on my series 0 SS fits seamlessly.