My AWU Band Odyssey

[newellj]

Thanks. I’ve got a week to hope that the Ultra bundled with an Ocean Band shows up in stock at my local store. Otherwise I guess I need to figure out whether I want $100 “invested” in a band I’ll likely never wear.

IMHO/YMMV: that's a lot of tie up in a band you'll never wear. I had more or less the same decision with the S/M Trail Loop and decided that if the only way Apple could fix the situation was to return the watch, that's what I'd do. They didn't have any problem with that - I was the one who was upset about having to return the watch itself just to fix a band problem. Apple really needs to stop bundling watches and straps with a single SKU and set up "a la carte" ordering for Apple Watches (IMHO).

 

[PatrickNSF]

IMHO/YMMV: that's a lot of tie up in a band you'll never wear. I had more or less the same decision with the S/M Trail Loop and decided that if the only way Apple could fix the situation was to return the watch, that's what I'd do. They didn't have any problem with that - I was the one who was upset about having to return the watch itself just to fix a band problem. Apple really needs to stop bundling watches and straps with a single SKU and set up "a la carte" ordering for Apple Watches (IMHO).

Good point. If they won’t let me do a band swap I‘ll likely return/exchange for one bundled with an Ocean Band and then use one of my old sports loops for some activities (and sleep).

 

[newellj]

Good point. If they won’t let me do a band swap I‘ll likely return/exchange for one bundled with an Ocean Band and then use one of my old sports loops for some activities (and sleep).

That sounds right to me. I've worn a couple of my Sport Loops with the AWU and they look and work fine for me. I will say, though, that the titanium hardware on the Trail Loop is both more attractive visually and more reassuring mentally, compared to the Sport Loops, though it's twice the price. 😂

 

[PatrickNSF]

That sounds right to me. I've worn a couple of my Sport Loops with the AWU and they look and work fine for me. I will say, though, that the titanium hardware on the Trail Loop is both more attractive visually and more reassuring mentally, compared to the Sport Loops, though it's twice the price. 😂

Given my wrist size (167mm) I’m not a fan of the lugs on the Trail Loop (or the Alpine Loop), and I think they could be contributing to my HR issues. I’ve always preferred the straps that attach directly sans lugs (sports band, leather link). I think that’s why I’m preferring the Ocean Band at the moment.

 

[BSG75]

I was able to exchange my white Ocean Band for a Midnight one. It took some figuring out, but it could be done. Just be sure you want to go this route, because you won't be able to exchange the watch after a swap like this one.

It's too bad that you can't just buy the watch alone and then pick out a band.

 

[Shadowbech]

I was able to exchange my white Ocean Band for a Midnight one. It took some figuring out, but it could be done. Just be sure you want to go this route, because you won't be able to exchange the watch after a swap like this one.

It's too bad that you can't just buy the watch alone and then pick out a band.

Right. As long as they have the band in stock, it can be done. Just needs managers override.

I've also talked to some folks about needing to send a message to Apple Cupertino to let them know that they should have sold the watch and the straps separately.

 

[newellj]

Given my wrist size (167mm) I’m not a fan of the lugs on the Trail Loop (or the Alpine Loop), and I think they could be contributing to my HR issues. I’ve always preferred the straps that attach directly sans lugs (sports band, leather link). I think that’s why I’m preferring the Ocean Band at the moment.

I tried the Ocean Band and liked it alot. 👍

 

[newellj]

Right. As long as they have the band in stock, it can be done. Just needs managers override.

I've also talked to some folks about needing to send a message to Apple Cupertino to let them know that they should have sold the watch and the straps separately.

I hear you on the first point. But I’ve never found a manager who would do that. 🫤

On the second point, you’d think that a lot of otherwise unnecessary returns would be a strong message, but Apple doesn’t track the reason for returns AFAIK. 🤯