Orange Alpine band showing wear already?

[Todashi]

As the subject line says, I got the orange alpine loop on Friday and it kinda looks like like it's already getting grubby.

Don't get me wrong - it's not bad, but it just seems like the material is prone to discolouring on the underside from sweat, and from resting on a desk as you type. Anyone else notice this?

I haven't tried washing it or anything - it might be nothing major - but for an expensive strap that seems off to me. Granted most of the cost in making these for Apple comes from the titanium bits and bobs on there, but the actual fabric seems surprisingly 'off' to me.

Am I alone?

 

[ArchEtech]

Have you tried washing it with some dawn soap and light finger scrubbing? All what or light colored bands show dirt bad on any watch honestly. I have a white nylon I use all the time and even the white skirt band need as good scrub weekly.

 

[Todashi]

No I haven't tried washing it at all. It's not actually that bad, it just surprise me that I could notice it after five days of use. It begs the question, how long will it last for before it becomes unsightly. And that begs the question how long should ANY band last, and what is reasonable for a consumer to expect, and what isn't.

Like, if I wore it rock climbing or digging a garden or something and got it muddy, that's obviously one thing. It's not reasonable to expect it to stay looking new under that kind of situation. But I haven't really done anything with this other than go for a few walks and wear it while working.

I'm more posting it to flag the issue and see how this might pan out over time.

 

[ArchEtech]

What band is going to last through the dirt of the outdoors and be ready for a black tie event? I would say none.

Certainly anything light colored in any material is going to need daily or weekly washing. I think that is a reasonable expectation. Would you wear a white t shirt to Rick climb and expect it to stay white?

There is also this:

 

[RPhoto]

It’s not showing wear (which to me would be the material breaking down) it’s showing dirt. But it’s washable, just like clothing. So if you’re in an environment that’s dirty, which I assume you are given there’s dirt on the inside and outside, just give it a clean every few days. I’ve a couple light coloured sport loops and I wear them in the shower and it keeps them looking good as new.

 

[Pug72]

@ArchEtech Careful, looks like the lug isn't snapped in on the first pic.

 

[newellj]

I'm wondering how long it will take for the hook on the Alpine bands to start fraying the loops it slides into.

 

[Phil Holland]

It’s dirty. Wash it.

Underwear does the same thing after a few days…or so I’ve learned.

 

[RPhoto]

I'm wondering how long it will take for the hook on the Alpine bands to start fraying the loops it slides into.

That’s a more legitimate concern. But wear and tear on watch straps is part of life. In fact don’t Hermès recommend you don’t wear their leather straps every day (I may have dreamed that but sure I read it here somewhere 🤣). Hopefully the Alpine will last a while but time will tell.

 

[NotApplicable]

Soil isn’t wear, any textile will get dirty with bodily fluids and oils

 

[michael1019]

Light colored material becomes dirty with use. This is a SHOCKING discovery. Does Apple do no testing!?

Also, my leather bands show wear. UNACCEPTABLE.

😂😂

Try using soap. Stuff gets dirty. Do you wash your clothes? Your hair? Your dishes? Honestly, I’m confused about people’s expectations.

 

[tfraley]

As the subject line says, I got the orange alpine loop on Friday and it kinda looks like like it's already getting grubby.

Don't get me wrong - it's not bad, but it just seems like the material is prone to discolouring on the underside from sweat, and from resting on a desk as you type. Anyone else notice this?

I haven't tried washing it or anything - it might be nothing major - but for an expensive strap that seems off to me. Granted most of the cost in making these for Apple comes from the titanium bits and bobs on there, but the actual fabric seems surprisingly 'off' to me.

Am I alone?View attachment 2081584View attachment 2081585

Hey buddy,
I got the white alpine one with mine.
I see the same thing, Haven't really even gone out or worked out in it.. Been working to much.
With that said, I see where I rest my hand on the desk and the edges of the band turning darker giving a more white dirty look. Almost regretting getting the white. Didn't think it would get so dirty fast.

I come for using the Braided solo loops for years all day every day, and this gets dirty way faster

 

[Todashi]

Yeah, that's exactly my position. I've owned maybe 10 other Apple Watch bands over the years and some show dirt and wear more than others - the magnetic closing leather link bands break my heart because they look so good new but unless they're a very dark colour to start with, they're impossible to keep clean.

I was just surprised at how quickly this one started to show dirt just from being worn at my desk. Obviously the titanium parts cost money to make etc, but the actual nylon material seems oddly . . . subpar to me. It just doesn't seem up to the usual Apple standard.

But perhaps it's just a problem with all light colours. I think the green one looks really good as well, so I might try and sell my orange one to swap for one of those.

Apparently the orange one is in a lot of demand because it's the one they showed at launch and it's sold out.

 

[Jackbequickly]

No I haven't tried washing it at all. It's not actually that bad, it just surprise me that I could notice it after five days of use. It begs the question, how long will it last for before it becomes unsightly. And that begs the question how long should ANY band last, and what is reasonable for a consumer to expect, and what isn't.

Like, if I wore it rock climbing or digging a garden or something and got it muddy, that's obviously one thing. It's not reasonable to expect it to stay looking new under that kind of situation. But I haven't really done anything with this other than go for a few walks and wear it while working.

I'm more posting it to flag the issue and see how this might pan out over time.

‘For $100 I would expect it to be able to be cleaned and look like new again for at least 6 months. I have been wondering about the Trail band I have on order, too. It is made of a fabric that certainly will pick up human oils and dirt. It might be a $100 disappointment😮

 

[EngenZerO]

I usually place my sports loops in my gym short pockets and through it in the wash under a cold wash setting. Then I take them out when they are done and let them air dry. No issues with my bands and they look clean.

 

[John-F]

I got the watch with the Alpine Loop and was satisfied with it. But I was concerned about it picking up moisture including sweat and needing to be washed from time to time. So I also picked up an Ocean Band. To me it's just as comfortable so I will probably wear it most of the time.

 

[parseckadet]

I come for using the Braided solo loops for years all day every day, and this gets dirty way faster

I find that my braided loop gets smelly really easily just from hand washing throughout the day. I never wear it to workout or anything like that, and I've run it though the wash several times. Still, if I wear it all day at work or wherever, it seems to stay wet long enough after washing my hands that by the end of the day it needs to be washed. Even now, I haven't worn it in weeks and washed it the last time I did, and if I put my nose up to it I get a hint of funkiness. Really disappointing since it's such a comfortable band.

 

[Jonnytheman]

What band is going to last through the dirt of the outdoors and be ready for a black tie event? I would say none.

Certainly anything light colored in any material is going to need daily or weekly washing. I think that is a reasonable expectation. Would you wear a white t shirt to Rick climb and expect it to stay white?

There is also this:

What band is that if i may ask?

 

[ArchEtech]

Nereides Compatible with Apple Watch Band Series 8/7/6/5/4/3/2/1/SE, Nylon Sports Strap with Woven Design for 42mm/44mm/45mm 38mm/40mm/41mm https://a.co/d/irHxVmN

 

[travis64]

I would never work out with this band just throw on a nike band for that
But i am loving the orange alpine but would not spend 100 on it

 

[ArchEtech]

The Alpine are really nice. I don’t think any of the Apple Brandon bands are really worth $100 but it is what it is.

 

[Mr.C]

I don’t think any of the Ultra specific bands are worth £100. They should really be £50 in my opinion as design and quality wise they’re no different then the bands Apple sells for £50.

 

[RPhoto]

I don’t think any of the Ultra specific bands are worth £100. They should really be £50 in my opinion as design and quality wise they’re no different then the bands Apple sells for £50.

They have titanium hardware. That’s all the justification they need. The sport loops with their plastic hardware would suddenly seem even more overpriced than they are if for the same money you could buy a premium version with titanium.

For what it’s worth, I agree with you in principle. But Apple sets these crazy prices because they know people will pay. And for those who won’t, 3rd party copies are the other option.

 

[doboy]

What do you expect out of a light colored fabric band?

 

[Royksöpp]

Apparently a lot of people are chipping/scratching their watch with the clasp. That’s something to watch out for.