Series 10 Milanese Loop Quality

[Rkuda]

Hi,

Looking for feedback for people who have experience with new(-er) Apple Watch Milanese bands. Just the standard Apple one's not the new ones for the Ultra.

I just got my Slate Series 10 watch, finally upgraded from a Series 6 with the matching Slate Milanese loop.

There are a few nitpicks I have and am not sure if these are temporary issues due to newness or perhaps a reduction in quality in the 4 years since I've had my Series 6 Milanese Loop.

The main issues are:

1) Where it bends it creates a kink in the band. This is not a temporary kink and can be pulled apart to unkink it

2) If I pinch the band between my fingers and gently pull while I move my fingers down the band it sounds "crunchy". Also just having the band on my wrist if I press or pinch on the band it is also crunchy.

It's possible my Series 6 band also had this issue at first and just relaxed over time but I cannot recall if that was the case.

Anyone have experience with the bands in recent years starting like that and getting better? Maybe this is just a bit of a dud?

I want to sell my old Series 6 and the Milanese band along with it, but the old one is rock solid. No kinking and no noise at all messing with it.

 

[Rkuda]

Here is the kinking from the new band

I've been trying various things to get the kinks not not set and to get rid of the crunchy sounds. I didn't have much luck until I tried to massage in some anti-rust oil that I use on knives. After a few minutes of putting it on and rolling the band gently twisting it etc. No more sounds! And only light kinks show up and only with extreme bending of the band that won't really happen day to day.

Even after washing with soap and water, wiping with alcohol and then blowing out the band with compressed air this fix seems to be sticking.

So it seems like the issues are only some stiffness from being new and not a quality issue. These issues will probably go away naturally just from wearing the band but using the oil seemed to be a good way to speed run the fix. 👍

 

[hamiltonDSi]

Just enjoy your new watch. I have 3 Link Bracelets from Apple and they all feel a little different, rattle different.
Dont worry.

 

[alphacen]

Did you buy it directly from Apple? I have one of the new ML bands and it looks nothing like that and behaves nothing like what you’ve described. Mine is incredibly fluid. Love it.

 

[srbNYC]

I'm about to buy one for my black Series 9 -- but under "Manufacturer Note" on the Apple Store app, it says: "Band is not water resistant." What on earth does that mean if it's stainless steel? Help.

 

[ISKOTB]

Here is the kinking from the new band

View attachment 2434162

I've been trying various things to get the kinks not not set and to get rid of the crunchy sounds. I didn't have much luck until I tried to massage in some anti-rust oil that I use on knives. After a few minutes of putting it on and rolling the band gently twisting it etc. No more sounds! And only light kinks show up and only with extreme bending of the band that won't really happen day to day.

Even after washing with soap and water, wiping with alcohol and then blowing out the band with compressed air this fix seems to be sticking.

So it seems like the issues are only some stiffness from being new and not a quality issue. These issues will probably go away naturally just from wearing the band but using the oil seemed to be a good way to speed run the fix. 👍

I the TI one and the band look the same as yours (cheap)

 

[Bryan Bowler]

I the TI one and the band look the same as yours (cheap)

I have the Natural Titanium Milanese Loop and have the same problem as you and the person above. It actually looks good while I am wearing it, but when I am not wearing it, it looks like wrinkled laundry and it looks like it has faint discolorations and blotches on it. I am not sure what to make of it and while I have never returned an Apple product in the past 18 years, I am considering returning this one or exchanging it.

 

[Bryan Bowler]

 

[srbNYC]

I have the Natural Titanium Milanese Loop and have the same problem as you and the person above. It actually looks good while I am wearing it, but when I am not wearing it, it looks like wrinkled laundry and it looks like it has faint discolorations and blotches on it. I am not sure what to make of it and while I have never returned an Apple product in the past 18 years, I am considering returning this one or exchanging it.

If it looks good while you're wearing it, why does it matter how it looks when you're not? I have the same band, and like it a lot, btw.

 

[Bryan Bowler]

If it looks good while you're wearing it, why does it matter how it looks when you're not? I have the same band, and like it a lot, btw.

Good point. I totally agree with you…and I am surprised that I am bothered by how blotchy and uneven it looks when I am not wearing it. I am usually a practical person. I’ll wear it and inspect it closely one more time before deciding.

 

[ISKOTB]

I have the Natural Titanium Milanese Loop and have the same problem as you and the person above. It actually looks good while I am wearing it, but when I am not wearing it, it looks like wrinkled laundry and it looks like it has faint discolorations and blotches on it. I am not sure what to make of it and while I have never returned an Apple product in the past 18 years, I am considering returning this one or exchanging it.

I feel the edges are kind of sharp! My older stainless one feels like it has much better quality.

 

[Bryan Bowler]

I have decided to keep the band. I am unsure why it looks so blotchy and uneven while sitting on my desk….but it does look amazing when wearing it and I cannot see the blotchy-ness then. Not mention that is is very comfortable as well. I’ve laid this issue to rest and onwards I go to other things while wearing and enjoying the band!

 

[xraydoc]

I'm about to buy one for my black Series 9 -- but under "Manufacturer Note" on the Apple Store app, it says: "Band is not water resistant." What on earth does that mean if it's stainless steel? Help.

The magnetic clasp has an iron core magnet in it.

 

[newellj]

I have been surprised at how comfortable this band is (very). I was a little skeptical before I put it on my Ultra 2, but haven't taken it off since. Among other things, no hair pulling at all. It's almost like a metal version of a Sport Loop or Trail Loop.

Mine shows a very, very small amount of the effect in the picture in the OP. It disappears entirely when the watch is being worn.