Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Watch with Stainless Steel Link Bracelet Orders
- Thread starter anthonya1999
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
fischersd
macrumors 603
I think those users have posted false data to get reactions out of the group. The data suggested 2 have already been delivered (with late order times) and others are shipped - also with late order times.
----------
Honestly, you just need to keep in mind that the link bracelet is a pre-requisite part to create our watches. It only stands to reason that the batch of bands was ready before the production line was. They simply took the excess and filled some band orders. That's it.
bunnicula
macrumors 68040
Why? You agreed to the ship dates. The individual band shipping date was on the site as a faster purchase as soon as the store opened after midnight PST on 4/10.
You could've chosen that option, ordering as early as you did.
Lobwedgephil
macrumors 603
To be fair, I wanted link also, saw shipping dates and went BSB and extra link. So I've had my watch, but not the link yet, first 15 minutes yet I have seen shipping for 10 hours later. So I am not upset, but that bugs me. But I do think Apple should be shipping watch link band orders before just band orders, even though it was clear.
ZMRoach
macrumors regular
Okay, bunnicula, I know what you are saying (and have been saying since the beginning of the thread) but what you are saying isn't making the wait for those of us that only wanted the Link Bracelet in the first place any easier.
We could have chosen otherwise, but we didn't for one reason or another.
If you put yourself in our shoes, and were absolutely without a watch while watching people receive their watch, that they ordered only a couple days ago in some cases, and then extra bands (including the band that you ordered specifically because that was the only band you wanted) then how would you feel?
Yes, you worked the system and got what you wanted before those of us still waiting but that doesn't mean that this is the way that things should have been in the first place, nor does you saying that we could have done differently make the wait any easier.
I'm not trying to be mean or disrespectful in any way, but maybe hope that you can see where the frustration stems from on our end of things.
cosmic68
macrumors 6502
I have to second this. You've been really helpful, to me even Bunnicula but don't understand your need to comment and admonish everyone who questions the logic of the launch. Let people gripe if they want to.
I'm with a lot of people on here and bemused why they delivered the product the way they did. I haven't complained that anything is late (because it isn't) but to me-it was a strange way to get orders out.
In my opinion, a complete order with its band should have been a priority to separate bands if both are in stock. Apple obviously didn't. That's when the questions started and I feel they're perfectly legitimate.
Like the other poster-I mean no disrespect and I thank you for your advice you gave me a few pages back, but come on-leave us grumble/question the launch if we want to.
I'll add to this just to say that every time I read your posts, it just seems like you want to make it seem you made the better decision and are a step ahead of everyone which is why you deserve the earlier delivery.
I understand you're trying to help and be courteous but it just comes off as pompous. We get it, you've been posting similar replies to everyone addressing the priority issue. You've gotten your point across, trust me. Hope your husband enjoys his band.
fischersd
macrumors 603
Wow, do the 5 of you feel better? Bunnicula's being the voice of reason, and all of you that want to moan about not having your watches yet ganging up on her. Class act guys.
You also continue to bitch about the bands being shipped. Time and again it's been explained that they need to be manufactured in advance of the LB watch assembly. So why the hell not fulfill some accessory orders as they're sitting there waiting for the LB watches to have their production run?
Other Apple customers should wait because you guys don't have your watches?
Wow! Leaves me speechless that people can be so spiteful, greedy and immature.
There's lots of threads where people are bitching about the launch. Why don't you confine your negative energy to those.
You also continue to bitch about the bands being shipped. Time and again it's been explained that they need to be manufactured in advance of the LB watch assembly. So why the hell not fulfill some accessory orders as they're sitting there waiting for the LB watches to have their production run?
Other Apple customers should wait because you guys don't have your watches?
Wow! Leaves me speechless that people can be so spiteful, greedy and immature.
There's lots of threads where people are bitching about the launch. Why don't you confine your negative energy to those.
jbromer
macrumors 6502a
Perhaps another way of looking at this issue....for the 100th time....is that nearly all of us are first adopters. The normal buyer wasn't online at 12:01am(PDT), so we all wanted this new technology as soon as possible. Those who ordered a complete AW w/LB have now waited 29 days to get this new marvel of technology. That's a long time to be patient. We're now more "Apple order savvy" thanks to Bunnicula and JayLenoChiniMac. I know I'll be a bit more logical next time I order from Apple at 3:00am (my time).
I'm still baffled as to why there are SS Apple Watches shipping AND there are SS Link Bands shipping. But there are no complete Watches shipping with a Link Band, irregardless of the lead times posted. Other Apple Watch items have busted the lead time barrrier, but this one item appears as if it will go right up to the May 13th (or worse yet, the May 27th) ship window.
As an early adopter, I've had to get out my patience hat, put it on and suck it up. I'm resigned to get my watch in the next 2 weeks, but it doesn't make it any easier when I see someone has a SS AW or when I hear that quite a number of SS Link bands are shipping. Just sticks in my craw. And yes, I'm an old man and I am entitled to be a grouch about some things (GET OFF MY LAWN!) 😛
So I enjoy complaining or having a good discussion about the relative merits of supply chain management. All in all, I know that I'll get my AW w/LB before the folks in June or July (fingers crossed). I prefer to look at the glass as half full and know that I'm part of a community that live in fascinating times. (I still miss Steve Jobs.....rip).
Last edited:
fischersd
macrumors 603
I'll put this scenario forward. None of the numbers have a basis in reality as none of us know Apple's metrics for manufacturing.
We know the SS with LB watches are the rarest of the watches (including space black in this) due to the pricing. There are many times over the sport watches and the SS with much cheaper bands.
Plant A is where final assembly is done. Production runs of 100,000 units or more are completed at a time, but the lines have been dedicated to sport and SS non LB orders - toggling between them (creating the waves of fulfillment we've seen).
Plant B is where the link bands are manufactured. As 100,000 units is the minimum units required for a production run, they produce and ship these in lots of 50,000. (thereby, Plant A's warehouse, when things are moving well, only needs to stock up to 100,000 bands).
It only takes Plant B two weeks to manufacture 50,000 bands.
Plant A has been dedicated to sport and SS non LB production for 6 weeks now.
So, Plant A's warehouse now has 150,000 bands. There's going to be at least another 2 weeks before they can free up a line to do final assembly.
Meaning they'll have 200,000 bands on hand by then. Considering there's only orders for 85,000 watches, the decision is made to take some of the stock and fulfill the accessories orders, of which there are 10,000.
Now, Apple, having negotiated contracts with these suppliers well in advance of the start of production, was very much aware of their capabilities and also did a good job of forecasting what the demand would look like (percentages of sport, SS with cheap bands, SS with Link Bands, Edition). They knew they would be in a situation where there would be ramp of bands prior to production that would likely see them have a significant excess and be able to meet accessory orders in advance.
Hence, why their window was two weeks before ours.
You could flush the example out more. Add some distances. Supply constraints due to quality issues and not anticipating the demand to be quite this high, but the logistics would be very similar to what I've outlined here.
We know the SS with LB watches are the rarest of the watches (including space black in this) due to the pricing. There are many times over the sport watches and the SS with much cheaper bands.
Plant A is where final assembly is done. Production runs of 100,000 units or more are completed at a time, but the lines have been dedicated to sport and SS non LB orders - toggling between them (creating the waves of fulfillment we've seen).
Plant B is where the link bands are manufactured. As 100,000 units is the minimum units required for a production run, they produce and ship these in lots of 50,000. (thereby, Plant A's warehouse, when things are moving well, only needs to stock up to 100,000 bands).
It only takes Plant B two weeks to manufacture 50,000 bands.
Plant A has been dedicated to sport and SS non LB production for 6 weeks now.
So, Plant A's warehouse now has 150,000 bands. There's going to be at least another 2 weeks before they can free up a line to do final assembly.
Meaning they'll have 200,000 bands on hand by then. Considering there's only orders for 85,000 watches, the decision is made to take some of the stock and fulfill the accessories orders, of which there are 10,000.
Now, Apple, having negotiated contracts with these suppliers well in advance of the start of production, was very much aware of their capabilities and also did a good job of forecasting what the demand would look like (percentages of sport, SS with cheap bands, SS with Link Bands, Edition). They knew they would be in a situation where there would be ramp of bands prior to production that would likely see them have a significant excess and be able to meet accessory orders in advance.
Hence, why their window was two weeks before ours.
You could flush the example out more. Add some distances. Supply constraints due to quality issues and not anticipating the demand to be quite this high, but the logistics would be very similar to what I've outlined here.
edlex
macrumors 68020
I totally agree with you. But as I've told bunnicula in the past, it's impossible to inject logic and rationality into a discussion that's clearly irrational, emotional and requires no response. In close to 20 years of marriage I've learned that not every time my wife complains about something does it require my injection of logic. Most of the time she just wants a sympathetic ear not a lecture. The fact that we all have an extra $1000 to throw away on a toy tells me most here are pretty successful and smart enough to figure out delivery dates. Most of us come here to share in the experience and lean on each other when we're frustrated. Venting does not require a response that, not intentionally, invalidates someone's feelings. Particularly when someone already has the object someone else desires. Now, with that said, I WANT MY SHINY NOW!
Completely agree with this I'm sorry but her comments always feel as though it's being rubbed in everyone's faces. I'm happy people are getting separate band orders but doesn't make sense since the other extra band orders did not go out until the watches went out it looks like as in sports bands Milanese bands etc they all shipped extra after complete watch orders had been shipped yet our watches that we've ordered have not shipped yet the bands alone are shipping which makes no sense to me. Apple could of at least shipped a few of the really early watches before shipping the bands or could of shipped the bands later in the delivery window will at least getting out some of the complete watches just my .02 but who knows what Apple is doing this launch has been crazy and messed up from the start. It's just weird to me that lots of other watches got pushed up as well but ours still hasn't but anyone still hoping for my watch soon but getting very impatient at this point especially swing bands going out hoping they have enough bands to make out watches and not make us wait till the end of our window now because they sent out bands and don't have enough to fill all the watch orders. Anyone let us complain if we want to its a way to relieve stress and let the time pass all ladies should know this we have to listen and take when we listen to you ladies but when it's our time to vent and just get things off our chest. You ladies just want to throw it back in our fave well you should of done this. Yes we know what we could of done just leave it alone and let us talk.
Just look at all of those up votes on the posts about Bunnicula touting her superiority of mind.
Seriously, Bunnicula, you got your extra link band, so get out! We all get it you're smarter and have more insight than we could ever dream of!
Is that what you're looking for? Will you stop now?
To further support the crowd here, similarly to it being ridiculous that the link bands shipped first (YES I UNDERSTAND THE LOGISTICS ETC SPARE ME), I also received my extra band last night. I found it equally ridiculous that while all of the parts to make and send me my watch are produced, I still don't have one. However, I do have a useless band that mocks me frequently 🙂
Seriously, Bunnicula, you got your extra link band, so get out! We all get it you're smarter and have more insight than we could ever dream of!
Is that what you're looking for? Will you stop now?
To further support the crowd here, similarly to it being ridiculous that the link bands shipped first (YES I UNDERSTAND THE LOGISTICS ETC SPARE ME), I also received my extra band last night. I found it equally ridiculous that while all of the parts to make and send me my watch are produced, I still don't have one. However, I do have a useless band that mocks me frequently 🙂
Last edited:
jbromer
macrumors 6502a
Out of line, and a smily face at the end doesn't make it better. Mods should ban you.
And BTW,
Not that I want to add to your frustration, but the separate link bands, purchased on the same day as the Watch itself with a different band ARE ALSO COVERED by Apple care +. Topic was covered before and Apple Online store people confirmed that as well.
I understand your frustration guys, but it's true that we knew the shipping dates before ordering.
Think of the contrary: if Apple promised a shipping window for your band, but started shipping other people's watch and band that had later shipping dates before your order, that you placed specifically that way because they gave you that shipping window, that would have been a problem.
I'm not saying that Apple shouldn't have give you earlier shipping dates from the beginning, I think they could have done things differently. But it's true that they were clear from the start.
Not that I want to add to your frustration, but the separate link bands, purchased on the same day as the Watch itself with a different band ARE ALSO COVERED by Apple care +. Topic was covered before and Apple Online store people confirmed that as well.
I understand your frustration guys, but it's true that we knew the shipping dates before ordering.
Think of the contrary: if Apple promised a shipping window for your band, but started shipping other people's watch and band that had later shipping dates before your order, that you placed specifically that way because they gave you that shipping window, that would have been a problem.
I'm not saying that Apple shouldn't have give you earlier shipping dates from the beginning, I think they could have done things differently. But it's true that they were clear from the start.
fischersd
macrumors 603
Can you give the reference for that? It's standard in the industry that warranties (purchased or otherwise) are for the product listed, not add-ons or accessories.
It would be great if Apple was doing that - it would certainly add a lot more value to AppleCare, but I really don't see it happening (and half of the CS folks are talking out of their ass, so unless they give you something in writing, it's open to interpretation and frustration later).
Well I personally contacted them about that on two occasion because I didn't take Apple care plus in the first place because of that ( I ordered the link separately) but needed express replacement for the watch as it needed to be serviced. I ended up taking AC+ after a few days.
Was confirmed, and manager re-confirmed and there is notes on my orders that re-re confirm that my link band is also covered.
I hope you guys receive your watch asap!
Was confirmed, and manager re-confirmed and there is notes on my orders that re-re confirm that my link band is also covered.
I hope you guys receive your watch asap!
I think that would be a bit strong.... But ok...
I cleaned it up just for your dainty eyes.
Also, smiley face was related to my band mocking me. Which it is still this morning. Stupid thing!
MattDing
macrumors newbie
I appreciate the fact we are complaining about a frivolity, but what sticks in my craw is the suggestion that I "did it wrong" because I wasn't willing to game the system.
Like a lot of people, I spent many, many hours since lasts fall's Watch announcement absorbing every detail I could as it dribbled out of Cupertino. I was a nearly daily visitor to Apple's Watch page, evaluating and reading. I even took the afternoon off of work in March so I could watch the launch event live on my
TV.
All of that time was spent so I could determine exactly what Watch I wanted. Like I'm sure many did, I agonized those weeks leading up to April 10th once we had the full pricing information deciding what I wanted to spend. The end result of all that time and research was that I wanted (and would wear daily) the 42mm stainless steel with link bracelet.
So guess what I did. As soon as the store opened on April 10th, I ordered the Watch I decided on. Crazy, huh? I clearly saw the shipping dates. I didn't wait a second to search for other options to get it to me faster. I stuck with my guns and bought what I wanted. It seems disingenuous to me that people that DID work the system to get a Watch as soon as possible now chastise me about MY need for "instant gratification."
Now I'm not saying those people did anything wrong. They took what Apple offered. That's totally fair on their part. My issue is more specifically how the link band (and leather loop) orders were handled. People that ordered link bracelet Watches are still twiddling our thumbs, while people that ordered other Watches are now walking around with link bracelets.
To me, the whole "ship the bands first because it's easier" argument holds zero weight. It's the 100% truth that bands alone can be shipped faster than an assembled watch. That still doesn't mean Apple should have done it that way. They definitely didn't do it that way with other bands. In order for them to ship black sports band Watches on launch day they needed to have the bands ready. Why didn't they ship the standalone band orders that day? It's because they prioritized getting completed Watches out the door. They could have easily don't that with the link bracelet and leather loop - sent the entire first batch to the factory for Watch assembly. They chose not to do that, so here we sit.
This was clearly Apple's plan, as it matches their delivery windows perfectly. I have no idea why, because it's extremely frustrating, but it is what it is.
At the end of the day, it's still just a Watch and it will come soon and it's insignificant in the grand scheme of things. It does not make it that much easier to wait though. 😉
Like a lot of people, I spent many, many hours since lasts fall's Watch announcement absorbing every detail I could as it dribbled out of Cupertino. I was a nearly daily visitor to Apple's Watch page, evaluating and reading. I even took the afternoon off of work in March so I could watch the launch event live on my
TV. All of that time was spent so I could determine exactly what Watch I wanted. Like I'm sure many did, I agonized those weeks leading up to April 10th once we had the full pricing information deciding what I wanted to spend. The end result of all that time and research was that I wanted (and would wear daily) the 42mm stainless steel with link bracelet.
So guess what I did. As soon as the store opened on April 10th, I ordered the Watch I decided on. Crazy, huh? I clearly saw the shipping dates. I didn't wait a second to search for other options to get it to me faster. I stuck with my guns and bought what I wanted. It seems disingenuous to me that people that DID work the system to get a Watch as soon as possible now chastise me about MY need for "instant gratification."
Now I'm not saying those people did anything wrong. They took what Apple offered. That's totally fair on their part. My issue is more specifically how the link band (and leather loop) orders were handled. People that ordered link bracelet Watches are still twiddling our thumbs, while people that ordered other Watches are now walking around with link bracelets.
To me, the whole "ship the bands first because it's easier" argument holds zero weight. It's the 100% truth that bands alone can be shipped faster than an assembled watch. That still doesn't mean Apple should have done it that way. They definitely didn't do it that way with other bands. In order for them to ship black sports band Watches on launch day they needed to have the bands ready. Why didn't they ship the standalone band orders that day? It's because they prioritized getting completed Watches out the door. They could have easily don't that with the link bracelet and leather loop - sent the entire first batch to the factory for Watch assembly. They chose not to do that, so here we sit.
This was clearly Apple's plan, as it matches their delivery windows perfectly. I have no idea why, because it's extremely frustrating, but it is what it is.
At the end of the day, it's still just a Watch and it will come soon and it's insignificant in the grand scheme of things. It does not make it that much easier to wait though. 😉
bunnicula
macrumors 68040
I would've had no issue with them shipping whole watch orders before band only orders if it didn't delay the shipping of band only orders so that Apple missed the shipping window they gave the band only purchasers.
Everyone who ordered had the ability to choose another option. Should Apple have set it up differently during the preorder period? Ideally, but I assume this is what worked best from a logistical standpoint so as not to delay and have bands sitting around in a warehouse that costs money. It's retail logic. Not elementary school "fairness" logic.
In my ideal universe, Apple would've had some of all the watches ready at launch, but that's not how it went.
Last edited:
fischersd
macrumors 603
I think it's pretty simple. The watches that are constrained are the least popular. Apple's trying to fulfill as many orders they can as fast as possible. So, the assembly lines are churning out the other watches.
Meanwhile, the bands sit waiting for the production runs for the less popular watches. They continue to be produced, so why not fulfill accessory orders?
If we wanted our watches sooner, we should have ordered the most popular models. Did we know that then? Hell no. We all figured that there would be foxcon levels of production, so everyone would be happy.
Isn't the case - they don't have that level of manufacturing.
So we wait for the assembly.
Meanwhile, the bands sit waiting for the production runs for the less popular watches. They continue to be produced, so why not fulfill accessory orders?
If we wanted our watches sooner, we should have ordered the most popular models. Did we know that then? Hell no. We all figured that there would be foxcon levels of production, so everyone would be happy.
Isn't the case - they don't have that level of manufacturing.
So we wait for the assembly.
bunnicula
macrumors 68040
My husband still doesn't have his link bracelet. UPS lost it.
His choice of watch was the EXACT same as yours. He elected to get the watch on launch day with a sport band and wait for his link bracelet, but that does not mean he didn't select the EXACT same watch you selected as his personal choice of Apple watch.
And I do get why you are frustrated. I'd be frustrated, too. Do you suppose the people who ordered the Modern Buckle are frustrated right about now? I think they are. I wanted one of those.
If I'd ordered my husband the SS w/Link and myself the Modern Buckle as we originally chose, we'd be sitting here without watches.
I made a choice not to sit here without a watch. I made a choice to wait for a band.
Doesn't mean I'm not disappointed about having to wait for my ideal band selection.
You could say "but, you have your watch!"
And I could say "but, you could have had yours already if you were willing to choose another model and order the link bracelet separately."
And we would both be right. Know what I mean?
----------
I'm not welcome here. Check.
I hope you get your watch soon. I'm gonna go track down the band UPS lost (or someone stole, who the hell knows?).
I do question the launch, but logic tells me they had some production issues and they haven't misrepresented availability to any of us ever since preorders went live on 4/10.
I do realize that logic and emotion are not the same thing, though.
Peace.