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What is the deal with the Modern Buckle, anyway?

bunnicula

bunnicula

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jul 23, 2008
3,816
817
I know none of the Modern Buckle watch orders have been filled and I find it very odd that Apple aren't allowing separate band orders for this one at all. No "ships in August 2017," no orders whatsoever.

Did that little, French tannery get swept away by a tornado? Was there an earthquake that took out the only road into town, rendering it impossible for trucks to carry out that precious, leathery cargo? Is Ashton Kutcher reviving Punk'd with this watch band as his first new gag?

I mean, what is the deal?

It feels great on and looks dressier than a sport band. It's not cheap, but Apple could still sell a ton of them if they'd only manufacture the things.

At this rate, there will be comparable third party bands out for less money before Apple ships these.

Very odd. Though, a good many supply issues with the launch in general have been a bit odd.
 
Two comedians allegedly have them on the Delivered thread, and I did see a black one on Cex but strongly suspect that was a classic that some magician managed to sell to them as the modern buckle.
 
bunnicula said:
I know none of the Modern Buckle watch orders have been filled and I find it very odd that Apple aren't allowing separate band orders for this one at all. No "ships in August 2017," no orders whatsoever.

Did that little, French tannery get swept away by a tornado? Was there an earthquake that took out the only road into town, rendering it impossible for trucks to carry out that precious, leathery cargo? Is Ashton Kutcher reviving Punk'd with this watch band as his first new gag?

I mean, what is the deal?

It feels great on and looks dressier than a sport band. It's not cheap, but Apple could still sell a ton of them if they'd only manufacture the things.

At this rate, there will be comparable third party bands out for less money before Apple ships these.

Very odd. Though, a good many supply issues with the launch in general have been a bit odd.
Click to expand...

https://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=SAWSMOBBLA38LA#.VUsLPFxMNYg

https://uk.webuy.com/search/index.php?stext=modern+buckle&section=
 
What does it matter. It only comes in 38mm.

In my opinion, the classic buckle should have been either the same price as the sport or $100 and the modern should be the classic price and available for both sizes or the classic should simply not have been offered and the modern made as the standard leather band.
 
roland.g said:
What does it matter. It only comes in 38mm.

In my opinion, the classic buckle should have been either the same price as the sport or $100 and the modern should be the classic price and available for both sizes or the classic should simply not have been offered and the modern made as the standard leather band.
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Because my watch is 38mm.

Or was that a rhetorical question?
 
roland.g said:
What does it matter. It only comes in 38mm.

In my opinion, the classic buckle should have been either the same price as the sport or $100 and the modern should be the classic price and available for both sizes or the classic should simply not have been offered and the modern made as the standard leather band.
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Are you suggesting it doesn't matter because it is not in the size that you would like? It does matter especially for people who made their orders on 10/4 and are still waiting. Although your point about the classic I suppose makes sense as the classic is level with the Milanese, all of which are watch bands designed for people's preference. I chose the Milanese, you may choose whatever you please. Besides the 42mm looks obtuse on my wrist so I wear the 38mm. It all depends on what fits better or you prefer!
 
It's by far the most feminine band, so I think it's appealing to quite a large audience.

A lot of women buyers will be drawn to it, because the other bands, even in their 38mm options, are quite masculine, or neutral.

Of course it's not exclusively for women, i'm sure some guys are into it too, but I think it's definately going to be a popular option for female buyers, of which I'm sure there are many.
 
jabingla2810 said:
It's by far the most feminine band, so I think it's appealing to quite a large audience.

A lot of women buyers will be drawn to it, because the other bands, even in their 38mm options, are quite masculine, or neutral.

Of course it's not exclusively for women, i'm sure some guys are into it too, but I think it's definately going to be a popular option for female buyers, of which I'm sure there are many.
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There are a fair selection, I for one tried on the modern buckle and it was very comfortable. But the milanese drew me because I like metal bands but like to adjust my watches throughout the day. Also the delivery window in the UK was 24-5 when I ordered which would have otherwise influenced my decision.
 
It IS odd. And what's up with that UK web site...how did they get their hands on modern buckles to sell?

What is the delivery window that people got for the first wave preorders? Did they even get one or was it pushed back?

There surely is an interesting backstory to this, like the taptic engine made in China fiasco. I wonder if we will ever find out what it was.

They really screwed up their just-in-time estimates for these labor intensive components like the steel links and the meticulously tanned leather made in a galaxy far, far away.
 
GrumpyMom said:
It IS odd. And what's up with that UK web site...how did they get their hands on modern buckles to sell?

What is the delivery window that people got for the first wave preorders? Did they even get one or was it pushed back?

There surely is an interesting backstory to this, like the taptic engine made in China fiasco. I wonder if we will ever find out what it was.

They really screwed up their just-in-time estimates for these labor intensive components like the steel links and the meticulously tanned leather made in a galaxy far, far away.
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First window was 4-6 weeks here in the U.S., GrumpyMom. I know because I was going to order one until I saw that delivery window.

There really does have to be a backstory.
 
GrumpyMom said:
It IS odd. And what's up with that UK web site...how did they get their hands on modern buckles to sell?



What is the delivery window that people got for the first wave preorders? Did they even get one or was it pushed back?



There surely is an interesting backstory to this, like the taptic engine made in China fiasco. I wonder if we will ever find out what it was.



They really screwed up their just-in-time estimates for these labor intensive components like the steel links and the meticulously tanned leather made in a galaxy far, far away.
Click to expand...


I ordered one for my fiancée as a surprise wedding gift (I got my 42mm SS on 4/24). I got a email confirmation at 12:02am PST on 4/10. I know I'm in the first wave and my delivery date is 5/13-5/27.

I personally think it's a very classy,elegant,modern looking band. I hope she like it. I think 38mm is a good size for ANYONE who wants it. I am concerned about shipping dates because our BIG DAY is on 5/30.

Despite all the shipping dates and it not being is stock,I've got faith apple will deliver it before 5/30.
 
It's anyone's guess what's holding it back, just as with the link bracelet. I doubt leather itself is the limiting factor, so perhaps it's the manufacturing of the clasp that's holding it back?
 
JayLenochiniMac said:
It's anyone's guess what's holding it back, just as with the link bracelet. I doubt leather itself is the limiting factor, so perhaps it's the manufacturing of the clasp that's holding it back?
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Well, the link bracelets are starting to ship (I'm supposed to get mine tomorrow - just the band, I already have the Watch).

My guess is that someone in the supply chain has some explaining to do, between the Watches themselves, and the bands. Perhaps there was a production issue. For whatever reason, the white and blue sport bands, and Classic Bands seem to be in the most abundant supply, with the Milanese also fairly common. With this much buildup, I'd have thought that the bands would be the least of their problems since there is nothing electronic about them.
 
It is quite perplexing. I ordered on 4/10 at xx:19 and got a ship date window of 5/13-5/28. It has been a long, long wait and I hope it is worth it.
 
KPOM said:
Well, the link bracelets are starting to ship (I'm supposed to get mine tomorrow - just the band, I already have the Watch).

My guess is that someone in the supply chain has some explaining to do, between the Watches themselves, and the bands. Perhaps there was a production issue. For whatever reason, the white and blue sport bands, and Classic Bands seem to be in the most abundant supply, with the Milanese also fairly common. With this much buildup, I'd have thought that the bands would be the least of their problems since there is nothing electronic about them.
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That's why I'm suspecting the link bracelet and modern buckle bands themselves as the limiting factor. Who knows why though?

I do know that according to Apple patent, the Modern Buckle clasp is actually a complicated design, despite being simple in function. Perhaps they wanted to get it just right.
 
Complete speculation here, but I was in the Apple Store yesterday playing around with the different watch bands. While wearing the modern buckle the employee went to demonstrate how accidentally hitting one side of the clasp would not release the watch; when PLOP watch fell right off. He picked it up and tried it again and sure enough only hitting one side was releasing the clasp. After a "huh, thats not supposed to happen," we moved on to the next band. Curious if this is happening more than not and they're tightening the clasp up.
 
Calismic said:
Complete speculation here, but I was in the Apple Store yesterday playing around with the different watch bands. While wearing the modern buckle the employee went to demonstrate how accidentally hitting one side of the clasp would not release the watch; when PLOP watch fell right off. He picked it up and tried it again and sure enough only hitting one side was releasing the clasp. After a "huh, thats not supposed to happen," we moved on to the next band. Curious if this is happening more than not and they're tightening the clasp up.
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Good theory. This might very well be the bug that they're trying to fix before shipping a mass quantity of them, lest too many of them get returned.
 
JayLenochiniMac said:
It's anyone's guess what's holding it back, just as with the link bracelet. I doubt leather itself is the limiting factor, so perhaps it's the manufacturing of the clasp that's holding it back?
Click to expand...

Having tried several variations on, including the 18kt, I do think the clasp is a factor.
 
Calismic said:
Complete speculation here, but I was in the Apple Store yesterday playing around with the different watch bands. While wearing the modern buckle the employee went to demonstrate how accidentally hitting one side of the clasp would not release the watch; when PLOP watch fell right off. He picked it up and tried it again and sure enough only hitting one side was releasing the clasp. After a "huh, thats not supposed to happen," we moved on to the next band. Curious if this is happening more than not and they're tightening the clasp up.
Click to expand...
Perhaps. Though they previewed the design back in September so they ought to have had the mechanical issues sorted out. Maybe it's another supplier issue where half the clasps were defective.
 
Locoboof said:
I ordered one for my fiancée as a surprise wedding gift (I got my 42mm SS on 4/24). I got a email confirmation at 12:02am PST on 4/10. I know I'm in the first wave and my delivery date is 5/13-5/27.

I personally think it's a very classy,elegant,modern looking band. I hope she like it. I think 38mm is a good size for ANYONE who wants it. I am concerned about shipping dates because our BIG DAY is on 5/30.

Despite all the shipping dates and it not being is stock,I've got faith apple will deliver it before 5/30.
Click to expand...
Yes, I remember your order for your fiancée! Oh that is cutting it close like it was for me ordering the pink sport for my sister-in-law's birthday.

Sis arrived at my house an hour early on the day of her birthday and on the exact day the watch was to be delivered. I opened the door thinking it was the UPS guy so when I saw it was Sis, I got such a weird look on my face. She saw that look on my face and burst out laughing and said "Um, yeah I know I'm early but Dad made me leave early". (Her dad is the epitome of the term "old fart". He's lovable,but if he can find a way to be a pain in the tail and ruin plans and gum up the works, he will be a pain in the tail).

Fortunately I was able to intercept the UPS guy outdoors. Sis thought I was just signing for something unrelated to her anyway. My husband sneaked away to wrap it. Surprise was accomplished!

I hope you come back and find a place somewhere on this forum to tell us how your fiancée reacts to her gift. I think it's a gorgeous choice. That buckle is a unique piece of engineering itself.

Edit to add: I just saw the most recent posts in this thread. Goodness! That's indeed not a defect they want getting out to the consumer. That would add up to a lot of lost and damaged watches!
 
I got my wife the 38mm SS with ML and she loves it but she did really like the Modern Buckle she tried on. I've been wanting to order her one, but the damn things still are not even for sale yet.

I too wonder what the hold up is!!!!!

I think the watch being in short supply is almost forgivable given the complexity of it. But for the life of me I cannot understand why they are not pumping out thousands of bands a day, especially the Sport.
 
JayLenochiniMac said:
It's anyone's guess what's holding it back, just as with the link bracelet. I doubt leather itself is the limiting factor, so perhaps it's the manufacturing of the clasp that's holding it back?
Click to expand...

I think it's pretty clear -- each link bracelet takes 9 hours to make. So there's clearly a bottleneck trying to keep up with the third most popular band. Apple probably thought the cost would reduce the demand, but no. The modern buckle has been limited to the 38mm watch since the beginning. My speculation is that it is a patentable design that took original engineering, and reports of it malfunctioning adds to the challenges of making the clasp. Apple felt it would appeal to women, and therefore limited the size of the group who could even access it, and likewise with the leather loop which likewise offered some technical challenges with the magnets and seamless design. I would expect both to be offered in the alternate size as soon as they master their production issues. The Milanese is also a time consuming band to make and despite its price turned out to be the second most popular band, constraining supply somewhat there compared to demand.
 
Mac 128 said:
Apple felt it would appeal to women, and therefore limited the size of the group who could even access it, and likewise with the leather loop which likewise offered some technical challenges with the magnets and seamless design. I would expect both to be offered in the alternate size as soon as they master their production issues.
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The Modern Buckle is a ladies strap and may not be available in the alternate size, especially given your own comment that Apple felt it would appeal to women. A member commented that the quite large Modern Buckle clasp (which makes it feminine) will look funny if made even larger for 42mm, whereas it's nicely proportional in 38mm.

If they wanted to make it gender neutral and available in both sizes, they would not have made the design of the clasp so large and feminine rounded.
 
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