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.
Why does Apple say the Link Bracelet and the Milanese are not water resistant??
- Thread starter Luba
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I'm not Entirely sure, but I would think that depending if the link bracelet or Milanese loop is subjected to water enough overtime, it could cause some form rust or corrosion. ESpecially salt water.
I Understand that. But there has been cases where the milanese loop and stainless link have been subjected to corrosion from salt water. If I recall correctly, there was a thread discussing some users experiencing corrosion with the stainless steel link and Milanese loop band from Apple. Furthermore, it's how you care for the stainless steel if its subjected to water, which Apple recommends rinsing it off if it was used in a pool or the ocean.
But interestingly, there haven't been any cases of the actual watch experiencing corrosion.
Granted the fact the stainless steel Apple Watch has a different finish over the link and Milanese loop.
Last edited:
I think you're referring to the situation when stainless steel touches aluminum, it can cause corrosion. I forget what it was called. It was another reason I got the SS AW.
[doublepost=1501733761][/doublepost]
Hmmm, the shiny SS vs brushed SS could conflict. But the black SS has DLC coating, shouldn't that protect it? We need the chemists or experts that responded to the aluminum/steel corrosion thread to help us.
The "DLC" coating or formally known as diamond like carbon coating is an added layer meant to protect against scratches and nicks because of the damage Black can display over the regular stainless. I, in my opinion, don't believe the DLC coating was designed to protect against corrosion From salt water.
But I agree, I'm not a metallurgist and they would have more knowledge in this.
The milanese loop and link bands have nooks and crannies that the stainless steel watch just doesn't have. That could also be a factor.
That, or the glue holding the magnet in on the milanese loop.
Nicho is correct. The weakness in the milanese loop band is where the magnet is embedded. The magnet is made with iron and is not in a waterproof compartment. It is simply glued into the pocket and covered with another glued on piece of shiny metal. When water gets into this area, the magnet rusts and expands pushing out the the shiny metal plate until it extends beyond the grippy rubber ring. At this point the magnetic latch doesn't work very well anymore because the rubber no long grips the band and the magnetic latch easily slides open.
Would that be the main factor for the Milanese losing magnetic grip over time or is it more about the magnet itself losing power over time?
Yes, in my experience rust causes the magnet cover to expand out, preventing the rubber from gripping. You can squeeze a little more life out of the band - if there's a visible gap under the magnet cover, then you can pry it off and scrape off the old glue and some rust with a small screw driver. Be careful not to damage the rubber ring because that will weaken the grip. With the cover off you should see that the magnet is nearly full strength and the latch should work again. If you scraped off enough rust you might be able to glue the cover back over the magnet. Just make sure you use a thin layer of glue and get the cover pressed down below the rubber ring. Or you can use the band without the magnet cover, you'll just get some rust flakes that occasionally need to be cleaned off.
[doublepost=1566405073][/doublepost]Ok. So now that we’ve come to understand the Milanese loop malfunction. Where is the weak point or reasoning for the *not water resistant* spec associated with the STAINLESS STEEL ($450) black link bracelet that I have and love. Cringing every time I wash my hands or the like...bc of those damn 3 words above...stainless steel...not waterproof....someone please help me understand!
Well I suppose I can stay on top of that and am not one to just expect things to take care of themselves. So maybe this was just a broad stroke CYA job by Apple with this one
[doublepost=1566405417][/doublepost]My concern was that there may be “non stainless steel” components involved with the quick connect link design or within each link perhaps
FWIW I cleaned Link and Milanese every day I used it with mild soap and water. No rust yet. There are other issues to be concerned about like the Milanese losing its magnetic strength over time and Link getting scratched up. I sold Milanese and I’ll probably just leave the scratches unless they become really bad.
Stainless steel is not magnetic. I believe they cover high iron steel with chrome or other alloy that is stainless. Guessing water can get to the iron and rust it out.
Common misperception.
Some stainless steel alloys are magnetic. Some are not.
Is Stainless Steel Magnetic? - Metal Supermarkets
There is a misconception that all stainless steels are not magnetic. In fact, some types and grades of stainless steels are magnetic.
www.metalsupermarkets.com
Why don't magnets work on some stainless steels?
Official Apple Support Community
Find answers with millions of other Apple users in our vibrant community. Search discussions or ask a question about your product.
My google skills are pretty decent, yet I'm not finding any examples of Milanese loop or link bracelet corrosion.
Please be so kind as to provide a couple example links showing this corrosion and the circumstances that caused it. Thanks
Why should I give you examples? I wrote "I would think", and that's it.
I'm not the one saying they are not waterproof. I just tried to answer the OP's question: "Why does Apple say the Link Bracelet and the Milanese are not water resistant??" with "I would think". Next time I will add "MIGHT" so you might not misinterpret me.
The way your post was written suggested you knew they corrode, and that is why you think Apple made that statement.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.