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ajm222

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 19, 2012
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Attempting to order my first apple watch (looks like it won't be here anytime soon) and i was hoping for a stainless steel 42mm with black sport band. but it only gives me the option for the white band. I don't understand why I can't simply get the black. Am I doing something wrong?
 
Attempting to order my first apple watch (looks like it won't be here anytime soon) and i was hoping for a stainless steel 42mm with black sport band. but it only gives me the option for the white band. I don't understand why I can't simply get the black. Am I doing something wrong?

Nope, the SS only comes with a white band, pants I know!
 
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Yeah that part blows. I had to shell out another $50 for a black one ... and now have a white band sitting there collecting dust!
 
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Thanks, all. Amazing. That's so Apple. Waste as I won't wear the white I'm sure. Maybe I can sell it.
 
Thanks, all. Amazing. That's so Apple. Waste as I won't wear the white I'm sure. Maybe I can sell it.

Yeah, I don't know what Apple don't let us just pick what colour sport band we want! When the watches originally came out you could tell Apple you were thinking of returning it as you didn't like the band; they would then offer to change the band, rather than you returning the whole thing (band replacement program). Not sure they still do it though which is annoying!
 
interesting. i'll ask around (maybe online chat and in the store) and see what the options are these days.
 
interesting. i'll ask around (maybe online chat and in the store) and see what the options are these days.

They may say no if you ask them outright. Just buy it and say to them you're thinking of returning it as the white just isn't doing it for you... Then see if they offer anything.
 
They may say no if you ask them outright. Just buy it and say to them you're thinking of returning it as the white just isn't doing it for you... Then see if they offer anything.

will do, thanks for the advice
 
Yeah I saw that too, guess :apple: figured most people would want white white with the SS, or they need to get rid of some white bands.
Glad I got my SSSB with all black band.
I may pick up a red & white for contrast.
 
Yeah, I don't know what Apple don't let us just pick what colour sport band we want! When the watches originally came out you could tell Apple you were thinking of returning it as you didn't like the band; they would then offer to change the band, rather than you returning the whole thing (band replacement program). Not sure they still do it though which is annoying!
The way the programme worked was such that you could only exchange a band to form an already existing SKU. So when the original Watch came out you could switch from white to black because these were both pre-configured combinations. But not anymore.

That's the official line at least. But what you described may well be what happens in practice.
 
The way the programme worked was such that you could only exchange a band to form an already existing SKU. So when the original Watch came out you could switch from white to black because these were both pre-configured combinations. But not anymore.

That's the official line at least. But what you described may well be what happens in practice.

I probably shouldn't be broadcasting this, but Apple will make an exception if you make a statement about a specific band that you wanted with Watch that wasn't paired. That said, it only applies once and to the flueroastamer band only.

But.....that's not guaranteed and it depends on who you talk to. Again, my disclaimer, it's not guaranteed. But honesty and talking with respect is key.
 
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The way the programme worked was such that you could only exchange a band to form an already existing SKU. So when the original Watch came out you could switch from white to black because these were both pre-configured combinations. But not anymore.

That's the official line at least. But what you described may well be what happens in practice.

That's true it was only like for like.
 
i think i'm going to buy online today (showing delivery between 12/30 and early January) and perhaps I can go into the Apple Store near me when it arrives and ask if I can swap the white for black.
 
i think i'm going to buy online today (showing delivery between 12/30 and early January) and perhaps I can go into the Apple Store near me when it arrives and ask if I can swap the white for black.

Apple may even ship it ahead of time. But it's just a guess, I don't think they'll let you switch the white band for a black one in store.
 
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Apple may even ship it ahead of time. But it's just a guess, I don't think they'll let you switch the white band for a black one in store.

I went in this weekend and they said they probably would do it, but the problem is that I wouldn't be able to return the watch after the swap. So they wouldn't recommend it. I decided that I actually think the white band with stainless is a pretty good look so I'll just go with it and maybe pick up another strap. Maybe I'll mostly use the white when I work out with the watch. It's definitely silly though that you can't just pick whatever strap you want when you buy the watch. Still a little on the fence between the SS vs. SBSS but think I'll stick with what I've got. And definitely hoping they send it early. They tend to under promise and over deliver when it comes to online orders. Crossing fingers.
 
I went in this weekend and they said they probably would do it, but the problem is that I wouldn't be able to return the watch after the swap. So they wouldn't recommend it. I decided that I actually think the white band with stainless is a pretty good look so I'll just go with it and maybe pick up another strap. Maybe I'll mostly use the white when I work out with the watch. It's definitely silly though that you can't just pick whatever strap you want when you buy the watch. Still a little on the fence between the SS vs. SBSS but think I'll stick with what I've got. And definitely hoping they send it early. They tend to under promise and over deliver when it comes to online orders. Crossing fingers.

The white band does pair well with the stainless. It's actually my favorite Sports band color. And Apple typically delivers ahead of time with deliveries. At least from my experiences.
 
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I went in this weekend and they said they probably would do it, but the problem is that I wouldn't be able to return the watch after the swap. So they wouldn't recommend it. I decided that I actually think the white band with stainless is a pretty good look so I'll just go with it and maybe pick up another strap. Maybe I'll mostly use the white when I work out with the watch. It's definitely silly though that you can't just pick whatever strap you want when you buy the watch. Still a little on the fence between the SS vs. SBSS but think I'll stick with what I've got. And definitely hoping they send it early. They tend to under promise and over deliver when it comes to online orders. Crossing fingers.

Usually you always pick up other straps anyways. Do you think you'll return the Watch? Get the combo you want...
Maybe Apple one day may sell just the Watch solo and you buy the band you want.
 
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Beats me why they changed the ordering process in the first place.
When the original watch was released you would first pick your type of watch then go through all the bands and choose the one to suit. Everyone was a winner.
Now it's just Apple who's the winner as in order to get the band you want you end up paying for two bands!
 
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Beats me why they changed the ordering process in the first place.
When the original watch was released you would first pick your type of watch then go through all the bands and choose the one to suit. Everyone was a winner.
Now it's just Apple who's the winner as in order to get the band you want you end up paying for two bands!

Could be because it's easier for Apple set packages versus having options, which ultimately causes more in terms of ease and perhaps it's a quicker process to ship/manufacture.
 
I had the same problem when I bought it this year, so I jumped on the saddle brown classic leather. Wanted that strap anyway so made sense (and it's lovely)
 
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