DaveDryden

Q: Stainless Steel milanese watch band magnetic clasp corrosion

I have a Stainless Steel  Milanese watch loop which is almost a year old

It seems that moisture from hand washing has got under the stainless cover plate which sits within the neoprene friction band and started corrosion (rusting) of the magnet in the clasp.  This corrosion has then expanded popping off the cover plate which had been slowly rising at one side before then.  I now have a rusty magnet in contact with the strap which is staining the band and me.

 

David D

 

Message was edited by: DaveDryden

 

<Edited by Hosts>

Apple Watch 42mm, watchOS 2.2, Stainless Steel with Milanese Loop

Posted on Apr 14, 2016 6:11 AM

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Q: Stainless Steel milanese watch band magnetic clasp corrosion

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  • by Jonathan UK,Apple recommended

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 14, 2016 6:16 AM in response to DaveDryden
    Level 7 (30,158 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 14, 2016 6:16 AM in response to DaveDryden

    Hi Dave

     

    Apple advises that Apple Watch and watch bands should be kept clean and dry, including by drying them thoroughly if they are exposed to water:

     

    https://help.apple.com/watch/#/apd707b42a5e

     

    If you are concerned about a potential manufacturing defect with your band, contact Apple Support (mail-in service may be available) or make a Genius Bar reservation with a view to having it checked under warranty.

     

    https://www.apple.com/support/watch/contact/

  • by DaveDryden,

    DaveDryden DaveDryden Apr 14, 2016 6:26 AM in response to Jonathan UK
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 14, 2016 6:26 AM in response to Jonathan UK

    Jonathan,

    Thank you for your advice I have read the link and note it says I can wear the watch for hand washing which I do, I generally wear long sleeve shirts and do not get enough moisture on my wrists to wet the shirt but I do recognise some moisture trickles down my wrist when I reach for the towels.

    At 60 years of age I have worn watches for a long time generally preferring expandable Stainless bracelets and have had one for 15 years without any problem.

    I am really disappointed if what you are saying is that this product requires that I remove the watch every time I wash my hands and that the bracelet must be kept dry at all times.

    I am confident that I will be entitled to a replacement free of charge but it will only come with a 90 day warranty and I was hoping to find out through this forum if this is likely to happen again by gaining some insight into whether I am alone in having this issue. I received my watch from the first shipment and have worn it for around 16 hours a day for 11 months so there will be few others which have been  exposed to as much use.

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Apr 14, 2016 7:08 AM in response to DaveDryden
    Level 7 (30,158 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 14, 2016 7:08 AM in response to DaveDryden

    DaveDryden wrote:

     

    .. I have read the link and note it says I can wear the watch for hand washing ..

     

    Apple's Important handling information also advises that the watch and band should be kept clean and dry, including:

     

      • You may, for example, wear and use Apple Watch .. while washing your hands. If water splashes on to the watch, wipe it off with a nonabrasive, lint-free cloth.
      • Clean Apple Watch if it comes in contact with anything that may cause stains
      • Cleaning and care  Keep Apple Watch clean and dry. Clean and dry Apple Watch, the band, and your skin after workouts or heavy sweating. Dry Apple Watch and the band thoroughly if they are exposed to fresh water.
      • https://help.apple.com/watch/#/apd707b42a5e


    This support article also refers:



    Whilst I appreciate that it is not your preference, you may wish to consider trying a different style of band (for example, a Sport Band):

     

    http://www.apple.com/shop/watch/bands 

  • by JuanCla,

    JuanCla JuanCla Aug 10, 2016 4:57 PM in response to DaveDryden
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 10, 2016 4:57 PM in response to DaveDryden

    I also have a Milanese Loop, which I wear during exercise.  It's more than a year old, but the same issue is appearing for me - the magnet in the clasp is rusting, and now the cover plate has come off.  I of course will now get something like the Sport or woven nylon band for workouts, but it would have been nice if the Loop's clasp was as resistant to moisture as the Loop  and the watch itself.

     

    -Juan