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Apple Ultra Watch - Ocean Band Split/ Tear/ Break

Hi all, I have had the Apple Watch Ultra for 4 months now and the band (an Ocean Band) has just split across one of the ‘tubes’, right where it bends to go through the fastening ‘loop’. It’s perhaps not surprising given the thinness of the rubber covering the ‘tubes’. As well it’s not covered by warranty! Seems like it might be a systemic problem with the band and it might be a folly to replace it with the same. Any similar experiences? Thoughts?

Apple Watch Ultra

Posted on Apr 30, 2023 5:42 AM

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Posted on Apr 30, 2023 7:15 AM

if they judge it to be down to user handling it would not be covered, otherwise it should

Legal - Hardware Warranties - Apple


you can provide them with feedback about the quality using their feedbach channel

Feedback - Watch - Apple

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May 21, 2023 4:13 PM in response to Stevofromthehills

I had the same issue. After four months of use, it split. Same point, where the strap bends over the metal bar. The rubber is EXTREMELY thin, less than 0,5 mm. It seems to be very badly designed. For 100 US dollars??? Will move back to Garmin. For 50 you can buy a much stronger silicone strap. Never had problems with those, for years…

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Jun 5, 2023 3:15 AM in response to Swimmer139

It is definitely a design problem. The more we post it in here the higher the chance they will realize and change the project. The tubular structure, the adjustable pin are great ideas. The problem is the proprietary lug system and the bending stress point against the titanium bar on such a thin layer of rubber. Every super Swiss watch has the same lug system and so do garmin, Samsung, polar etc. An alternative would be to use the same construction of the alpine or trail ones. In fact the Nomad strap uses a similar one.

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Mar 29, 2024 10:15 PM in response to Angeloti

I experienced this same issue - a one-sided tear where the band attaches to the watch.


Bought the watch in November and this happened in February, so 3 months. I must add that this is with daily use for anywhere between 10-12 hours, including 1-2 hr gym sessions 5x a week.


I bought mine through Verizon so I’ll reach out to see if anything can be done about it.

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May 15, 2023 9:47 AM in response to Rudegar

Not helpful - doesn't answer the question. The OP was asking whether anyone has experience with this issue.


I have a similar question because I will have to order and have the watch shipped. I will opt for a different band if others have had the same experience (warranty or not...).

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May 15, 2023 3:59 PM in response to Docmoore

Thx Docmoore. I have been surprised by the lack of comment. I do genuinely believe there is a problem w/ the band, just given how thin the rubber is around the tubes. But that is NOT proven up by the comments of others. In any case I think the problem can be avoided with a new band by simply taking care not to bend it (so much). Hope this helps.

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May 21, 2023 4:23 PM in response to Stevofromthehills

I've had zero issues with the two official Ocean Bands I own and I wear them often.


I'm on this forum every day and the watch forum specifically and you're the first person I've seen post an issue like this with the Ocean Band.


That said, whether anyone else has had an issue or not isn't going to help you in the least. Apple is the final arbiter on this and we are all just users.



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May 24, 2023 8:13 AM in response to lobsterghost1

Thanks for the input on the band. I am considering the Alpine (for the color only) vs the Ocean Band.


But other users' experiences is the reason that literally every sales and support site has device and software reviews and ratings posted. Most of us look at the totality of everyone else's experiences to decide on a purchase. If it (whatever it is) has a 1.5⭐️ rating with 2500 reviews, I'm not re-buying it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

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Jan 29, 2024 7:37 AM in response to Stevofromthehills

I had an identical problem with my watch at 1 month. It split at the and ring where it connects to the last loop. It was not covered under warranty. I did not want to spend $100 for a replacement band that would have the same design flaw. I bought an aftermarket band and have not had any more problems after about 6 months.

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Apple Ultra Watch - Ocean Band Split/ Tear/ Break

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