jimgm26

Q: space gray sport band peeling

has anyone else experience the space gray sport band peeling or have what seems to be a coating rubbing off?

Apple Watch Sport 38mm, watchOS 1.0.1

Posted on Jul 10, 2015 6:56 PM

Close

Q: space gray sport band peeling

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

Previous Page 2
  • by janericster,

    janericster janericster Oct 25, 2015 12:33 PM in response to DCC68022
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Oct 25, 2015 12:33 PM in response to DCC68022

    Same problem here. Less than a month old. Never used any chemicals or cleaners on the band other than warm soapy water as Apple suggested. The "peeling" started within 2 weeks of wearing the watch.

     

    Definitely inferior product quality for a band that is supposedly made from the "highest grade polymer rubber material". After washing with warm water it "appears" like new, but when it dries the old peeled appearance immediately returns. Geesh.

     

    IMG_4660.jpg

  • by janericster,

    janericster janericster Oct 26, 2015 11:33 AM in response to janericster
    Level 1 (20 points)
    Oct 26, 2015 11:33 AM in response to janericster

    UPDATE:

     

    I did a web chat with Apple support yesterday about this (since the retail stores are saying "normal wear and tear" which is total BS).

     

    Anyway, I explained the situation, attached a JPG of the photo and was escalated to senior support. After a few minutes, they acknowledged this is a defect in the rubber (assuming there were no solvents used in cleaning) and an email followed shortly thereafter informing me that a replacement band would be shipped to my home.


    Again, the important factor here is that you do NOT use any solvents, alcohol, bleach, or ammonia based cleaners, etc. on this rubber watch band as it WILL ruin the coating. Since mine was only exposed to sweat (from workouts at the gym) and warm water with mild dishwashing soap, this was covered under warranty.

     

    Personally, this appears to be a major defect in manufacturing if only sweat/salt and water can do this within a month of wear, especially for a band that is "made for sports". Anyway, if anybody has the same issue with your rubber watch band and you only used water and mild soap for cleaning, then do the above and you should be able to get a replacement.

     

    Hope this helps.

  • by Jeff Chapman,

    Jeff Chapman Jeff Chapman Jun 5, 2016 4:16 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Music
    Jun 5, 2016 4:16 PM in response to John Galt

    I found I could simply rub off the first layer using a piece of t-shirt like cloth. After about a minute or two, I had completely removed the top layer (which was peeling off anyway). I'm now left with a clean, flat black band without any indication of distress or wear. I couldn't be happier with my Apple Watch, and now the watch and the band look as new as the day I unwrapped it.

  • by Spacemoon56,

    Spacemoon56 Spacemoon56 Jun 20, 2016 8:04 PM in response to AAPMM
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 20, 2016 8:04 PM in response to AAPMM

    Its quite ridiculous. I bought my space grey apple watch a week ago from Best Buy and it looked the same. Apple advised me to take it back to best buy and they exchanged it for another. Hopefully it doesn't happen again. If it does I'm going to get a silver or gold finish because i have a feeling its the space grey bands that are defective.

Previous Page 2