space gray sport band peeling

I have the same problem, I bought my Apple watch on 08.08.2105, and I used only for 15 days.

I noticed that my space gray sport band was peeling. I'm a little disappointed because a very new watch with little use and is already with the sport band peeling.

I hope Apple replace my sport band.

I have had my Apple Watch for 4 days now, wearing it 8 to 10 hours a day. I purchased the white-banded silver aluminum case and a separate black band, which I wear more than the original white. I have not used it while exercising and I have a regular desk job. I was extremely concerned when the band began to peel around the last (furthest left, pic below) pin hole. This began the third day. Since, the band has started peeling from the third and seventh holes from the left. Typically, I wear the pin in the second hole from the left. Being a loyal Apple patron, as well as a shareholder, I would expect a higher quality product. At the very least, I would expect Apple to accept culpability regarding the issue and some motivation to correct it.

Apple Watch Sport 42mm Aluminum Case, White Band (orig), Black Band

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.

You may find the coating or whatever it is will wear off over time, leaving a uniform appearance underneath. You can hasten that by cleaning the band according to Apple's instructions, if you so choose: Cleaning and wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support. Refer to Clean and dry your band ... For all other bands, buckles, and closures.

You might want to report it to Apple. They may or may not replace it. I agree it should not happen, but whatever that stuff is, it is not a laminated surface peeling off and your band will be fine.

Hi

This is a user-based technical support community - Apple does not formally provide technical support on this site.

To seek assistance with your issue, contact Apple Support:

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

The picture above is my second band. My first one was doing the same and I called Apple and they sent me a new one. I called them last night about the current one doing it and they are sending me a third band to try. Very frustrating. They told me they've never seen this before and that it could be normal wear and tear lol. Wear and tear after 2 weeks.....

I wear mine everyday and have yet to notice it doing that. However, I do let water splash onto my wrist a little bit from time to time. But, you wouldn't think that would make any bit of difference at all. So, I have no idea as to why mine doesn't look anything like that yet. Anyway, thanks for sharing the photos so that I know to keep that in mind if my band starts to look like that.

Have the same problem occurring with mine. The inside that rubs against my arm looks like a clear coat that is on the bands is slowly pealing away was thinking about taking to the store and see what they would do, hope that i can get a manger that is willing to replace it.

I Had the same problem after 2 weeks with the space gray 42mm black sport. My wife had the pink 38mm sport and was experiencing the same thing except on hers is just made the pink start to look dirty. I asked apple care and of course they said we have never heard this. I was going to let my apple care replace it but 2 issues is that it uses 1 of your 2 incidenta and requires 3-4 week trips to the store. Not a good experience considering I barely wore it in any heavy fitness activities. I asked the person who aold me the watch and he said yes after 2 bands ($49 value) your $49 apple care is done. So that just really means spend $450 on this watch and over the next 2 months we will replace the bands and the rest of the life of your device plan on $49 expenses or aftermarket. Really there is no way Apple can blame this on a user or say that is the norm since I know of plenty of rubber based bands that have not done this. If Apple said well replace them till we fix it then maybe i would have had hope but I returned the watches.

For what it is worth, I had this same issue and just returned from my local Apple Store....without a replacement band. They stated that it was just regular wear and tear.

I am a dedicated Apple consumer and I have never been disappointed with either a product or the customer service from Apple. I was very surprised and extremely disappointed that Apple wouldn't replace my band. Even if they don't want to admit that there is a bigger problem going on here, which according to the many forum's with this topic it is a big problem. I was shocked that they would allow me to walk out unsatisfied and frustrated. The watch, as you all know, is quite expensive and for it to look as "worn" as it does only after a few months doesn't seem to be right.

Disappointed for sure!!!

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.

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.

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.

I Have the series 2 in black sport model and I experienced this tw with the Origional band and returned the whole watch back as I wasn't paying a rediculois upcharge for another apple band.

On the new one, I've already had the Origional do this and the band replaced. Thinking if this happens again I will request a different color as everyone else seems to be indicating this is related to the black only. Still surprised at Apple and his this is ever considered normal as my apple gear all looks like it's new in box as I keep up with it and this is obviously not a wear issue if people have this happen within days of use. Myself in an office setting where I'm obviosuly not working out or sweating

Yes I have