Apple Watch 42mm Milanese Loop band constantly slips

Question

Level 1

49 points

Apple Watch 42mm Milanese Loop band constantly slips

Apple Watch 38mm Milanese becomes looser

Much like the above post, my 42 mm Milanese Loop band constantly slips to the point that I routinely have to tighten the band and frequently have to enter my passcode. I am not willing to remove the passcode since I use Apple Pay on my watch.

I went to a local Apple store and the advice given was to buy an alternative band from Amazon! Incredible. I am trying out a black link bracelet from Amazon but it does not look as stylish as the original Apple Milanese band although I never have to worry about entering my passcode several times a day.

I bought the watch from Best Buy so I suppose I will start with them about a band exchange but I think this is a design flaw and I would prefer that they give me the band of my choice.

Advice for solutions are appreciated.

iPhone 6s, iOS 9.2

Posted on Jan 18, 2016 8:08 AM

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Answer 1

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Jan 18, 2016 10:38 AM in response to xenolalia1

Hi

If you are concerned that your Milanese Loop may have a manufacturing defect, 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/

If the band is not defective or you have already had it checked, you may wish to consider returning your watch to Best Buy (subject to their returns policy) and buying a different combination of watch and band.

An alternative solution is to purchase an additional band for your current watch.

The sizing guide for Apple bands is available here:

http://www.apple.com/shop/watch/sizing-guide

Apple bands are available to buy here:

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

Apple advises that you should use only Apple branded or Apple authorised bands with your watch. Doing otherwise may damage your watch and affect eligibility for warranty service.

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Answer 2

xenolalia1 Author

Level 1

49 points

Jan 18, 2016 10:10 AM in response to Jonathan UK

Thanks for your response.

I am curious why using a non-Apple band would void the warranty. It was an Apple employee who told me she got alternative bands from Amazon and suggested I do the same. The bands slip in and out rather easily so not sure what issue is in play in that scenario.

As it is, if I keep using a Milanese Loop I fear my watch is more at danger than using a bracelet since the latter band avoids losing contact with my skin and thus does not require putting the passcode in after I put the watch on.

If BB would take the original watch with the Milanese loop back, I would look for the more expensive watch with the black link bracelet but BB does not sell anything higher than what I bought from them.

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Answer 3

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Jan 18, 2016 10:38 AM in response to xenolalia1

Apple determines eligibility for warranty service on a case-by-case basis.

However, in general terms, keep in mind that:

The terms and conditions of the One Year Limited Warranty (in the US) include: "This Warranty does not apply: .. to damage caused by operating the Apple Product outside Apple’s published guidelines".
A similar provision also applies to AppleCare+.
The User Guide states: "Use only Apple branded or Apple authorized bands".

Unauthorised third-party bands may have components that do not meet Apple's design specifications. Such bands may, for example, become jammed in the watch (an example of this has been posted here previously), release too easily, fail to resist slide-out force, corrode easily or exhibit other issues.

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Answer 4

xenolalia1 Author

Level 1

49 points

Jan 18, 2016 12:45 PM in response to Jonathan UK

Helpful reply but from my perspective we are looking at 'Slipgate' which of course would get Apple's attention only if large numbers turned in their bands.

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Answer 5

Jonathan UK

Level 10

164,015 points

Jan 18, 2016 1:58 PM in response to xenolalia1

You are welcome!

Your best option may be to return your watch to Best Buy for a refund (subject to their returns policy) and buy a different model directly from Apple.

In the US, Apple offers a 14 day standard return policy with a full refund for (undamaged) items. This would give you the opportunity to check that the alternative model meets your needs.

When deciding on a different band, you may find it helpful to schedule a try-on appointment at an Apple Retail Store:

Try On Apple Watch - Make an Appointment

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Answer 6

xenolalia1 Author

Level 1

49 points

Jan 19, 2016 12:19 PM in response to Jonathan UK

For the benefit of anyone else searching for a solution with this problem.

I went today to Best Buy and was told they could do nothing with a defective band. I called Apple and was given an appointment with a local store tomorrow. The idea seems to be if the store determines the band is defective they will exchange for one of the same kind. The Apple phone agent also said using a non-Apple band would void my warranty.

Everyone is happy to sell me a different band but I am in no mood for such as that until the next Apple watch comes out.

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Answer 7

xenolalia1 Author

Level 1

49 points

Jan 20, 2016 12:31 PM in response to xenolalia1

I went to my Apple appointment today and the tech exchanged my band for a new one so we'll see if that makes a difference.

He said the warranty issue would arise if the alternative band was responsible for damage to the Apple Watch.

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