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Here's a new photo of the original white band and the soft white that comes with the stainless series 3. The soft white is ever so subtly darker.

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It is really, really, really hard to see. It's visible in person in the right light but the camera doesn't do a good job of showing that.

Which is why I'm surprised that both bands are available for separate purchase. Why bother, and why the new name? It's not the feel. They feel identical.

Taking the two out to take that picture reminded me that the watch came with the S/M band attached so I went looking for the M/L half since that's what I wear. Turns out it's hiding in the instruction-booklet sleeve. I hadn't noticed before because I immediately put the classic buckle on after applying the dot and only then put the watch on my wrist.

I only bought the soft white band because the only other stainless option was the Milanese, which I got with the pictured Series 0... and that's an expensive band. I don't need two of something that pricey. I would have loved to be able to pick a different band -- maybe one of the new fall 2017 colors.
 
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It is really, really, really hard to see. It's visible in person in the right light but the camera doesn't do a good job of showing that.

Which is why I'm surprised that both bands are available for separate purchase. Why bother, and why the new name? It's not the feel. They feel identical.

Taking the two out to take that picture reminded me that the watch came with the S/M band attached so I went looking for the M/L half since that's what I wear. Turns out it's hiding in the instruction-booklet sleeve. I hadn't noticed before because I immediately put the classic buckle on after applying the dot and only then put the watch on my wrist.

I only bought the soft white band because the only other stainless option was the Milanese, which I got with the pictured Series 0... and that's an expensive band. I don't need two of something that pricey. I would have loved to be able to pick a different band -- maybe one of the new fall 2017 colors.
I think I’ll probably still get the soft white, it’s still a really neat shade. I love all the whitish bands Apple has released, esp the antique white. If you get a chance I’d love to see a comparison photo in outdoor light, but no pressure. I’m stopping my Apple tomorrow so I’ll try and see if they have one on display as well.
 
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Which is why I'm surprised that both bands are available for separate purchase. Why bother, and why the new name? It's not the feel. They feel identical.

I bet some supplier messed up a dye lot. So instead of scrapping all the bands Apple decided to introduce a “new” shade of white and sell them with the SS S3. That depletes the bad stock and forces them onto customers.

It makes no sense that I only have 2 band selections when I’m spending $700 on a watch.
 
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I bet some supplier messed up a dye lot. So instead of scrapping all the bands Apple decided to introduce a “new” shade of white and sell them with the SS S3. That depletes the bad stock and forces them onto customers.

It makes no sense that I only have 2 band selections when I’m spending $700 on a watch.

Then what is up with Ocean Blue and Blue Cobalt? And old (PRODUCT)RED and new (PRODUCT)RED? I don't think any of these colors are true mistakes, as they are different...barely different, but different. I am baffled but Apple is also running out of colors. Even the new Dark Olive and Gray are so close to Cocoa being they are all very dark base colors...

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Then what is up with Ocean Blue and Blue Cobalt? And old (PRODUCT)RED and new (PRODUCT)RED? I don't think any of these colors are true mistakes, as they are different...barely different, but different. I am baffled but Apple is also running out of colors. Even the new Dark Olive and Gray are so close to Cocoa being they are all very dark base colors...

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I look at that picture and see 3 legitimate different colors.

I just can’t say the same on the white. Even more with it being the only sport band offered with the S3 SS leads me to believe something happened more than just a color change.

This is coming from a supply chain professional. Just my 2 cents though. I could be wrong but I would bet on my theory lol
 
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Not nearly as sharp as I was hoping. I find it pretty muted. The Dark Aubergine phone case I saw in store was much nicer. I'm probably going to return this.
 

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I mistook those for black also when I was visiting to pick up my seashell loop and look at the black loop in person. (Still prefer the seashell). I also noticed that the purple case was a richer purple and not so dark.
 
Not nearly as sharp as I was hoping. I find it pretty muted. The Dark Aubergine phone case I saw in store was much nicer. I'm probably going to return this.
Wow nice, I was under the impression it was brighter as well. I bet it’ll really pop in sunlight.
 
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Recieved the platinum/Black Nike band today. Looooove it.
 

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It's here the Apple Leather Loop Charcoals Grey, Pictures in several settings. I put it on a Apple charcoal grey iPad Pro 9,7" sillicone case which is from color much grey. The loop is more brownish is day light.

The slight difference with black makes the loop very vivid, on both SS and SB SS. Same as with the Nike anthracite Sport Band.

Now I only have to wait another 3 weeks for the ceramic grey edition :(
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It's here the Apple Leather Loop Charcoals Grey, Pictures in several settings. I put it on a Apple charcoal grey iPad Pro 9,7" sillicone case which is from color much grey. The loop is more brownish is day light.

The slight difference with black makes the loop very vivid, on both SS and SB SS. Same as with the Nike anthracite Sport Band.

Now I only have to wait another 3 weeks for the ceramic grey edition :(View attachment 723941 View attachment 723942 View attachment 723943 View attachment 723944 View attachment 723945 View attachment 723946
That’s a gorgeous color, it definitely changes depending on the light-much more dynamic then just plain black. The the leather loops are so classy and can be worn in any setting-one of my fav bands.
 
I just got a sports loop today in black. It is my favorite band so far althought I only have the Nike+, Woven and regular sport band. This band should solve the issues with the innacurate Heart Rate with the AW3. I was surprised to find that it’s not completely black and that it has different colors within the band.
 

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Thank you from me as well. I wish Apple would give us a truly “live” step complication. Do you know how often it refreshes?
It refreshes relatively often-You can also refresh manually if you open app on Watch and hit “refresh” but I like it better not having to do that. There is a little bit of lag with Watch OS4-but it works:)
 
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It refreshes relatively often-You can also refresh manually if you open app on Watch and hit “refresh” but I like it better not having to do that. There is a little bit of lag with Watch OS4-but it works:)
That’s awesome, thank you for your information on it.
 
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