Classic Buckle Leather (ECCO)

[Thai]

Hey all,

First thread started by me. I recently bought Classic Buckle Saddle Brown, which is pretty nice even for $150 IMO. Beautiful. Smooth soft calf leather. So, i decided to look up what kind of leather it is...we know that it is from ECCO.

Here is Apple's website description: http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MLHH2/42mm-black-classic-buckle

"This traditional design has been updated with a new calf leather that ages naturally over time to acquire a beautiful patina. The contrasting interior lining creates a dramatic two-tone look, and the filleted edge detail provides a clean geometry. Available in black and saddle brown."

Sounds good. But i wanted more info. Googling "Ecco leather apple watch" brought me this site: http://eccoleather.com/en/apple-watch

Notice the link address. Eccoleather website with apple watch in it.

So, it seems that Apple Watch Classic Buckle 2nd gen leather maybe using Ultrathin leather technology from ECCO.

Quote:
PREMIUM LEATHER TO INTEGRATE WITH MODERN DESIGN
Ultrathin® leather technology

The development team in our Open Circle Lab spent over two years perfecting our new Ultrathin® tanning technology. Their aim was to redefine the conventional limits of the "thin split" in the world of premium leather. The result was the creation of an advanced MicroSplit process and launching of our new Ultrathin® range. Now visionary product designers in the technology and electronics segment can integrate the timeless character of genuine premium leather within cutting-edge hi-tech industrial design. Forming this bridge between leather's past and its future is precisely the role ECCO Leather hopes to serve in the world of contemporary product design.


So, what is splitting process in leather? Link: http://keleenleathers.com/the-tanning-process/

Splitting – The hide is split into layers. The top, or grain, layer will produce a fine, smooth grain leather. The bottom is used for suede or split leather for other uses.

 

[nicho]

Just to point out, your whole starting premise *may* be wrong.

When you say we know that it's from the Ecco tannery, that's because the page you linked to used to say it.

Now it doesn't.

Why doesn't it?

Perhaps because it's no longer sourced from the Ecco tannery, given the new design.

 

[mhoutman]

Just to point out, your whole starting premise *may* be wrong.

When you say we know that it's from the Ecco tannery, that's because the page you linked to used to say it.

Now it doesn't.

Why doesn't it?

Perhaps because it's no longer sourced from the Ecco tannery, given the new design.

That is an interesting point indeed. Apple no longer mentions specifically the Ecco brand name on their Classic Buckle website and I am 100% sure they did in the past.

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MLHH2/42mm-black-classic-buckle
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MLE02/42mm-saddle-brown-classic-buckle

The last supplier list I could find is still from 2015 https://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility/pdf/Apple_Supplier_List_2015.pdf

Well, seen all reports about the bad quality of the Ecco made straps, it could be no coincidence Apple have a new supply, But again the seas to be confirmed but as I live in the Netherlands that might be easy.

 

[nicho]

That is an interesting point indeed. Apple no longer mentions specifically the Ecco brand name on their Classic Buckle website and I am 100% sure they did in the past.

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MLHH2/42mm-black-classic-buckle
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MLE02/42mm-saddle-brown-classic-buckle

The last supplier list I could find is still from 2015 https://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility/pdf/Apple_Supplier_List_2015.pdf

Well, seen all reports about the bad quality of the Ecco made straps, it could be no coincidence Apple have a new supply, But again the seas to be confirmed but as I live in the Netherlands that might be easy.

Even the 2016 list would feature them as it would be a list of companies who made their products in 2015 and the old classic buckle was sold until September.

 

[Thai]

What is interesting is that the Classic buckle 2nd gen leather straps comes in a simple paper container (like what you get with Sport band). The Leather Loop still comes in fahcy hard plastic case (like what you get with Milanese). Both Classic buckle and Leather loop cost the same. (I believe that Classic buckle 1st gen came in hard plastic case too.)

My guess is that the Classic buckle leather 2nd gen is higher quality than both 1st gen buckle and leather loop and that is why Apple had to cut corners (at expense of container quality) to keep price same.

 

[nicho]

What is interesting is that the Classic buckle 2nd gen leather straps comes in a simple paper container (like what you get with Sport band). The Leather Loop still comes in fahcy hard plastic case (like what you get with Milanese). Both Classic buckle and Leather loop cost the same. (I believe that Classic buckle 1st gen came in hard plastic case too.)

My guess is that the Classic buckle leather 2nd gen is higher quality than both 1st gen buckle and leather loop and that is why Apple had to cut corners (at expense of container quality) to keep price same.

Could be feedback that the majority of people didn't care and discarded the plastic.

They had to redesign it anyway because of any subtle change in shape etc.

 

[Thai]

Could be feedback that the majority of people didn't care and discarded the plastic.

They had to redesign it anyway because of any subtle change in shape etc.

If so, then why not change the rest of the lineup to paper? Apple is all about packaging and presentation. For them to go backwards is significant.

 

[nicho]

If so, then why not change the rest of the lineup to paper? Apple is all about packaging and presentation. For them to go backwards is significant.

Because they haven't changed the contents. It could be either they're contractually committed with the manufacturer to continuing the same packaging for the leather loop while it remains the same size and shape? More likely it's because of the risk of slippage leading to poor presentation or even transit damage with a Milanese or leather loop that doesn't happen in a buckled together classic buckle or sport band.

 

[Thai]

Because they haven't changed the contents. It could be either they're contractually committed with the manufacturer to continuing the same packaging for the leather loop while it remains the same size and shape? More likely it's because of the risk of slippage leading to poor presentation or even transit damage with a Milanese or leather loop that doesn't happen in a buckled together classic buckle or sport band.

Contractually committed? Apple rules over its suppliers with an iron fist! It is a one way contract...Apple way. The Classic buckle 1st gen came in hard-case box just like Milanese and Loop.
[doublepost=1455119954][/doublepost]Also, b/w Leather loop and Classic buckle, there is more exposed metal/chrome that can be damage by bouncing around with the Classic buckle!

 

[nicho]

Contractually committed? Apple rules over its suppliers with an iron fist! It is a one way contract...Apple way. The Classic buckle 1st gen came in hard-case box just like Milanese and Loop.
[doublepost=1455119954][/doublepost]Also, b/w Leather loop and Classic buckle, there is more exposed metal/chrome that can be damage by bouncing around with the Classic buckle!

Saying "we're going to buy this from you for the next 3 years with no changes" is a good way to drive the price way down. It's not that ludicrous to think it could happen.

The classic buckle won't bounce around because it's buckled. It's shipped as essentially one piece. The loops can slip.

 

[Thai]

Saying "we're going to buy this from you for the next 3 years with no changes" is a good way to drive the price way down. It's not that ludicrous to think it could happen.

The classic buckle won't bounce around because it's buckled. It's shipped as essentially one piece. The loops can slip.

Hmmm...ok nevermind.