Downside of the Apple Watch (Sport Model)

[Tycho24]

The funny thing about what you say is that none of this is real

Apple could of make the Steel one the cheap one.
Polished Stainless Steel. Cheap and heavy, Like a kitchen sink metal or knives and forks metal.

That could of been the cheap one.

They could of then Said the Aluminium one was the premium one.
Light weight, high quality, high grade aluminium in a variety of finishes, but it would be a higher price than the normal heavy steel one.

THEN you would be posting the following:

"I'm worried, that the steel sport watch will look cheap. I'm so worried that if it is I can't afford the lightweight aluminium watch. "

Ok.... I'm not sure that I agree with that, from what I've heard amount metal costs & level of difficulty related to each.
However; any post funny enough to make me spit coffee everywhere is going to get upvoted by me! ;0)

 

[dctid]

I don't get why you're so smug about Apple not releasing pictures of metal/leather bands with the Sport. By your logic, SS and Edition have the same connector, right? Well, you don't see any pics of the Edition with a silver Milanese loop either. Why? Because it's ugly to combine a silver strap with a gold watch. Ugly, but possible.

While metal/leather bands aren't necessarily ugly on the sport, it still doesn't match the marketing Apple wants to use when talking about the collections.

Since Apple tightly controls which images are released, you're not going to see pictures of the Sport with a non-Sport band, just like you won't see an Edition with a silver band.

it would be very very easy to design it such that each watch type i.e. sport, watch or edition is limited to specific strap types

Each watch type will have it own tooling to reflect both size and material therefore the locking mechanism for attaching the strap could be aligned slightly different but athletically look the same

If there was to be a milanese loop for the edition then there would be one but in gold there not, so its pretty reasonable even without what the OP has said that watch straps will be limited to watch types makes sense and in exactly in line with what Apple has been doing recently.

Apple have made much about how it can be customised how it can be personalised, if all watch straps were interchangeable then they would say so but they don't and the rangers very very specific

 

[Piggie]

Ok.... I'm not sure that I agree with that, from what I've heard amount metal costs & level of difficulty related to each.
However; any post funny enough to make me spit coffee everywhere is going to get upvoted by me! ;0)

Just remember this is marketing and it's not real!

Lightweight, and modern and multiple finishes and colours, COULD be upsold as a premium more desirable device.

Heavy Shiny Steel could be down sold as the basic model.

Apple has upsold Aluminium as THE premium material for many years now.
As I showed there is that Aluminium watch for $31,000 and they are not making that out to be cheap.

Here is a funny video which highlights all this "make up" talk:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giu23Ii3PAA

Would be better is more people in general understood the reality behind this video showing honestly of this whole industry geared around simply artificially made up concepts.

 

[applegeek01]

I've posted replies in forums pertaining to all of this information, but i just happened to stumble upon this thread.

If you visit, http://www.apple.com/watch/gallery/ you will see the entire collection that Apple will be offering for all of its watches. It will tell you the casings that can pair with the band. So, if the Apple retail employee said that no metal bands will pair with the Sport edition, then that employee is correct.

Upon further investigation, you can note from the website that the 'modern buckle' will only be available for the 38mm stainless steel casings, and not with the 42mm stainless steel casings. Furthermore, the leather loops are only available in the 42mm size. One final note is the fact that the only band that is paired with the BLACK stainless steel casing is the black chain link bracelet. You can note that none of the other bands give options for the bands pairing with the black stainless steel casing. I'm sure that mechanically, the bands will connect to the black stainless steel casing with no problem, but the bands' metal components will only have regular stainless steel closures and fastenings, there is no black stainless steel versions of the bands that are noted. Therefore, you could buy other bands for the black stainless steel, but it won't cohesively match.

So, these watches may not be as customizable as we all think. Check out the website and see which options are available for you.

 

[Piggie]

There is another option.

Apple only want to make a starting selection of straps.

They already have deals in place NOW with 3rd parties who are NOW making a wider array of strap designs in different materials and colours to match all the watch bodies.

Apple will get a nice cut of the profits from these "Apple Officially Approved" straps.

They are just being kept quiet and under wraps till launch.
Apple will make nice money from their own, or these other straps, but of course, Apple knows it would be impractical for them to make every permutation themselves, hence pulling in the approved 3rd parties.

That COULD be another option, currently in progress, that we don't know about yet.

 

[applegeek01]

There is another option.

Apple only want to make a starting selection of straps.

They already have deals in place NOW with 3rd parties who are NOW making a wider array of strap designs in different materials and colours to match all the watch bodies.

Apple will get a nice cut of the profits from these "Apple Officially Approved" straps.

They are just being kept quiet and under wraps till launch.
Apple will make nice money from their own, or these other straps, but of course, Apple knows it would be impractical for them to make every permutation themselves, hence pulling in the approved 3rd parties.

That COULD be another option, currently in progress, that we don't know about yet.

Perhaps, but I highly doubt that Apple would release a whole new series of bands. If you think about it, Apple would want to release its own line of essential bands for the products that it is selling. They wouldn't sell a Sport Model or Black SS casing right from its release with only a select few bands and then 6 months down the road decide to release new ones. From a marketing stand point, you want to offer all you can for your new product. People are going to buy the casing now and buy a certain one based on which bands they can get at the point in time. They won't buy a casing and hope that Apple releases bands that will match at some point in the future.

 

[Piggie]

Perhaps, but I highly doubt that Apple would release a whole new series of bands. If you think about it, Apple would want to release its own line of essential bands for the products that it is selling. They wouldn't sell a Sport Model or Black SS casing right from its release with only a select few bands and then 6 months down the road decide to release new ones. From a marketing stand point, you want to offer all you can for your new product. People are going to buy the casing now and buy a certain one based on which bands they can get at the point in time. They won't buy a casing and hope that Apple releases bands that will match at some point in the future.

Well, Apple are not stupid (we can debate that point!)

They know within WEEKS there will be 3rd party unofficial straps for sale for the Apple Watch.
Makers will instantly offer straps that Apple does not offer and will suck profits from Apple away.

Apple must know this is going to happen.

If you knew this, would you just ignore it, seeing as you can't realistically make every single strap design customers would want.

Or would you get deals in place with officially approved 3rd party quality strap makers, who licenced the rights from you, to offer an even wider range of straps that you made money from as an approved alternate range.

You either do this (approved licenced 3rd party straps) to compliment your own brand straps.

Or you watch others, make unofficial straps within weeks, to cater for the styles you don't make, and watch customers buy those with you not making a cent from them?

It's just a thought or something that would be possible.
I'm not saying it will happen, only that I could see the logic behind doing this.

 

[Tycho24]

I've posted replies in forums pertaining to all of this information, but i just happened to stumble upon this thread.

If you visit, http://www.apple.com/watch/gallery/ you will see the entire collection that Apple will be offering for all of its watches. It will tell you the casings that can pair with the band. So, if the Apple retail employee said that no metal bands will pair with the Sport edition, then that employee is correct.

Upon further investigation, you can note from the website that the 'modern buckle' will only be available for the 38mm stainless steel casings, and not with the 42mm stainless steel casings. Furthermore, the leather loops are only available in the 42mm size. One final note is the fact that the only band that is paired with the BLACK stainless steel casing is the black chain link bracelet. You can note that none of the other bands give options for the bands pairing with the black stainless steel casing. I'm sure that mechanically, the bands will connect to the black stainless steel casing with no problem, but the bands' metal components will only have regular stainless steel closures and fastenings, there is no black stainless steel versions of the bands that are noted. Therefore, you could buy other bands for the black stainless steel, but it won't cohesively match.

So, these watches may not be as customizable as we all think. Check out the website and see which options are available for you.

You coming to the conclusion that Apple is not selling the Sport Watch with a metal band makes sense & is logic based. Then extrapolating that therefore, if you bought one on your own, it wouldn't fit does NOT make sense & is fantasy based.

 

[kmj2318]

Would be better is more people in general understood the reality behind this video showing honestly of this whole industry geared around simply artificially made up concepts.

Thank you wise master. Teach us more about the world, for we are the lowly masses that need your guidance.

 

[Piggie]

Thank you wise master. Teach us more about the world, for we are the lowly masses that need your guidance.

Smiles. I know, I know, but that's the reality.

In the rear of the store you have a cardboard and wooden spool of 100m of gold chain, priced at say $100 a yard.

You cut half a yard off, fit a $5 spring latch on.

then in the front of your store, you place some cardboard box's down, lay some blue silk over the box's, thrown down a few fake glass crystals and point some 12v mini spotlights at the area, then drape this $55 gold chain over the area, and price it up at $400 as it looks so pretty and special now

Show the customers the same chain on the spool out the back and they'd not want to touch it



It's all made up showmanship

 

[applegeek01]

You coming to the conclusion that Apple is not selling the Sport Watch with a metal band makes sense & is logic based. Then extrapolating that therefore, if you bought one on your own, it wouldn't fit does NOT make sense & is fantasy based.

I'm not saying that if you bought a band that it wouldn't fit. I'm saying that the leather loop and modern buckle are only being made available in 42mm and 38mm, respectively. I'm do believe that anyone can buy any band they want to and attach it to the casing as long as the band is available for the size casing that you have. However, what I am trying to get at is that the metal closures on the band may not match the metal on the casing.

 

[Night Spring]

I'm not saying that if you bought a band that it wouldn't fit. I'm saying that the leather loop and modern buckle are only being made available in 42mm and 38mm, respectively. I'm do believe that anyone can buy any band they want to and attach it to the casing as long as the band is available for the size casing that you have. However, what I am trying to get at is that the metal closures on the band may not match the metal on the casing.

Well, if the OP is simply claiming that an Apple employee told him that aluminum and steel don't match, we don't need an Apple employee to tell us that, we can all see for ourselves that they don't match.

No, I think the OP is claiming that an Apple employee told him the steel bands will somehow not physically fit into the aluminum watch. And I find that claim very dubious, for various reasons already stated upthread.

 

[applegeek01]

Well, if the OP is simply claiming that an Apple employee told him that aluminum and steel don't match, we don't need an Apple employee to tell us that, we can all see for ourselves that they don't match.

No, I think the OP is claiming that an Apple employee told him the steel bands will somehow not physically fit into the aluminum watch. And I find that claim very dubious, for various reasons already stated upthread.

I can agree with you there. I would think that the casings and bands are produced and fitted the same way. I believe that they would fit, but they just wouldn't match.

 

[applegeek01]

To follow up, I've mentioned before that I emailed Juli (an editor for MacRumors) my suspicions/speculations on the bands available for the Watch in terms of how they will match and fit the various casings. This was her reply:

"There's been no indication that Apple has plans to sell the Apple Watch and Apple Watch bands separately, at least to begin with. Early on, it's possible there won't be bands sold individually, and it's also possible that we're not seeing the full scope of what's available for the Apple Watch.

If Apple does sell watch bands individually, it's very likely there will be options for both stainless models (with different colored buckles).

Juli Clover
Editor, MacRumors"

While I value and consider everyone's input, I just can't fully agree with what she is stating. Sure Apple hasn't said anything about the Watch and bands being sold separately to begin with (this will probably be cleared up at a launch event), but from the way Apple has hyped up the watch saying that it's got a million different ways to customize it, I highly doubt Apple would restrict consumers from buying bands individually from its release.

I also highly doubt that Apple is not revealing its "full scope" of what's available for the Apple Watch. Do I think that might throw in a surprise or few at the launch event? Sure I do, but I don't think that they would post photos of the watch in their Apple Watch gallery for consumers to review and hide things from us. From a retail standpoint, it's kind of ridiculous to just post 'some' of the options that you have. After all, this is Apple. They can do whatever they want. However, they know that this product is big. And its going to be big. I just don't think that they would post pictures of the available collections and just omit some of the options available.

I also don't agree with Juli when she said: "If Apple does sell watch bands individually, it's very likely there will be options for both stainless models (with different colored buckles)." Well 1) Apple watch will sell bands individually. If not at first then at some point. They've already made that statement. 2) If she meant that would later on then I would think that Apple would show more band options that would cohesively match the Space Black SS casing rathe than only advertising the Black SS link bracelet to go with it. I would think they would show all the options that you would have. After all, that's how I am now basing my buy on just getting the regular stainless steel. Because more band options are available for me to SEE at this point in time. That makes a huge difference to consumers.

Maybe I'm over thinking all this. I probably am. Can anyone agree with what I am saying though? You don't have to believe that I'm right, but you can at least understand my logic I would hope.

 

[TyPod]

After seeing this

Image

I really don't care anymore. It looks just great in Sport Space grey with rubber band

I'm totally with you on that one. Looks so sick I can't wait!

 

[lewisd25]

To follow up, I've mentioned before that I emailed Juli (an editor for MacRumors) my suspicions/speculations on the bands available for the Watch in terms of how they will match and fit the various casings. This was her reply:

"There's been no indication that Apple has plans to sell the Apple Watch and Apple Watch bands separately, at least to begin with. Early on, it's possible there won't be bands sold individually, and it's also possible that we're not seeing the full scope of what's available for the Apple Watch.

If Apple does sell watch bands individually, it's very likely there will be options for both stainless models (with different colored buckles).

Juli Clover
Editor, MacRumors"

While I value and consider everyone's input, I just can't fully agree with what she is stating. Sure Apple hasn't said anything about the Watch and bands being sold separately to begin with (this will probably be cleared up at a launch event), but from the way Apple has hyped up the watch saying that it's got a million different ways to customize it, I highly doubt Apple would restrict consumers from buying bands individually from its release.

I also highly doubt that Apple is not revealing its "full scope" of what's available for the Apple Watch. Do I think that might throw in a surprise or few at the launch event? Sure I do, but I don't think that they would post photos of the watch in their Apple Watch gallery for consumers to review and hide things from us. From a retail standpoint, it's kind of ridiculous to just post 'some' of the options that you have. After all, this is Apple. They can do whatever they want. However, they know that this product is big. And its going to be big. I just don't think that they would post pictures of the available collections and just omit some of the options available.

I also don't agree with Juli when she said: "If Apple does sell watch bands individually, it's very likely there will be options for both stainless models (with different colored buckles)." Well 1) Apple watch will sell bands individually. If not at first then at some point. They've already made that statement. 2) If she meant that would later on then I would think that Apple would show more band options that would cohesively match the Space Black SS casing rathe than only advertising the Black SS link bracelet to go with it. I would think they would show all the options that you would have. After all, that's how I am now basing my buy on just getting the regular stainless steel. Because more band options are available for me to SEE at this point in time. That makes a huge difference to consumers.

Maybe I'm over thinking all this. I probably am. Can anyone agree with what I am saying though? You don't have to believe that I'm right, but you can at least understand my logic I would hope.

Why are you analyzing the opinion of a MacRumors editor? She doesn't know anything more than we do, and if she did, she would have posted something about it on the main page. Everything is just speculation. Everyone in this thread needs to chill out and drink mai tais until April.

 

[Mw0103]

Something I haven't seen mentioned and I find curious: Apple says the elastomer bands for the SS version come in only white and black.

SPORT BAND

Because it’s made from a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer, the Sport Band is durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft. The smooth, dense material drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit. Available in white and black.

Apple

Why the limitation if the bands are fully interchangeable?

 

[macguy90]

That's pretty disappointing but I guess I'll be getting the space gray w/ black band!

 

[dctid]

Something I haven't seen mentioned and I find curious: Apple says the elastomer bands for the SS version come in only white and black.



Apple

Why the limitation if the bands are fully interchangeable?

because they are pretty much unlikely to be interchangeable.

The demographic for the watch and the sport are two different people hence the sport being rather quirky, fun etc whilst the watch is for more formal

its quite clever personally expect the watch with the flouoelastomer (or whatever it is) to be £499 and everything else is north of this i.e. leather or metal bands

 

[Rogifan]

Something I haven't seen mentioned and I find curious: Apple says the elastomer bands for the SS version come in only white and black.



Apple

Why the limitation if the bands are fully interchangeable?

Perhaps Apple thinks the colored rubber band with SS watch cheapens the SS watch?

 

[leenak]

I was hoping to have a variety of bands: white, pink and green are the ones I'd pick up and use. If it comes with white and I can buy pink and green separately, that is fine with me.

 

[applegeek01]

Why are you analyzing the opinion of a MacRumors editor? She doesn't know anything more than we do, and if she did, she would have posted something about it on the main page. Everything is just speculation. Everyone in this thread needs tlo chill out and drink mai tais until April.

I can post whatever I want just like anyone else can. Juli and I have emailed several times after I posted that discussing the watch. Maybe you should chill and drink some water.

 

[Tycho24]

However, what I am trying to get at is that the metal closures on the band may not match the metal on the casing.

If you simply mean will not "match". Duh. Thank you Captain Obvious...
If you mean will not "match up with", then on that point we disagree.

I believe there will be ONE style/size/shape of band connector (well... one for 38mm & one for 42mm), and Apple will keep it around for at least several Watch iterations as an IMMENSE competitive advantage...
My prediction is that: just as the iPhone case & accessory industry flourishes, with an order of magnitude more options than for any other brand's model, so shall it be with the Watch.
By keeping the 30 pin connector standard for eleven years, they allowed people to feel comfortable buying audio accessories for iProducts... by keeping the shape of their phones the same for two years, they allow people to comfortably purchase multiple cases, or more expensive cases. This WORKS! We as consumers love this added Apple benefit... it drives up satisfaction and loyalty rates.
Those here trying to argue that Apple will suddenly switch tact on this, and make all the Watches released at the same time slightly mismatch each other & have bands line up incorrectly between them sound nonsensical to me.
Guys... it was an acorn. The sky is NOT falling. You sound silly.

 

[applegeek01]

If you simply mean will not "match". Duh. Thank you Captain Obvious...
If you mean will not "match up with", then on that point we disagree.

I believe there will be ONE style/size/shape of band connector (well... one for 38mm & one for 42mm), and Apple will keep it around for at least several Watch iterations as an IMMENSE competitive advantage...
My prediction is that: just as the iPhone case & accessory industry flourishes, with an order of magnitude more options than for any other brand's model, so shall it be with the Watch.
By keeping the 30 pin connector standard for eleven years, they allowed people to feel comfortable buying audio accessories for iProducts... by keeping the shape of their phones the same for two years, they allow people to comfortably purchase multiple cases, or more expensive cases. This WORKS! We as consumers love this added Apple benefit... it drives up satisfaction and loyalty rates.
Those here trying to argue that Apple will suddenly switch tact on this, and make all the Watches released at the same time slightly mismatch each other & have bands line up incorrectly between them sound nonsensical to me.
Guys... it was an acorn. The sky is NOT falling. You sound silly.

I can appreciate all of that. And I meant match in terms of simply 'match' . I've enjoyed chatting with you Tycho. The sky is definitely not falling. I'm not sure if you have seen this thread that I've posted below, but it is definitely interesting. It will probably make ordering bands online that much troublesome without having a band to actually try on. I guess you could make a best guess:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1847146/

 

[Tycho24]

I can appreciate all of that. And I meant match in terms of simply 'match' . I've enjoyed chatting with you Tycho. The sky is definitely not falling. I'm not sure if you have seen this thread that I've posted below, but it is definitely interesting. It will probably make ordering bands online that much troublesome without having a band to actually try on. I guess you could make a best guess:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1847146/

Thank you & likewise! =)
I'm pretty jazzed about this product.
I had owned computers before my Mac & Smartphones before my iPhone (Verizon... had to wait until iPhone 4)... so, to me, this is most analogous to my iPad purchase. That is to say, a product category I've never owned or really encountered before!!
I can't wait to own a smartwatch. I've got a gym membership that gets neglected almost as much as my Netflix... I'm hoping my passion for tech/gadgets & Watch's gentle exercise reminders will build and strengthen in me some good habits with regards to my health.