Leather Link Watch Strap - paint coming off

[Watsonsa]

I’ve had a California Poppy Leather Link watch strap since Nov 2020 (4 months) and it’s wearing badly. The “paint” has come off the leather and it looks so shabby. I contacted Apple who claim it’s just “normal wear and tear” but I’m not happy with that - I’ve worn it for 16 weeks and it’s not a cheap strap. Has anyone else experienced this? Thanks.

 

[blahblahblahblah]

I had my black leather link replaced because the sides were peeling off.

 

[stanza.richi]

It seems dirt to me in your picture. Like something blu in your clothes transfer paint on your band. Something similar than what happen and happened with new and old leather case used with blu-jeans.

 

[Watsonsa]

It isn’t dirt. The strap is clean. It’s the leather underneath that’s showing. This might be a better image. Thanks for the thought though.

 

[revs]

As you say, its expensive and that isn't 'expected' by a consumer. Ask for a refund

 

[Watsonsa]

I’ve tried. Been on the phone to customer service second line support and took it into the Genius Bar yesterday. They are claiming it’s “wear and tear” which is ridiculous after such a short period of time. I’m not sure I’ll get very far with Apple but wanted to share my experience and to see if anyone else has had the same issue. It’s a new product so maybe these problems are just surfacing.

 

[revs]

Just keep escalating it, ask for a manager, say its not acceptabe. I'd bet they refund after a bit of pushing/complaints.

Just have to be clear that its not what you expected for such an expensive item.

 

[ako323]

@Watsonsa Were you able to get a replacement? I am having the same issue of the color wearing off of the california poppy colored leather link band. Loved the color, but durability is pretty bad for something that cost $100!

I thought it was dirt at first but then I wiped it down some more and more of the color came off.

 

[SnappingNeuron]

Hey I just saw this thread. I had the exact same problem check out this thread https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/baltic-blue-leather-link-piece-of-junk.2302820/

Mine started out looking the exact way yours is in the pic, then the magnets tore through it. There are issues with these bands, the leather is so cheap. Keep on apple about replacing it, eventually they will do the right thing.

 

[ako323]

Hey I just saw this thread. I had the exact same problem check out this thread https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/baltic-blue-leather-link-piece-of-junk.2302820/

Mine started out looking the exact way yours is in the pic, then the magnets tore through it. There are issues with these bands, the leather is so cheap. Keep on apple about replacing it, eventually they will do the right thing.

OH WOW - that photo. Will be keeping an eye out for that. Thank you for the tip. I will try contacting them again, but the hours I have spent on this has gotten me quite discouraged.

 

[Cotypubby]

Hey I just saw this thread. I had the exact same problem check out this thread https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/baltic-blue-leather-link-piece-of-junk.2302820/

Mine started out looking the exact way yours is in the pic, then the magnets tore through it. There are issues with these bands, the leather is so cheap. Keep on apple about replacing it, eventually they will do the right thing.

Your band looks like that because you wore it while working out and sweat through it. You are not supposed to get leather wet.

 

[SnappingNeuron]

OH WOW - that photo. Will be keeping an eye out for that. Thank you for the tip. I will try contacting them again, but the hours I have spent on this has gotten me quite discouraged.

Try asking for a senior tech rep there where you are able to upload photos for them to see. The only thing is they might not replace it because it's not ripped, but it will eventually because the leather is exposed under the rubber coating.

So it's up to you if you want to be very fragile with it, or use it normally till it tears and have Apple replace it. Eithier or it's good to let Apple know about these things. Good luck!

 

[RealPhone]

I have not experienced the same even though I have used the LL Band in harsh environments with sweat, heat and transpiration. Maybe this batch has been to your disadvantage.

 

[Cotypubby]

Why don't you take a pic of your leather link band? Oh you can't....because you don't own one....

🧐 You’re right, I don’t own one. I own two… And they are pristine.

 

[Cotypubby]

😂

 

[SnappingNeuron]

Imagine buying a car, not knowing which pedal is the gas and which is the brake, causing an accident, and then blaming the car manufacturer because of your lack of knowledge regarding cars.

This analogy is the same with you and leather links; you were too empty-headed to know such a basic thing regarding leather that usually everyone knows of, and now you're trying to blame it on everyone but you. You're right, this is funny; exposing people's stupidity like I did with yours did indeed cause laughter 😂

Some people have higher standards, Apple has higher standards. You don’t understand. That’s ok, I wouldn’t expect you to.

 

[jwlbel]

At least it is not as bad, how some people get so freaked out over a dented outer watch band box. that they sell the band, only to buy the exact same band.

What do you think Snapping?

 

[jwlbel]

I have a leather wallet that's been through the wash many times over 20 years old, and is brighter than you will ever be.

Wow, 20 years for a wallet? How old are you?

 

[maflynn]

[MOD NOTE]
This thread is off the rails - locking it down