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NovemberWhiskey

macrumors 68040
Original poster
May 18, 2009
3,023
1,272
I just got my first Sport Band 42mm, and it is a bit wobbly even after locking into the watch mechanism. I am talking about where the straps meet the actual watch body. Looking closely, there is a very very slight gap around the watch band side, like they do not fit perfectly.

Previously I had a Milanese loop and that thing was solid and fit perfectly.

If you wiggle the band, there is some lateral movement between the band and the body.

Stainless Steel 42 mm Watch
 
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dantay

macrumors 6502
May 11, 2006
451
358
UK
I have a 42mm Sport with a blue strap, there is a small amount of play in the strap engagement, I don't think this is unusual as the ones I tried on in the apple store also had the same tiny amount of movement.

I have a black sport strap on order and will be interested to see if this has the same play or fits more tightly.
 

ddkkpp

macrumors 6502
May 28, 2011
299
111
I just got my first Sport Band 42mm, and it is a bit wobbly even after locking into the watch mechanism. I am talking about where the straps meet the actual watch body. Looking closely, there is a very very slight gap around the watch band side, like they do not fit perfectly.

Previously I had a Milanese loop and that thing was solid and fit perfectly.

If you wiggle the band, there is some lateral movement between the band and the body.

i had a 38mm SS white sport band - and it fit tight without any movement at the "slot".

Now i have the 42mm space grey with black sport band, and the band wiggles - a lot. it clicks too. annoying, but i figured, hey - its the cheaper model. just doesn't fit as tight.
 

Skorpio

macrumors 6502
Apr 16, 2015
342
258
SC USA
I believe Apple has a recall on defective bands. The center springs fail and the locking mechanism becomes crooked.
 

MrJM

macrumors 6502a
Jan 15, 2012
733
588
Ive got a 42mm sport with the green sports band. Mine is a bit wobbly too where the band meets the watch. I just assumed it was normal!
 

Skorpio

macrumors 6502
Apr 16, 2015
342
258
SC USA
Sport Bands wobbly?

Have a link to the recall? Or any info?


Technically, I read a post here about the band problems, but searching I can't find it. In one post, the OP showed pictures of the internal springs of the bands pushing the lock out, and a defective one where the lock is sloped to one side unevenly, causing the band to loosen, and possibly wobble. Here's a copied article on a discussion about it, and tattooed sleeve issues-

[url=http://images.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogodarkd.png]Image[/url]


Less than a week after the release of the Apple Watch, a few issues with the wrist-worn device have been spotted by early adopters. The first issue involves full sleeve tattoos interfering with the Apple Watch's heart rare sensor and skin contact registration, while MacRumors forum member Smickers has shared a new video that shows an Apple Watch with a nonfunctioning band locking mechanism.The user claims that after he contacted Apple on Monday to have the Apple Watch replaced through AppleCare, the company requested that he ship the device to Ireland for inspection by an engineering team. Three days later, he allegedly received confirmation from Apple that the Apple Watch was indeed faulty, and the company will be expediting him a brand new device in sealed retail packaging within 24 hours.



YouTube: video

Fortunately, this issue does not appear to be widespread and is only affecting a limited number of users. "I had this same problem when I first received my SS Apple Watch with Milanese Loop," said MacRumors forum member Ryxmd. "I had it on my wrist and noticed that the top strap had some movement. I took off the watch and tried to get it to lock in. After 3-4 tries, it finally locked into place."



It is largely unsurprising that the first-generation Apple Watch has a few isolated issues that Apple will inevitably fix, especially given that the wrist-worn device is Apple's first new product category since 2010. Yesterday, it was reported that defective Taptic Engines from one of Apple's suppliers has contributed to Apple Watch supply constraints, but fortunately no faulty devices were shipped to customers.

Article Link: A Few Apple Watch Users Experiencing Band Locking Issues
 
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sgw086

macrumors member
Apr 25, 2015
85
1
A little bit of play and "wobble" as described is normal. My 42mm bsb does the same. However, when its on my wrist, there is no wobble. I asked the Apple Store rep and he said for the sport this is normal as well.
 

Newtons Apple

Suspended
Mar 12, 2014
22,757
15,254
Jacksonville, Florida
A little bit of play and "wobble" as described is normal. My 42mm bsb does the same. However, when its on my wrist, there is no wobble. I asked the Apple Store rep and he said for the sport this is normal as well.

This ^^^^

I think Aplle meant there to be a little bit of slack in the width as all of the sports bands do not fit flush to the watch. It is likely planned to be that way as everyone I have seen has this slight gap on the ends.
 

J4B3

macrumors regular
Mar 18, 2012
200
23
Gamma Quadrant
I have a BSB that does have the "wobble" described as well as the occasional clicking.

Interestingly, I just picked up a Blue SB and it doesn't wobble or click at all.

Is this an issue with the Black bands or normal?
 

iamasmith

macrumors 6502a
Apr 10, 2015
842
417
Cheshire, UK
I have a 42mm SS, bought with a Black Classic Buckle.

The green elastomer sports band I got is really snug, no play in it whatsoever when installed.
 

KitzelFox

macrumors newbie
Jun 22, 2012
18
0
Just bought a 42mm White Sports band for my SS model. Pretty wobbly on both straps... Assumed it was normal since they both click into place properly. It doesn't bother me and I certainly can't feel it while I am wearing it. Besides the fact - I love it! So much more comfortable than my Milanese band, but I will be keeping that one when I want to wear something a little more "fancy".. :)
 

Surfin3591

macrumors newbie
Jun 16, 2015
8
11
Just got my 42mm sport with white band. Bottom band fits snug but top band has some wiggle to it. Took it to Apple Store and got a very vague response to my question "is this an issue or normal?" I was told "some" movement is normal but if I didn't feel comfortable to have it replaced. I imagine it is a band QC issue more than QC issues of some watch openings being machined too large, but then again I was offered a brand new watch instead of simply a replacement band. Who knows.
 

Pug72

macrumors 68020
Mar 18, 2012
2,270
2,219
England
My black one now has a wiggle and slides in and out effortlessly.
When new it was a snug fit and no wiggle.

Just means it's broken in, no biggie.
 

linhromrom

macrumors member
Apr 23, 2015
75
27
38mm BSB, wobbles too, i think its normal, notice it since day 1.

Mine don't click, and I havent seen one that "click". Lock and everything is very secure, i play racquet sport with the watch on 4 days a week. Definitely is very secure then.
 
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