Where are the Leather Links?

[batman75]

So to everyone here who has both a Leather Loop and a new Leather Link - which one do you prefer and why?

The leather link is vastly superior. I already gave away my black leather loop after getting the leather link.

4 reasons:
1) The watch sits better on your wrist and it sits more symmetrically whereas the leather loop was lifted on one side where the buckle was. The overall look is more fitted and custom because of how it fits close to your skin (versus the bulge you have with the loop).
2) It looks much better. It generally has a more sleek and modern look.
3) It feels a bit more secure. The magnets are more curved and help secure it better than the flatter magnet on the leather loop.
4) It dries off better after washing your hands whereas the loop tended to trap water because the channels between the magnets were too shallow.

I'm surprised they didn't discontinue the loop. I can't imagine why anyone would choose that.

 

[D3ggy]

The leather link is vastly superior. I already gave away my black leather loop after getting the leather link.

4 reasons:
1) The watch sits better on your wrist and it sits more symmetrically whereas the leather loop was lifted on one side where the buckle was. The overall look is more fitted and custom because of how it fits close to your skin (versus the bulge you have with the loop).
2) It looks much better. It generally has a more sleek and modern look.
3) It feels a bit more secure. The magnets are more curved and help secure it better than the flatter magnet on the leather loop.
4) It dries off better after washing your hands whereas the loop tended to trap water because the channels between the magnets were too shallow.

I'm surprised they didn't discontinue the loop. I can't imagine why anyone would choose that.

I agree with everything you said.

 

[Arcontia]

The leather link is vastly superior. I already gave away my black leather loop after getting the leather link.

4 reasons:
1) The watch sits better on your wrist and it sits more symmetrically whereas the leather loop was lifted on one side where the buckle was. The overall look is more fitted and custom because of how it fits close to your skin (versus the bulge you have with the loop).
2) It looks much better. It generally has a more sleek and modern look.
3) It feels a bit more secure. The magnets are more curved and help secure it better than the flatter magnet on the leather loop.
4) It dries off better after washing your hands whereas the loop tended to trap water because the channels between the magnets were too shallow.

I'm surprised they didn't discontinue the loop. I can't imagine why anyone would choose that.

Interestingg

I can see what you mean about it sitting more symmetrically on the wrist, thats absolutely a plus

 

[Boardiesboi]

My California poppy is finally here! Love the band! The lumps are not as conspicuous as photos show and its light weight yet feels very high quality. I might get the Baltic blue as well.

 

[Arcontia]

My California poppy is finally here! Love the band! The lumps are not as conspicuous as photos show and its light weight yet feels very high quality. I might get the Baltic blue as well.
View attachment 971720View attachment 971721

definitely get Baltic Blue, California Poppy is next on my order list

 

[Arcontia]

The leather link is vastly superior. I already gave away my black leather loop after getting the leather link.

4 reasons:
1) The watch sits better on your wrist and it sits more symmetrically whereas the leather loop was lifted on one side where the buckle was. The overall look is more fitted and custom because of how it fits close to your skin (versus the bulge you have with the loop).
2) It looks much better. It generally has a more sleek and modern look.
3) It feels a bit more secure. The magnets are more curved and help secure it better than the flatter magnet on the leather loop.
4) It dries off better after washing your hands whereas the loop tended to trap water because the channels between the magnets were too shallow.

I'm surprised they didn't discontinue the loop. I can't imagine why anyone would choose that.

But I'd also add in a slight counterpoint, something I personally like better about the Leather Loop is that the actual leather band itself, is thicker. The Leather Link itself is actually pretty thin. I feel the thicker leather on the Loop helps contribute to making it look more premium but that could just be me

 

[batman75]

But I'd also add in a slight counterpoint, something I personally like better about the Leather Loop is that the actual leather band itself, is thicker. The Leather Link itself is actually pretty thin. I feel the thicker leather on the Loop helps contribute to making it look more premium but that could just be me

Obviously everyone should buy what they prefer. But I don’t see it that way. I can’t tell a difference in thickness, and the new design also seems to have a nicer leather.

If you like thick leather then you should look at something like Strapa. Neither of the Apple bands are a thick leather on that level.

 

[H. Flower]

I really love the look of these bands, but am cautious about getting another Apple leather product, which I've always regretted. After about only a year of use (in some cases only months), my apple leather phone cases and leather bands have always looked terrible.

Any hope these would somehow be different?

 

[batman75]

C

I really love the look of these bands, but am cautious about getting another Apple leather product, which I've always regretted. After about only a year of use (in some cases only months), my apple leather phone cases and leather bands have always looked terrible.

Any hope these would somehow be different?

Valid concern. I have had a black Leather loop before and I found it to be very durable. I got it with my Series 0 and it is still immaculate. Can't comment about colored bands though. So far my Saddle Brown and Baltic Blue Leather Links look perfect but it is early days.

I do think there is no comparison between these bands and the phone cases. The phone cases are designed to patina and there is no protection on the leather. It is not designed to withstand skin oils, lotion or water. The leather phone case is junk IMO.

 

[Boardiesboi]

my apple leather phone cases and leather bands have always looked terrible.

Depends what you mean by terrible. Leather always get darker as you use them, even with expensive luxury leather makers eg Hermès.

 

[batman75]

Depends what you mean by terrible. Leather always get darker as you use them, even with expensive luxury leather makers eg Hermès.

Not necessarily. Some leathers are protected and can be cleaned to restore the original look. I have a White leather sofa by Roche Bobois and it looks the same as when I bought it 6 years ago. Roche Bobois is a high end French furniture maker and they use leather from the same Tuscan tanneries as some of the top European fashion houses.

 

[Frankfurt]

I returned the California Poppy link. Hated the color (more mustard, was hoping a bit more orange). Further, the link takes more time to put on. I prefer the Solo Loops and got another one of those.

 

[vroom2]

Can someone please directly compare a baltic blue leather link with a forest green leather loop, they look very close, a side by side would be helpful.
Thanks

 

[TotalMacMove]

Has anyone here bought a leather link from Amazon that already shipped? I ordered it mid September and still has no update!

 

[michsu]

It’s not as good. The magnets are smaller and not as “sticky”.

 

[triangletechie]

I got my saddle brown leather link today and like it so far. I never was a fan of the leather loop. Mine would loosen up over the course of a day. Hopefully the link will stay in place.

 

[Piman]

Has anyone here bought a leather link from Amazon that already shipped? I ordered it mid September and still has no update!

Same here, I bought one back in September but no update. Amazon still has it listed with an expected delivery date of 10/30 if that even means anything.

 

[schlupps]

Can someone please directly compare a baltic blue leather link with a forest green leather loop, they look very close, a side by side would be helpful.
Thanks

@vroom2: i think you are right: it is close. The pic was taken in pretty bright sunlight, but obviously, i was not really successful in catching the difference between those two colors properly.. but, there is one =)
My fav is the forest green for sure. Apple chose a really nice tone with the baltic blue as well!
maybe someone with a little better cam/hand chimes in
As a side note i have to admit, that the forest green strap already was worn quite a lot and got a little darker over the time. The baltic blue arrived about a week ago and was worn for about 20 hours max.

 

[Toonartist]

Here’s a few of the California Poppy on a S6 SBTI that I posted on another thread.

I’ve adjusted the white balance and tint to get as close as possible match to the actual colour of the strap.

 

[vroom2]

@vroom2: i think you are right: it is close. The pic was taken in pretty bright sunlight, but obviously, i was not really successful in catching the difference between those two colors properly.. but, there is one =)
My fav is the forest green for sure. Apple chose a really nice tone with the baltic blue as well!
maybe someone with a little better cam/hand chimes in
As a side note i have to admit, that the forest green strap already was worn quite a lot and got a little darker over the time. The baltic blue arrived about a week ago and was worn for about 20 hours max.

Wow, those are very close, love my Forest Green, picked up a California Poppy link and really like the new design as well. Thanks for posting

 

[D3ggy]

Normally I put my watch on in the dark. This morning I noticed black spots appearing which look like where the magnet peaks are.

Is anyone else seeing this? Should I be sending it back for a replacement? It’s very disappointing for a premium strap.

 

[vroom2]

Normally I put my watch on in the dark. This morning I noticed black spots appearing which look like where the magnet peaks are.

Is anyone else seeing this? Should I be sending it back for a replacement? It’s very disappointing for a premium strap.

I have (and love) that band, haven’t seen any kind of spots forming. Have you tried to gently clean the area where they are to see if they come off? If not, yes, that would be something your warranty on the band would cover.

 

[D3ggy]

I have (and love) that band, haven’t seen any kind of spots forming. Have you tried to gently clean the area where they are to see if they come off? If not, yes, that would be something your warranty on the band would cover.

Yes I have tried cleaning and the marks don’t come off. Apple are investigating and I have been promised a call back on Tuesday.

 

[cambookpro]

Anyone have a photo of California Poppy with a silver aluminium watch?

 

[Zenga13]

Normally I put my watch on in the dark. This morning I noticed black spots appearing which look like where the magnet peaks are.

Is anyone else seeing this? Should I be sending it back for a replacement? It’s very disappointing for a premium strap.

Yes, I have the same problem with my Baltic Blue link. Contacted Apple last week and today I have received a new Link. It looks to me like a problem with the magnets.