After over 600 days of continuous use, the author's Apple Watch band, a genuine Alpine Loop model, broke unexpectedly, prompting concerns over its durability. Despite having undergone regular washing and general use without apparent abuse, the band showed signs of degradation, including lifting adhesive and frayed stitching. This issue nearly led to the loss of the watch itself, igniting a debate about the expected lifespan of a $99 watch band and whether it should endure longer given its cost and intended ruggedness.
I noticed that the adhesive holding down the end tabs was lifting, but I saw there was stitching underneath, so I didn't worry about it.
The band broke, and while it wasn't serious, it could have been really bad. I noticed that the stitching at the main loop has also frayed almost to failure.
It's accompanied me on many an adventure, been in several countries, found itself deep inside loads of car engine bays, been covered in dirt and mud.
Is two years a good lifespan for a watch band, or do you expect something this pricey to last longer?
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