Apple Watch Original Stainless Steel Milanese Loop Unboxing
Apple Original Stainless Steel 44mm Graphite Milanese Loop Unboxing
Following the previous post “Apple Watch Series 6 Unboxing & Two Years Usage Review”, I finally decided to get the original Milanese loop. I had wanted to buy it two years ago but never did; this time, I decided to update everything at once. Apple guarantees that the bands are compatible with all subsequent Apple Watch versions, so there’s no worry about the band not fitting future updates.
Advantages
The Milanese loop is made of stainless steel mesh and a magnetic clasp. The benefits of the stainless steel mesh are breathability and quick drying; the magnetic clasp allows the band to be adjusted to any position, fits the wrist better, is easy to wear, and has strong magnetism, so it won’t fall off. Most importantly, it makes the Apple Watch look more formal and easier to match with outfits.
Disadvantages
It pulls hair, pulls hair, pulls hair, and is relatively heavy.
Original vs. Third-party?
Having been in Apple communities for a while, I’ve noticed that the most frequently asked question is about the original vs. third-party Milanese loop. Personally, I think the difference is not significant, mainly in the details and craftsmanship. The original also pulls hair, but the original’s weaving is very delicate and integrated, the magnetic part is very strong and won’t loosen, and it’s clean and skin-friendly without a rusty smell. However, the price difference is several times (the original costs $3,100). It’s best to touch the actual product before deciding. I guess third-party Milanese loops costing 1-2 thousand should almost equal the original in craftsmanship.
Size
As mentioned in the previous post, it’s recommended for those with smaller wrists to buy the Apple Watch 40mm, as the 40mm Milanese loop fits wrists 130–180mm, compared to the 44mm Milanese loop, which fits wrists 150–200mm, 20mm shorter.
The band is one-piece and cannot be adjusted in length; if the band is already tight but still too big, you can only consider third-party options, or gain some weight (?). So it’s safer to try it on in-store.
A friend’s case, wrist too small, bought 44 + Milanese loop, can only stick to the end and still a bit loose!
Unboxing
* Purchased on 2020/11/01 at Apple Store 101 flagship store.
Same simple paper packaging
Back of the packaging
Now it’s not called Space Gray, but Graphite.
Contents
Similar to the original silicone band, but the difference is that it doesn’t come with an extra short band XD
The band itself
Magnetic clasp
Magnetic clasp, can attach at any position, adjust the loop size freely
Installation instructions
The side with the magnet goes down and is buckled into the Apple Watch body.
Don’t be like me and install it backwards at first without realizing it, although it doesn’t really matter? :
Correct version! Done!
Wearing picture - back
Wearing picture - front
Additional details of the original strap
*Simple way to distinguish between original and aftermarket Milanese straps, but not necessarily accurate; purchasing through legitimate channels ensures you won’t be scammed!
Connection end - the end near the magnetic clasp — bottom — has “Assembled in China” text
Connection end other end — surface — has “44MM” text
Further reading
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me.
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This article was first published in Traditional Chinese on Medium ➡️ View Here
