Milanese band scratches Apple Watch case (!)

I own a stainless steel Apple Watch 7 and bought it together with the stainless steel Milanese band directly from Apple. Within a day or two, I already had scratches on the Watch body. At first I thought it was me, but now I noticed many other people who have the same issue.

I spoke to Apple support and now it seems this is “cosmetic damage” that occurs due to “normal use” and Apple doesn’t do anything about it, not even with Apple Care+.

This is unacceptable in my opinion: if you know the band causes scratches (and seeing how many people have this issue, this should be a known issue), you should at least get a huge message on your order form to beware of this risk.

Since it’s hardly possible to put on / take off the Watch without the band touching the case, or replace the band (I also own a sports band, since the steel is not very convenient when working out) without the same happening, in my opinion, Apple should not sell this band at all.

I spent over EUR900 on the watch (EUR829 on itself) plus band, and if I would have known this in advance, I would have never bought this band but would have chosen a different material.

Honestly I believe Apple should replace the body and should offer to replace the band. But as said, Apple is not doing a thing and now I’m walking around with scratches on my high end Apple Watch.

I already sent in feedback, but I wonder if Apple will do anything about this.

My advise: DO NOT buy the Milanese band if you would like to keep your Watch as new. And if Apple is reading this: some better after sales would be great.