Apple Watch Stainless Steel Milanese Loop Unboxing｜Premium 44mm Graphite Band Review
Discover the quality and design of Apple Watch's original 44mm graphite stainless steel Milanese Loop band. See how this premium strap enhances comfort and style for everyday wear.
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Apple Watch Official Stainless Steel Milanese Loop Unboxing
Apple Official Stainless Steel 44mm Graphite Milanese Loop Unboxing
Following the previous article “Apple Watch Series 6 Unboxing & Two-Year Review,” I finally decided to buy the official Milanese Loop band. I had wanted it for two years but never pulled the trigger. This time, I upgraded everything at once. Since Apple guarantees the band is compatible with all future Apple Watch versions, I’m not worried about the band becoming unusable after future watch upgrades.
2025/08 Update:
Currently, my Milanese watch strap has been used for nearly 5 years without significant wear, rust, stretching, or odor. Compared to other straps I’ve owned, this one is the longest-lasting and most durable.
Further Reading
2025 Busan 8-Day Free Travel Guide: Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Money-Saving Tips
One-Day Flash Trip Guide to Nagoya: Taking Peach Aviation and Recommended Attractions
Advantages
The Milanese loop is made of stainless steel mesh and a magnetic clasp. The stainless steel mesh offers breathability, quick drying, and no odor. The magnetic clasp allows the strap to be adjusted to any position, fits the wrist better, is easy to wear, and has a strong magnet that prevents it from falling off. Most importantly, it makes the Apple Watch look more formal and pairs better with outfits.
Disadvantages
Pinching hair, pinching hair, pinching hair, feels heavier.
Original vs Third-Party?
Lurking in Apple communities for a while, I’ve noticed the most common question is about original vs third-party Milanese bands. Personally, I think the difference is minor, mainly in details and craftsmanship. The original can also catch hair, but its weaving is delicate and seamless. The magnet is strong and won’t loosen, and it feels clean and skin-friendly without a rust smell. However, the price difference is several times (the original costs $3,100). It’s best to feel the actual product before deciding. I guess third-party Milanese bands priced around 1,000 to 2,000 are almost as good as the original in craftsmanship.
Size
Same as the previous article, it is recommended that those with smaller wrists buy the Apple Watch 40 mm, because the 40 mm Milanese band fits wrist sizes 130–180 mm; compared to the 44 mm Milanese band, which fits wrist sizes 150–200 mm, it is 20 mm shorter.
The watch strap is a one-piece design with a fixed length and cannot be adjusted; if the strap is already tightened but still too loose, you can only consider third-party straps, or just gain some weight (?). Therefore, it’s safer to try it on at a store first.
A friend’s case: with small wrists, bought size 44 + Milanese strap, can only fasten to the last hole and still feels a bit loose!
Unboxing
** Purchased on 2020/11/01 at Apple Store 101 Direct Store.*
The same simple and unadorned paper packaging
Back of the packaging
It’s no longer called Space Gray; now it’s called Graphite.
Contents
Similar to the original silicone strap, but without the extra short strap included XD
Main Body
Magnetic Watch Clasp
Magnetic clasp, can attach anywhere, freely adjust the band size
Installation Instructions
The side with the magnetic patch attaches to the Apple Watch body.
Don’t pretend to be the opposite like I did at first, not realizing it, although it doesn’t really matter?
Correct version! Done!
Back of the actual wearing photo
Wearing Photo Front View
Additional Details on Original Manufacturer Straps
**A simple way to distinguish between original and third-party Milanese watch bands, but it’s not always accurate; buying from authorized channels is the only way to guarantee you’re not scammed!*
Connector end - the end near the magnetic clasp — bottom — has the text “Assembled in China”
The other end of the connector — surface — has the text “44MM”
Further Reading
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact me.
This post was originally published on Medium (View original post), and automatically converted and synced by ZMediumToMarkdown.