You both seem to have had bad luck. My strap is still in perfect condition (after months), although I always change the strap with a silicone strap when I do sports. Leather and sweat don't mix so well, as we all know.

I can't disagree with you there. Great design, but the workmanship is really bad.
I thought the first band was a model from a montage, but the second one isn't any better. What a shame!