- Deciding on the best Apple Watch band for your needs is simple with our guide.
- There are five essential considerations to make when deciding on the perfect watch band for your needs.
- With an estimated 100 million Apple Watches selling between 2015-2020 alone, consumer appetite for distinctive watch bands is burgeoning.
Not sure what to look for in an Apple Watch Band?
Nylon, stainless steel, or leather; silicone, suede, and polyester. Neutral or brightly coloured, heavy or lightweight on your wrist - these are just some of the options available to consumers looking for a new band for their Apple Watch. Apple alone offers over 180 combinations of size, colour and material, and the already somewhat overwhelming selection of third-party watch bands is ever expanding.
Suffice to say, deciding which band is right for you can be a daunting prospect!
To help make this process easier, we've come up with five key factors to consider when shopping for your next Apple Watch band.
Your Watch Band Checklist
With consideration to your individual needs and preferences, here are five essential factors you should assess when looking for your perfect Apple Watch band:
- Compatibility
- Style
- Material choice
- Special features
- Ease of use and adjustability
Let's dive into each:
Compatibility
Apple Watches come in different models and case sizes, so not all bands will fit every watch.
Generally, bands for 38, 40, and 41mm cases are cross-compatible, as are bands for the 42, 44 and 45mm watch cases. Bands designed for one generation can often be used for newer iterations if they are size compatible, so your Apple Watch Ultra 2 band will work for any previous Apple Watch series with a large case size. Not sure if you need a small or large band? Check out the table below:
|
Model |
Small |
Large |
|
Apple Watch |
38 |
42 |
|
Apple Watch Series 1 |
38 |
42 |
|
Apple Watch Series 2 |
38 |
42 |
|
Apple Watch Series 3 |
38 |
42 |
|
Apple Watch Series 4 |
40 |
44 |
|
Apple Watch Series 5 |
40 |
44 |
|
Apple Watch Series 6 |
40 |
44 |
|
Apple Watch SE |
40 |
44 |
|
Apple Watch Series 7 |
41 |
45 |
|
Apple Watch Series 8 |
41 |
45 |
|
Apple Watch Series 9 |
41 |
45 |
|
Apple Watch Ultra |
x |
49 |
|
Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
x |
49 |
The different Apple Watch case sizes across all existing models, and which band they will be suitable for.
Tip: Not sure which Apple Watch you have? Open the Apple Watch app on your phone. From there, you can find the Model number under General > About. The case size and model number are also often on the case back, wrapping around the heart sensors.
Style
Three in five wearable owners wear their smart watch daily, so it's worth making sure the device (and subsequently, the band) aligns with your personal taste and intended use. Apple Watch band options range from sporty to elegant, casual to formal. Consider the colour, texture, shape, and overall design when selecting your perfect watch band: how does it complement your outfits? Does fit seamlessly into various occasions?
Tip: Want something to blend in at the office and look great at the beach? A grey watch band will match your Apple Watch hardware and easily tie in with any outfit, even a suit and tie for your Monday morning client meeting.
The FKM Rubber Watch band comes in three different colour ways, Tangelo, Marine Blue, and Cool Grey (left to right).
Material Choice
The materials of the watch band not only impact its appearance but also how the watch will feel on your wrist.
Common materials for Apple Watch bands include silicone, leather, metal, and nylon, each with different attributes that may or may not align with your needs. Consider skin sensitivity, the weight of the material, breathability (especially for sports bands), and durability in different environments (such as water resistance for swimmers).
For example, FKM rubber stands out as a high-quality alternative to silicone, particularly suitable for individuals engaging in vigorous physical activity. Its ultra-breathable and hypoallergenic characteristics make it an ideal choice for those prone to sweating or with sensitive skin.
Also consider the hardware - or metal parts - that make your watch band work. High quality parts made from aluminium, zinc, or titanium will increase the lifespan of your watch band and keep your watch firmly on your wrist, whereas cheaper plastic hardware might fail.
A high-quality product should also come with a warranty.
Tip: A leather band matching your boots and belt is perfect for that elevated look, but a waterproof rubber watch strap is going to hold up through every sweat session you can throw at it.
Special Features or Specific Uses
Do you need more from your watch band? Some offer extra features and functionalities that cater to your specific needs. For example, if you use a wireless charging station, you need a watch band that won't impede upon your watch connecting with the charger base; if you're concerned about environmental impact, you might look for eco-friendly materials. If you’re an athlete or engage in rigorous physical activity, consider a watch band that is waterproof and easily cleaned, like the FKM Rubber Watch Band.
Tip: Regularly clean your watch band to keep it looking its best and to minimise the likelihood of skin irritation. Not sure how to clean Apple Watch bands? Rubber bands like the FKM Rubber Watch band can be cleaned quickly and easily with warm water and a mild detergent.
The FKM Rubber Watch band is made from hypoallergenic, waterproof material, perfect to wear while tracking your run.
Ease of Use and Adjustability
When looking at Apple Watch straps, think about how easy it is to put your strap on and take it off, and check if you can adjust its length. Some watch straps have a non-adjustable magnetic closure or a simple slip-on design, whilst others require special tools to add/remove links so they will fit your wrist properly. Wrist size can change slightly with the weather or high levels of exertion, so it's best to look for a watch band that is easily adjustable. Watch bands with high-quality buckles and multiple settings are secure, quick to take on and off, and easy to adjust throughout the day.
Tip: To find your Apple watch band size, measure your wrist with a soft tape measure or wrap a piece of string around your wrist and measure it against a standard flat ruler. Make sure the tape or string is comfortable and snug to your wrist - it shouldn’t be loose enough to slide around or so tight that it is uncomfortable or cutting off circulation.
The Watch Band Market
Since the launch of the Apple Watch in 2015, these wearables have captured the attention of tech enthusiasts and Apple aficionados alike. With an estimated 100 million Apple Watches sold between April 2015 and December 2020, they're nothing short of a household name and a watch-side staple.
As the appetite for smart watches has grown, so too has the need for diverse and specialised Apple Watch bands, fuelled by consumer desire for individual expression and increased functionality in their wearable tech. Consumers are looking beyond what came in the box. They’re seeking bands they can use as style statements, and bands that suit their ways of life.
This growth in demand has been met by the market, with a plethora of players and offerings amounting to an estimated market worth of 20.49 billion USD in 2023. To navigate the wide world of watch bands, consumers are shopping within brands they already know, buying based purely on aesthetics, or even just snagging the first strap that pops up on Google. Many end up buying multiple watch bands to cover different occasions, or replacements when their purchase doesn’t live up to expectations. With so many brands, materials, colours, and design options to choose from, it can be hard to identify the best Apple Watch band for you.
Finding the Ideal Band for Your Apple Watch
The different parts of a watch band.
With so many bands for Apple Watch on the market, avoid the shopping overwhelm by remembering the checklist:
- Compatibility - Does this watch band fit my Apple Watch?
- Style - Do I like the look of this design, and will it work in many situations?
- Material - Will this watch band be comfortable and durable?
- Special features - does this watch band match my specific needs?
- Ease of use - Can this band easily adjust to fit my wrist properly?
If a watch band ticks all these boxes, you've found a winner!
JOURNEY has just released the FKM Rubber Watch Band, compatible with all current Apple watches from the original Apple Watch to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The watch band comes in four colours to match any aesthetic. It is made from durable, breathable, and hypoallergenic rubber for ultra-comfortable everyday wear and easy cleaning. It is also adjustable, able to fit any wrist.
The FKM Rubber Watch band is in stock now. Shop here.
Continued reading:
https://journeyofficial.com/blogs/the-journey-blog/the-best-iphone-14-accessories
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