The Apple Watch Classic Buckle was made in two sizes and fit wrists measuring 130–195 mm (38 mm version) and 150–215 mm (42 mm version). Apple described this band as a traditional design “made from a calf leather that ages naturally over time to acquire a beautiful patina. A contrasting interior lining creates a dramatic two-tone look, and the color-matched edge stitching provides a subtle complement.”
This version of the Classic Buckle is the third generation of the design (the fourth generation added a spring-loaded square buckle to make it easier to insert the band). Its color is Red, but the band is not part of Apple’s (PRODUCT)RED collection.
In this example the Red Classic Buckle is paired with an Apple Watch Series 7 in silver stainless steel.
The Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band was available from Spring 2016–Summer 2018. This band design was the first to include plastic connecting “lugs” to attach to the watch.
This Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band in Space Orange and Anthracite (dark gray) was available during the Fall 2016 season and among the first Woven Nylon bands available. This example fits the 42mm Apple Watch and had a Stainless Steel Buckle. Up close, it uses a wavy pattern with two shades of orange and anthracite. (Anthracite is a hard coal with a high carbon content.)
Apple began releasing products in the color “Space Gray” in 2013 with the iPhone 5s and has changed shades a few times over the years. “Space Black” debuted in 2014 with the Apple Watch. Except for shades of gray and black, this is the only of another “Space” color from Aple.
According to Apple:
“Every Woven Nylon band is made from over 500 threads woven together in a unique, colorful pattern. Monofilaments connect four layers of the weave to create a single durable band with a comfortable, fabric-like feel. Available in seven vibrant colors”
Unlike the Apple Sport Loop bands that shipped with two sizes in one box, each Woven Nylon box included one size band with twelve notches. The 38mm version was designed to fit wrists 125–195mm, and the 42mm fit 145–215mm wrists.
Apple Watch Woven Nylon band styles were discontinued in Summer 2018.
The Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band was available from Spring 2016–Summer 2018. This band design was the first to include plastic connecting “lugs” to attach to the watch.
This Apple Watch Woven Nylon Band in Red was available during the Spring 2017 season. This example fits the 42mm Apple Watch and had a Stainless Steel Buckle. Although its color is “red,” it includes red plastic connectors and three stripes in yellow, red, and gray.
According to Apple:
“Every Woven Nylon band is made from over 500 threads woven together in a unique, colorful pattern. Monofilaments connect four layers of the weave to create a single durable band with a comfortable, fabric-like feel.”
Unlike the Apple Sport Loop bands that shipped with two sizes in one box, each Woven Nylon box included one size band with twelve notches. The 38mm version was designed to fit wrists 125–195mm, and the 42mm fit 145–215mm wrists.
Apple Watch Woven Nylon band styles were discontinued in Summer 2018.
The Apple Watch Leather Loop band is comprised of leather-wrapped magnets. The band is sold in two sizes, Medium for 150–185 mm wrists and Large for 180–210 mm wrists. They are also available for both the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models.
The Leather Loop band was among Apple’s original band designs in 2015 and has been available in several colors, including Stone, Light Brown, Saddle Brown, Forest Green, Cosmos Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Bright Blue, Midnight Blue, Black, Charcoal Gray, Storm Gray, Smoke Gray, White, and Meyer Lemon.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Leather Loop band:
“The Venezia leather for this band is handcrafted in Arzignano, Italy. With an artisan heritage spanning five generations, the tannery has a history of partnership with some of the most prestigious names in fashion. A delicate milling and tumbling process enhances the beautiful pebbled texture. And magnets concealed within the soft, quilted leather allow you to simply wrap it around your wrist for a precise fit and a trim look.”
This is the band I purchased along with my original Stainless Steel Apple Watch, and it definitely shows some signs of wear. I like this style because it uses no mechanical fasteners that might potentially scratch a surface.
The Apple Watch Leather Loop band is comprised of leather-wrapped magnets. The band is sold in two sizes, Medium for 150–185 mm wrists and Large for 180–210 mm wrists. They are available for both the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models.
The Leather Loop band was among Apple’s original band designs in 2015 and has been available in several colors, including Stone, Light Brown, Saddle Brown, Forest Green, Cosmos Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Bright Blue, Midnight Blue, Black, Charcoal Gray, Storm Gray, Smoke Gray, White, and Meyer Lemon.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Leather Loop band:
“The Venezia leather for this band is handcrafted in Arzignano, Italy. With an artisan heritage spanning five generations, the tannery has a history of partnership with some of the most prestigious names in fashion. A delicate milling and tumbling process enhances the beautiful pebbled texture. And magnets concealed within the soft, quilted leather allow you to simply wrap it around your wrist for a precise fit and a trim look.”
The Midnight Blue band is a very dark shade of blue and looks good with Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Space Gray Apple Watch models. I like this style because it uses no mechanical fasteners that might potentially scratch a surface.
The Apple Watch Leather Loop band is comprised of leather-wrapped magnets. The band is sold in two sizes, Medium for 150–185 mm wrists and Large for 180–210 mm wrists. They are available for both the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models.
The Leather Loop band was among Apple’s original band designs in 2015 and has been available in several colors, including Stone, Light Brown, Saddle Brown, Forest Green, Cosmos Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Bright Blue, Midnight Blue, Black, Charcoal Gray, Storm Gray, Smoke Gray, White, and Meyer Lemon.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Leather Loop band:
“The Venezia leather for this band is handcrafted in Arzignano, Italy. With an artisan heritage spanning five generations, the tannery has a history of partnership with some of the most prestigious names in fashion. A delicate milling and tumbling process enhances the beautiful pebbled texture. And magnets concealed within the soft, quilted leather allow you to simply wrap it around your wrist for a precise fit and a trim look.”
This Cape Cod Blue band has been among the more unusual colors offered by Apple, and I pair mine with with Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Space Gray Apple Watch models. I like this style because it uses no mechanical fasteners that might potentially scratch a surface.
The Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. The Nike Sport Loop bands differ from the Apple Sport Loop versions in that they are made to match current Nike running shoe styles and contain reflective thread. They are available for the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models, but so far have only been offered in Regular size to fit 130–190 mm wrists.
The Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band has been available in several styles, including Bright Crimson/Black, Pearl Pink, Smokey Mauve, Midnight Fog, Celestial Teal, Olive Flak, Cargo Khaki, Black/Pure Platinum, Black, Summit White, Desert Sand/Volt, Pink Blast/True Berry, Royal Pulse/Lava Glow, Summit White, and Black. Close inspection of the Sport Loop reveals that each style is comprised of a base color and at least one additional accent color. For example, the Black style uses a combination of black, white, and gray thread colors.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Nike Sport Loop band:
“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Nike Sport Loop is designed for fitness, with select colors matched to the new line of Nike running shoes. It features a nylon weave with reflective thread designed to shimmer when light strikes it. A hook-and-loop fastener makes for quick and easy adjustment, and dense loops on the skin side provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”
This Bright Crimson/Black model shipped along with an Apple+Nike Aluminum Series 3 Apple Watch. This was the first Sport Loop Apple Watch band I owned, and I have found this style to be my favorite.
The Apple Watch Sport Loop band is woven from nylon thread to create a hook-and-loop closure. They are available for the 38/40 mm and 42/44 mm Apple Watch models, and are offered in Regular size to fit 130–190 mm wrists. A Black Sport Loop was offered in size XL.
The Apple Watch Sport Loop band has been available in several styles, including (PRODUCT)RED (two versions), Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Electric Pink, Hibiscus, Hot Pink, Pink Sand, Flash Light, Flash, Marine Green, Tahoe Blue, Cape Cod Blue, Midnight Blue, Indigo, Dark Olive, Storm Gray, Black, and Seashell. Close inspection of original styles reveal that designs are comprised of a base color and one or more accent colors; for example, Indigo uses a dark blue base color with accent threads in white, red, and purple. Newer styles use a two-tone design with one or more accent colors—Pomegranate, Khaki, Alaskan Blue, Anchor Gray, Camel, Midnight Blue, and a 2019 (PRODUCT)RED design—for example, Camel features a tan side and a yellow side with light gray accents. The Pride design features the rainbow colors of the LGBT flag.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport Loop band:
“Soft, breathable, and lightweight, the Sport Loop features a hook-and-loop fastener for quick and easy adjustment. The double-layer nylon weave has dense loops on the skin side that provide soft cushioning while allowing moisture to escape. On the reverse side, the attachment loops are securely anchored for superior durability.”
This Seashell style is primarily light gray with accent colors including black and white. Since I tried my first Sport Loop Apple Watch band, I have found this style to be my favorite.
The Apple Watch Sport Band is made from a flexible rubber material called fluoroelastomer with a metal pin closure. Sizes range from S/M, M/L, or L/XL. When purchasing an Apple Watch Sport Band, the S/M and M/L sizes are included in the box, allowing the band to fit wrists 140–210 mm. The XL size fits wrists 160–245 mm and so far the L/XL bands have only been available in black and white.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport band:
“Made from a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer, the Sport Band is durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft. The smooth, dense material drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit.”
The Apple Watch Sport band has been available in the most colors so far, including, Rose Red, Orange, Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Apricot, Hermès Orange, Yellow, Pollen, Mellow Yellow, Lemonade, Flash, Green, Mint, Dark Teal, Pacific Green, Marine Green, Turquoise, Mist Blue, Sky Blue, Blue, Royal Blue, Lilac, Azure, Denim Blue, Blue Horizon, Ocean Blue, Blue Cobalt, Midnight Blue, Ultra Violet, Lavender Gray, Lavender, Vintage Rose, Light Pink, Pink, Red Raspberry, Hibiscus, Camellia, Peach, Flamingo, Walnut, Pebble, Antique White, Soft White/Pebble (White Ceramic Pin), Soft White, Cloud (White Ceramic Pin), Concrete, Dark Olive, Cocoa, Black (Stainless Steel Pin), Black (Black Pin), Gray/Black (Gray Ceramic Pin), Gray (Black Pin), Fog, White, Pomegranate, Beryl, Khaki, Lemon Cream, Clementine, Pine Green, Alaskan Blue, Stone, Pink Sand, Black, White, (PRODUCT)RED Generation 1, and (PRODUCT)RED Generation 2.
This example is an XL size, White Sport band for the 42/44 mm Apple Watch. Although I find these bands very comfortable to wear, the metal pin is positioned at the base of the wrist and tends to make contact with the laptop surface as you type.
The Apple Watch Sport Band is made from a flexible rubber material called fluoroelastomer with a metal pin closure. Sizes range from S/M, M/L, or L/XL. When purchasing an Apple Watch Sport Band, the S/M and M/L sizes are included in the box, allowing the band to fit wrists 140–210 mm. The XL size fits wrists 160–245 mm and so far the L/XL bands have only been available in black and white.
Apple describes the Apple Watch Sport band:
“Made from a custom high-performance fluoroelastomer, the Sport Band is durable and strong, yet surprisingly soft. The smooth, dense material drapes elegantly across your wrist and feels comfortable next to your skin. An innovative pin-and-tuck closure ensures a clean fit.”
The Apple Watch Sport band has been available in the most colors so far, including, Rose Red, Orange, Spicy Orange, Nectarine, Apricot, Hermès Orange, Yellow, Pollen, Mellow Yellow, Lemonade, Flash, Green, Mint, Dark Teal, Pacific Green, Marine Green, Turquoise, Mist Blue, Sky Blue, Blue, Royal Blue, Lilac, Azure, Denim Blue, Blue Horizon, Ocean Blue, Blue Cobalt, Midnight Blue, Ultra Violet, Lavender Gray, Lavender, Vintage Rose, Light Pink, Pink, Red Raspberry, Hibiscus, Camellia, Peach, Flamingo, Walnut, Pebble, Antique White, Soft White/Pebble (White Ceramic Pin), Soft White, Cloud (White Ceramic Pin), Concrete, Dark Olive, Cocoa, Black (Stainless Steel Pin), Black (Black Pin), Gray/Black (Gray Ceramic Pin), Gray (Black Pin), Fog, White, Pomegranate, Beryl, Khaki, Lemon Cream, Clementine, Pine Green, Alaskan Blue, Stone, Pink Sand, Black, White, (PRODUCT)RED Generation 1, and (PRODUCT)RED Generation 2.
This version of the Black Apple Watch Sport Band includes a 316L Stainless Steel Pin to match the aluminum and stainless steel Apple Watch models. An alternate version of the same band shipped with a black pin to match the Space Gray Apple Watch. Incidentally, the 316L Stainless Steel designation refers to the grade of stainless steel used for the pin (also referred to as “marine grade stainless steel”). This example is an XL size, Black Sport band for the 42/44 mm Apple Watch. Although I find these bands very comfortable to wear, the metal pin is positioned at the base of the wrist and tends to make contact with the laptop surface as you type.
