The Braided Solo Loop Apple Watch band was released in 2020 along with the Apple Watch Series 6. The packaging describes this product as a “Textile Fitted Band.” According to Apple’s website:
“Each Braided Solo Loop features a unique, stretchable design that’s ultracomfortable and easy to slip on and off your wrist. Created by weaving 16,000 recycled polyester yarn filaments around ultrathin silicone threads using advanced, precision-braiding machinery, then laser cutting the band to an exact length for a custom fit. The band offers a soft, textured feel and is both sweat and water resistant.”
Apple described this band as “Featuring a neon array of colors inspired by Pride flags” to “celebrate the light that allows the LGBTQ+ communities to truly be seen.” This is the second edition of this design and each year Apple has released a custom watch face that matches the Pride Edition bands. (As of 2024, Apple had released three Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop designs.)
According to Apple’s website, “This band comes in custom sizes because it’s designed for an ultracomfortable fit. An accurate measurement will help you get the size that’s right for you.” The website allowed buyers to download a PDF and cut out a “tool” that wrapped around the wrist to designate the band size needed.
As of 2024, Apple lists the following “LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations working to bring about positive change:”
On May 9, 2023, Apple introduced this Apple Watch Pride Edition Sport Band. This Sport Band was introduced along with a matching watch face and iOS wallpaper. The design is a first for Apple and includes the most colors ever incorporated into a Sport Band. Apple described the Sport Band:
“…the new Sport Band design showcases the original pride flag rainbow colors and five others — black and brown symbolize Black and Latin communities, in addition to those who have passed away from or are living with HIV/AIDS, while light blue, pink, and white represent transgender and nonbinary individuals.”
Even the band’s manufacturing process is unique to this design:
“This year’s design integrates a joyful rainbow of geometric shapes on a white base, which are compression-molded into the final band. In the forming process, the base material flows around each individual shape, creating small variations in their layout. No two bands are exactly alike, reflecting the individuality of all members of the LGBTQ+ community.”
The following organizations are supported by Apple’s sales of this Sport Band:
Equality Federation Institute
Encircle
Equality North Carolina
Equality Texas
Gender Spectrum
GLSEN
Human Rights Campaign
PFLAG
The National Center for Transgender Equality
SMYAL
The Trevor Project
ILGA World
This particular object in my collection includes a four-pack box, likely intended only for an Apple Watch Band distributor. When it arrived, I was not certain what it was since it was shipped as a plain-white, unmarked box with a cardboard zip-style opener. I was surprised to find that the box contained four identical Pride Edition Sport Bands in size M/L.
The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time of the Summer Olympics played in 2021 (referred to as the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 delay). The bands came in 22 designs “representing nations across the globe, each with a downloadable matching watch face.”
The bands used the Sport Loop design, described by Apple as, “Soft, breathable, and lightweight, it 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.”
The packaging for each band was highly customized and featured the Apple Watch logo on the box exterior in metallic gold (presumably a reference to Olympic gold medals). The interior packaging used the design of the sport band (as opposed to the generic design used in other Sport Loop designs) and included an App Clip Code (Apple’s custom circular QR Code design) that led directly to a downloadable Watch face that matched the band.
According to an Apple Newsroom release from June 29, 2021:
“To celebrate the indescribable drive and competitive spirit of all athletes and fans, Apple is launching the International Collection bands for Apple Watch, featuring 22 limited-edition Sport Loop bands with colorful designs that represent those nations across the globe. Each band also features a matching downloadable Stripes watch face showcasing color combinations that customers around the world can use to personalize their Apple Watch and boldly show their country support.
The soft, breathable, and lightweight International Collection Sport Loop bands are available representing the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the US.”
The colorful designs used a variety of designs including one-color bands, one- and two-color facing bands, and some bands were split vertically with two colors (a first for Apple Watch band designs). All bands used a contrasting edge color, and many bands featured contrasting plastic connectors/closure colors. Bands matched the flags of each country and featured two to five colors each.
These are my descriptions of each of the band designs:
Australia—2-sided bright green and yellow band; bright green edges; bright green plastic connectors/closure.
Belgium—yellow gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Brazil—bright green band; yellow edges; dark blue plastic connectors/closure.
Canada—vertical striped white and red band; white and red edges; white plastic connectors, white closure.
China—red band; yellow-gold edges; red plastic connectors, yellow-gold closure.
Denmark—red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
France—white band; blue and red edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
Germany—2-sided black and yellow-gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Greece—vertical striped white and blue band; blue and white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
Italy—bright blue band; white edges; green plastic connectors, red closure.
Jamaica—2-sided bright green and black band; yellow edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
Japan—white band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Mexico—white band; green and blue edges; white plastic connectors, green closure.
Netherlands—bright orange band; white edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
New Zealand—black band; white edges; black plastic connectors, white closure.
Russia—2-sided blue and red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
South Africa—2-sided red and blue band; green edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
South Korea—white band; black edges; blue plastic connectors, red closure.
Spain—2-sided yellow-gold and red band; red edges; red plastic connectors/closure.
Sweden—2-sided yellow and medium-blue band; medium-blue edges; medium-blue plastic connectors/closure.
United States—vertical striped white and blue band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Great Britain—2-sided red and blue band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
This example is a 44 mm Sport Loop representing Canada.
The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time of the Summer Olympics played in 2021 (referred to as the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 delay). The bands came in 22 designs “representing nations across the globe, each with a downloadable matching watch face.”
The bands used the Sport Loop design, described by Apple as, “Soft, breathable, and lightweight, it 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.”
The packaging for each band was highly customized and featured the Apple Watch logo on the box exterior in metallic gold (presumably a reference to Olympic gold medals). The interior packaging used the design of the sport band (as opposed to the generic design used in other Sport Loop designs) and included an App Clip Code (Apple’s custom circular QR Code design) that led directly to a downloadable Watch face that matched the band.
According to an Apple Newsroom release from June 29, 2021:
“To celebrate the indescribable drive and competitive spirit of all athletes and fans, Apple is launching the International Collection bands for Apple Watch, featuring 22 limited-edition Sport Loop bands with colorful designs that represent those nations across the globe. Each band also features a matching downloadable Stripes watch face1 showcasing color combinations that customers around the world can use to personalize their Apple Watch and boldly show their country support.
The soft, breathable, and lightweight International Collection Sport Loop bands are available representing the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the US.”
The colorful designs used one-color bands, one- and two-color facing bands, and some bands were split vertically with two colors (a first for Apple Watch band designs). All bands used a contrasting edge color, and many bands featured contrasting plastic connectors/closure colors. Bands matched the flags of each country and featured two to five colors each. My band color descriptions include:
Australia—2-sided bright green and yellow band; bright green edges; bright green plastic connectors/closure.
Belgium—yellow gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Brazil—bright green band; yellow edges; dark blue plastic connectors/closure.
Canada—vertical striped white and red band; white and red edges; whit plastic connectors, white closure.
China—red band; yellow-gold edges; red plastic connectors, yellow-gold closure.
Denmark—red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
France—white band; blue and red edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
Germany—2-sided black and yellow-gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Greece—vertical striped white and blue band; blue and white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
Italy—bright blue band; white edges; green plastic connectors, red closure.
Jamaica—2-sided bright green and black band; yellow edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
Japan—white band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Mexico—white band; green and blue edges; white plastic connectors, green closure.
Netherlands—bright orange band; white edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
New Zealand—black band; white edges; black plastic connectors, white closure.
Russia—2-sided blue and red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
South Africa—2-sided red and blue band; green edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
South Korea—white band; black edges; blue plastic connectors, red closure.
Spain—2-sided yellow-gold and red band; red edges; red plastic connectors/closure.
Sweden—2-sided yellow and medium-blue band; medium-blue edges; medium-blue plastic connectors/closure.
United States—vertical striped white and blue band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Great Britain—2-sided red and blue band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
This example is a 44mm Sport Loop representing the United States of America.
The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time of the Summer Olympics played in 2021 (referred to as the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 delay). The bands came in 22 designs “representing nations across the globe, each with a downloadable matching watch face.”
The bands used the Sport Loop design, described by Apple as, “Soft, breathable, and lightweight, it 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.”
The packaging for each band was highly customized and featured the Apple Watch logo on the box exterior in metallic gold (presumably a reference to Olympic gold medals). The interior packaging used the design of the sport band (as opposed to the generic design used in other Sport Loop designs) and included an App Clip Code (Apple’s custom circular QR Code design) that led directly to a downloadable Watch face that matched the band.
According to an Apple Newsroom release from June 29, 2021:
“To celebrate the indescribable drive and competitive spirit of all athletes and fans, Apple is launching the International Collection bands for Apple Watch, featuring 22 limited-edition Sport Loop bands with colorful designs that represent those nations across the globe. Each band also features a matching downloadable Stripes watch face1 showcasing color combinations that customers around the world can use to personalize their Apple Watch and boldly show their country support.
The soft, breathable, and lightweight International Collection Sport Loop bands are available representing the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the US.”
The colorful designs used one-color bands, one- and two-color facing bands, and some bands were split vertically with two colors (a first for Apple Watch band designs). All bands used a contrasting edge color, and many bands featured contrasting plastic connectors/closure colors. Bands matched the flags of each country and featured two to five colors each. My band color descriptions include:
Australia—2-sided bright green and yellow band; bright green edges; bright green plastic connectors/closure.
Belgium—yellow gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Brazil—bright green band; yellow edges; dark blue plastic connectors/closure.
Canada—vertical striped white and red band; white and red edges; whit plastic connectors, white closure.
China—red band; yellow-gold edges; red plastic connectors, yellow-gold closure.
Denmark—red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
France—white band; blue and red edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
Germany—2-sided black and yellow-gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Greece—vertical striped white and blue band; blue and white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
Italy—bright blue band; white edges; green plastic connectors, red closure.
Jamaica—2-sided bright green and black band; yellow edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
Japan—white band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Mexico—white band; green and blue edges; white plastic connectors, green closure.
Netherlands—bright orange band; white edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
New Zealand—black band; white edges; black plastic connectors, white closure.
Russia—2-sided blue and red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
South Africa—2-sided red and blue band; green edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
South Korea—white band; black edges; blue plastic connectors, red closure.
Spain—2-sided yellow-gold and red band; red edges; red plastic connectors/closure.
Sweden—2-sided yellow and medium-blue band; medium-blue edges; medium-blue plastic connectors/closure.
United States—vertical striped white and blue band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Great Britain—2-sided red and blue band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
This example is a 44mm Sport Loop representing South Korea.
The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time of the Summer Olympics played in 2021 (referred to as the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 delay). The bands came in 22 designs “representing nations across the globe, each with a downloadable matching watch face.”
The bands used the Sport Loop design, described by Apple as, “Soft, breathable, and lightweight, it 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.”
The packaging for each band was highly customized and featured the Apple Watch logo on the box exterior in metallic gold (presumably a reference to Olympic gold medals). The interior packaging used the design of the sport band (as opposed to the generic design used in other Sport Loop designs) and included an App Clip Code (Apple’s custom circular QR Code design) that led directly to a downloadable Watch face that matched the band.
According to an Apple Newsroom release from June 29, 2021:
“To celebrate the indescribable drive and competitive spirit of all athletes and fans, Apple is launching the International Collection bands for Apple Watch, featuring 22 limited-edition Sport Loop bands with colorful designs that represent those nations across the globe. Each band also features a matching downloadable Stripes watch face1 showcasing color combinations that customers around the world can use to personalize their Apple Watch and boldly show their country support.
The soft, breathable, and lightweight International Collection Sport Loop bands are available representing the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the US.”
The colorful designs used one-color bands, one- and two-color facing bands, and some bands were split vertically with two colors (a first for Apple Watch band designs). All bands used a contrasting edge color, and many bands featured contrasting plastic connectors/closure colors. Bands matched the flags of each country and featured two to five colors each. My band color descriptions include:
Australia—2-sided bright green and yellow band; bright green edges; bright green plastic connectors/closure.
Belgium—yellow gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Brazil—bright green band; yellow edges; dark blue plastic connectors/closure.
Canada—vertical striped white and red band; white and red edges; whit plastic connectors, white closure.
China—red band; yellow-gold edges; red plastic connectors, yellow-gold closure.
Denmark—red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
France—white band; blue and red edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
Germany—2-sided black and yellow-gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Greece—vertical striped white and blue band; blue and white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
Italy—bright blue band; white edges; green plastic connectors, red closure.
Jamaica—2-sided bright green and black band; yellow edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
Japan—white band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Mexico—white band; green and blue edges; white plastic connectors, green closure.
Netherlands—bright orange band; white edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
New Zealand—black band; white edges; black plastic connectors, white closure.
Russia—2-sided blue and red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
South Africa—2-sided red and blue band; green edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
South Korea—white band; black edges; blue plastic connectors, red closure.
Spain—2-sided yellow-gold and red band; red edges; red plastic connectors/closure.
Sweden—2-sided yellow and medium-blue band; medium-blue edges; medium-blue plastic connectors/closure.
United States—vertical striped white and blue band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Great Britain—2-sided red and blue band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
This example is a 44mm Sport Loop representing South Africa. This band is the most colorful of the International collection, featuring five colors.
Please note that there is no connection between South Africa and LEGO. When I unpackaged this band, I was immediately reminded of the classic LEGO colors, and I decided to include some bricks in a few of the photos. The actual flag of the Republic of South Africa was designed in 1994 and uses these same colors, but has never evoked a LEGO vibe to me. According to the Southern African Vexillological Association:
“The design…represents a converging of paths, the merging of both the past and the present. Black, gold and green, which were first incorporated into South African national flags in the 19th century, also feature prominently in the flags of the liberation movements, particularly the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan-African Congress (PAC)… Red, white, blue and green reflect the British and Dutch (later Boer) influence, as shown in the earliest flags flown in South Africa…”
The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time of the Summer Olympics played in 2021 (referred to as the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 delay). The bands came in 22 designs “representing nations across the globe, each with a downloadable matching watch face.”
The bands used the Sport Loop design, described by Apple as, “Soft, breathable, and lightweight, it 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.”
The packaging for each band was highly customized and featured the Apple Watch logo on the box exterior in metallic gold (presumably a reference to Olympic gold medals). The interior packaging used the design of the sport band (as opposed to the generic design used in other Sport Loop designs) and included an App Clip Code (Apple’s custom circular QR Code design) that led directly to a downloadable Watch face that matched the band.
According to an Apple Newsroom release from June 29, 2021:
“To celebrate the indescribable drive and competitive spirit of all athletes and fans, Apple is launching the International Collection bands for Apple Watch, featuring 22 limited-edition Sport Loop bands with colorful designs that represent those nations across the globe. Each band also features a matching downloadable Stripes watch face1 showcasing color combinations that customers around the world can use to personalize their Apple Watch and boldly show their country support.
The soft, breathable, and lightweight International Collection Sport Loop bands are available representing the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the US.”
The colorful designs used one-color bands, one- and two-color facing bands, and some bands were split vertically with two colors (a first for Apple Watch band designs). All bands used a contrasting edge color, and many bands featured contrasting plastic connectors/closure colors. Bands matched the flags of each country and featured two to five colors each. My band color descriptions include:
Australia—2-sided bright green and yellow band; bright green edges; bright green plastic connectors/closure.
Belgium—yellow gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Brazil—bright green band; yellow edges; dark blue plastic connectors/closure.
Canada—vertical striped white and red band; white and red edges; whit plastic connectors, white closure.
China—red band; yellow-gold edges; red plastic connectors, yellow-gold closure.
Denmark—red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
France—white band; blue and red edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
Germany—2-sided black and yellow-gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Greece—vertical striped white and blue band; blue and white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
Italy—bright blue band; white edges; green plastic connectors, red closure.
Jamaica—2-sided bright green and black band; yellow edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
Japan—white band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Mexico—white band; green and blue edges; white plastic connectors, green closure.
Netherlands—bright orange band; white edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
New Zealand—black band; white edges; black plastic connectors, white closure.
Russia—2-sided blue and red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
South Africa—2-sided red and blue band; green edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
South Korea—white band; black edges; blue plastic connectors, red closure.
Spain—2-sided yellow-gold and red band; red edges; red plastic connectors/closure.
Sweden—2-sided yellow and medium-blue band; medium-blue edges; medium-blue plastic connectors/closure.
United States—vertical striped white and blue band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Great Britain—2-sided red and blue band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
This example is a 44mm Sport Loop representing Greece.
The International Collection Sport Loop was released at the time of the Summer Olympics played in 2021 (referred to as the 2020 Olympics due to the COVID-19 delay). The bands came in 22 designs “representing nations across the globe, each with a downloadable matching watch face.”
The bands used the Sport Loop design, described by Apple as, “Soft, breathable, and lightweight, it 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.”
The packaging for each band was highly customized and featured the Apple Watch logo on the box exterior in metallic gold (presumably a reference to Olympic gold medals). The interior packaging used the design of the sport band (as opposed to the generic design used in other Sport Loop designs) and included an App Clip Code (Apple’s custom circular QR Code design) that led directly to a downloadable Watch face that matched the band.
According to an Apple Newsroom release from June 29, 2021:
“To celebrate the indescribable drive and competitive spirit of all athletes and fans, Apple is launching the International Collection bands for Apple Watch, featuring 22 limited-edition Sport Loop bands with colorful designs that represent those nations across the globe. Each band also features a matching downloadable Stripes watch face1 showcasing color combinations that customers around the world can use to personalize their Apple Watch and boldly show their country support.
The soft, breathable, and lightweight International Collection Sport Loop bands are available representing the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the US.”
The colorful designs used one-color bands, one- and two-color facing bands, and some bands were split vertically with two colors (a first for Apple Watch band designs). All bands used a contrasting edge color, and many bands featured contrasting plastic connectors/closure colors. Bands matched the flags of each country and featured two to five colors each. My band color descriptions include:
Australia—2-sided bright green and yellow band; bright green edges; bright green plastic connectors/closure.
Belgium—yellow gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Brazil—bright green band; yellow edges; dark blue plastic connectors/closure.
Canada—vertical striped white and red band; white and red edges; white plastic connectors, white closure.
China—red band; yellow-gold edges; red plastic connectors, yellow-gold closure.
Denmark—red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
France—white band; blue and red edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
Germany—2-sided black and yellow-gold band; red edges; black plastic connectors/closure.
Greece—2-sided vertical striped white and blue band; blue and white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
Italy—bright blue band; white edges; green plastic connectors, red closure.
Jamaica—2-sided bright green and black band; yellow edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
Japan—white band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Mexico—white band; green and blue edges; white plastic connectors, green closure.
Netherlands—bright orange band; white edges; white plastic connectors, blue closure.
New Zealand—black band; white edges; black plastic connectors, white closure.
Russia—2-sided blue and red band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
South Africa—2-sided red and blue band; green edges; black plastic connectors, yellow closure.
South Korea—white band; black edges; blue plastic connectors, red closure.
Spain—2-sided yellow-gold and red band; red edges; red plastic connectors/closure.
Sweden—2-sided yellow and medium-blue band; medium-blue edges; medium-blue plastic connectors/closure.
United States—vertical striped white and blue band; red edges; white plastic connectors, red closure.
Great Britain—2-sided red and blue band; white edges; white plastic connectors/closure.
This example is a 44mm Sport Loop representing Germany.
The Apple Watch “Edition” is the name Apple gave to its most exclusive models of the Apple Watch. Original Apple Watch Edition models were considered highly exclusive with a price tag to match—the 38mm 18-Karat gold version was priced at $10,000, the 42mm version was $12,000, and the most expensive option went for $17,000. The Edition version that was released along with the Series 2 Apple Watch models reimagined the original Apple Watch Edition idea.
The Apple Watch Edition Series 2 was still exclusive, but instead of a precious metal, its material was a new, scratch-resistant ceramic. Apple described the composition and finish: “Sleek, light, and extremely durable, ceramic is more than four times as hard as stainless steel — with a pearly, lustrous finish that won’t scratch or tarnish.” The ceramic Apple Watch Edition started at $1,249 for the 38mm model, and the 42mm model was $1,299.
Apple touted a high level of craftsmanship behind this Apple Watch Edition. “The process of creating the Apple Watch Edition case begins with a high-strength zirconia powder that’s combined with alumina to achieve its rich, white color. Each case is then compression molded, sintered, and polished using a diamond slurry, which results in a remarkably smooth surface and an exquisite shine. With this precise level of workmanship, every Apple Watch Edition case takes days to make.”
For some reason, the Apple Watch Edition Series 2 models were slightly wider and taller than the aluminum and stainless counterparts by 0.1mm. It measured 42.6mm x 36.5mm x 11.4mm. The watch weighed in at 45.6g (for comparison, the 42mm aluminum was 34.2g and the 42mm stainless steel version was 52.4g). Like the stainless steel model, the OLED Retina display with Force Touch on the Edition used a Sapphire crystal at 312×390 pixels on the 42mm version.
All Series 2 Apple Watch models featured GPS and GLONASS, water resistance to 50 meters, a dual‑core processor, and a display twice as bright as the previous Apple Watch. Wireless connectivity included Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 4.0. Sensors included a heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and ambient light sensor. The Edition included a Cloud Sport Band (a shade of light gray), and a Magnetic Charging Dock was included in the box.
One of the impressive features I found about this Apple Watch is in a small detail of the included band. Apple needed a band to show off the white ceramic case, but instead of including a white band, they included a light gray color they call “Cloud.” The Cloud color was never available separately, making it as exclusive as the Edition Watch. Since the band is a fluoroelastomer Sport Band, it requires a pin closure. Apple took the opportunity to make the closure pin in pearl white, a perfect complement to the case (most Sport Bands use stainless steel pins).
