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Very common to wear a mechanical watch 24/7 if you are into your watches yes. You maximise wrist time for each of your pieces.
Ok, I didn’t know that and certainly no one in my circle did. Of course, no one in my circle were great watch enthusiasts; just everyday folks wearing watches we like.
 
Have you tried the leather loop? Or Hermes leather band? They are expensive, but by the time you buy three modern buckles, aren't you close to the price of one Hermes band? Also, many third party leather bands out there.

Also, fabric bands:
Unfortunately Apple refuses to make the Leather Loop for the 41mm watch size.

I really like the magnetic clasp on the Modern Buckle as opposed to the regular buckle on the Hermes.
I haven't tried to research this, but a lot of people have wool allergies, so I don't think that would be a great solution. It might also create a lot of concern for people with sensitivities about treatment of animals. This may be an area where you're never going to be able to make everyone happy (or even comfortable).
No it’s not the wool people are allergic to, it’s the fineness of the fiber that can irritate skin. If you use wool from a breed that produces rough fibers, that will feel scratchy similar to how the rough side of velcro feels scratchy on the skin as opposed to the smooth side. So that’s where that misconception on wool stems from, because until recently most of the available wool was quite rough (because it’s cheaper and widely available).

Merino wool is very fine and not scratchy at all, hence why it’s used in wool underwear and socks. It’s also harder to source and more expensive.

For people with skin sensitivity, it’s been tested to show that using merino wool is more beneficial for the skin than cotton.

The sheep that produce merino wool are humanely treated. Wool is their winter fur coat. The farmers shear it before summer starts. It helps the sheep keep cool in the heat, but it grows back for the winter. So it’s an eco-friendly renewable resource, unlike plastic synthetics.
 
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Another potential idea for the OP: the Alpine Loop might work. It should be pretty high on the breathability spectrum. There are other possible issues, ranging from cost ($99) to some issues that I guess I'd lump together under the heading of "ergonomics" but those are more personal opinions and preferences than "facts" and it might work for you. (If it doesn't, Apple does have a two week return period and they're not going to give you a hard time if the band doesn't satisfy you.)
Thanks for the suggestion! My Ultra came with the Alpine loop which I find ok. It's kinda ugly (lol) but quite practical so I have ordered the Ocean band too which looks quite a bit nicer even though, as my sister described, "looks rubbery".

Unfortunately Apple refuses to make the Leather Loop for the 41mm watch size.

I really like the magnetic clasp on the Modern Buckle as opposed to the regular buckle on the Hermes.

Totally off topic, but I was surprised at how I liked the aesthetics of the Leather Link, but I was surprised at how weak the magnets are! I tried it on at an Apple Store and I was afraid that the watch would soon fall off if I flicked my hands too hard. I'm not sure it would work well with an Ultra since it is so much more bulkier and heavy. Worse is that someone could probably easily grab the watch and yank it off my wrist if I use that band.

Too bad.... :( (Or could it be that the floor model's magnets are simply weaker from so many people having tried it on? That thought crossed my mind....)
 
I had contact dermatitis from the Sport Loop band after wearing my watch every day for a few weeks. Reverted back to a silicone Sport Band and no issues. I have also ordered a Braided Solo Loop band which I hope will be fine too.

I have sensitive skin and I found the Sport Loop band rough and itchy on my skin. People are usually surprised by this as everyone seems to find it comfortable, but we're all different.
 
I’ve encountered some minor irritation at times with the standard sport band. I would attribute it to mechanical irritation from the band sliding around or a reaction to dirt/foreign material trapped under the band.
 
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Totally off topic, but I was surprised at how I liked the aesthetics of the Leather Link, but I was surprised at how weak the magnets are! I tried it on at an Apple Store and I was afraid that the watch would soon fall off if I flicked my hands too hard. I'm not sure it would work well with an Ultra since it is so much more bulkier and heavy. Worse is that someone could probably easily grab the watch and yank it off my wrist if I use that band.

Too bad.... :( (Or could it be that the floor model's magnets are simply weaker from so many people having tried it on? That thought crossed my mind....)
I’ve tried the Leather Link as well. Just for clarity, I wanna note the Leather Link is different from the Leather Loop! I did like the Link but found it too bulky. Regarding your concern, I think the interlocking of the “pills” helps to keep it from coming off easily. I think this is similar in concept to the new Ocean Band.
I had contact dermatitis from the Sport Loop band after wearing my watch every day for a few weeks. Reverted back to a silicone Sport Band and no issues. I have also ordered a Braided Solo Loop band which I hope will be fine too.

I have sensitive skin and I found the Sport Loop band rough and itchy on my skin. People are usually surprised by this as everyone seems to find it comfortable, but we're all different.
I agree, the nylon loops in the Sport Loop aren’t all that soft. But they do help some people with breathability. But like you said, it depends on individual sensitivity. This is where I feel like Apple could really help by crafting a well designed band out of natural materials like merino wool or linen.

Just a heads up on sizing on the Braided Solo Loop. I tried them out in store with a rep. I measured as a size 4 but the size 3 actually fit me better because apparently they stretch out over time, according to the apple employee.
 
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I have a friend who wears a Fibit 24/7 and she looks like she has wrist scabies or something. I used to wear a Fitbit 24/7 and had no problems at all. Some are more susceptible to skin issues than others.
 
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I had contact dermatitis from the Sport Loop band after wearing my watch every day for a few weeks. Reverted back to a silicone Sport Band and no issues. I have also ordered a Braided Solo Loop band which I hope will be fine too.

I have sensitive skin and I found the Sport Loop band rough and itchy on my skin. People are usually surprised by this as everyone seems to find it comfortable, but we're all different.
I love the look of the braided solo loop, but alas it gives off a less "formal" vibe which my rather ugly Alpine loop already does, so to keep my band options a bit more versatile, I opted for the Ocean loop. My sister did criticize it for looking "rubbery" (LOL) which I don't fault her and maybe that still doesn't pull off a less casual vibe, but certainly the Alpine loop of which mine is green in colour (!) cannot pull off a less informal vibe.
 
I’ve tried the Leather Link as well. Just for clarity, I wanna note the Leather Link is different from the Leather Loop! I did like the Link but found it too bulky. Regarding your concern, I think the interlocking of the “pills” helps to keep it from coming off easily. I think this is similar in concept to the new Ocean Band.

Re: Leather Link vs. Leather Loop. You're right!! I didn't realize they are separate products; I just looked them up. Ok, I like the Leather Loops which looks quite a bit more secure, but also, they don't seem to make them any more :(
 
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I love the look of the braided solo loop, but alas it gives off a less "formal" vibe which my rather ugly Alpine loop already does, so to keep my band options a bit more versatile, I opted for the Ocean loop. My sister did criticize it for looking "rubbery" (LOL) which I don't fault her and maybe that still doesn't pull off a less casual vibe, but certainly the Alpine loop of which mine is green in colour (!) cannot pull off a less informal vibe.
You are talking about the midnight ocean loop, right? The white and yellow scream casual, in my opinion.
 
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You are talking about the midnight ocean loop, right? The white and yellow scream casual, in my opinion.
Yes, definitely the midnight ocean loop. I've looked at it so many times at different Apple stores (LOL on me). The white and yellow are really rather ugly colours. Why don't they offer one in orange to match the orange accent of the Watch?
 
For decades people have been wearing watches for 24/7.
Who exactly do you imagine has been wearing wristwatches in previous decades 24/7, and why would they?

Smartwatch users now do have a legit reason to wear them overnight to track sleep, so the OPs question is quite relevant.
 
I recently bought an Apple Watch Ultra (upgrade from Series 4) and I've really enjoyed using this Watch in all sorts of way. New to me is using the Watch to track my sleep. While my Series 4 could have done that, its much shorter battery life meant it was really not a great tool to do that, given that I also track multiple workout activities during the day.

Now, I'm wearing the Ultra for much longer periods than I have with my Series 4 and it occurred to me that one could develop contact dermatitis simply from wearing the watch for such long periods of time. Just curious if anyone has worried about that or experienced it.

I had thought that it would be great if Apple could develop a quick shortcut so that for sleep purposes, the Watch is indicated to go on the other hand that doesn't normally wear the Watch.
I very consciously switch to my other wrist for my sleep tracking, and after many years of this practice I have never had any issues.
 
I very consciously switch to my other wrist for my sleep tracking, and after many years of this practice I have never had any issues.
Thanks for sharing that. I had wondered whether the tracking of various health metrics would be affected if I don't also indicate on the Apple Watch which wrist I'm wearing my Watch. My usual position is on the left wrist with crown facing out.
 
I only use sport loops and adjust one notch tighter when I work out. If I do cardio and sweat after 5 days my wrist is itchy and it smells like body odor stink, especially in the summer. A quick wash of the band with soap kills it. If I do a few swim workouts that seems to counteract the funk. Maybe cloth/leather bands fare better but I don't use them.
 
I recently bought an Apple Watch Ultra (upgrade from Series 4) and I've really enjoyed using this Watch in all sorts of way. New to me is using the Watch to track my sleep. While my Series 4 could have done that, its much shorter battery life meant it was really not a great tool to do that, given that I also track multiple workout activities during the day.

Now, I'm wearing the Ultra for much longer periods than I have with my Series 4 and it occurred to me that one could develop contact dermatitis simply from wearing the watch for such long periods of time. Just curious if anyone has worried about that or experienced it.

I had thought that it would be great if Apple could develop a quick shortcut so that for sleep purposes, the Watch is indicated to go on the other hand that doesn't normally wear the Watch.
I've worn an Apple Watch since the Series 0 and have routinely worn it for weeks, only taking it off long enough to charge. I've showered in them and worn them on numerous, sweaty, all day cycling events. I've never had any issues with contact dermatitis. The sport loop is by far my favorite band. It's easy to quickly adjust the tightness for the activity and it's breathable. I've been wearing the alpine loop since I got the Ultra and it's been fine. Still waiting for my trail loop to arrive, but I expect it to be very similar to the sport loop.
 
Who exactly do you imagine has been wearing wristwatches in previous decades 24/7, and why would they?

Smartwatch users now do have a legit reason to wear them overnight to track sleep, so the OPs question is quite relevant.


I'm not suggesting that the OP's question is irrelevant. I'm sure you've since read the thread and seen that I've already answered this question.

It might be an age thing on my part. I'm pushing 50 and so for our age group we all (obvious generalization) wore watches and many of us wore them 24/7. I know over last decade or two watches have become far less common. I can understand for someone who is 25 their watch experiences would undoubtedly be different. :D
 
I had that issue when I upgraded from my Series 0 to Series 3. Ended up swapping the sport band from the S0 to the S3 and it went away.
I’m now using that S0 sport band with my Ultra and I wear it 24/7 only taking it off to shower or charge.
 
I recently bought an Apple Watch Ultra (upgrade from Series 4) and I've really enjoyed using this Watch in all sorts of way. New to me is using the Watch to track my sleep. While my Series 4 could have done that, its much shorter battery life meant it was really not a great tool to do that, given that I also track multiple workout activities during the day.

Now, I'm wearing the Ultra for much longer periods than I have with my Series 4 and it occurred to me that one could develop contact dermatitis simply from wearing the watch for such long periods of time. Just curious if anyone has worried about that or experienced it.

I had thought that it would be great if Apple could develop a quick shortcut so that for sleep purposes, the Watch is indicated to go on the other hand that doesn't normally wear the Watch.
Your watch should slip a little on your arm. I shouldn't be so tight that it doesn't move on your wrist. Clean the watch often and avoid anything you are allergic to and you should be fine. I wear my Apple Watch all the time without issues.
 
Thanks for all these links, and to that journal article documenting a case from Wake Forest Baptist!

No problem!

I have very sensitive skin. My watch came with the sport band and initially it gave me contact dermatitis. I spent a lot of time and money, researching and finally settling on rotating between a few modern buckles. They worked for me for a number of reasons but at $150 each, it basically doubled the cost of my watch.

FYI, I had that reaction to and I was able to switch to a cheapo metal band from Amazon and the problem went away. Now instead of selecting a sport band with my new watches I pick a sport loop.

I had contact dermatitis from the Sport Loop band after wearing my watch every day for a few weeks. Reverted back to a silicone Sport Band and no issues. I have also ordered a Braided Solo Loop band which I hope will be fine too.

I have sensitive skin and I found the Sport Loop band rough and itchy on my skin. People are usually surprised by this as everyone seems to find it comfortable, but we're all different.

It is funny how we're all different. I had to do the opposite and go from sport band to sport loop.
 
Nope. But I’ve known people who are super sensitive. Garmin and Fitbit both gave them rashes so bad it made me nauseous to look at it. Research said it might have been to the silicone. Others have had problems with metals in bands. I guess a man has to know his limitations (ok that was just a quote from Dirty Harry, I couldn’t resist
 
I'm allergic to everything on the planet so far. I couldn't really wear a watch at all for my entire life until I got my original Apple Watch SE. The fluoroelastomer bands apple use don't cause me any trouble at all.

I spoke to an actual allergist about my problems way before I got one and she attributed most of the problems to people being quite frankly "pretty disgusting" and getting all sorts of crap stuck in their watch bands. Notably skin creams, makeup, food, random gunk, dead skin. She said if they kept themselves "clean, dry and free of debris" and "stop living like a bloody student" then they'd be fine. I took the hint when I got the watch thus for me I wash the watch and my arm properly daily and dry both of them with a microfibre cloth. And make sure I have 2-3 hours a day with it not on me.

The notable irritant you do see in stuff though is nickel. That stuff is evil. The early MacBook Pro alloy had nickel in it which caused my hands to dissolve. This was really annoying because the white plastic MacBooks were fine. Eventually they changed something and it went away immediately when I bought a 2015 MBP.
 
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The best advice I can give you is to keep it clean. I have been monitoring my health 24/7 and I just wash the watch/band when I shower. No issues whatsoever. But I can see how someone could get CD from not keeping it clean. So keep it 🧼 clean.
 
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