I'd like to get the sport version but don't want to be always stuck with the rubber band. I haven't been able to find a definitive answer.
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Are bands and editions interchangable?
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No-one knows. Lots of debate and speculation on the topic here: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1846696/
Funny you started this thread. I was about to ask the same thing, wasn't sure if I missed something when they did the announcement. Guess we just have to wait till the next event to find out for sure. Although the more I look at the band on the sport so long as it's the black one it doesn't look like it's too too bad.
In the Apple Watch film that is on the Apple website, Jony Ive says:
"Personalization extends way beyond the interface. We have designed six different straps and a mechanism that makes the straps easily interchangeable with a refinement and precision that's born of functionality."
I think that's pretty clear that the mechanism allows for interchangeable straps and that it's highly unlikely that each model of watch casing will have a different mechanism. One example of this is also in the video (the relevant part starts at 6:50) where the very first band swap that they show is going from a leather band to a sport band.
"Personalization extends way beyond the interface. We have designed six different straps and a mechanism that makes the straps easily interchangeable with a refinement and precision that's born of functionality."
I think that's pretty clear that the mechanism allows for interchangeable straps and that it's highly unlikely that each model of watch casing will have a different mechanism. One example of this is also in the video (the relevant part starts at 6:50) where the very first band swap that they show is going from a leather band to a sport band.
Just because the bands are physically interchangeable doesn't mean that all combinations are going to look good together. There might only be a few bands (from Apple) that look decent with the Sport watch case. Hopefully we'll get lots of third-party options though.
While only Apple can give a definite answer, I wouldn't read too much into what the OP of that thread claims. He's already been proven wrong about the media invites for an Apple Watch event that he claimed would go out yesterday. His "retail employee" friend must be playing with him.
Sure looks like it to me. Also, I'm curious what 3rd party bands will come out. You can use the sport one for exercise, then swap it for a nice one for going out to dinner.
EDIT - Absolutely all bands are interchangeable. If you look at each type of Watch, Apple shows different bands attached, even showing the Gold one with the Sport band.
EDIT - Absolutely all bands are interchangeable. If you look at each type of Watch, Apple shows different bands attached, even showing the Gold one with the Sport band.
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That's easily done with the stainless steel models. However, that won't be so easy to do with the matte aluminum case of the Sport models, which won't match the polished metal accents of the various bands that are included in the Watch (stainless steel) collection. Better settle for third party bands if you decide to spring for the Sport model.
The question is, are they interchangeable. Aesthetics is another question.
I agree. All I'm saying is getting the Sport model (as the OP wants to do) defeats the point of asking if they're interchangeable.
Not necessarily. We don't know how mismatched the steel accents will look on the aluminum watch until they come out and we can see them for ourselves. And then it's a matter of taste. Some might think it looks fine, while others might be bothered by the mismatched look.
This is quite obvious from the following photo:
It's not just the polished chrome buckle which might not bother some people as it sits below the wrist, but the polished chrome hinge (where the band connects to the case, see below) will clash badly with the the matte aluminum case.
The leather loops might be less problematic (unless you're getting the 38mm, as the loops are only available in 42mm), but the classic and modern buckles, as well as the Milanese loop and link bracelet, are a no-go unless you want to look like a major fashion faux pas.
Sorry. Maybe you have better eyesight than I do, but I can't see enough detail in those pictures to convince me that the aluminum and steel will clash so badly. And even if they do, what if I don't care about committing a "fashion faux pas"? If aluminum watch with leather buckle is the most comfortable combination for me to wear, then that is what I will be wearing, never mind how it looks.
I'm talking about the part that slides in and the accompanying "hinge" in polished chrome. These in polished chrome will clash badly with the matte aluminum case, as they're right next to each other. You'll find this on all the bands except the sport bands and leather loops.
Yes, I know exactly what part you are talking about, and no, I'm not convinced it will clash so badly that no one would want to wear a steel-aluminum combination.
Apple would want people to wear their watch all the time (walking ad) so they wouldn't limit you to a specific look. It's genius actually because of how much money they would make from selling so many bands. I already want like 5 of the ones they've shown lol.
you really dont want to mix steel and aluminium together especially having chlorides around (sweating) => electrochemical corrosion
I know this is only a render, but I don't think this clashes so badly you wouldn't want to wear it...
In any case, the bands don't seem to meld as seamlessly into the case as Apple's website would perhaps have one believe. This photo of the SS watch and link bracelet doesn't really show a perfect match between case and hinge:
Good catch. The case is polished and the Link Bracelet is brushed. This is actually fairly common since polished straps (bracelet/bands) tend to scuff more.
Since the Sport is brushed it may look OK withy the Link Bracelet. It (SS) will just be a little darker tint that the brushed aluminum Sport.
Just to add: Jony Ives said and it's all but certain that all straps will be interchangeable with their size.
As Julien said, the link bracelet is brushed, and it's at least consistent throughout. Having little pieces in polished chrome at the top and bottom whereas the rest of the strap is leather will stand out more and look worse IMO.
Could be by reasoning. If the SS
Watch is $450 with a Sport strap then you would probably do just about as well to get the SS for $100. However if the SS is $750 with the Sport strap then price could be a BIG influencing factor.
Not having had a smartwatch before, I don't really want to sink ~$500-1000 into a SS model, especially as it's a first generation product. If you buy the Sport model with a nicer band, you can have a really nice watch at (hopefully) a lower cost.
Of course, depends if Apple sells bands separately, if they're interchangeable etc.