Watch Straps- worth the investment?

[Fireball Dragon]

Okay, so I have purchased a few straps recently. Nylon, sports band, sports loop...

I was thinking of getting the SB stainless steel link bracelet. Have wanted it for ages...

But is it worth the investment? My primary concern is a possible shape redesign next year for the Apple Watch, making all current straps useless (for new models).

I know no one can answer what Apple will release in the future, but any thoughts on this?

 

[Closingracer]

Okay, so I have purchased a few straps recently. Nylon, sports band, sports loop...

I was thinking of getting the SB stainless steel link bracelet. Have wanted it for ages...

But is it worth the investment? My primary concern is a possible shape redesign next year for the Apple Watch, making all current straps useless (for new models).

I know no one can answer what Apple will release in the future, but any thoughts on this?

Tbh they aren't going to change the design... At least I think so. I was so sad I had to return my watch because I got a Note 8. It was the Series 2 SS with the Milanese Loop.

 

[bradbomb]

When I bought the original in June 2015, I got it with the Milanese loop. I have since expanded and have gotten a black sports band, I got the Nike sports band when that was released, I got an imitation Link Band from Amazon, the black Apple Nylon Band, and a cheap non-apple brown leather band. Its been really great to be able to switch out the bands for different occasions, the Nike being my standard goto. They have all worked from my original SS, to my Series 2 SS, to my Series 3 SS. I hope Apple doesn't change form factors on future models.

 

[44267547]

Okay, so I have purchased a few straps recently. Nylon, sports band, sports loop...

I was thinking of getting the SB stainless steel link bracelet. Have wanted it for ages...

But is it worth the investment? My primary concern is a possible shape redesign next year for the Apple Watch, making all current straps useless (for new models).

I know no one can answer what Apple will release in the future, but any thoughts on this?

I don't think Apple Will be changing the band port design anytime soon. There's a large amount of revenue that Apple can make based off the current bands, and changing that would be a poor business practice at this point. That's not to say that they couldn't change in the future, but I believe if there will be an Apple Watch in 2018, it will retain the band port.

And the stainless steel link band is very nice. I own the regular and black stainless, which are very well-made.

 

[Fireball Dragon]

I agree that I think it is extremely unlikely they would change the band insert part. Would be a very bad move if they did, but Apple have a very good way of justifying and selling things. People are initially sceptical, then get-ob board.

Have seen it all from the removal of the 30-pin connector to the current 'notch' debate on the iPhone X.

Just cold feet about spending £550 on the band and then even the slightest chance it is not useable for Series 4 makes me think twice.

 

[DotCom2]

Just so you know, a watch band is not and "Investment". It's a purchase. It's not going to change in value in order to make a profit.
investment

• n.
  The act of investing.
• n.
  An amount invested.
• n.
  Property or another possession acquired for future financial return or benefit.

 

[Fireball Dragon]

Just so you know, a watch band is not and "Investment". It's a purchase. It's not going to change in value in order to make a profit.
investment

• n.
  The act of investing.
• n.
  An amount invested.
• n.
  Property or another possession acquired for future financial return or benefit.

Oh, c'mon. No need for that.

I meant 'investment' for myself so the band can be used later. I have no plans to sell it, not that it's your concern.

Seriously, if you don't have anything positive to say, just move on.

 

[DotCom2]

Oh, c'mon. No need for that.

I meant 'investment' for myself so the band can be used later. I have no plans to sell it, not that it's your concern.

Seriously, if you don't have anything positive to say, just move on.

Sorry if that came across wrong. Just trying to clarify terminology. Again, sorry.

 

[Fireball Dragon]

Sorry if that came across wrong. Just trying to clarify terminology. Again, sorry.

That's quite okay, no worries.

 

[TiggrToo]

I'm going to be honest here and say that, as much as I wanted an Apple Watch, I wanted the Juuk Rainbow Band even more!

When it first came out, the S3 was still a collection of unsubstantiated rumors so I had to hold off buying the strap until the 3 was released.

For me it was absolutely worth every penny I paid for it. This is my first Apple Watch and the band is just so sweet it makes me love the watch even more!

 

[warburg]

550 GBP! It's an exorbitant price. I have the band and I love it, but I paid $450, and that's enough.

 

[momo88]

Just so you know, a watch band is not and "Investment". It's a purchase. It's not going to change in value in order to make a profit.
investment

• n.
  The act of investing.
• n.
  An amount invested.
• n.
  Property or another possession acquired for future financial return or benefit.

That's just rude. How bout helping instead of condescending...

 

[TylerDurden130]

Okay, so I have purchased a few straps recently. Nylon, sports band, sports loop...

I was thinking of getting the SB stainless steel link bracelet. Have wanted it for ages...

But is it worth the investment? My primary concern is a possible shape redesign next year for the Apple Watch, making all current straps useless (for new models).

I know no one can answer what Apple will release in the future, but any thoughts on this?

My advice, just get it and don’t worry about the $. You said you have wanted it for ages, so maybe now is the time to treat yourself. Of course this all hinges on your financial situation but only you can answer that.

As far as a redesign, yeah that would suck but how long are you willing to wait to see if that actually happens? If they do, then assume you will also want the new designed watch. Then you will be back at this point debating if you should buy it

 

[Bryan Bowler]

That's just rude. How bout helping instead of condescending...

Yet your post does the same thing...

 

[44267547]

I agree that I think it is extremely unlikely they would change the band insert part. Would be a very bad move if they did, but Apple have a very good way of justifying and selling things. People are initially sceptical, then get-ob board.

Have seen it all from the removal of the 30-pin connector to the current 'notch' debate on the iPhone X.

Just cold feet about spending £550 on the band and then even the slightest chance it is not useable for Series 4 makes me think twice.

I don't blame you for being hesitant about spending that kind of money on the stainless steel link band. Unfortunate there is no guarantee in the future how it will be compatible or not. But ultimately, I do believe it will retain the band port. Apple designed it so unique and specifically for the Apple Watch, I don't see it being abandoned by Series 4.

What you could do if you were concerned, is either wait a while to see what rumors are indicating that might be something to assist in your decision or consider a cheaper third party link bracelet.

 

[DotCom2]

That's just rude. How bout helping instead of condescending...

It was helping...unfortunately, you didn't see it that way.

 

[Frankfurt]

The SB link bracelet is worth the money. I got mine with the original SBSS S0. Comfortable to wear, durable and looks good (subjective). I am using it now with the SG Alum Nike S3.

 

[Jayne Doe]

i got the S0 with the Milanese but always wanted the link. Every watch I've owned has a link bracelet and I love them. Needless to say I finally got the link and it's my most favorite band. I don't think I've work the Milanese since; yes, leather occasionally and the workout bands of course. But mostly I reach for the link. IMO, so worth it and if I got it initially, I'd have saved $150.

 

[Ixidor]

The bands will most likely outlast your watch. I doubt Apple will change the band connectors any time soon. After all, the watch has been getting thicker every year.

Besides, even if Apple does change the form factor and the band connectors, your current watch will continue to function for a couple more years anyway.

 

[44267547]

The bands will most likely outlast your watch. I doubt Apple will change the band connectors any time soon. After all, the watch has been getting thicker every year.

The Series 2 was slightly thicker due to a larger battery to accompany the GPS. However, Series 3 really did not get any thicker in the casing per se, but the actual backing did increase by two sheets of paper thicker according to Jeff Williams, so it wasn't actually the whole watch itself that got thicker.

 

[sigomez]

Okay, so I have purchased a few straps recently. Nylon, sports band, sports loop...

I was thinking of getting the SB stainless steel link bracelet. Have wanted it for ages...

But is it worth the investment? My primary concern is a possible shape redesign next year for the Apple Watch, making all current straps useless (for new models).

I know no one can answer what Apple will release in the future, but any thoughts on this?

just as a suggestion...look on swappa for apple watches with the stainless steel band; i bought one in the past for $250 with watch and band...turned around and sold the watch for $175 with a sport band...good luck

 

[SoN1NjA]

Just had my silver Link Bracelet replaced yesterday, and it's back on my wrist (after I lost my Space Black Apple Watch) and I love it

 

[testcard]

This question arises every year, and it hasn’t happened yet. There’s little reason to change the band attachment as it works so well, and what would they replace it with? I bought the SS link with my Series 0 Watch, and I’m now on Series 2 and alongside the sport loop it’s my favourite band.

 

[Mattstrete]

The SB link bracelet is worth the money. I got mine with the original SBSS S0. Comfortable to wear, durable and looks good (subjective). I am using it now with the SG Alum Nike S3.

I agree - I'm also using my original SS link bracelet with the S3 Nike Watch and I actually prefer the look. (Matte Space Grey watch with brushed SS link bracelet!)

 

[BarracksSi]

Setting aside the hand-wringing about whether Apple will change the attachment point (which is still the best in the wristwatch industry, and I don't think I'm exaggerating)...

So far, I've only used the Sport Band on my AW. One thing I miss about my regular watches is the option to change my style of watch on a whim, and I've got a good feeling that adding a small assortment of different straps -- say, a Nike band, brown and black leather straps, and a Link bracelet -- would give me the same range of styles that I enjoy with my other watches.

If more straps help me enjoy my AW more, I'll wear it even more often than I do already.