An Opinionated Guide to the Ultimate Apple Watch Ultra Band
[Copying this from my Reddit post since I'm done with that platform.]
Disclaimer: I want to be very clear from the start, this post is my own personal opinion. Other folks will certainly have different opinions, and that’s fine. I promise not to disparage those who feel differently about what Ultra band works best for them. I also promise to ignore anyone who claims to know better about what Ultra band works best for me (though I am open to suggestions for alternatives to my current choices).
Note: None of the links in this post are affiliate links. All of the items mentioned were purchased by me at full price.
Background: Why I Wear an Ultra
For me, the Apple Watch Ultra is mostly for workouts: running, cycling, and swimming. I really do race and train for ultra-marathons, Ironman triathlons, and 100+ mile bike rides. For those activities the extra battery life and the action button make the Ultra significantly better than a standard Series 8. Indeed, I consider the upgrades available in the Ultra essential. But that does mean that I’m not normally wearing the Ultra for daily activities. Most of the time you’ll find a mechanical watch on my wrist. This preference affects my priorities when selecting a watch band for the Ultra:
Comfort. Above all else, the band must be comfortable. The last thing I want to worry about 5 hours into a trail run is some annoying irritation on my wrist. At that point in the workout I’ve got plenty of other discomforts begging for attention.
Snug fit. To get the most accurate heart rate readings from the Ultra’s sensor, the watch should be snug against your wrist. You don’t want any external light leaking in between your wrist and the watch, and you definitely don’t want the watch bouncing around on your wrist.
Aesthetics. This is the lowest priority; I don’t usually look that great during workouts anyway. But it’s not insignificant. I may be wearing the watch while traveling to and from a race, and I occassionally wear the Ultra at other times. So, as long as it doesn’t compromise comfort and fit, a good looking band is desirable.
Apple’s Ultra Bands
The obvious starting place for an Ultra band are those offered by Apple itself. For me, however, all of Apple’s options leave something to be desired. Here’s what bugs me about each one.
Alpine Loop
The Alpine Loop seems like the perfect band for the Ultra. It looks great, iconic even (especially in orange). Lots of folks love the Alpine Loop. I hate it. For me, the Alpine Loop completely fails the comfort requirement. The problem is the strap’s edge. It’s thin, and it’s also fairly rigid, particularly when the band is taut on the wrist.
If I’m wearing the Alpine Loop tight enough to keep the watch snug, the band’s edge is invariably digging into my wrist.
This might be tolerable for a short period of time, but in longer workouts it becomes literally painful. The Alpine Loop is a hard no.
Trail Loop
The Trail Loop is the most comfortable hook-and-loop strap I’ve ever used on any watch. By far. The fabric has a wonderful premium feel, and it’s super soft against the wrist, even at the band’s edges. The band is also infinitely adjustable, making it easy to get a perfect fit. I should like this band. I wantto like this band. But I just … don’t. I suppose it comes down to aesthetics. To me, a velcro strap looks cheap, even a premium velcro strap from Apple. And yes I know, that luxury brands like Omega sell velcro straps (for $210 no less). But, to prove my point, that’s one of the least expensive straps that Omega offers. Most of Omega’s straps sell for several times more, and some cost over a thousand dollars. Functionally, the Trail Loop is great, but in my subjective opinion its aesthetics let it down.
Ocean Band
The Ocean Band is my favorite of Apple’s own selections. In fact, it’s my band of choice for swim workouts since it doesn’t retain moisture lke fabric straps. Just wipe it off, shake out the drops from the inside tubular ribs, and you’re good to go. The fluroelastomer rubber is super soft and feels great against the wrist (and it’s far more durable than the cheap silicone knockoffs available on Amazon and eBay). The band is stretchy enough to allow a great fit, and I think it looks fine, at least for a dive watch. But I also think rubber straps look a little out of place on regular watches, especially in the winter. If forced to live with this band, I’d be okay with it. But maybe we can do better.
Third Party Bands
To me, the Apple Watch Ultra exemplfies what watch enthusiasts call a “tool watch.” It’s not a watch designed to look pretty, rather it’s a watch intended for a specific purpose. That’s not to say that tool watches can’t look nice; I don’t think too many folks consider the Rolex Submariner ugly. But the watch’s functionality takes precedence. Historically, tool watches are often worn on some type of fabric strap, even by fashion conscious folks like James Bond. Fabric straps can be rugged, water-resistant, and attractive, which means that they can pair perfectly with the Ultra. Finding the right type can be tricky, however. Standard NATO straps don’t work on the Ultra. Those straps pass through both watch lugs and sit between the watch case and the wrist. On an Apple watch they would block the heart rate sensor. Two-piece variants are available, but the nicer ones usually have a fine weave with little flexibility, making it hard to get a perfect fit. A better option is the Marine Nationale style. This type of band uses elastic (originally from parachute straps) and has infinite adjustability, making it easy to dial in the fit. And, having been invented in the 1970s by the French Navy’s combat dive team, it’s hard to argue with their durability and utility.
Several brands sell Marine Nationale straps pre-configured for Apple Watches. That includes both of the brands that I’m going to recommend. However, I do not recommend simply buying the Apple Watch version of their straps. Quality strap makers, especially those selling niche styles such as Marine Nationale, cater to luxury watch owners and watch enthusiasts. They may not have as much experience with the Apple Watch, and, sadly, their Apple Watch products tend to be standard watch straps with random Apple Watch adapters thrown on. As you’ll see, I’m very picky about Apple Watch adapters. In fact, I think the Apple Watch adapter is the crucial part of a great Apple Watch Ultra band. That’s how I start assembling the ultimate Ultra band, and I think there are two different approaches.
Option 1: Most Reliable (Nick Mankey Designs on Fixed Bars)
The Ultra is, of course, Apple’s most rugged and durable Apple Watch. It makes sense to match that durability with a highly reliable band, and the most reliable connection for a band is a fixed lug Apple Watch adapter. These adapters are made from a single piece of metal; they have no fasteners that can inadvertently unfasten, no screws or springs that can rust, and indeed they are pretty much indestructable.
When looking for a fixed lug adapter, I have yet to find any specifically made for the Ultra that I can recommend. Unfortunately, all of those seem to be sized for straps that are 26mm or even 28mm wide, and that’s too wide for my taste. For reference, I measure Apple’s Alpine Loop to the 25.5mm wide, the Trail Loop to be 25mm wide, and the Ocean Band to be 22mm wide. To me 22mm is the ideal strap width, while 24mm is acceptable. Fortunately, adapters made for 42/44/45mm Apple Watches are usually sized for 24mm width straps. It is true that those adapters do not perfectly align with the Ultra’s case shape. The difference, however, is very small. The case overlap is hidden by the strap, and the adapter’s opening is large enough to avoid any excessive compression of the strap. (These statements are not true of spring bar adapters discussed in the next section.) My most recent source for these adapters is Etsy, though you can find them in other online marketplaces.
Another mismatch you may find with these adapters is the finish. The Ultra is bead-blasted titanium, while adapters are stainless steel, usually polished. Addressing this mismatch requires nothing but a bucket of sand and a small automotive funnel. Simply pour sand through the funnel onto the adapter. Five to ten streams from a height of a couple of feet are usually enough to turn polished steel into a close facsimile of the Ultra’s titanium. The following photo shows the results of this technique. The adapter on the left is polished; the one in the center has been subjected to the sand bath, and the one on the right is from Apple’s Alpine Loop for comparison.
As for the strap to install on these adapters, my choice is the Hook Strap FBV3 PRO from Nick Mankey Designs. This is a solid, durable strap with especially strong stitching. The elastic is firm enough to keep the watch securely hugging your wrist, but plenty soft enough for comfort. The hardware is 316L stainless steel and it’s both trivial to fasten and appropriately difficult to unfasten. Select a blasted silver finish to perfectly match the Ultra. Nick’s straps have always been very popular in the watch community, as evidenced by the 10-week backlog on orders. The product is worth the wait, though.
Option 2: More Styles (Erika's Orginals on Spring Bars)
The PRO straps from Nick Mankey Designs are currently limited to five solid colors. If none of those styles are attractive to you, there’s another way to create the ultimate Ultra band. Instead of using fixed lug adapters, you can use Apple Watch spring bar adapters. These adapters let you install straps with standard spring bars on an Apple Watch. Unlike fixed bar adapters, I do recommend seeking out spring bar adapters designed specifically for the Ultra. You can see the difference in the following photo. The standard version on the left is perfectly straight between the lugs. The Ultra version, on the right, has a curvature that perfectly matches the Ultra’s case.
[The apparent curvature in the left adapter is from lens distortion.]
The next two photos show what they look like when installed in the Ultra.
With the standard adapter, the strap is compressed between the spring bar and the case. As you can see, that’s smaller than the space between the spring bar and the adapter, putting extra pressure on both the strap and the adapter. That pressure can prevent the strap from sliding freely, and it can push the adapter out of the case, creating an unsightly gap.
Ultra-specific spring bar adapters are just now coming on the market. My recent purchase was from Ali Express, but hopefully they’ll show up on eBay and Amazon soon. As with the fixed lug adapters, you may have to use the sand-and-funnel technique to match the Ultra’s finish.
One thing I won’t use from Ali Express spring bar adapters is the spring bars themselves. They’re often nickle-plated instead of stainless steel and are thus subject to rust. They’re also less robust and have shorter pivots that fit into the lugs. Instead, I use quality, Swiss-made stainless steel spring bars such as those from Otto Frei. The difference is apparent in the photo below. The quality bars on the right are thicker (1.8mm vs. 1.4mm) and the pivot is long enough to securely engage with the lugs in the adapter.
[Again, apparent curvature is from lens distortion.]
In fact, if your adapters are thin enough, the pivots from the bars may be too long, as in the photo below. If this happens, I place the spring bar in a pin vise and use a hand file to trim the pivots down just enough to prevent any protrubence.
I think the best strap to install on spring bar adapters is from Erika’s Originals. It’s even more durable than the Nick Mankey strap, and it’s equally as comfortable and secure fitting on the wrist. As you can see from the link, there are a large number of styles and colors from which to choose. There are even options to customize it further. As you may notice, the link I provided is to the Apple Watch version of the MN strap. If you order that version, it will come with screw-on Apple Watch adapters. I do not recommend those adapters, as the screws they use are not stainless steel; they will rust when exposed to water or sweat. Instead place a custom order and request the Apple Watch version of the strap but without any Apple Watch adapters. When I’ve done that, they’ve deducted the cost of the adapters from the order, so it saves both money and the trouble of removing their adapters. Do not order the standard (non-Apple Watch) MN strap, That strap is intended to pass through both lugs like a standard NATO strap, and it will not work with an Apple Watch.
I happen to think the Corsa Orange is just about the perfect strap for the Ultra, especially if you prefer the standard Wayfarer watch face.
So those are my two recommendations for an ultimate Ultra watch strap. I’ll try to follow the comments and answer any questions.
Loving watches of all kinds. Vintage and Modern. Luxury and Microbrand. Mechanical and Quartz, Smart Watches too. From Apple to Omega.
Awesome. That NASA one is awesome. I really need a NASA themed watch.
Awesome. That NASA one is awesome. I really need a NASA themed watch.
If I switch to the Astronomy watch face, I call it my MoonS[mart]watch.
I never thought of that for DIY sandblasting. Hmmmmmmm.
Where is the watch??
I have at least a half dozen or more ocean band straps of different colors as well as about a half dozen alpine loops of various colors. I also have a few leather straps, a stainless steel bracelet, and a Spigen Velcro. I find the alpine loops to be by far the most comfortable and practical for me. They are at the bottom aesthetically, but are very functional. The spigen looks cool as do the SS bracelet but I don’t like wearing them for more than a day or two at a time. The leather straps work well in cooler months since the are susceptible to sweat. Nato is non-compatible with Apple Watches for multiple reasons so is not even worth talking about. I have bought the Apple Watch lugs that you mention to adapt non-apple watch straps. They work great and add more options which I’ve used for leather straps.
Third party alpine or ocean band versus apple is the way to go. $3 vs $100 is without question in favor of the 3rd party. I’ve done some close comparisons and there is no way I would buy an overpriced apple strap again.
The NASA strap is just want I want for my ultra!
Where is the watch??
Its the Titanium and Sapphire rectangle that keeps better time than anything you own.
Its the Titanium and Sapphire rectangle that keeps better time than anything you own.
Amazing, better than Apple promotional video. 🤣🤣🤣 and thanks for the info and specifications. I really need that.
I have at least a half dozen or more ocean band straps of different colors as well as about a half dozen alpine loops of various colors. I also have a few leather straps, a stainless steel bracelet, and a Spigen Velcro. I find the alpine loops to be by far the most comfortable and practical for me. They are at the bottom aesthetically, but are very functional. The spigen looks cool as do the SS bracelet but I don’t like wearing them for more than a day or two at a time. The leather straps work well in cooler months since the are susceptible to sweat. Nato is non-compatible with Apple Watches for multiple reasons so is not even worth talking about. I have bought the Apple Watch lugs that you mention to adapt non-apple watch straps. They work great and add more options which I’ve used for leather straps.
Third party alpine or ocean band versus apple is the way to go. $3 vs $100 is without question in favor of the 3rd party. I’ve done some close comparisons and there is no way I would buy an overpriced apple strap again.
I wouldn't have a problem with a third party alpine loop if it were comfortable, but I definitely wouldn't trust a knock-off ocean band. The knock-offs are made from silicone, while Apple uses a more expensive fluroelastomer rubber. The problem with silicone is that it isn't nearly as durable as FKM rubber. In the case of the Ocean Band, there's potentially a lot of shear force on the rubber right where it meets the watch case. You can see the wear marks in my (Apple) Ocean Band in the photo below.
Eventually that could wear enough to cause a tear in the band, but with FKM rubber the band should easily outlast the obsolescence of the watch. Silicone, on the other hand, will fail much, much sooner. You can find lots of examples online of silicone sport loop knock-offs that tore in exactly that manner. I suppose that wouldn't be terrible if it happened during a pool swim since the watch would be easily retrievable from the pool bottom. In open water, though, you'd probably lose the watch. And in any case it would be annoying.
I wouldn't have a problem with a third party alpine loop if it were comfortable, but I definitely wouldn't trust a knock-off ocean band. The knock-offs are made from silicone, while Apple uses a more expensive fluroelastomer rubber. The problem with silicone is that it isn't nearly as durable as FKM rubber. In the case of the Ocean Band, there's potentially a lot of shear force on the rubber right where it meets the watch case. You can see the wear marks in my (Apple) Ocean Band in the photo below.
Eventually that could wear enough to cause a tear in the band, but with FKM rubber the band should easily outlast the obsolescence of the watch. Silicone, on the other hand, will fail much, much sooner. You can find lots of examples online of silicone sport loop knock-offs that tore in exactly that manner. I suppose that wouldn't be terrible if it happened during a pool swim since the watch would be easily retrievable from the pool bottom. In open water, though, you'd probably lose the watch. And in any case it would be annoying.
It is problematic to assume all third party bands are made by one manufacturer in the same way with the same materials and same thresholds. In fact, I would posit just the opposite and that generalizing that all all ocean bands are one way will be error prone. Further, Apple’s expertise is in software and hardware, and without a doubt have an external supplier make their ocean bands. I had similar concerns as you voice when my set of 3rd party bands arrived and meticulously went over the differences compared to my original Apple ocean band. My conclusion was that I would not be buying any more Apple ocean band again at their listed price. In the end, it’s moot, because I find the set of 3rd party alpine bands more comfortable and practical.
Regarding your durability doubts…. After using the set I have, I have no concerns about their longevity and durability. This is further extended by having a variety that I regularly swap with, and so in the end all receive much less use and retain like new state.
It is problematic to assume all third party bands are made by one manufacturer in the same way with the same materials and same thresholds. In fact, I would posit just the opposite and that generalizing that all all ocean bands are one way will be error prone. Further, Apple’s expertise is in software and hardware, and without a doubt have an external supplier make their ocean bands. I had similar concerns as you voice when my set of 3rd party bands arrived and meticulously went over the differences compared to my original Apple ocean band. My conclusion was that I would not be buying any more Apple ocean band again at their listed price. In the end, it’s moot, because I find the set of 3rd party alpine bands more comfortable and practical.
Regarding your durability doubts…. After using the set I have, I have no concerns about their longevity and durability. This is further extended by having a variety that I regularly swap with, and so in the end all receive much less use and retain like new state.
That's a valid point. I should have stated that all the inexpensive ocean band knock-offs that I have seen are made of silicone. But you're right, that doesn't preclude the possibility that higher quality products exist. I have seen traditional (non-Apple Watch) straps of FKM rubber for as low as ~ $50, and incorporating an Apple Watch adapter might not add much additional cost. Indeed, Nomad's sport band, though not an ocean band clone, is FKM rubber and retails for $60.
It's also possible to make less expensive watch bands from TPU. They would have similar durability as FKM rubber. TPU is also quite stiff, however, and generally does not feel very soft against the wrist. But perhaps the hollow tubes in an ocean band design would mitigate that somewhat.
It is worth noting that even Apple's $99 price is actually on the affordable side for quality dive watch rubber straps such as Isofrane ($139), Everest ($180), Zealande ($199), Horus ($235), and Rubber B ($240), not to mention the OEM bands from the likes of Omega and Rolex that are hundreds of dollars more.
Amazing, better than Apple promotional video. 🤣🤣🤣 and thanks for the info and specifications. I really need that.
I'm just tired of people here telling me Apple watches are "made of plastic" because their echo chamber keeps saying so.
That's a valid point. I should have stated that all the inexpensive ocean band knock-offs that I have seen are made of silicone. But you're right, that doesn't preclude the possibility that higher quality products exist. I have seen traditional (non-Apple Watch) straps of FKM rubber for as low as ~ $50, and incorporating an Apple Watch adapter might not add much additional cost. Indeed, Nomad's sport band, though not an ocean band clone, is FKM rubber and retails for $60.
It's also possible to make less expensive watch bands from TPU. They would have similar durability as FKM rubber. TPU is also quite stiff, however, and generally does not feel very soft against the wrist. But perhaps the hollow tubes in an ocean band design would mitigate that somewhat.
It is worth noting that even Apple's $99 price is actually on the affordable side for quality dive watch rubber straps such as Isofrane ($139), Everest ($180), Zealande ($199), Horus ($235), and Rubber B ($240), not to mention the OEM bands from the likes of Omega and Rolex that are hundreds of dollars more.
This is one place I WILL attack Apple. Most of their straps are three pieces. You get a "buckle" end, and a long and short end. The dive strap, you get the buckle end and a short end, if you have a big wrist you have to give them $50 more than THAT for the longer piece! When I found out my included strap wouldn't fit me without an extra $50 piece when we were buying two Ultras, he let me swap it for a Milanese loop. Apple, I love you but trying to sell me a $100 strap that won't fut without paying ANOTHER $50? No. just no.
That's a valid point. I should have stated that all the inexpensive ocean band knock-offs that I have seen are made of silicone. But you're right, that doesn't preclude the possibility that higher quality products exist. I have seen traditional (non-Apple Watch) straps of FKM rubber for as low as ~ $50, and incorporating an Apple Watch adapter might not add much additional cost. Indeed, Nomad's sport band, though not an ocean band clone, is FKM rubber and retails for $60.
It's also possible to make less expensive watch bands from TPU. They would have similar durability as FKM rubber. TPU is also quite stiff, however, and generally does not feel very soft against the wrist. But perhaps the hollow tubes in an ocean band design would mitigate that somewhat.
It is worth noting that even Apple's $99 price is actually on the affordable side for quality dive watch rubber straps such as Isofrane ($139), Everest ($180), Zealande ($199), Horus ($235), and Rubber B ($240), not to mention the OEM bands from the likes of Omega and Rolex that are hundreds of dollars more.
Affordability isn’t really the question, but rather value. The rule is to charge what you can get, not how much it costs to make. Many of the third parties have no marketing investment built up and as a result just focus on a minimal cost margin. If a consumer has an impression that a branded object is made of vibranium or is worthy of what is charged, then that speaks well for the marketing department as a job well done. Whether said object performs the required task better is orthogonal to branding and cost. I’m a huge apple fan, and as a stockholder I shouldn’t publicly support alternative high profit accessories, though I won’t let that stop me. I’ve been wearing Apple Watches constantly since series 0 and I don’t go light on my ultra or any of the Apple Watches that came before. I’ll just say after careful inspection of my $100 apple ocean band comparing it to my several $3 alternative brand ocean bands, I would encourage my friends to not pay the Apple marketing tax on this one but rather save it for their apple vision pro fund.
I'm just tired of people here telling me Apple watches are "made of plastic" because their echo chamber keeps saying so.
Talking to yourself?? U ok??
Nice NASA band. One point – the Apple OEM Orange Alpine Loop gets filthy. I washed mine once a week until I purchased an aftermarket black one via Amazon.
Would the fixed lugs that come on Apples Trail Loop Band or Alpine Loop Band work for Nick Mankeys FBV3 Pro?
Would the fixed lugs that come on Apples Trail Loop Band or Alpine Loop Band work for Nick Mankeys FBV3 Pro?
I can't think of any reason they wouldn't. The adapters that Apple uses in those bands have a slightly larger opening and would fit a band width of 26mm.