Will the Sport be compatible with all bands?

[JerTheGeek]

Will the Apple Watch Sport be compatible with bands other than the flouroelastemer bands? Such as the Milanese loop?

 

[Julien]

Will the Apple Watch Sport be compatible with bands other than the flouroelastemer bands? Such as the Milanese loop?

The aWatch band mounting is standardized and available in 2 sizes, 38mm and 42mm.

 

[JerTheGeek]

The aWatch band mounting is standardized and available in 2 sizes, 38mm and 42mm.

Sweet, I really like the look of the Milanese loop. It's awesome that the look of the Watch can be easily changed with the simple swap of a band.

 

[matrix07]

Sweet, I really like the look of the Milanese loop. It's awesome that the look of the Watch can be easily changed with the simple swap of a band.

The look is great but the price might not.

 

[Julien]

The look is great but the price might not.

I bet it will be GREAT.

 

[Tanegashima]

The look is great but the price might not.

Go get your milanese loop somewhere else then...

 

[matrix07]

I bet it will be GREAT.

 

[Tycho24]

I think the Sport will look retarded with the Milanese or the Link Bracelet.
Ummm.... they're made of different materials. That's super tacky. If you want the Milanese or Link Bracelet, get the Stainless Steel Apple Watch would be my advice.

I'm going to try the Leather Loop with the Sport, personally. That appears to be one one the few options to class up the basic offering, from what I can see.

 

[JerTheGeek]

I think the Sport will look retarded with the Milanese or the Link Bracelet.
Ummm.... they're made of different materials. That's super tacky. If you want the Milanese or Link Bracelet, get the Stainless Steel Apple Watch would be my advice.

I'm going to try the Leather Loop with the Sport, personally. That appears to be one one the few options to class up the basic offering, from what I can see.

I like the leather loop, but when washing my hands I would be scared of the leather getting wet. So I'll probably get the blue and the green sport band, and maybe the milanese loop simply because it looks awesome. I dont really mind if the materials on the watch and band dont match, i just like the band.

 

[Tycho24]

I like the leather loop, but when washing my hands I would be scared of the leather getting wet. So I'll probably get the blue and the green sport band, and maybe the milanese loop simply because it looks awesome. I dont really mind if the materials on the watch and band dont match, i just like the band.

I do too!!
It's the hottest of them all. The main reason I like the Leather Bracelet is for its similarity... I don't think I could handle the mismatch of metals though. In the pictures, the most attractive feature is the way the Watches seem to be just merge seamlessly with some of the straps, for example the Link Bracelet.

 

[Piggie]

Don't worry.

There will be a flood of good quality straps in all materials come out for people to buy at a fraction of what Apple are probably going to charge.

You will be able to get the look you want in the material and colour you want pretty easy I'd imagine.

Watch straps, even complex looking metal ones, are made of special machines and cost way less than you would think given the visual complexity of the apparent engineering.

Of course, there will be a bit of an Apple/Brand mark-up as current strap makers, know then can hike the price up more than normal as it will be "Apple Fans" doing the buying, and of course the market will be small compared to a normal strap, but in time competition should help bring that down.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless...Mesh-Adjustable-Length-18-20-22-/290738934260

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Solid-Sta...rg=20140407115239&rk=8&rkt=30&sd=290738934260

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless...rg=20140407115239&rk=6&rkt=30&sd=290738934260

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/18-20-22-...g=20140407115239&rk=15&rkt=30&sd=290738934260

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Black...tches_MensWatches_GL&var=&hash=item43b69d2205

 

[Rogifan]

Yeah because those cheap straps found on eBay are the same level of quality as Apple's watch bands. Pretty much anyone who has seen the watch in person has given the bands high praise with one watch focused blog saying the quality is up there with high end watches.

http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/hodinkee-apple-watch-review

The overall level of design in the Apple Watch simply blows away anything – digital or analog – in the watch space at $350. There is nothing that comes close to the fluidity, attention to detail, or simple build quality found on the Apple Watch in this price bracket.

Apple absolutely, positively, indisputably NAILED its straps and bracelets. In addition to offering a bevy of options from leather to fluoroelastomer to link bracelets to Milanese, it is here that you really see how much attention Apple was paying to the way people wear watches, and the how bad existing options were.

Changing straps is one thing, but the attention to detail on the straps and bracelets themselves is downright incredible, and when I mentioned above that nothing comes close in this price range, it is very visible when talking about straps.

The leather is super soft, super high quality. It is much nicer than any leather strap I've ever felt on a $350 analog watch.

This "loop" style bracelet is just fantastic, and unlike the bracelet on my Omega, it just works. It's magnetized and you can close it at any size. It is light to wear, but substantial, and feels fantastic on the wrist. How does it compare to this nice Tissot with a similar bracelet? Switzerland, you don't want to know.

Again, Apple has paid excruciating attention to detail in the design and wearability of the Apple Watch. In many cases, its offerings make what is coming out of Switzerland (or Asia) look amateurish.

 

[Piggie]

I never said they would be the same quality

Only that they would be a LOT cheaper probably, an still look detailed in their metalwork for the price.

Of course, I think we could all expect a $10 stainless steel fine linked strap from ebay to not be as good a quality as perhaps a $75 or $100 one from Apple, but not everyone is going to be THAT picky, and with a sports watch, you could attach perhaps a $10 or $20 fine linked stainless strap and have something far far higher end looking, and feel, than going with a higher offering from Apple.

After a year of wear, when perhaps the next watch come out and you wish to upgrade to the next model, then you can look for a strap then, to match that model.

The Apple watch is the same device across all models, it's just the "look" that changes between models, and if you can get the same model as everyone else has, that does the exact same, then getting that looking it's best for the minimum price may be the thing many would like to do.

If the actual watch got better as the price went up, then of course it would be different.

Right now, it would be like having a Macbook Pro in Aluminium, Stainless or Gold case, but it's the exact same Mackbook inside, same screen, same keyboard etc etc. Just the case was different.

I'd have the Aluminium model as I'm not paying more for the box.
It's the device I'm paying for and what it does.

 

[JoEw]

Yeah because those cheap straps found on eBay are the same level of quality as Apple's watch bands. Pretty much anyone who has seen the watch in person has given the bands high praise with one watch focused blog saying the quality is up there with high end watches.

http://www.hodinkee.com/blog/hodinkee-apple-watch-review

I don't think anyone is disputing that Apple ones are quality, but there will likely be watch strap on par or slightly below Apples at a much lower price.

Time will tell.

 

[Rogifan]

I don't think anyone is disputing that Apple ones are quality, but there will likely be watch strap on par or slightly below Apples at a much lower price.

Time will tell.

I can't wait to see these "on par" straps at a much lower price. Who do you think will be manufacturing them?

 

[Rogifan]

I never said they would be the same quality

Only that they would be a LOT cheaper probably, an still look detailed in their metalwork for the price.

Of course, I think we could all expect a $10 stainless steel fine linked strap from ebay to not be as good a quality as perhaps a $75 or $100 one from Apple, but not everyone is going to be THAT picky, and with a sports watch, you could attach perhaps a $10 or $20 fine linked stainless strap and have something far far higher end looking, and feel, than going with a higher offering from Apple.

After a year of wear, when perhaps the next watch come out and you wish to upgrade to the next model, then you can look for a strap then, to match that model.

The Apple watch is the same device across all models, it's just the "look" that changes between models, and if you can get the same model as everyone else has, that does the exact same, then getting that looking it's best for the minimum price may be the thing many would like to do.

If the actual watch got better as the price went up, then of course it would be different.

Right now, it would be like having a Macbook Pro in Aluminium, Stainless or Gold case, but it's the exact same Mackbook inside, same screen, same keyboard etc etc. Just the case was different.

I'd have the Aluminium model as I'm not paying more for the box.
It's the device I'm paying for and what it does.

So a long way of saying there's a big element of fashion with something you wear on your body. If fashion was all about price everybody would be shopping at Walmart or Kohls. Fact is people pay lots of $$ for clothing and accessories that very well may be out of style in a year or two. I'm sure there will be lots of unique 3rd party bands that will be fairly cheap. But I don't think any of them are going to look as good as Apple's because the materials will be different (unless they can somehow design something that seamlessly matches Apple's aluminum, stainless steel and gold).

 

[JoEw]

I can't wait to see these "on par" straps at a much lower price. Who do you think will be manufacturing them?

Any company that thinks they can compete in the market, iPhone manufactures come to mind. The ones who make much better cases than Apple does.

 

[Piggie]

So a long way of saying there's a big element of fashion with something you wear on your body. If fashion was all about price everybody would be shopping at Walmart or Kohls. Fact is people pay lots of $$ for clothing and accessories that very well may be out of style in a year or two. I'm sure there will be lots of unique 3rd party bands that will be fairly cheap. But I don't think any of them are going to look as good as Apple's because the materials will be different (unless they can somehow design something that seamlessly matches Apple's aluminum, stainless steel and gold).

They may, but I never have.

Fashion is for mugs who want to pay more for the same item because it has a name printed on it.

Never in my life, even as a child/teen have I fallen into the trap of wanting to buy something due to it's brand.

Quality yes, but I am not a fool and refuse to be treated like one.
If anything I would select to buy something because it does NOT have a designer brand printed onto it.

I find a lot of this very sad, as people are so insecure about themselves that they need to buy something others have so they feel they will fit in and be accepted.

That's terrible, but I know a fact of life. It's the sort of thing children do at school to fit in the the gang/group.
It's a shame we have seen this follow now into the way many adults pick what to buy also so they again feel they will be seen to be fitting in.

Quality is always a good reason to buy something.
Excellent value for whatever the product is always a good reason to buy something.

buying something expensive simply because of the brand name is a very odd modern concept.

Gold has long term value of course.

But ask yourself this.

If we are talking about a short term item, like an Apple product. that you may well upgrade in a year or 3.

What difference would it make, to you, if it was solid gold, or gold plated?
If to you it looked the same, and to people who saw it, it looked the same, if it functioned the same, then what difference does it make?

 

[Tycho24]

Fashion is for mugs who want to pay more for the same item because it has a name printed on it.

Never in my life, even as a child/teen have I fallen into the trap of wanting to buy something due to it's brand.

Look, it's fine if you don't "get" fashion... It's fine if you feel that many people are stupid enough to buy lame clothes just because they have a logo (as a matter of fact, I agree with you!). However, to denounce fashion as a whole is both preposterous & insulting. So, in your world LITERALLY nothing is fashionable or stylish??!! Wow. Sounds like a boring place to live. Like a world with no art or music.
Only very, very "low-grade" fake fashion is designed to cash in on the stupidity we are both describing. Real fashion almost NEVER has any logos anywhere. Look at the classiest dresses worn to the Oscars for example... they are clearly much more creative, unique, artistic styles than what one could find at Kmart. Do you ever see any silly logos on them?? No. No you do not. Because they are genuine fashion. Fashion exists. It is what is visually exciting or pleasing or soothing... Everybody has their own taste & the right to choose what fits their aesthetics. You may be able to find some amazing bargain items that you consider fashionable... that in NO way means that more expensive items cannot also be stylish. Perhaps some other cheap clothes designed by people we've never heard of you find hideous, perhaps some expensive clothes from the top designers in the world you find equally hideous. That's fine... that's how we individually interpret fashion differently.
I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt & assume that you just were confusing the term fashion and the term brand conscious.

 

[Rogifan]

Any company that thinks they can compete in the market, iPhone manufactures come to mind. The ones who make much better cases than Apple does.

So you think otterbox is going to start making Watch straps?

I bought one of Apple's silicon cases for my iPhone 6 and its as nice as 3rd party case I've ever used.

 

[Rogifan]

They may, but I never have.

Fashion is for mugs who want to pay more for the same item because it has a name printed on it.

Never in my life, even as a child/teen have I fallen into the trap of wanting to buy something due to it's brand.

Quality yes, but I am not a fool and refuse to be treated like one.
If anything I would select to buy something because it does NOT have a designer brand printed onto it.

I find a lot of this very sad, as people are so insecure about themselves that they need to buy something others have so they feel they will fit in and be accepted.

That's terrible, but I know a fact of life. It's the sort of thing children do at school to fit in the the gang/group.
It's a shame we have seen this follow now into the way many adults pick what to buy also so they again feel they will be seen to be fitting in.

Quality is always a good reason to buy something.
Excellent value for whatever the product is always a good reason to buy something.

buying something expensive simply because of the brand name is a very odd modern concept.

Gold has long term value of course.

But ask yourself this.

If we are talking about a short term item, like an Apple product. that you may well upgrade in a year or 3.

What difference would it make, to you, if it was solid gold, or gold plated?
If to you it looked the same, and to people who saw it, it looked the same, if it functioned the same, then what difference does it make?

The fact is people buy stuff because of brand name all the time. People buy expensive clothing that might be out of style in a year or two. Same with expensive shoes. This is not a new concept. Seems obvious to me if Apple was going to go down the fashion route with Watch they weren't going to half-ass it. And they didn't. As I've posted previously, watch connoisseurs who have seen Watch hands on say the watch bands are as nice as those you'd find on expensive traditional watches. i think people are willing to pay a premium for quality and that's what Apple is offering up with Watch.

 

[Tycho24]

The fact is people buy stuff because of brand name all the time. People buy expensive clothing that might be out of style in a year or two. Same with expensive shoes. This is not a new concept. Seems obvious to me if Apple was going to go down the fashion route with Watch they weren't going to half-ass it. And they didn't. As I've posted previously, watch connoisseurs who have seen Watch hands on say the watch bands are as nice as those you'd find on expensive traditional watches. i think people are willing to pay a premium for quality and that's what Apple is offering up with Watch.

Hear hear & bravo! Well put.
I think a lot of people on this thread have a jaded (mis)understanding of fashion, in and of itself. I've read a lot of the same things as you, as well as looking at the renders and am inclined to agree that the majority of the bands Apple is manufacturing seem both fashionable & high-quality.
I might note that it seems like some people here assume that those two features are mutually exclusive for some reason.
I think that the important factors in anything you wear is comfort, style, durability, and cost. The order of importance is going to vary from person to person, but I think that's the main ones. Imagine you were trying to choose between two pairs of shoes... one is inexpensive, made from thick leather, triple stitched, yet ill fitting & ugly. The 2nd are twice the price, fit perfectly, are your exact favorite shade, yet are made from very delicate material. In this example there is no definitive right answer. You'd choose based on what's most important to you. Obviously, a 3rd option would be best... that is of high quality, durable, AND stylish & comfortable. It remains to be seen if Apple has cracked that sweet spot, but it's looking good so far.

 

[Night Spring]

Obviously, a 3rd option would be best... that is of high quality, durable, AND stylish & comfortable.

I have this coin purse I bought from Coach, oh, must be at least fifteen years ago. It still works as well as when it was brand new. It hasn't developed any holes, and the clasp shows no signs of wearing out. Whether it is stylish or not could be arguable -- it's just a basic simple coin purse with no embellishments whatsoever. But it sure fits the other three criteria you mention.

You could buy similar looking coin purses for $1 at Walmart, but they'd fall apart within days. For $20, you could find something that lasts for a year or two, but the clasp wouldn't operate as smoothly. Pay $300 at Coach, and I have a purse that's probably going to last me all my life. That is the main reason I buy brands. Not because they are fashionable, or I can brag to people I have them, but because brand goods are high quality, and durable.

 

[Rogifan]

I have this coin purse I bought from Coach, oh, must be at least fifteen years ago. It still works as well as when it was brand new. It hasn't developed any holes, and the clasp shows no signs of wearing out. Whether it is stylish or not could be arguable -- it's just a basic simple coin purse with no embellishments whatsoever. But it sure fits the other three criteria you mention.

You could buy similar looking coin purses for $1 at Walmart, but they'd fall apart within days. For $20, you could find something that lasts for a year or two, but the clasp wouldn't operate as smoothly. Pay $300 at Coach, and I have a purse that's probably going to last me all my life. That is the main reason I buy brands. Not because they are fashionable, or I can brag to people I have them, but because brand goods are high quality, and durable.

Agreed. More often than not you get what you paid for. And my guess is whatever the overall reviews for Watch are it will get high marks for build quality.

 

[Piggie]

I have this coin purse I bought from Coach, oh, must be at least fifteen years ago. It still works as well as when it was brand new. It hasn't developed any holes, and the clasp shows no signs of wearing out. Whether it is stylish or not could be arguable -- it's just a basic simple coin purse with no embellishments whatsoever. But it sure fits the other three criteria you mention.

You could buy similar looking coin purses for $1 at Walmart, but they'd fall apart within days. For $20, you could find something that lasts for a year or two, but the clasp wouldn't operate as smoothly. Pay $300 at Coach, and I have a purse that's probably going to last me all my life. That is the main reason I buy brands. Not because they are fashionable, or I can brag to people I have them, but because brand goods are high quality, and durable.

Indeed and I agree, but we are not talking about this type of product are we?
We may as well be talking about 1st gen iPhone with a 1st gen iPhone leather case.

Now, a few years later, no one cares