This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
The black titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3 looks great, but finding a band that matches its matte black is harder than you might think. NOMAD’s band is the well-known choice at around ¥30,000, which is a lot for a band. I tried a titanium link band with rubber between the links that looks very similar and costs about a fifth as much, around ¥6,000. It matches the Ultra’s black titanium well, fits comfortably thanks to the stretchy rubber, and is excellent value.
What I tested
- A titanium and rubber link band for Apple Watch, black titanium with orange accents, about ¥6,000 on Amazon Japan at the time of recording
- Fitted to my Apple Watch Ultra 3 in black titanium
- Compared, in design, with the NOMAD Stratos Band (about ¥30,000)
What I found
- A small sizing tool is included, so resizing is easy, even for slim wrists.
- The black titanium suits the Ultra’s matte finish, and the orange accent looks sharp. It looks far pricier than ¥6,000.
- Best of all, the links are joined with stretchy silicone. Unlike many metal bands it never feels tight, and it flexes as your wrist moves.
- Because it stays snug, the sensor keeps contact with the skin, and I had to re-enter my passcode much less often.
- The buckle opens by pressing both sides and stays firmly shut.
- For better or worse, it looks very much like the NOMAD band.
- The rubber may not last as long as an all-metal band.
Who it’s for
If you want a good-looking, comfortable band for a black Apple Watch Ultra but cannot justify ¥30,000, this ¥6,000 band is a strong option. If budget is not a concern, the original NOMAD is also a fine choice.
The video is in Japanese.
Limitations
I cannot yet say how the rubber parts hold up over the long term. Prices are in yen from Amazon Japan at the time of recording.
Products
Titanium and rubber link band for Apple Watch (black titanium × orange, the one I reviewed): on Amazon Japan
NOMAD Stratos Band (the similar, pricier band): on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Apple Watch & Wearables (9) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.