In combination with the Apple Watch, Apple’s standard Sport Band has been the most used band since the launch of the Apple Watch. The Sport Band is often chosen as the band of choice when purchasing a new Apple Watch. Of course, other Apple bands are also available at an additional cost.
If you’re looking for a unique Apple Watch band, the Stratos Band from Nomad is definitely worth considering. For many people, a link bracelet offers the elegant and refined look that suits luxury watches. However, many people find that link belts are not comfortable in the long run. The switching mechanism presses on the arm and can pull hairs from the skin, making wearing such straps uncomfortable. If you like link bands and want to avoid these drawbacks, Nomad offers an excellent solution with the Stratos Band for the Apple Watch.
Nomad Stratos Band for Apple Watch
The Stratos Band is an innovative Apple Watch band that offers a combination of Grade 4 titanium and flexible FKM rubber for comfort and durability. The strap is specially designed for the Apple Watch Ultra. This is reflected in the titanium finish of the rounded links and a matte texture.
The unique design integrates FKM connections between the titanium links to allow natural wrist movements. The N52 magnetic closures ensure a secure attachment. After two years of development, the Stratos Band combines the elegance of metal with the flexibility and water resistance of FKM, resulting in a refined and functional fit.
Key Features
- Grade 4 titanium hardware manufactured by metal injection molding.
- Compression molded FKM.
- Water-resistant design.
- Withstands a lateral force of 5-20 kilograms of force.
- Designed for all models of the Apple Watch Ultra, but can be used with the Apple Watch Series 1-11 and SE.
- The strap is “one size fits most”, designed for wrist sizes from 130mm to 200mm.
- Links can be added and removed.
The Stratos Band in practice
The Stratos Band comes in the recognizable Nomad packaging and contains various accessories. Including spare parts, half size adjustment links and link removal tools.
What is immediately striking about this special Apple Watch strap is the color combination. The orange hue between the metal links really stands out. At a glance it is clear that you have a premium product in front of you, as we have come to expect from Nomad.
Customize it yourself
With the included tool you can easily adjust the strap to your wrist. You have the option to add or remove links. The package also contains half-length links in case the strap with a full link is too tight or too loose. Although this may take some time, once you find the right combination, the link band will fit perfectly.
The outer links are made of titanium with a scratch-resistant DLC coating. These are connected to each other by flexible FKM rubber. This design ensures that the band moves smoothly with the wrist and feels comfortable, without the stiffness often found in metal bands.
The FKM rubber on the inside makes a world of difference when it comes to wearability. FKM rubber is listed on Nomad’s website as a high-performance fluoroelastomer. It is antimicrobial and can be easily cleaned with soap and water. By the way, this is the same material that Apple uses for the sports bands.
Although the two tires use similar material, they are not quite the same. They belong to the same family of materials but differ in composition, density and intended performance. The fluoroelastomer used in the Apple Sport Band is softer, smoother and more elastic than the FKM rubber. It is intended for casual, everyday use. The FKM rubber is denser and designed for active or rugged applications. That is why it makes sense to combine the strap with the Apple Watch Ultra.
Conclusion: Nomad Stratos Band for Apple Watch
REVIEW SCORE
The Nomad Stratos Band offers an ideal combination of luxurious design and comfort. Thanks to its titanium and FKM construction, it eliminates the common inconveniences of traditional link bracelets, offering both flexibility and durability without sacrificing style.
The magnetic closure ensures a secure and easy-to-use fit, while the Ultra Orange accent adds a bold and modern flair. The use of the Stratos Band clearly shows that Nomad has created something special: a metal band that looks refined, is comfortable for a long time and fits perfectly with the Apple Watch Ultra.
Although the band is optimized for the Apple Watch Ultra series, the Stratos Band FAQ states that it is also compatible with Apple Watch 1-11 and SE.
Prices & Availability
The Stratos Band has a suggested retail price of $179 and is available at Nomadgoods.com. There are three color variations for the FKM (Black, Ultra Orange and Volt) and two for the case (black and natural titanium).
