One of the biggest questions we have been getting asked is how the Apple Watch Sport looks with the bands from the stainless steel Apple Watch collection. The answer is going to be highly personal, but in an effort to help you decide for yourself, I went to my local Apple Store, tried out as many of the combinations as possible, and took photos to help you decide. So, if you ordered an Apple Watch Sport and have been debating whether or not to get extra bands, and which, here's how they look!
Milanese Loop
The Milanese band is made of woven stainless steel all around. Serenity has already shown you several photos of what it looks like on the silver model. Here are some more, and some with the space gray case.
Milanese + Silver Sport
Milanese + Space Gray Sport
Link Bracelet
The Link bracelet comes in both silver stainless and space black stainless. Unfortunately, our local Apple Store didn't have the space black variant available for try-ons. I was, however, able to try the silver bracelet on with both the silver and space gray Sport cases. The sides stand out about the same as they do with the Milanese band. Since the Link Bracelet has a different finish, however, the look isn't the same.
Link Bracelet + Silver Sport
Link Bracelet + Space Gray Sport
Modern and Classic Buckles
The Modern Buckle is available only in 38mm and comes in black, midnight blue, soft pink, and brown. The clasp at the back and the pins on the top and the bottom of all four versions are stainless steel. The Classic Buckle is available in 38mm and 42mm but comes in black only, at least for now. The main difference between the two, aside from the color options, is the way the clasp functions. The Modern Buckle is magnetic while the Classic Buckle uses the traditional hole and pin method.
I tried the Classic Buckle with both the space gray and silver Sport case. It looked fine since the only stainless steel you see are the pins and clasp. At a close distance, you can tell. From a few feet away, you wouldn't know. The clasp on the Classic is slightly smaller, so expect to notice that less than the rear clasp on the Modern Buckle.
Classic Buckle + Silver Sport
Classic Buckle + Space Gray Sport
Leather Loop
The Leather Loop is only available in 42mm but does not have visible stainless steel pins or clasps. That makes the Leather Loop the most versatile band option for any watch, regardless of collection. If you don't want to mix an aluminum case with a stainless steel band, but you still want more 42mm options, the Leather Loop is for you.
Corrosion and other concerns
There's been some concern about whether or not combining aluminum and stainless steel will lead to corrosion. While I can't give you a definitive answer right now, based on my past experience with Apple's metal products, I don't think it will be a problem. The company has always used a high quality hard anodize with no dye (think a durable clear coat) on their bare aluminum products that acts as a sealant from weather, scratches, and other environmental hazards. The Apple Watch is no exception. While time will really tell, my gut tells me that using a stainless steel band with an aluminum case isn't something you should be worried about.
Your favorite pairings?
If you're planning on picking up a an Apple Watch Sport, do you plan on buying any of other non-sport bands to go with it? If so, which ones? And did any of the above photos change your mind about how they look?
