Apple Watch Bands

I've owned my Series 8 Apple Watch a while now (since Fall of 2022).

I've been through a few watch bands.

I should've been posting about these, as I think it's good information regarding wear patterns and longevity.

I first bought a 3-pack of Alpine Loop bands (similar to this, although I'm no longer seeing the 3-pack for sale).  The set that I bought were OD Green, Orange, and Black.  I liked them a lot but they didn't last long, as I washed them and since they were held together by glue/adhesive, they eventually fell apart.  I attempted to use small dabs of Gorilla Glue on them but that was only a temporary solution, which was sad.  If I'd have know they'd fall apart after washing, I'd have not bought them.  I still have the OD Green one but I'll speak on that again in a bit.

I then bought a leather braided band.  That one lasted maybe a year.  It was also nice, but I didn't like that it felt stiff (was used to the Alpines).  As well, it wasn't as adjustable and always either felt either too loose or too tight.  Eventually it became worn and loose.  Although it didn't fall apart, leather does stretch/wear over time, moreso than textile products.

After the leather band, I went back to the OD Green Alpine.  I'd thown the other two Alpines away since they fell apart but I'd used an extra dose of Gorilla Glue for the OD band and it is still holding together.  I stopped putting it in the wash, but wipe it down by hand when it's dirty.  As well, I remove the watch if I'm going to be getting wet or sweaty, so that I can preserve the band.

This weekend, I decided to check for a different band and ended up buying the Caseology Anthlex band, in Active Orange.  It's a bit stiff but not as stiff as the leather band I previously bought.  It has sufficient adjustment and appears that I can wash it (I will hand wash it when washing is needed).  It's black on the outside and orange on the insude, with orange stitching.  It has a metal buckle.

I still love the Alpine Loops and may buy more, but I'll have to keep in mind that they're pretty much disposable if you get them wet, and yeah, I can glue them back together when required, but that's something I shouldn't have to do.