Tag Archives: watch band

Nomad Icy Blue Glow Stratos Band adds glow-in-the-dark twist to Apple Watch Ultra

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Getting a watch band for your Watch Ultra just got interesting with Nomad’s latest addition to the Stratos Band line-up. After the success with the custom fit band designed for the Ultra in titanium finish and the FKM links, which is more comfortable to wear and touch, this watch band is irresistible. Coming in a fluoroelastomer cast that glows in Tron-like hues, the band demonstrates how “performance and fun can happen at the same time.” Nomad calls it the Icy Blue Glow version, and it’s a limited-run creation that pairs rugged durability with understated style.

The new Stratos Band blends Grade 4 titanium hardware with compression-molded FKM fluoroelastomer for a hybrid design that balances strength and flexibility. The titanium outer links provide a refined look and robust build, while the FKM interior links contour around the wrist for comfort and movement that traditional metal bands rarely offer. This dual-material approach also introduces subtle ventilation spaces, which help with moisture evaporation and breathability during everyday wear or more intense activity.

Designer: Nomad

What sets the Icy Blue Glow edition apart is the photoluminescent material infused into the interior FKM links. This compound absorbs light throughout the day and emits a soft blue glow in low-light conditions. The glowing effect is more subdued in typical environments because the material sits beneath the titanium, but it still produces a cool, visual accent in the dark that distinguishes it from more conventional bands. Nomad equips this limited version with a custom magnetic clasp engineered for secure closure and corrosion resistance. The clasp remains fastened through daily movements yet opens easily when the sides of the buckle are squeezed. Users can also fine-tune the band’s fit using the included tool to remove or add links, making customization straightforward.

Though designed from the ground up for Apple Watch Ultra models 1 and higher, the Stratos Band is also compatible with earlier Apple Watch Series 1–11 and SE models, offering versatility across a wide range of devices. The band’s flexible design supports wrist sizes generally between 130 mm and 200 mm, and its construction balances a weight that feels substantial without being cumbersome. The titanium elements are finished with a scratch-resistant DLC coating, adding resilience for adventures and daily use alike.

The fluoroelastomer material itself is antimicrobial and can be cleaned easily with soap and water, supporting hygiene for wear during workouts or outdoor activities. The band’s water-resistant design further reinforces its adaptability to various lifestyles, though it’s recommended to allow the band to dry fully after exposure to moisture. Priced at $189, the Stratos Band Icy Blue Glow edition offers a premium alternative to standard Apple and third-party bands with a playful glow-in-the-dark element.

The post Nomad Icy Blue Glow Stratos Band adds glow-in-the-dark twist to Apple Watch Ultra first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ergonomic Apple Watch band puts the smartwatch on the back of your hand

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We wear watches on our wrists because that’s been the standard design of wristwatches, hence the name, for decades or even centuries. It’s a more convenient design compared to the classy yet antiquated pocket watches, but that doesn’t exactly mean they’re the best design available. For some people, that design can actually cause some pain in the wrist whenever you have to lift your hand and turn it so that you can see that time. That action is perhaps even worse with smartwatches, considering how often you have to do that to see not just the time but other information and notifications as well. That’s the kind of design flaw that this odd-looking Apple Watch “band” tries to address by simply moving the smartwatch from the back of your wrist to the back of your hand.

Designer: ErgonBand

The appearance of this Apple Watch accessory looks a little ridiculous, at least until you hear the reasonable explanation behind its design. The band, which is actually more like a strap, looks like one of those thumb or hand braces that athletes use for protection. The Apple Watch, sans the straps, is locked in place using clips that utilize the standard lugs and is placed below the joint of your thumb.

This location isn’t based on a whim but on how it makes the screen almost always visible without having to twist your wrist. At least that will be the case for people who need to see the watch face while holding something or with their hands swinging in front of them, like athletes doing training or people exercising. In fact, this kind of ergonomic design was made exactly for sports uses, though that doesn’t stop it from being used by anyone interested in a different way to wear a smartwatch.

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While the theory might does sound plausible, there might be a few practical hurdles to such an ergonomic design. For one, waking up the Apple Watch is often done using that twisting gesture, so you’ll have to resort to actually touching the screen or pressing a button to turn on the screen. That defeats the purpose of not requiring your other hand just to glance at information quickly, which ironically makes it a bit less ergonomic in the process.

The other issue is that this kind of band might get in the way of using your hand for other things, especially ones that could make the strap dirty. Most of us are probably unused to wearing such a strap, so there will be some awkwardness and discomfort at the start. The hand-stitched leather material does try to make it a little bit comfortable and stylish, but that might also raise concerns about using it for intense workouts and sports activities. The ErgonBand is admittedly a curious attempt at solving this ergonomic problem, but it might remain just a curiosity rather than a solution that Apple Watch owners can rely on.

The post Ergonomic Apple Watch band puts the smartwatch on the back of your hand first appeared on Yanko Design.