It’s easy to upgrade the look of the Apple Watch. It can switch from sporty to formal in seconds with a replacement band. Nomad has been making some of the nicest leather Apple Watch bands available (you can read my review here to see what the company can do with Horween leather), and now Nomad is going upmarket with the Titanium Band. This new metal link bracelet gives the Apple watch a modern, sophisticated look that’s lighter and costs much less than Apple’s own version.
Nomad Titanium Band is a luxurious upgrade for Apple Watch.
Brad MoonEasy to Adjust and Install
Metal link bands have a different design than most other Apple Watch bands. Tightening or loosening the fit isn’t quite as easy as choosing a different hole on the band when you put it on. Instead, you need to remove or add links, and these are held together with hidden pins. Nomad provides a tool that makes this process easy and prevents you from accidentally bending a pin. There are also several extra pins in the box, along with a cloth pouch to store the tool and any leftover pieces.
Nomad Titanium Band with included adjustment tool.
Brad MoonThe Titanium Band arrives at maximum size. My wrist diameter is about 8-inches, and I had to remove one link for a perfect fit. The process takes just a few minutes, and won’t have to be repeated unless you significantly gain or lose weight.
The nature of the bracelet design means a single piece with lugs on each end, instead of two pieces. That means you need to be a little more careful installing the Titanium band, sliding both ends into position at the same time to avoid putting stress on it. It’s not difficult, but it adds a few seconds to the installation and removal process.
Looks Great, Costs Less
I was really impressed by the look of the Nomad Titanium Band. My review unit was in black to match the Space Gray case of my Apple Watch, and it really pops. The links are precisely formed, everything fits together with no gaps and no rough edges and the low lustre finish also perfectly matched the finish on the case of the Apple Watch — not matte, not shiny, but with a nice lustre.
The Titanium Band transformed the Apple Watch into a very modern and luxurious-looking smartwatch.
Nomad does this at a substantial savings compared to Apple’s own offering. The 42mm Link Bracelet is priced at $349 for a silver finish and $449 for black. The Nomad Titanium Band is priced at $179.95 in your choice of silver or black.
Solid Construction
Apple’s Link Bracelet is made of stainless steel, while the Nomad Titanium Band is made of titanium (as the name suggests). This metal is typically more expensive than stainless steel. It’s lighter yet stronger than most stainless steel alloys and more resistant to corrosion. Titanium is also “biologically inert” so there is little chance of having a reaction to it. In other words, titanium is the perfect material for a smartwatch band.
The Nomad Titanium Band felt solidly constructed. Even the buckle mechanism (which is thin titanium with spring-loaded button release) felt like it was built to last.
As a metal band, this is heavier than the leather or silicone bands I usually use, but we’re talking maybe two ounces extra — not something that I ever noticed while wearing it.
Recommendation
Titanium is a premium alternative to Apple's Link Bracelet, that's also much more affordable.
Brad MoonAt $179.95 the Nomad Titanium Band is far from an impulse purchase. But it’s made with premium materials and precision craftsmanship. Compared to Apple’s own metal link bracelet, the Titanium is lighter, and can cost less than half as much. If you want to dress up your Apple Watch and give it a luxurious, modern look, the Titanium Band is a great option.
Disclosure: Nomad provided a Titanium Apple Watch band for evaluation but had no input into this review.
