New Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch Review: It’s a Functional Work of Art

We recently brought word about the new Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch. I reviewed and love the original Titanium Band and wasn’t sure how they could improve upon it. But this is Nomad we are talking about, and they did indeed improve the band. It is better than ever and, to me, it’s a piece of wearable art.

Gotta love the streamlined packaging designed by Nomad’s Chuxin “Becky” Liu!

In the new post announcing the new bands, I walked through the details. These include new, custom 316L stainless steel lugs and a newly designed, ultra-slim clasp. I was not, however, prepared for the elegant look and feel of the new band.

Don’t get me wrong, the original Titanium Band was gorgeous, but the new Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch is even more refined and brings a new degree of luxury to the Apple Watch. It is also a whopping $249.95. That’s pricey, but I look at it as a work of art rather than a “merely functional” watch strap.

Inside the box, you’ll find the two sides of the band, a new custom adjustment tool, and additional links for individuals who need a larger band. That first “reveal” immediately makes clear the most obvious change compared to the original Titanium Band, which was one continuous band rather than two distinct parts.

While the original version had a bangle-like, closed-loop design, the new Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch is a more traditional two-part strap with a clasp to secure the band around your wrist. I’m fine with either approach, but the new model is a lot more refined.

In addition, as you can see in the first photograph, the original design resulted in several layers of steel sandwiched together at the clasp. In contrast, the new Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch is the same thickness all the way around your wrist. Both work and look great but, for me, the new approach is more comfortable.

When both bands are closed, they don’t look that much different, but, as we just saw, each took a different approach to secure the band around your wrist. The refinement of the Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch’s new clasp is a thing of beauty, and I don’t get tired of playing with the N52 magnets in the claps and watching the magnets pull the two pieces together. (Hey, it’s the little things that make life fun!)

At first glance, both models appear to have the same lugs. A closer look reveals that they are entirely new and a bit more refined.

Original is on the left; new Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch on the right.

As you can see, my original band is much shorter than the new version. It is especially short because I wear my watch on my right wrist, and due to some surgeries a few years ago, that wrist is quite thin now. The result? Before I could wear the new band, I needed to adjust the size… a lot. It took some time but was worth the effort.

Resizing the Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch is accomplished using the custom adjustment tool that Nomad includes with the purchase. The needle pushes against the pins in the band’s links and pops them out. It is a bit of a delicate process and, if you aren’t careful, you can easily snap the needle. Thankfully Nomad includes a replacement.

The process is simple once you get the hang of it. You align the adjustment tool’s needle with the pinhole in the link you want to remove and begin tightening the thumbscrew.

It takes a bit of force but, eventually, the pin pops out the other side and allows you to separate the links. Getting things “just right” took some time, but it was worth it to get a watch band that fits “just right.”

I do want to offer one small word of caution. Nomad offers a step-by-step video showing how to resize the strap. Watch it and pay attention.

I neglected to realize that when you remove a pin, there is also a tube that slips inside the link into which the pin goes. If that tube falls out and is not replaced before you reinsert the pin, the link will not hold. I made that mistake, and the watch came apart and fell off. Fortunately, I was sitting on the couch, but it would certainly have damaged the watch if I had been standing on a hard surface.

So I’ll repeat it, make sure you reinsert the tube before you put the pin back in your now-properly-sized strap.

The new Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch is gorgeous, and it features:

• Grade 2 Titanium
• Custom Magnetic Clasp
• DLC scratch-resistant
• Tool included adjusting length
• It is 35mm wide
• Weighs 8.29oz.

I was a huge fan of the original Titanium Band, but this new version is even better.

Here it is on my wrist.

As Nomad puts it, the Titanium Watch Band is “Designed to be worn daily for a classy, sophisticated style.” I have to agree. Whether you opt for the version in Silver or Black, you won’t find a classier band for the Apple Watch.

The new Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch looks amazing. It feels fantastic on your wrist, and it is tough! I wore my original version daily, and it still looks brand new. Yes, at $249.95, this band is a high-end luxury item, but it is a luxury item you will wear and enjoy every day. I know I do.

The new Nomad Titanium Band for Apple Watch is available in silver or black, and it sells for $249.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Gorgeous; New clasp makes it more of a traditional band than the previous bangle-design; Even more elegant than its predecessor; Includes extra links for those whose wrists are thicker; Includes adjustment tool

What Needs Improvement: Resizing takes time, and you’ll want to make sure to reinsert tubes that fall out; Expensive