Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch Review: Protect Your 45mm/44mm Apple Watch with This Rugged and Refined Case

Nomad‘s steel and titanium bands for the Apple Watch are some of the most durable and elegant bands I’ve worn. Still, sometimes you want something that doesn’t simply secure your watch to your wrist but protects the smartwatch, too. The new Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch does just that and looks good in the process.

Most bands for the Apple Watch are just that — bands. No matter how rugged or refined they are, they all leave the watch itself fully exposed. I’ve tried a few protective cases that wrap around the watch and seal it inside, but they were all too heavy and bulky for me to wear with any consistency.

What Sets the Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch Apart from Others

The Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch takes a different approach.

It’s a two-part, rugged rubber band with an equally rugged case connecting both sides. Unlike other cases, though, its innovative design doesn’t add a lot of bulk or weight.

Let’s take a look at what sets this protective watch case apart.

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The Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch arrives with the FKM rugged rubber watch band permanently connected to the rugged case; it’s a nice-looking, comfortable band.

The top has decorative lines cut slightly into the surface. These don’t serve any practical purpose but lend visual interest to the otherwise boring black band.

The underside that sits next to the wrist is a different story. Here, the channels cut into the rubber are both deeper and thicker. These allow for airflow so the band is comfortable in the heat. They also let water drain, which is especially important since this band is designed for active people.

Custom stainless steel lugs and a stainless buckle secure the watch, and won’t rust. And, because the band is made of rubber, it can be washed off if it gets dirty or stinky.

Nomad sells a “traditional” Rugged Band that connects directly to the Apple Watch. The downside of that band is that while it can handle the rigors of outdoor activity, it does nothing to protect the watch.

Thanks to a built-in watch case, the new Rugged Case does.

The Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch is made from hardened stainless 316L steel. A black, 1000 HV DLC coating protects the steel from scratches and gives the steel case a similar appearance to the rubber band.

That’s especially important because, thanks to a trick of the eye, the Rugged Case doesn’t look nearly as bulky or “ruggedy” as it might if the case and band didn’t match. The inside of the case has a protective TPU lining to prevent the watch from gathering micro-scratches when you install and remove it.

One side of the case has small perforations for the speaker. I expected the sound to be still a bit muffled, but the holes were positioned, so I didn’t notice any significant degradation in the sound.

Of course, the speaker on the Apple Watch is tiny and doesn’t sound great to begin with, but even when the watch is inserted into the case, you’ll still be able to make and receive calls.

The other side of the case has two anodized stainless steel buttons with a small hole for the microphone between the two.

You Can Change the Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch’s Look, and It’s Easy to Install

The Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch arrived with an Ultra Orange action button already installed. I think it looks great, but you can easily change it if you prefer an understated black button.

No one would have noticed if they had just shipped with the Ultra Orange button, and I appreciate Nomad going to the small expense of giving customers options.

The digital crown still activates the watch as expected, but while Nomad claims it is still fully functional, I cannot rotate the crown to scroll through the display when the watch is in the case. \

However, this isn’t a deal breaker since I can still scroll through apps and settings using the touchscreen.

The Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch is compatible with 45mm/44mm Apple Watch, which begins with the Series 4 model. Due to the Ultra’s larger size, the case will not work with it.

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Installing the watch into the Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch takes just a few seconds, thanks to the open back of the case.

As Nomad explains, the side of the watch with the digital crown goes in first, and then the rest of the watch snaps into place. Removing the watch is as simple as holding the case and pressing it gently on a corner of the screen until it pops out.

Using an open back that leaves the Apple Watch exposed, it is easy to charge the watch, which means you’ll still get the benefits of all the sensors.

That means you can protect your Apple Watch and maintain access to the robust health monitoring features Apple builds into its wearable.

I especially love that the Apple Watch still looks like an Apple Watch when protected by the Rugged Case. The case makes the watch a bit thicker and heavier, but it is still “all Apple Watch.”

Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch Features

• Engineered for Durability: Built with hardened 316L stainless steel and fortified with a 1000 HV DLC coating, the Rugged Case’s exterior is designed to withstand even the most demanding adventures. A TPU interior lining protects your watch, while an anodized steel button offers a premium tactile experience.
• Seamless Functionality: Rugged Case features a meticulously designed protective edge surrounding your watch screen, providing optimal defense without compromising touch navigation. Seamlessly access the Digital Crown and buttons, ensuring effortless functionality with every interaction.
• A Whole New Look: Crafted precisely, the Rugged Case transforms your Apple Watch into a bold, adventure-ready statement piece. Further, customize your case with interchangeable Black and Ultra Orange buttons.
• All-day Comfort: Experience unparalleled comfort with the integrated Rugged Band, built with FKM fluoroelastomer for a soft yet durable finish. Custom stainless steel buckle hardware ensures a secure fit every single time.

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Should You Buy the Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch?

I’ve tried other protective cases for the Apple Watch and found them thick and heavy, making accessing the watch’s essential functions more difficult. The Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch addresses most of those issues. It isn’t overly thick and doesn’t add too much bulk.

While Nomad’s literature claims you get complete control over the digital crown and side button, I’ve been unsuccessful in getting the digital crown to scroll through apps and settings. I’ve adapted to using the touchscreen for navigation and haven’t found it to be an issue.

Besides that one quibble, the Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch is a fantastic accessory for anyone who leads an active life. It protects the body of the Apple Watch, creates a raised buffer around the screen, and leaves the sensors on the back open so they function normally; it hits the sweet spot between protection and functionality.

The Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch sells for $120; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Highly protective without added bulk; Doesn’t scream “rugged case” so you can still wear as a work watch; Easily installed and removed; Wireless charging and biometric sensors still accessible thanks to open back design; Includes an orange and black side button, so you can change the look

What Needs Improvement: I can’t get the digital crown to scroll when in the case; Won’t work with the Apple Watch Ultra due to its larger size