Apple Watch Ultra 2 with all 4 Milanese Loops - Ultimate Comparison
The Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 this year was not the only hardware change the Ultra lineup saw this year.
The Ultra watches also got new Titanium Milanese loops, which is good news for mesh band lovers, but also begs the question:
Which Milanese loop is right for you?
Now you have two different Milanese bands to choose from:
Stainless Steel Milanese loop
Titanium Milanese loop
It might seem obvious to get the titanium band with the titanium watch, but you would be surprised. There might even be some deal breakers.
Stainless Steel Milanese Loop
This has been around since the launch of the Apple Watch, and is a tried and true band. The rounded and polished mesh of the band gives it an elegant look, without being too flashy.
Pros:
Magnetic clasp which makes for easy adjustments throughout the day.
Looks surprisingly good on the Ultra 2.
$100 cheaper than the titanium milanese loop.
Satisfying magnetic “click” each time you “fling-snap” it in place.
Complete control of the watch’s movement when taking it off since the loosening point is in your hand.
Tighter and smaller mesh pattern makes the loop stick out less on smaller wrists.
Cons:
Not as seamless of a look on the Ultra 2 compared to the titanium band.
It does get loose during the course of a day, and also during workouts which makes it…
Not ideal for swimming and scuba diving.
Even though the stainless steel bands are polished and the Ultra 2 is matte, the only part that really clashes is the part no one will really see, which is the side attachment point. The front attachment point is brushed and fits nicely with the watch’s matte titanium body.
Titanium Milanese Loop
Newly introduced this year for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, this band is made up of a flat and matted mesh that has a thicker pattern, giving it an industrial yet elegant look.
Before we get into the pros and cons of this band, make sure you learn the anatomy of the clasp.
Got it?
OK, let’s talk.
Pros:
Seamless and perfect look with the Ultra 2.
Buckle and clasp mechanism means it will not get loose.
Satisfying click when buckling the watch.
Great for extreme activities like swimming and scuba diving.
Cons:
$100 more expensive than the stainless steel band.
Clasp’s chin is very rigid, making it harder to adjust.
Looks worse on smaller wrists than the stainless steel band.
Less control over the watch when removing it from your wrist.
Thicker mesh pattern makes the loop twice as thick as the stainless steel band.
The titanium band does have a more seamless look and fits perfectly with the titanium watch, but you lose a bit of flexibility. When you initially put on the band, you have to adjust the clasp at the right spot where you will then snap it in place. You pull up the chin, and shift the clasp around as you see fit. Once you have found your comfort spot, you snap the chin back in place. From that point forward, you just have to click the buckle in place. Now your watch will always have the same tension throughout the day.
You could adjust the clasp throughout the day if you wanted to, but it is very stiff and adds an extra step. It becomes especially hard if you have really short to no fingernails. It isn’t meant to be adjusted too often, just like your car seat. Once you're dialed in, you don’t touch it again. Just find that sweet spot and you’ll be fine.
The one downside with this band is the clasp mechanism gives you less control when you want to take off the watch. If you depress the ears of the clasp, the band immediately starts to loosen and the buckle will hit the glass on your watch face.
Ouch.
I did this multiple times initially when first receiving the watch, but thankfully nothing happened to the screen. This slapping of the watch face with the buckle is worse if you prefer the loop end of the band at the bottom of the watch. You just have to train yourself to unbuckle the band with the watch facing you and pulling the ears ever so slightly to unclasp the watch. Not a deal breaker, but be wary when unclasping your watch.
Which combination of watch and watch band should I get?
There is no right or wrong answer here, and that is why I have provided you with galleries of photos showing every Slate and Natural Ultra 2 watch combination with every Slate and Natural Milanese Loop band so you can make your own decision. Black and white always works together, and none of these mix and match combinations look bad.
After trying out all these band combinations with my 160mm wrist, here are some considerations to keep in mind:
You cannot buy an Ultra 2 with a mismatching Titanium Milanese loop color (at least online). You would have to buy the mismatching band separately. I will try and see if it’s possible to buy a mismatching set when I get a chance to go to a store.
Pick the band size that has your measurement as close to the middle as possible. For example, for my 160mm wrist, I picked the medium titanium Milanese loop which fits 155-185mm wrists vs the small band which fits 130-160mm wrists.
I could have technically gotten the small band, but there is no leeway for me with that small size if I like a looser fit. For the stainless steel bands, the small-medium band fits 130-180mm, while the medium-large band fits 150-200mm. I purchased one of each for the slate and natural bands, and the smaller size was better. The larger band, as you can see in some of the photos, had the magnetic clasp almost looping around to the front of the watch.