Carbon Fiber Watch Band
The Carbon Fiber Watch Band is a sleek, elegant accessory for the Apple Watch. Even though some customization may be required to get the proper fit, PITAKA makes the process uncomplicated by providing instructions and the proper tool to add or remove links and change the lug on the band. The band is comfortable to wear and is a solid option to wear for professional or semi-formal occasions. The price is comparable to some Apple Watch bands and seems to be valid based on the premium materials used to create the band.
- DESIGN
- EASE OF USE
- PRICE
- COMFORT
Carbon Fiber Watch Band makes for an elegant edition to the Apple Watch.
One of my favorite cartoons growing up was Inspector Gadget. I loved the computer book and communicator watch that Penny carried around with her. It’s funny to think that in the 30 years since that show was on the air, our technology has developed to the point where we have computer books (tablets) and communicator watches (smartwatches). I was thrilled when I donned my first Apple Watch. The one thing I have struggled with is finding the ideal watch band to suit my lifestyle.
I am right-handed, but I like to wear my watch on my right hand. I know it’s a little backward, but I also golf as if I were left-handed. I’ve always just been more comfortable with wearing accessories on my right wrist than on my left. I also don’t like things moving around much on my wrist. With those preferences taken into account, my options for watch band are limited.
I’ve been using a Sport Loop since I had the Series 4 Apple Watch. It’s been my favorite option thus far, but I decided that I wanted something a little more professional-looking. I used to have a third-party Milanese loop band, but it wore down quite a bit and started catching bits of skin and hair on my arm. That made it quite uncomfortable to wear. When I spotted the Carbon Fiber Watch Band by PITAKA, I thought, “That is what I have been looking for.”
DETAILS
The Carbon Fiber Watch Band is made with 100% carbon fiber links. According to ipitaka.com, the band is ‘crafted from fine-weave 1K carbon fiber.’ The style is meant to be subtle and minimalist in nature. The carbon fiber watch band is black and has some subtle shades of gray woven into the design. The band is compatible with all Apple Watch models (Series 7-1 & SE, 38/40, 42/44 & 41/45mm) and can fit any wrist (with link adjustments).
The Carbon Fiber Watch Band has a magnetic closure clasp that is designed to keep the watch firmly in one place. It locks into place and can be opened by pressing release buttons on either side of the clasp. There are two versions of the band – modern and retro. The modern version covers the connectors between the links while the retro version shows the connector sections completely. The band measures L: 7.3in x W: 0.87in x D: 0.16in. and it can be lengthened to 8.1 inches.
What’s in the Box
- 1 x Carbon Fiber Watch Band 38&40mm – Modern
- 1 x Link Tool
- 2 extra links
- Large and Small watch band lugs
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The Carbon Fiber Watch Band comes in a simple PITAKA box. It’s white with an image of the watch band prominently displayed on the front of it. The band style is printed at the bottom of the image so that you know which design is enclosed in the box. The back of the box has the full name of the product and some of the features listed. There is no list on the box of items included inside the box.
When I first opened the box, I found the Carbon Fiber Watch Band beneath the quick start guide. Taped to the quick start guide was the watch link tool, which is around the same size as a SIM card tool. The watch band shipped inside a foam insert and the remaining elements of the package were stored beneath it. I was surprised to find how lightweight the carbon fiber watch band is. I expected it to be light, but it is just as light – if not lighter – than my Sport Band.
INSTALLATION
I was so excited about having a new watch band that I immediately removed my Sport Band from my Apple Watch and started sliding the lug of the Carbon Fiber Watch Band into the body. (Side Note: If you don’t clean your watch regularly, I recommend taking a few moments to wipe your watch body down when you swap out bands.)
I got one side installed and quickly realized that the lug was meant for the larger Apple Watch (I have the 40mm). I was immediately disappointed because I thought I had been wrong about the sizing or ordered the incorrect version. As it turned out, the smaller lug size was included with the band and was part of the extra parts located at the bottom of the box. I breathed a sigh of relief and started working on changing the lugs out.
I don’t have a lot of experience changing watch links so I was trying to follow the quick start guide, which featured illustrations of how to change parts of the band. The one thing that was not included was instructions on how to change the lugs. I was able to fumble through it since the process was very similar to changing the links, I followed those instructions and it worked.
After I swapped out the lugs, I had to remove some links in order for the Carbon Fiber Watch Band to fit snugly on my wrist. This is important in order for the Apple Watch’s sensor to work properly. This was a little bit of a tedious process. It ended up taking me about 30-45 minutes to change out the lugs and remove four links. It’s not exactly hard, but you are working with tiny parts so having patience helps.
COMFORT & STYLE
The feature that is most important to me when selecting a watch band is comfort. Throughout my life, I have not enjoyed having bracelets or watches on my wrists. They end up hitting the wrist bone the wrong way and I immediately take the accessory off. I didn’t want that to be the case when I started wearing an Apple Watch so I’ve been very cautious about the bands I pair with it. Fortunately, the Carbon Fiber Watch Band is very comfortable to wear. Even though it has links that fold into each other, I didn’t experience any pinching with it.
There were a couple of times a hair got pulled, but it was a very minor discomfort and I never felt any real pain due to the band. Since I work behind a computer, being able to type with the Apple Watch on is also important to me. Because the Modern style features flattened links, my wrist was comfortable when it was resting on my desk or laptop.
The style of the Carbon Fiber Watch Band is exactly what I have been looking for. The dark color is a great contrast with my Blue Apple Watch. It looks sleek and sophisticated. It’s honestly just what I wanted as an option to wear during professional outings or more formal occasions. Looking at the difference between the two versions of the Carbon Fiber Watch Band, I much prefer the Modern style because it provides a smoother look than the Retro band does in my opinion.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Carbon Fiber Watch Band is a solid accessory option for the Apple Watch. It is built with strong materials and has a great look to it. It would be really cool if PITAKA developed additional colors for this band, but the black really does go with everything. One of the things I like about this band is that it is a stark difference from anything that Apple is offering. For me, that is why I look to third-party designers. The Carbon Fiber Watch Band is a first-class accessory that doesn’t disappoint.
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