Apple Ultra - decent non-Apple strap?

[Hard-Drive]

I’ve finally bought my first Apple Watch, an Ultra in the John Lewis sale. The only strap that was available that I liked was the Alpine Loop in Orange.

I’m potentially a few more straps in time but there’s no way I’m paying the frankly ridiculous £100 Apple are asking per strap. I’m looking for recommendations for something that’s reasonably priced but still good quality, I don’t want to lose the watch!

-Watersports strap, sailing, diving etc
-A smart strap that will look OK with a suit/shirt
-Running/cycling strap, I guess silicone is going to be the best bet here as in my experience any fabric strap like Apple’s own Trail strap ends up stinking

Any recommendations gratefully received!

[GilletteFan]

I've tried some generic straps and custom straps. I can only recommend Apple's original watch straps. They are really good quality and very durable. I have quite a few and the Alpine Loop straps are great and really comfortable for water sports/ being in water. Next would be the Sport Band of course. I didn't get good mileage on the Sport Loop, so haven't bought any more of these.

[LeeM135i]

Personally have a few apple straps, they are better than the usual other copycat rubbish but are they worth £100, maybe not.

I use the fabric nylon style bands for running, biking and cross fit, not noticed them getting smelly but I usually leave the watch on when I shower when I get home. I also put them in the washing machine with added sports wash once every couple of months with my exercise gear when it gets a bit fresh. Failing that a bit of white vinegar in warm water and leave them to soak will kill the bacteria. I mostly have Apple bands but have also bought from this eBay seller and haven't lost a watch in 5/6 years https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/98624/i.html?ssPageName... but you can tell they aren't the real deal.

For the nice looking bands the Apple leather straps are lovely, supple with super strong magnets. Well worth the spend in my opinion.

This guy gets good reviews but they are still expensive.
https://thestraptailor.com/product-category/apple-...

I have bought non Apple Watch straps from here, they have all been awesome.
https://www.watchobsession.co.uk/collections/strap...

[JayRidesBikes]

I wouldn’t bother paying high prices for straps, I just order them from Ali express for a few quid and I’ve never had a terrible one. I bought 3 alpine loops in different colours a few weeks ago and they’re no worse than an apple strap.

[clockworks]

Cousins Material House do a big selection of aftermarket straps and bracelets for Apple watches at "trade" prices. You don't need to be trade to buy from them, but you do have to tick a box saying that you understand it's a business to business transaction, so no returns unless an item is faulty.

[BoRED S2upid]

Why non Apple? EBay is flooded with genuine apple straps for very reasonable cost. Back on the day you used to get 2 straps at different lengths so sell the smaller / larger strap.

[Barchettaman]

AliExpress. Gazillions on there in all styles for pennies.

[straight dad]

Wife just paid £49 for a replacement strap from Apple.

I've just paid £1.79 (including delivery) from Ali Express.

Apart from fancy packaging you can't tell the difference.

[Dolf Stoppard]

Check mymemory out. They tend to have Apple straps at reduced prices. It’s the place to get the excellent Apple stainless steel bracelet from. Not bad at £139, too expensive at £349. As others have said loads on eBay as well. Pay the right price and I think the Apple straps are worth it. The one I’d struggle to recommend is the leather link as the leather ‘paint’ will come off!

[Hard-Drive]

Thanks guys. Ended up with a cheap "ocean" band off Amazon. Seems to do the job OK! I can see me ending up with quite a few as it does really change the look and feel of the watch.

[NDA]

I rarely wear my Apple watch, but bought this strap for it:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B086YS3NNL/ref...

Very well made and suits it well.