[tech_fan]

Went to the Apple Store and picked up the Pearl tonight - and took it right back. While I liked the look of it, I never got to try it on as the band was defective- it never would lock into the slot - the long side with the holes locked in, but the buckle end would not lock in no matter what. The guys at the store when I took it back had the same experience. They didn't have another one in stock and I wasn't keen on the red/gold one, so I traded it for a Red FE one.. it's nice, but I knew it would be - I wanted a new band material. Maybe next time I'm needing a change...

I had the same problem that you had. Turns out that some of the Apple watches have this problem. I went to return my pearl one and one guy in the store showed me how to make it work. The solution is to make press the band against the watch as you slide it in and it will lock. If you just slide the band in like you normally would it won't lock.

[agarwal.apar]

Got the black one! I was skeptical too about narrow but it's absolutely fine!

[robertk328]

Got the black one! I was skeptical too about narrow but it's absolutely fine!

It's the same width as the sport band, just doesn't have the slightly wider lugs where the sport connects.

[doc16mom]

I got the pink woven and returned it back to the store. The band was narrow and hard to slip into the watch. Not a big fan!

[Dafter]

I just ordered 42mm pearl woven band. It takes ~18 days to arrive, can't wait!

[imwjl]

They all seemed nice to me. I've debated whether the black (I have original white and cement sport bands) would look good with the silver sport, or if orange would be too bold with conservative work clothes. Finally wondered about the quality and length of third party bands. Definitely first world problems very similar to asking if I need the watch in the first place.

The sizing of any woven band is a concern because I'm not big boned and not fat. At 5'10 the smaller option of original silicone band is best.

[Mac Guy]

I just ordered 42mm pearl woven band. It takes ~18 days to arrive, can't wait!

I've got one and really like it.

and hard to slip into the watch

I like the narrowness as a frequent change from the Sport, NATO, and leather bands. Was that an Apple band? I've found that by changing the angle of the band slightly relative to the face of the watch with a little wiggling, you'll find the very precise angle that allows it to slide right in. So you might consider that (if you haven't tried it already) with any band that seems a little reluctant. Some third-party lugs may not be up to Apple specs, so that may not work.

[tcuprof]

Some third-party lugs may not be up to Apple specs, so that may not work.

One non-Apple woven strap that I'll recommend is Kartice. I have an Apple and a Kartice woven band and they're indistinguishable other than color.

[imwjl]

One non-Apple woven strap that I'll recommend is Kartice. I have an Apple and a Kartice woven band and they're indistinguishable other than color.

They look nice but I see a high percentage of Amazon reviews are 1 star an full of comments on them failing. That makes me hesitate as much as Apple's prices!

[rangerdeyo]

They look nice but I see a high percentage of Amazon reviews are 1 star an full of comments on them failing. That makes me hesitate as much as Apple's prices!

I have an Apple Nylon band and a couple of the NATO bands from Clockwork Synergy. While similar, the NATO bands aren't as stiff feeling as the Apple band. Plus there are more color options and you can get the lugs and buckles to match your watch.