With the Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition, the specific combinations currently seen on Apple’s website are pre-stocked combos for launch.
However, you will be able to custom-build the exact Watch/Band combinations you desire.
For athletes like runners, cyclists, etc. weight is definitely a consideration, so we’ve figured out the lightest possible Watch / Apple Band combo.
It’s the Apple Watch Sport (25g for 38mm, 30g for 42mm) with Black Classic Buckle (leather, stainless) (16g for 38mm, 19g for 42mm).
Total weights:
• 38mm Apple Watch Sport (25g) with Black Classic Buckle (16g): 41g
• 42mm Apple Watch Sport (30g) with Black Classic Buckle (19g): 49g
The Apple Watch Sport costs $349/$399 (38mm/42mm) and the Black Classic Buckle costs $149 for both sizes, so the lightest possible possible Watch / Apple strap/band combo costs $498 in 38mm (41g total) or $548 in 42mm (49g total).
Of course, the leather would absorb sweat and also discolor over time whereas the fluoroelastomer would not, so let’s look at that combo:
Band weights for the fluoroelastomer Sport Bands actually vary by color with Black being the lightest (38mm/42mm):
• 47g/51g – White
• 44g/48g – Blue
• 43g/48g – Green
• 42g/46g – Pink
• 37g/40g – Black
As runners (who also like to have a bit of uniqueness), we’re leaning towards either one of the following custom configs:
• 62g total – 38mm Apple Watch Sport in Silver with the 38mm Black Sport Band or the 38mm Black Sport Band with Space Gray Stainless Steel Pin ($349 + $49 = $398 total)
• 70g total – 42mm Apple Watch Sport in Silver with the 42mm Black Sport Band or the 38mm Black Sport Band with Space Gray Stainless Steel Pin ($399 + $49 = $448 total)
To save $49, go with the stock launch configs:
• 62g total – 38mm Apple Watch Sport in Space Gray with 38mm Black Sport Band ($349)
• 70g total – 42mm Apple Watch Sport in Space Gray with 42mm Black Sport Band ($399)
Remember, third-party bands for Apple Watch are likely to proliferate like rabbits, so expect to see some ultralight specialty bands for your Watch in the not too distant future.
Happy running!
UPDATE: 10:30pm EDT: Corrected the weight total for the 42mm Apple Watch Sport (30g) with Black Classic Buckle (19g). Thanks, reesmaxwell.