Magnetic Watch Straps

Straps that close with a magnet

A magnetic strap has a magnet in its end in place of a buckle. You pass it through, press it against the strap, and it holds. It adjusts to any length rather than to a hole, and it is the quickest strap there is to put on and take off. That suits anyone who changes straps between the gym and the office, finds a buckle fiddly, or wants to loosen the strap a little on a hot afternoon. The straps here are made to be compatible with Apple Watch, not by Apple.

The magnetic straps here

• Silicone with air holes. Soft sports straps with a row of holes to let the skin breathe, often in two colours, one on each side. Some describe a double magnetic closure for a firmer hold. They suit workouts and everyday wear.
• Stretch nylon. A soft elastic nylon weave with a magnetic closure, light and flexible on the wrist, in muted colours such as smoky purple, milk tea and pine green.

They come in both of Apple's size groups. For leather loops that close with a magnet, see sport loop watch straps. For metal mesh and bracelets, see metal watch straps.

Getting the size right

Apple sorts its watch sizes into two groups, and a strap made for one size fits every size in its group. Bands for 38mm, 40mm, 41mm and 42mm fit 38mm, 40mm, 41mm and 42mm cases. Bands for 44mm, 45mm, 46mm and 49mm fit 44mm, 45mm, 46mm and 49mm cases. Your watch's size is engraved on its back. There is one trap: on the old Series 3, 42mm was the larger of the two cases, so a 42mm Series 3 takes straps from the larger group.

Some straps here also list the Series 10 and Series 11 sizes, 42mm and 46mm, as options of their own. Where a strap does, choose that option for a Series 10 or 11.

Because the magnet closes at any point, there is no wrist size to choose. Wear it snug but comfortable, as Apple puts it, close enough for the sensors on the back to stay against your skin. Apple says a strap worn too tight can irritate.

Living with a magnetic strap

Check the magnet holds firmly enough for what you are doing before you rely on it, and press it home after putting on a coat or a rucksack. Keep it away from bank cards and hotel key cards. Silicone ones wash with mild soap and water, as Apple says of its sport bands; nylon ones are best washed by hand and left to dry. Replace a strap when the clasp starts to open on its own.

Questions people ask about magnetic watch straps

Will a magnetic strap come undone?

Pulled hard, any magnet will let go, which some people prefer to a strap that catches. For climbing, contact sports or rough work, a buckle strap in silicone or nylon holds more surely.

Can I swim with one?

The silicone ones, yes. Rinse in fresh water after the sea or a pool and dry it. Nylon takes longer to dry.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.

More to look at

• Sport loop watch straps
• Silicone watch straps
• Nylon watch straps
• Metal watch straps
• All straps compatible with Apple Watch
• Guide: Watch straps: sizes, materials and fitting