The Slim Link steel band for Apple Watch

A slim steel band for every day

The Slim Link is a stainless steel link band for Apple Watch with a narrower look than a classic three-link bracelet. You get the shine and the solid feel of steel without the bulk of a wide band, so it works with a T-shirt on Saturday and a shirt cuff on Monday. Nothing about it is styled for one wrist or one person: it simply trades the chunky look of a broad bracelet for something finer.

It comes in six colors: Gold, Pink, Blue, Silver Black, Silver Gold and Silver Rose. Every color is made in both sizes, so you can pick the color you like and then your case size. Each color has its own photo on this page, which is the best way to judge the finish before you order. A simple rule for choosing: match the band to your watch case or to the metal you wear most. Gold and Silver Gold sit well next to a gold case, Silver Black next to a black or graphite case, and Silver Rose next to a rose gold case. Pink and Blue are the colors to pick when you want the band to be the point.

Which size to choose

Your case size is engraved on the back of your Apple Watch, next to the sensor, as a number such as 41MM or 45MM. You can also find it in the Watch app on your iPhone under My Watch, General, About. That number decides your band size, and the Slim Link comes in two:

• 38/40/41/42 (S10+) fits 38, 40 and 41 mm cases, plus the 42 mm case of Series 10 and later. S10+ is short for Series 10 and later.
• 44/45/46/49 fits 44, 45, 46 and 49 mm cases, including every Ultra. It also fits the 42 mm case of the original Series 1 to 3, which takes the large band size.

The 42 mm case is the one to double-check. On Series 10 and later it is the smaller case and takes the first size; on Series 1 to 3 it is the larger case and takes the second. Between the two sizes, the band works with Apple Watch Series 1 and later, SE and Ultra. Our Apple Watch bands page has a chart that lists every model with its case size, if you want to look yours up.

Getting the length right

A steel band doesn't stretch or give the way silicone does, so it pays to know your wrist size before the band arrives. Wrap a soft tape measure around your wrist where you wear your watch, or use a strip of paper and lay it flat against a ruler. Out of the box the band is about 8.7 in (22 cm) long from end to end, and it is sized down from there to fit your wrist. Our fit guide walks through measuring step by step.

Aim for a fit where the band can move a little but the watch doesn't spin around your wrist. Too loose and the case slides to the side of your arm; too tight and you will feel the links by the end of the day.

Swapping bands takes under a minute and needs no tools. Lay the watch face down on a soft cloth, hold the band release button on the back and slide the old band out sideways. Slide the Slim Link in from the side until it clicks, then give each end a gentle tug to check it is locked.

Care

Stainless steel takes sweat, rain and hand washing in stride. Wipe the band with a soft, dry cloth now and then, rinse it in fresh water after the beach or a pool, and dry it before you put it back on. Warm water with a drop of mild soap lifts the film that builds up between the links, and a soft toothbrush gets into the gaps. Keep it away from bleach, and skip abrasive polish on the colored finishes. For hard workouts or swimming, plenty of people switch to a sport band and keep the steel for the rest of the day: see our rubber straps.

Delivery and returns

Delivery is $6.95, or free on orders over $49. The delivery time for your country shows on each product page and at checkout.

You can return an unworn band in its original packaging within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is paid by you, unless the item arrived faulty or incorrect. If the size turns out wrong, check your case size again first, then see delivery and returns for how to send it back.