Three-Link Stainless Steel Band for Apple Watch

A classic steel band for Apple Watch

The Three-Link is a stainless steel band for Apple Watch built like a traditional watch bracelet: three rows of links, brushed on top, with rounded, polished edges that catch the light from the side. It closes with a fold-over steel clasp under your wrist, and the connectors at each end slide into the band slots of the watch like any other Apple Watch band.

It comes in five finishes. Silver, Gold and Rose Gold are a single color. The two-tone bands, Silver/Gold and Silver/Black, put the second color on the center row and keep the outer rows silver, so they look like a dress watch bracelet from a distance.

Steel gives the band real weight: the listing puts it at about 2.8 oz (79 g). It looks right with a shirt cuff and holds up to daily wear, which makes it an easy way to make the watch look less like a fitness tracker. If you train in your watch, keep a rubber strap for workouts and swap back afterward. Changing bands takes a few seconds.

Pick your case size

Bands for Apple Watch come in two size groups, so start with your case. The size is engraved on the back of the case, and the Watch app on your iPhone shows it under My Watch, General, About. Then choose the tile that matches:

• 38/40/41: 38, 40 and 41 mm cases.
• 42 (S10+): the 42 mm case of Series 10 and later.
• 44/45/49: 44, 45 and 49 mm cases, including every Ultra.
• 46 (S10+): the 46 mm case of Series 10 and later.
• 42 (S1-3): the 42 mm case of Series 1, 2 and 3.

S10+ means Series 10 and later, and S1-3 means Series 1 to 3. The two 42 mm tiles are for different watches. The newer 42 mm case takes the same band size as 38, 40 and 41 mm, while the older 42 mm case takes the same band size as 44 to 49 mm. Pick by series, not only by the number.

Gold, Silver/Gold and Silver/Black come in every case size. Silver and Rose Gold come in fewer sizes, so check that your tile is open in the color you want. The band works with Apple Watch Series 1 and later, SE and Ultra. Our Apple Watch bands page lists the case sizes of every model if you are not sure which one you have.

Sizing it to your wrist

The band arrives at full length, about 7.1 in (180 mm) from end to end without the watch, and you shorten it by taking out links. A small pin tool comes in the box. Set the band in the groove of the tool, line the tip up with the pin hole and turn the handle to push the pin out, in the direction of the small arrow on the inside of the link. Take out the same number of links on each side of the clasp so the clasp stays centered under your wrist, then push the pin back in to join the band again.

Take out one link at a time and try the band on in between. It should sit close enough that the watch does not slide over your wrist bone, with room for a finger underneath. If you are between two lengths, the looser one is usually more comfortable on warm days, when wrists swell a little. Keep the spare links and pins in a small bag in case you want to lengthen it later. Our fit guide shows how to measure your wrist before you start.

To fit the band, press the band release button on the back of the watch and slide the old band out. Slide each end of the Three-Link in until it locks, then give both ends a light tug to check.

Wear and care

Stainless steel takes rain, splashes and hand washing in stride. After sweat, chlorine or salt water, rinse the band in fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth, paying attention to the gaps between links and the clasp hinge, where grime collects. A soft toothbrush with a drop of mild soap gets between the links. Brushed steel picks up fine marks with wear, as every steel bracelet does. On the Gold, Rose Gold and two-tone bands, skip metal polish and scouring pads so the color stays even.

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. The full terms are on our delivery and returns page.