Which Apple Watch and strap is right for you? Series 7, Watch SE, Series 3, Nike+, Hermès or Edition?

(Pocket-lint) - The Apple Watch Series 7 is disposable alongside the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 3. The Series 6, Series 5, Series 4, Series 2, Series 1 and archetypal Apple Watch person each been discontinued. Luckily, each the straps stay compatible crossed each the generations.

With 3 ranges, GPS and GPS and Cellular models, 2 antithetic sizes, positive each the straps that tin beryllium mixed and matched, arsenic good arsenic the other Nike, Hermès and Watch Edition models, choosing the close Apple Watch for you is trickier than it archetypal seems.

This diagnostic explains what models are available, however overmuch they outgo and what the differences are betwixt them each successful bid to find the close 1 for you and your budget.

You tin besides read our Apple Watch Series 7 vs 6 vs Watch SE vs Series 3 feature, if you privation to cognize a more in-depth comparison betwixt the 2 models.

Apple Watch Series 7

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• Sizes: 41mm, 45mm
• Models: GPS lone and GPS and Cellular
• Material: Aluminium, Stainless Steel
• Colours: Five aluminium, 3 stainless steel
• Straps included: Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Sport Band, Sport Loop, Leather Link, Milanese Loop, Leather Loop, Modern Buckle

The Apple Watch Series 7 offers each the aforesaid features arsenic Series 3 including waterproofing and built-in GPS but it has an upgraded S7 processor with W3 wireless chip, an electrical bosom sensor connected the Digital Crown and a bigger show wrong a akin footprint to the Series 3, resulting successful a bolder design.

It besides comes successful antithetic size options to the Series 3 astatine 41mm and 45mm, and it offers an Always-On Display, built-in compass, always-on altimeter and a blood oxygen sensor, arsenic good arsenic a U1 chip.

There are 23 modular models disposable - ignoring the specializer ranges similar Nike, Hermès and Watch Edition for present - we'll spell into those further down.

The aluminium models travel successful Green, Blue, Starlight, Midnight and Product(RED) colour options with either a Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Sport Band, Sport Loop oregon Leather Link strap arsenic standard. There are respective colours disposable successful each, which you tin work each astir successful the strap conception below. The aluminium models besides travel successful GPS and GPS and Cellular connectivity options.

The stainless alloy models are a bully chunk much expensive, and they travel successful Graphite, Silver and Gold colour options with Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Sport Loop, Leather oregon Stainless Steel straps, with prices varying depending connected your strap choice.

The Leather strap options are made up of Leather Link, Modern Buckle and Leather Loop styles, portion the stainless alloy straps travel successful a Link Bracelet and a Milanese Loop option. It's worthy noting the Leather Loop is lone disposable for the 45mm models and the Modern Buckle is lone disposable for the 41mm models. The Stainless Steel Watch models each travel with GPS and Cellular arsenic standard, with nary GPS lone models.

You tin of people bargain an further strap separately - we'll spell into much item astir those further down - oregon you tin usage the Apple Watch Studio to make your cleanable Apple Watch but you'll wage extra.

Apple Watch SE

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• Sizes: 40mm, 44mm
• Models: GPS lone and GPS and Cellular
• Material: Aluminium
• Colours: Three aluminium
• Straps included: Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Sport Band, Sport Loop

The Apple Watch SE sits successful betwixt the Series 7 and the Series 3, offering the aforesaid plan arsenic the older Series 6 with the larger display, on with a fig of its features, but not arsenic streamlined a plan arsenic the Series 7 successful presumption of display. It has everything the Series 3 has including waterproofing and built-in GPS, but it besides offers an always-on altimeter for real-time elevation tracking, a built-in compass and autumn detection.

It misses retired connected the Always-On Display from the Series 7, arsenic good arsenic humor oxygen monitoring and the electrical bosom complaint sensor for taking an ECG, positive determination aren't arsenic galore decorativeness options arsenic the Series 7 - 14 models alternatively of 23 - but otherwise, the Watch SE is simply a feature-packed smartwatch.

It has the S5 processor nether its hood - which is simply a measurement up from the older Series 5 but a measurement down from the Series 7 - and it has a W2 chip. The Watch SE comes successful GPS lone and GPS and Cellular models and determination are Nike models too.

The Watch SE is lone disposable successful aluminium and determination are nary leather oregon stainless alloy straps offered arsenic standard, though again, you tin bargain the straps separately oregon usage the Apple Watch Studio to make your cleanable device.

Apple Watch Series 3

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• Sizes: 38mm, 42mm
• Models: GPS only
• Material: Aluminium body
• Colours: Silver, Space Grey
• Strap included: Sport Band

The Apple Watch Series 3 offers a S3 processor, coupled with built-in GPS, a waterproof assemblage and a barometric altimeter, each of which were added implicit the older Series 1 model. The S3 processor is combined with a W2 wireless spot that enables Siri to enactment connected the Watch itself alternatively than passing implicit to your iPhone. 

There are 2 modular models available, some of which person an aluminium casing and determination are lone 2 colours disposable alternatively than 3 similar the Watch SE. There are besides nary GPS and Cellular models disposable successful the Series 3 truthful neither volition enactment with Apple's Family Setup feature.

Your options for the Series 3 exemplary are truthful a Silver aluminium lawsuit with a White Sport Band oregon a Space Grey aluminium lawsuit with a Black Sport Band.

Like the Series 7 and Watch SE models, you tin bargain an additional Sport Band, Solo Loop oregon antithetic strap separately.

Apple Watch Nike

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• Sizes: 40mm, 41mm, 44mm, 45mm
• Models: GPS lone and GPS and Cellular
• Material: Aluminium assemblage only
• Colours: Silver oregon Space Grey aluminium casings
• Strap included: Nike Sport Band oregon Nike Sport Loop

The Apple Watch Nike is 1 of the peculiar variation ranges of the Apple Watch, created successful relation with Nike, arsenic you astir apt guessed from its name. The Nike exemplary is disposable successful some Series 7 and Watch SE models, with 9 models successful full - six for the Series 7 and 3 for the Watch SE.

The Series 7 Nike models person the aforesaid specifications arsenic the Apple Watch Series 7, meaning they person the latest processor, always-on altimeter, humor oxygen sensor, U1 chip, larger show design, electrical bosom sensor successful the Digital Crown, built-in compass and Always On Display.

The Watch SE Nike models person the aforesaid hardware arsenic the Apple Watch Watch SE truthful nary Always-On Display, humor oxygen monitoring oregon ECG, but inactive features similar autumn detection, always-on altimeter and a built-in compass. The quality betwixt the Nike models and the modular Apple Watch models is the peculiar Nike Sport Band oregon Nike Sport Loop strap alternatively than the plain Solo Loop, Sport Band, Braided Solo Loop oregon plain Sport Loop strap.

The Apple Watch Series 7 Nike models are disposable successful 41mm and 45mm options and the Watch SE Nike models are disposable successful 40mm and 44mm size options, but some travel successful GPS lone and GPS and Cellular models. There are Space Grey and Silver colour options with either a Nike Sport Band oregon Nike Sport Loop strap for the Watch SE, and Midnight and Starlight options with a Nike Sport Band oregon Nike Sport Loop for the Watch Series 7.

As with Series 7 and Watch SE models, alternate straps tin beryllium bought separately for the Series 7 Nike models oregon Watch SE Nike models for an further cost.

• Apple Watch Nike+ review

Apple Watch Hermès

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• Sizes: 41mm, 45mm (both sizes not disposable successful each styles)
• Models: GPS and Cellular only
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Colours: Silver oregon Space Black 
• Strap included: Hermès leather strap

The Apple Watch Hermès is different of the specializer ranges, this clip created successful collaboration with Paris manner marque Hermès. The collaboration was archetypal seen connected the archetypal 2015 Apple Watch but it is present lone disposable connected the Series 7 models.

The Apple Watch Hermès models person a peculiar Hermès ticker face, leather straps handmade by the manner company's artisans successful France and the Hermès logo connected the underside of the ticker body, arsenic good arsenic connected the strap. Not each models are disposable successful some 41mm and 45mm sizes, but each connection GPS and Cellular connectivity arsenic standard.

There are 15 Apple Watch Hermès models successful total. Both the Space Black Stainless Steel exemplary and Silver Stainless Steel exemplary travel with assorted strap options, including the Jumping Single Tour Strap, modular Single Tour strap and the Attelage Double Tour strap.

Prices for the Apple Watch Hermès are huge, and importantly pricier than the standard Series 7 models.

Apple Watch Edition

• Sizes: 41mm, 45mm
• Models: GPS and Cellular only
• Material: Titanium
• Colours: Brushed earthy Titanium, Space Black Titanium
• Strap included: Braided Solo Loop, Sport Loop oregon Leather Link

The Apple Watch Edition scope introduces Titanium arsenic a lawsuit worldly option. The Apple Watch Edition models are lone disposable for the Series 7 models and they connection the aforesaid features and specifications arsenic the Series 7 but successful a antithetic casing.

The Titanium options travel successful 2 colours of Space Black and brushed earthy Titanium. The earthy Titanium comes with a Braided Solo Loop oregon Leather Link strap - which travel successful antithetic colour options. The Space Black Titanium comes with either a Solo Loop Strap oregon Sport Loop strap, again successful antithetic colour options.

As with the different Apple Watch models, you tin usage the Apple Watch Studio to prime a antithetic strap for extra, oregon you tin bargain an further strap separately.

Apple Watch Straps

There are numerous straps disposable for the Apple Watch, each of which is compatible with each of the ranges.

As we mentioned above, you tin bargain immoderate of the straps beneath separately to springiness you an alternate enactment to the strap included with the Apple Watch exemplary you pick, oregon you tin usage the Apple Watch Studio creator to physique your perfect Apple Watch. 

You'll announcement the strap sizes are present 41mm and 45mm. For those with a Series 1, 2 oregon 3 Apple Watch, take the 41mm size for the 38mm exemplary and 45mm size for the 42mm models. For those with a Series 4, 5 oregon 6, take the 41mm size for the 40mm exemplary and the 45mm size for the 44mm model.

Solo Loop

The Solo Loop is made from stretchable liquid silicone rubber that has been designed for other comfort. There are nary buckles oregon clasps, with conscionable a seamless loop instead. The Solo Loop comes successful 19 colours, each of which are disposable successful 41mm and 45mm size options. It comes successful 9 sizes, requiring you to measurement your wrist to guarantee the cleanable fit.

The colours: English Lavender, Marigold, Dark Cherry, Clover, Chalk Pink, Abyss Blue, Starlight, Canatloupe, Northern Blue, Deep Navy, Plum, Kumquat, Ginger, Cyprus Green, Pistachio, White, Tomales Blue, Pink Citrus, Black

Sport Band

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The Sport Band is made from fluoroelastomer and it is fastened with a pin and tuck closure. It comes successful 12 colour options in both 41mm and 45mm size options.

The colours: English Lavender, Marigold, Dark Cherry, Clover, Abyss Blue, Midnight, Starlight, Cyprus Green, Capri Blue, Mallard Green, Product(RED), Black Unity

Braided Solo Loop

The Braided Solo Loop is made from stretchable recycled yarn interwoven with silicone threads. Like the Solo Loop, it has been designed for comfortableness and features nary buckles oregon clasps. The Braided Solo Loop comes successful 12 colour options, each of which travel successful 41mm and 45mm sizes. Like the Sport Loop, determination are 9 sizes to take from.

The colours: English Lavender, Maize, Dark Cherry, Abyss Blue, Inverness Green, Electric Orange, Charcoal, Pink Punch, Atlantic Blue, Pistachio,  Product(RED), Pride

Sport Loop

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The Sport Loop Band is made from woven nylon with dense loops connected the tegument broadside for cushioning and allowing moisture to escape. It is fastened with a hook-and-loop closure for speedy adjustment. The Sport Loop Band comes successful 14 colours, each of which are disposable successful 41mm and 45mm size options.

The colours: Maize/White, Pink Pomelo/Tan, Dark Cherry/Forest Green, Abyss Blue/Moss Green, Tornado/Gray, Sea Salt, Abyss, Olive, Plum, Inverness Green, Sunflower, Charcoal, Product(RED)

Nike Sport Band

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The Nike Sport Band is besides made from fluoroelastomer similar the Sport Band, but it has compression-moulded perforations for breathability. It is fastened with a pin and tuck enclosure and there are 8 colour options in both 41mm and 45mm size options.

The colours: Magic Ember/Crimson Bliss, Olive Grey/Cargo Khaki, Midnight Navy/Mystic Navy, Anthracite/Black, Pure Platinum/Black, Chlorine Blue/Green Glow, Ironstone/Black, Spruce Aura/Vapour Green

Nike Sport Loop

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The Nike Sport Loop Band is made from a nylon weave with reflective thread, secured with a hook and loop fastener. There are 5 colour options, each of which are disposable successful some 41mm and 45mm size options. 

The colours: Cargo Khaki, Spuce Aura, Pride, Summit White, Black

Leather Link

The Leather Link features handcrafted Roux Granada leather made successful France. It wraps astir the wrist and attaches with flexible molded magnets that mildly flex for a secure, comfy fit. The Leather Link comes successful 9 colours, each disposable for 41mm and 45mm size options.

The colours: Golden Brown, Dark Cherry, Sequoia Green, Midnight, Chalk, Baltic Blue, California Poppy, Saddle Brown, Black

Modern Buckle 

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The Modern Buckle is made from Granada leather for a refined textured finish. It features an interior furniture of Vectran weave for spot and it is fastened by magnets, though it looks similar a buckle. The Modern Buckle comes successful 7 colours but it is lone disposable successful the 38mm/40mm/41mm size option.

The colours: Midnight, Wisteria, Chalk, Garnet, Scarlet, Pink Citrus, Saddle Brown

Hermès Jumping Single Tour

The Hermès Jumping Single Tour is crafted from nylon with a woven vibrant design. It is fastened with a buckle and it is designed to beryllium waterproof. There are 7 colours available.

The colours: Kraft/Orange, Kraft/Lime, Noir/Bleu Saphir, Orange/Rose Mexico, Kraft/Rouge de Cœur, Rouge de Cœur/Rouge H, Bleu Saphir/Orange

Hermès Leather Single Tour

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The Hermès Leather Single Tour strap offers the classical Hermès design, made from smooth Barenia leather oregon supple Swift leather, depending connected the colour and benignant you pick. Not each travel successful some 41mm and 45mm sizes though.

The Single Tour modular colours: Fauve Barénia (both sizes), Bleu Lin (41mm), Gold (41mm), Orange (40mm), Navy (41mm), Lime (41mm)

The Single Tour Attelage Swift colours: Noir (both sizes), Rouge H (45mm only), Gold (45mm only)

The Single Tour Circuit H Swift: Biscuit/Bleu Électrique, Noir/Bleu Électrique, Rouge H/Noir (41mm)

Hermès Leather Double Tour

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The Hermès Leather Double Tour wraps doubly astir the wrist and is again made from creaseless Barenia leather oregon supple Swift Attelage leather, depending connected the colour. There are six options successful total, each of which are lone disposable for the 38mm/40mm/41mm Watch.

The Double Tour Swift Attelage colours: Bleu Lin, Rouge H, Gold, Bleu Saphir, Fauve, Noir

The Gourmette Double Tour: Fauve

Milanese Loop

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The Milanese Loop is made up of creaseless stainless alloy mesh which wraps astir your wrist and fastens magnetically. There are 3 colours disposable for some the 41mm and 45mm Watch.

The colours: Silver, Graphite, Gold

Link Bracelet

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The Link Bracelet is crafted from the aforesaid 316L stainless alloy arsenic the Apple Watch lawsuit and it features implicit 100 components, fastened with a butterfly closure. There are 2 colours disposable for some the 38mm and 42mm Watch, though it besides works with the Series 7 and Watch SE models.

The colours: Silver, Space Black

Best Apple Watch and strap combinations

Let's rapidly bash the maths: the cheapest Apple Watch Series 3 is the 38mm version, which ends up overmuch cheaper than the astir affordable Apple Watch Series 7, which has the aforesaid bands and aluminium case. You suffer retired connected the bigger display, improved processor, electrical bosom sensor, humor oxygen monitoring, Always On show and built-in compass though.

If you tin unrecorded with the aluminium assemblage alternatively than stainless steel, past the Watch SE GPS lone exemplary is somewhat much costly than the Series 3 but inactive cheaper than the Series 7 and you get a prime of 3 aluminium colours, positive a bigger display, improved processor compared to the Series 3, built-in compass and always-on altimeter truthful it's a large mediate option, particularly if you usage the other currency to smarten it up.

For example, you could get the 40mm bluish Apple Watch SE and dainty yourself to the Leather Link strap. You could besides opt for the aluminium Series 7 and whack a Hermès Single Tour strap connected it for a fashionable look without having the disbursal of the Hermès body. Choose the Series 3 models alternatively and the prices would beryllium overmuch little but you sacrafice features.

Another bully operation is the aluminium Space Grey Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm) with the Graphite Milanese Loop strap. The Graphite stainless alloy enactment (45mm) costs a batch much with the Space Black Milanese Loop strap, truthful you prevention coagulated magnitude by opting for aluminium implicit stainless steel, and you'll get a Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Sport Band oregon Sport Loop successful the terms too. Alternatively, you could usage the Apple Watch Studio to physique an aluminium lawsuit with the strap you privation if you don't privation the other strap.

Writing by Britta O'Boyle. Originally published connected 10 March 2015.