Why the SANDMARC Titanium Band is a Must-Have for Apple Watch Ultra Enthusiasts (Review, Video, How-to)

The Apple Watch stands as a symbol of innovation and style. However, while the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 cater to the active lifestyle with their default fabric bands, many users crave a more refined and business-appropriate look. That would be me! I started short-listing many metallic (stainless steel and titanium) Apple Watch bands to wear at the office or for a night on the town. The SANDMARC Titanium Band, a sleek accessory designed to elevate the aesthetics of your Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2, was at the top of my list. In this review, I dive into the key features that make this band a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between functionality and style. (*Disclosure below.)

The Apple Watch is not merely a timekeeping device; it’s an extension of one’s personality. The default bands, though suitable for outdoor activities, may not align with the preferences of individuals seeking a more polished appearance. The SANDMARC Titanium Band addresses this gap, offering a sophisticated alternative that seamlessly integrates with the look and feel, and style of the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting or a casual outing, the SANDMARC band lets you express yourself with confidence. 

It’s important to remember that not all watch bands are the same. Some are of better quality from a craft perspective to the materials used. I spent many hours reading reviews, looking at the features, and evaluating various photos. And once I had my shortlist, I realized I knew the company that had my favorite band – SANDMARC. I did a review of another product of theirs a while back (an iPhone light ring), so I knew the company. I do want to say, try not to settle for the least expensive watch band available (if your budget permits it). While the watch band photos may look good, the band itself may break or fall apart or simply be made with inferior materials. It’s often true that “you get what you pay for.”

Video review and how-to remove links from the SANDMARC Titanium Band

As with many of my other reviews, I recorded a video that walks through the unboxing and the features of the SANDMARC Titanium Band. There is also a portion of the video where I show how to easily remove links from the watch band using the included link-removal tool (which you can jump right to here). I also discuss the importance of having a good clasp for your Apple Watch – this is something to look for in an Apple Watch Band. You can jump to that part of the video here.

I encourage you to watch as much of the video as possible as you will get a better idea of the look and feel of the SANDMARC Titanium Band, as well as how to adjust it for the best fit.

Key Features of the SANDMARC Titanium Band

The SANDMARC Titanium Band uses Grade 4 Titanium. A less expensive version uses Grade 2 Titanium. The higher grade not only enhances scratch durability but also provides superior strength. There are varying levels of Titanium that are used on Apple Watch bands. The higher the grade, the more expensive. I would honestly stay away from watch bands that claim to be Titanium but have a low price point. 

The SANDMARC Titanium Band is truly designed to match the Titanium color of the Apple Watch Ultra. While the Apple Watch Ultra’s Titanium is a bit “duller,” without close inspection of the band versus the Watch, it is hard to distinguish that they are from entirely different companies. They seem to be made for each other. 

The 316L stainless steel connector, with its glass film coating, ensures corrosion resistance and protection against scratches. I do want to spend a little bit of time talking about the connector. This is another feature you must pay close attention to when shopping for a watch band. The last thing you want to happen is for the watch band clasp to pop open for some reason and for your Apple Watch to fall to the ground and get a scratch or a cracked screen. 

When looking for a clasp, make sure that when the band is attached to the Apple Watch, it makes a complete, closed circle. That way, if the clasp pops open for some reason, it stays on your wrist and doesn’t plummet to the ground. The SANDMARC Titanium Band has this closed loop. But it also has another nice feature. To open the clasp, you need to press two buttons. I have seen other bands where you only have one button that is required to open the clasp. With the one-button solution, you run more of a risk of having the clasp accidentally pop open on its own.

The SANDMARC Titanium Band is waterproof and rust-resistant. It feels robust and strong, and the Grade 4 version weighs 2.6 ounces. It is definitely thicker than other watch bands, but I think that complements the size of the Apple Watch Ultra. This SANDMARC band is designed specifically for the Apple Watch Ultra’s 49mm case size.

Below are the key specifications for the Grade 4 and the Grade 2 Titanium bands. First, both Grade 4 and Grade 2 have the 316L Stainless Steel Connector and the Glass Film Coating and fit the 49mm case size of the Apple Watch Ultra. The differences between the Grade 4 and Grade 2 Titanium bands are below:

Grade 4

• Material: Grade 4 Titanium
• Weight: 2.6 ounces
• Band Length: 176 millimeters
• Total Length with Apple Watch Ultra: 214mm

Grade 2

• Material: Grade 2 Titanium
• Weight: 2 ounces
• Band Length: 190 millimeters
• Total Length with Apple Watch Ultra: 228mm

If you are curious about the strength differences between the various grades of Titanium, you can geek out here.

What’s in the SANDMARC Titanium Band box?

As you can see in my video review, the unboxing reveals a premium feel to the SANDMARC Titanium Watch Band. All that is included in the box is the watch band itself (protected from scratches during shipping with a plastic film, which you should remove) and the link removal tool. Interestingly, there is no manual included in the box. Instead, a QR code on the box guides you to the link-removal instructions and video. Or, of course, you can watch my video review to see how easy it is to add or remove links from the watch band.

Many watch bands like these, which have links that should be added or removed based on the size of your wrist, include some type of link-removal tool, or at least they should. Some that I have seen (for the less-expensive bands) are made of plastic. The SANDMARC link-removal tool is metal. It also includes extra tips used to push out the spindles that hold the links together. It’s good to have the extra tips in case one tip gets bent or lost. 

Another nice feature of the SANDMARC link-removal tool is a wheel that can adjust the band’s height so that you can align the tool tip with the tiny hole on the band. I definitely used the wheel to get that perfect alignment.

Installation and Adjustment

Again, I recommend watching either my video or the link adjustment video from SANDMARC. Once you have made a couple of these adjustments, you should know what to expect, and you can literally do it in just a few minutes. It is interesting to note that the SANDMARC video shows a different type of clasp than mine.

I recommend attaching the band to your Apple Watch for the initial sizing. Who knows, it may just magically fit, but that depends on your wrist size. Also, it is important that when you do end up with the final sizing, the watch band isn’t too tight but also isn’t too loose. If the band is too loose, the sensors of your Apple Watch might not be close enough to your arm to get a reading.

When taking out a link, look for the arrows inside the band, as you will want to use the tool to push from that direction. As you tighten the removal tool, it will push out the pin or spindle from the link. You might be able to pull it out with your fingers, or you can gently use some pliers. Be sure to save the pin or spindle, as you will need it later to reattach the links.

There is also a hollow casing within the link that is needed for a secure connection. Be careful not to lose this casing, as it will drop out of the link you just removed extremely easily. When you reattach the shortened or lengthened links, you often can just push the spindle into the link by hand (or lightly press with some pliers). Pull on the watch band to make sure it is secure as well! And save those removed links and the tool in a Ziplock bag for later.

Final thoughts and pricing

The SANDMARC Titanium Watch Band transforms the Apple Watch Ultra into a versatile fashion accessory. This everyday Titanium band, designed specifically for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra, boasts a wider body to accommodate the larger size of the Apple Watch Ultra while providing an extremely close match to Apple’s Titanium Case color. The band’s Grade 4 Titanium classification not only ensures its waterproof and lightweight nature but also promises scratch resistance and superior durability compared to other grade levels of Titanium. The band’s thoughtful design extends to the clasp, featuring a secure dual-button mechanism that not only enhances security but also elevates the overall aesthetic. 

However, the higher-grade Titanium does come at a cost. The Grade 4 SANDMARC Titanium Band retails for $329.99, and the Grade 2 is a bit more reasonably priced at $199.99. As of this writing, neither of these SANDMARC Titanium Watch Bands are available on Amazon.

Shop on HighTechDad.com 

The product shown below (and related products that have been reviewed on HighTechDad) is available within the HighTechDad Shop. This review has all of the details about this particular product, and you can order it directly by clicking on the Buy button or clicking on the image/title to view more. Be sure to review other products available in the HighTechDad Shop.

While the watch bands that come with the Apple Watch Ultra are designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind (climbers, runners, triathletes, scuba divers, hikers, etc.) as they are made with different types of fabrics made to work better with the elements and environment where the Ultra is being used, sometimes you need to have a bit more sophistication and elegance for your Apple Watch. Having a metallic band (stainless steel or Titanium) can truly showcase your Watch in a different style and light, moving it from an outdoorsy, active-wear type of gadget to a stylish and even formal type of watch piece.

SANDMARC did an outstanding job melding elegance and functionality into their Titanium watch band. The dual-button clasp works well, and the band’s color matches the Titanium Watch casing. The watch and the band truly look like they came together as a single piece of fashion wear.

Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page.

HTD says: The SANDMARC Titanium Band is a sophisticated upgrade for Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 owners. The band transforms the Apple Watch Ultra’s look and feel from an athletic design to one focused on style, allowing Ultra Watch users to dress down or dress up their wristwear for casual or formal environments while still maintaining a design that matches the Apple Watch Ultra.