The iPod nano Watch Band Accessories

When Apple introduced the 6th gen iPod nano with its tiny square look, plus gave it an analog watch dial lock screen, it created a whole new fad where all of a sudden it is hip to wear a watch again. Er, that isn't quite right. Let's say it again. Not just any watch, but an iPod nano watch. ;)

The Apple iPod nano 6g

The 6th generation iPod nano (aka nano 6G) had just been released in September 2010 by Apple. It has been completely redesigned, and compacted into a squarish media player which was smaller by 46%, and lighter by 42% compared to the 5th generation iPod nano. It comes with a multitouch touchscreen interface, replacing the previous clickwheel, with digital volume controls at the side. Apple founder Steve Jobs called it a mini iPod Touch. Unlike the previous generation, it does not support videos at all. It's best feature is probably the built-in clip at the back, which allows it to be strapped to a watch band and function as a watch. Apple already made this watch-wannabe's life easier by giving it a lock screen with an analog watch face. This is like shouting to all Apple nano fans - "Lookey here! I am a watch! I am a watch! I am an iWatch!".

Its battery can last up to 24 hours playing audio files. Some 7 colors - white, green, pink, blue, yellow, silver, and red - are available, with the 16GB version selling for $179, and the 8GB version at $149.

Apple has so far not released a watch band for it yet, and that probably is the reason why all the Apple accessories makers of the world are rushing out their custom iPod nano watch cases and watch belts, or bands to cater to Apple lovers everywhere.

If you want to, you can also clip the nano to an old watch strap - see the DIY section of this article - but why would you want to do that when you could buy the most fun and colorful matching wristband/casing for your iPod nano?

So here you go, all the nicest iPod nano watch casings and watch bands spied online gathered here for your convenience.

Watch casing solutions

Incipio Linq

Incipio, has an iPod nano solution known as Linq which it claims as "the most rugged carrying solution for iPod nano to date".
This casing is designed for those who have an active lifestyle, and it is made using Incipio’s award winning Next Generation Polymer material. It secures the nano to the user's wrist using an interchangeable nylon-and-Velcro strap.
The Linq is expected to be released in mid to late November with a price tag of $24.99. Additional watchbands are available at $9.99 each.

Nanotch LLC iPod Nano Watch Band

Nanotch LLC has produced a watch casing made of 100% silicone that allows wearers to easily pop the nano in and out of the watch case. It comes with a traditional stainless steel watch clasp, and is made of durable materials.
This casing, with its own strap, securely hold the iPod nano Gen 6, and also protects it during vigorous activities, hence it is ideal for sports. It is also somewhat splash proof as the silicone wraps around the nano. Compared to some other wrist band solutions on the market, the nano gets to sit nicely in the Nanotch's silicone shell. This feature alone makes this product highly recommended!

The fashionable and trendy Nanotch watch casing, is for unisex and comes in many colors.
And unlike some others on this page, it is available NOW, and starts at US $19.95.

Update: Product may be unavailable at Amazon from time to time due to demand. Looks like it is in stock again for now! ;)

Hex iPod nano Watch Casing

This newly announced watch casing, from Hex, has a pop-in design like the Nanotch llc's. It's actually a silicone case with its own strap to securely hold and protect the nano 6g. It comes in 9 colors including black, blue, green, grey, orange, pink red, silver, and white for US $24.95.

It features push-though button covers and an audio port cover, with open access to the nano's screen, and has a buckle clasp.
With the iPod nano integrated into the strap, it is protected from knocks.

It looked great but at the moment it is available for pre-order only and will not ship until December 20, 2010 at the earliest. Even if your card is not charged until it ships, the question is - can you wait that long?

Watch bands/straps

iLoveHandles

iLoveHandles makes a genuine leather watch strap called Rock Band, which has a specially cut notch to fit the iPod nano's built-in clip. This is one of the first nano watch straps in the market and sells for $19.95.

NanoWatch

NanoWatch, a Copenhagen based company, with a website at http://www.nanowatch.dk/ also makes watch bands for the nano. Priced at 18 euro each, and available at its website.

Maratac Nylon Band

A site called County Comm (http://www.countycomm.com/) claims that all existing 22mm Maratac Nylon bands will fit the iPod nano perfectly, as they are of the right size for the nano’s clip. They come in matching colors starting at just $17. Many series are available, including the Zulu series, Mil-Nato series and Bond series (at $28).

The company also makes the Maratac MLC, a small nylon case, which can hold the iPod nano and strap, for $5.

Be warned that you might need to make some cuts to fit the nano snugly onto the band. See the DIY video below for more.

Do It Yourself: Go Ahead - Make One Yourself!

If you don't want to buy one, you can always make one. The iPod Nano is designed with a sturdy built-in clip at the back, so you can clip it to a watch band, or even a bracelet. Have a look at the DIY video below to see how you can hack or mod your own iWatch.

You can also read about this at http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/09/ipod-nano-watch/.

Conclusion

The iPod nano 6g is a great gift for a geek this Valentine's Day 2011, and the iPod nano Watch Band/Strap is simply a cheaper version of it, more wallet friendly. Whether you make one or buy one, it doesn't matter. It's the thought that counts! :)

2010 Nov, Update: Currently, there seemed to be price drops across a lot of iPod nano accessories, watch bands, etc, over at Amazon. You can easily scan some of them when you search for "$" on this page by pressing Ctrl-F. But you will still need to go over there if you need to see the some of the special offers.