A:Answer When I purchased my Apple watch, it came with the standard silicon watch band. Because of the hefty price, I did not purchase the Apple Milanese Loop 40mm (Gold) watch band that I really wanted at the same time. I purchased two of the Letuboner Compatible for Apple Watch Band 38mm 40mm 42mm 44mm,Wristband Mesh Loop with Adjustable Magnetic Closure Replacement Bands for iWatch Series 1/2/3/4/5 (Rose Gold Pink, 42mm/44mm) from Amazon for $12.98 a piece. They are okay, but the edge of the watchbands are not smooth, so every sweater and long sleeve top I wore got a totally snagged left cuff from the edge of these alternate watch bands.
I requested the genuine Apple Milanese Loop 40mm (Gold) watch band as a birthday gift this year. I have had now had it for 3 weeks and even though it is summer, I wear sweaters at work because the air conditioning keeps my office chilly. I am happy to report that I do not have a single snagged sweater cuff. The edge of the Apple Milanese Loop 40mm (Gold) watch band is smooth and it matches the colour of my Apple watch perfectly. I like it more than the pink silicone strap that originally came with my Apple watch.
So, you can purchase the under $20 bargain metal mesh watch band and it'll be fine unless you wear a lot of long sleeve shirts and sweaters. If you do, the sleeves of the arm that you wear your watch on will all get snagged, which will make the cuffs frayed, which will make your garment look shabby before it is old.
