Smartwatch straps are accessories that people tend to change quite often, whether for comfort, appearance or simply because they look good. And know that these days you can choose much more interesting pieces than just those made of silicone, leather or steel. One of them is the FIXED Resin Strap, which I have been wearing in the last few weeks in combination with Apple Watch daily on the wrist.
At first glance, this piece looks more like a classic “watch” strap than a smartwatch strap, which is a refreshing change in itself. The question, of course, is whether this is just a design feature reminiscent of carbon, or an accessory that will stand up to everyday wear. So let’s take a closer look at this interesting piece.
Technical specifications, processing and design
FIXED specifically chose epoxy resin for this strap, which is used to make the individual links of the strap itself. This material feels surprisingly light on your hand, yet strong and sturdy enough to not make you feel like you're wearing something fragile. On the contrary, the strap feels sturdy, but I certainly wouldn't say it's overly robust (like metal pulls, if you're used to them). The weight of 33 grams is just enough to make you aware of the strap, but not bother you at all.
In terms of design, it's more of an elegant affair than a sporty solution. The shiny resin surface is reminiscent of classic link movements, which makes the watch a bit more "grown-up" accessory. The metal caseonewhich and the buckle then give it a solid foundation and, most importantly, the certainty that the watch stays on your wrist as it should. You probably won't be surprised that the strap hasn't come undone once in the last two weeks or so and has always held perfectly on my wrist.
Gallery
A big plus of the strap for me personally is the construction itself. The strap is made up of links that you can easily adjust to your wrist size. The manufacturer also included a tool for removing them, which is a nice detail, as it means you don't have to immediately contact a watchmaker or improvise at home with a needle.
As for durability, FIXED opted for a material that can handle UV radiation, sweat, and common chemicals. In practice, this means that it should retain its appearance even after prolonged use, which is always a bit of a question mark with lighter or shiny straps. Another benefit of the material is its easy maintenance. If I got it dirty in any way, I just had to wipe it with a cloth or rinse it under water and the strap was like new.
Testing
Honestly, it's always a lot about feel when it comes to straps. You can have the best materials, but if they don't fit your hand, it's a waste.onec. And this is where the FIXED Resin Strap surprised me quite pleasantly.
It feels light on the hand and, thanks to its link construction, it naturally follows the shape of your wrist. It's not the type of strap that pushes or cuts you, which is what happens with some cheaper watches. Moreover, thanks to the more breathable material, you don't even feel like your hand is "steamy", which is something I've had to deal with quite often with silicone in the summer and because of that I switched from classic "full" silicone straps to the Nike+ edition with holes.
During the day, I never really had to deal with the strap in any way. It fits perfectly on the wrist, doesn't come loose, and thanks to the solid metal buckle, it feels secure. At the same time, it's no problem to quickly remove or adjust it. Interestingly, the manufacturer is not afraid to present the strap as suitable for sports. But I would personally be a little more careful in that case - not that it wouldn't handle it, but it's more of a more elegant solution than a purely sports strap that would perfectly copy the wrist. On the other hand, when it comes to regular movement or light training, I didn't notice any problems.
Summary
FIXED Resin Strap is a strap that can change the character of your watch more than you would expect. It will suddenly turn a purely sporty accessory into something you can wear with more formal clothes.
It's not the most versatile solution in the world, but if you want a combination of comfort, durability, and a sleeker look for everyday wear, the FIXED makes a lot of sense. And that's exactly what it's all about. It's not a strap that will wow you with one specific feature, but once you've worn it for a few days, it starts to make more and more sense - and going back to classic silicone may not be so obvious.
