Summary
When it comes to the Apple Watch, its iconic Sport Band is both durable and easy to clean. And yet, if you’re looking for more protection, there’s theNomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch. Built with hardened stainless steel, the product includes a rugged band and case and is available exclusively for the 45mm/44mm watch models.
Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch
When you want extra protection for your 45mm or 44mm Apple Watch, you can’t go wrong with the Nomad Rugged Case. The product includes a case and a band. It’s designed to add a lot more protection to your wearable and is ideally suited for those who exercise or perform outside sports or other recreation.
The Nomad Rugged Case takes its design cues from theApple Watch UltraandApple Watch Ultra 2since it has an Ultra Orange button that’s changeable with a black button. These are anodized stainless steel buttons that protect the Apple Watch button from scratches.

Beyond this, the case is made from hardened 315L stainless steel with 1000 HV DLC coating. The combination would seem to add more protection to the Apple Watch’s body. Inside the case is a protective TPU lining that’s soft to the touch and should be highly durable.
Adding the Nomad Rugged Case to the Apple Watch inevitably adds some bulk, as the stainless steel body measures 42mm by 57mm by 11mm. And yet, it doesn’t feel heavy. The added bulk does nothing to negatively affect access to the watch’s Digital Crown or button. Touch navigation is also not affected.

The Rugged Band: Easy On and Off
The Nomad Rugged Case for Apple Watch includes a waterproof fluoroelastomer (FKM) band that’s sturdy, durable, and feels good around the wrist. The high-performance synthetic rubber is said to resist abrasion, heat, and chemicals.
The band includes custom stainless steel lugs and a buckle to ensure a secure fit. The buckle side of the band measures 77mm in length, while the adjustment side is 120mm, making it suitable for plenty of wrist sizes. Additionally, the band features eight lug holes to accommodate different-sized arms.

The Nomad Rugged Case works with 44mm and 45mm Apple Watches sizes. This means it will work with the larger-sized Series 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and SE models. Nomad did not make a Rugged Case for smaller Apple Watch models, and this one doesn’t support either Apple Watch Ultra model.
The biggest drawback to the Nomad Rugged Case is the price. At $120, it’s a costly Apple Watch case and band combination. Companies likeCasetify,OtterBox, and others offer Apple Watch cases without bands for much less. However, these cases aren’t necessarily as durable. Currently, the Nomad case is exclusively available through the Nomad website.

If you’re able to get past the price, theNomad Rugged Case for Apple Watchis an excellent solution for anyone who wants to add more durability and protection to their wearable device. It protects the Apple Watch case and has a band designed to survive the elements. The biggest drawback besides its price is that it’s only available for 45mm and 44mm Apple Watch models.

