Is the Apple Watch Sport nickel free?

The last metal band watch I owned that I was able to wear without problems was from a company called Simply Whispers. They sell jewelry specifically for people with nickel allergies. I just went to their website to see what materials they use and they use surgical grade stainless steel and real gold plate that's thicker than most jewelry. The surgical stainless steel part of that makes me feel a lot better because I never had issues with that watch and it was a combo of gold and stainless links!

http://www.simplywhispersstore.com/about-our-products.html

Sorry about your wife. It's very frustrating when things like that happen to such horrendous outcomes.

sounds like Watch is gonna be fine (fingers X-ed for you) - Thanks for your condolences. -

best -

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I’m going with the sport (rubberish) band, but am a little worried about the back of the face, although it is the bands I’ve had problems with in the past.

Please don't quote me but I seem to remember another discussion about how much nickel was in the stainless steel and not sure where I read it (or where the person got his information) but it was said that the stainless steel that Apple is using is the same used for surgical instruments and knives and therefore should not pose any allergy problems. Again, don't remember the post or webpage where I read it, so take it with a grain of salt.

swandy wrote:

Please don't quote me but I seem to remember another discussion about how much nickel was in the stainless steel and not sure where I read it (or where the person got his information) but it was said that the stainless steel that Apple is using is the same used for surgical instruments and knives and therefore should not pose any allergy problems. Again, don't remember the post or webpage where I read it, so take it with a grain of salt.

You read above in this very thread...

Lauri Mar 10, 2015 1:15 PM
Re: Is the Apple Watch Sport nickel free? in response to ILLYCIT Helpful

I also have a strong nickel allergy and want to know what's what before I buy.

I'm on the phone with Apple Support as I type this and she said if I have any issues like this I can call Support back and they will work it out with either a full refund or exchange for another band. The standard return policy is 14 days but she says for something like this they could work it out with me and it would be best to call Apple direct vs trying to return it at a store after 14 days.

I've never actually had a reaction to a watch back that was labelled stainless steel. It's always the buckle which is usually some plated gold tone crap. 316L stainless steel IS implant grade steel and from what I read even though it contains ~10% nickel if it's processed properly the nickel won't leech out. There's also the European prohibition of jewelry that causes nickel allergy reactions. I assume Apple looked into this since they will be selling the watch there.

I tend to give credence to Laurl as she has a strong allergy and is surely as good a Summary source as any. Looks like she did some homework before posting - although "Source citations" are always a very good practice - especially here with all the sticklers for protocol.

Good memory though, amigo!

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I’m going with the sport (rubberish) band, but am a little worried about the back of the face, although it is the bands I’ve had problems with in the past.

I Was going to get the cheapie Sport (aluminum) model for my first try with the thing. I don't think I'm allergic to it and with the rubbery band I should be ok

A support article was recently published on the materials used in Apple Watch that discusses possible nickel content:

Wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support

Thank you! I read through the section on nickel and it seems I will just have to try. The content is less than required to meet the strict European standards, so I guess I will just have to try one to see how sensitive I am. I have always had problems in the past, but I have no idea at what level a reaction can occur. It seems that only cetain products contain nickel, so I’ll have to select my model carefully.

I participated in another thread on the allergy topic as well. Part of my research quoted there gave simple advice about "nickel SALTS" allergy = that being, "Clean the metal parts often, especially after sweaty exercise" - the nickel salts are water soluble, so a wet cloth is all it takes! - ÇÇÇ

found the Apple Support Document in which all the information regarding allergies and Apple Watch is explained:

Wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support

I found that too and it’s very thorough, but as someone with severe allergies, I’m leery. Apparently all the watches contain some Ni and the link states:

A small number of people will experience reactions to certain materials.

I will try one, but even the smallest amounts have bothered me in the past. I truly hope I get lucky on this one, because I’ve been wanting this gadget forever. Many thanks for the response!

Yes there is some nickel. See the following link.

Wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support

a quick search of appe support gives answers

Wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support

"Nickel. Apple Watch, the space gray Apple Watch Sport, the stainless steel portions of some Apple Watch bands, and the magnets in the watch and bands contain some nickel. However, they all fall below the strict nickel restrictions set by European REACh regulation. Therefore, while nickel exposure is unlikely to be a problem, you should be aware of the possibility in case you're susceptible to nickel-related reactions."