jimbopotamus

Q: Apple Watch - Nickel Allergy

I have a Nickel allergy and cannot tolerate direct contact with any bare nickel. Does anyone know if the aluminium body has any nickel content or whether the back or skin-touching side has components with any nickel content?

 

Thanks for any guidance.

Posted on Mar 18, 2015 7:23 AM

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Q: Apple Watch - Nickel Allergy

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  • by JustSomeOldGuy,

    JustSomeOldGuy JustSomeOldGuy Jul 30, 2015 4:57 PM in response to jimbopotamus
    Level 1 (13 points)
    iPad
    Jul 30, 2015 4:57 PM in response to jimbopotamus

    The composite back contains nickel.  My friend has a severe nickel allergy.  The aluminum case was no problem, but the composite back was.  (the glass)  She returned it to the Apple Store within hours of wearing it, and got the stainless steel model instead.  (Only the Sport model has a glass back containing nickel.  Other models use zirconia.)  While the case of the steel model contains nickel, she plans to use a Spigen rubberized clear plastic case which covers the metal on the back of the watch touching her skin.  The only concern is that, unlike the aluminum sport, the stainless steel is prone to scratches.  Any dust lodged between the plastic case and the watch will cause tiny (permanent) scratches in the highly polished stainless steel.  Although it is said such scratches can be buffed out, who wants to go to all that trouble every time a scratch is noticed?  It's bad enough having to constantly remove the plastic case and clean it all.

     

    I will update on her progress.

     

     

     

    FYI: The aluminum case does contain nickel, but it is coated, and thus doesn't cause a skin reaction.

  • by Jonathan UK,

    Jonathan UK Jonathan UK Jul 31, 2015 1:24 AM in response to jimbopotamus
    Level 7 (33,905 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jul 31, 2015 1:24 AM in response to jimbopotamus

    Hi Jimbo

     

    Apple Watch products that contain Nickel:

     

    • Apple Watch
    • space gray Apple Watch Sport
    • Stainless steel portions of some Apple Watch bands
    • Magnets in the watch and bands

     

    More information here: Wearing Apple Watch - Apple Support

     

    Other tips regarding skin sensitivities:

     

    • You may be more likely to experience irritation from Apple Watch if you wear it too tightly.
    • Remove Apple Watch periodically to allow your skin to breathe.
    • Keeping Apple Watch and the band clean and dry will reduce the possibility of skin irritation.

     

    More information here (Apple Watch User Guide > Safety, Handling and Support > Important safety information):

    https://help.apple.com/watch/#/apdcf2ff54e9