Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source, and its colors are so bright that they may just stop traffic.
I’m not even kidding. The new Tempo watch band colorway — a fluorescent green that glows in the dark.
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What I love about the Tempo band is its slightly sleeker and skinnier appearance, which I think is perfect for smaller wrists or an elevated look. But don’t let the small frame fool you. This band is still comfortable to wear, breathable, and flexible. When I put the Tempo band on, I was surprised at just how malleable it actually is — even more so than my Slim Sport Band, which took some time to conform to my wrist.
Notice how bright the Tempo band is in the Crush (red) and Lumen (yellow-green) shades.
Kayla Solino/ZDNET
The Tempo band’s encompassing greatness is supported by its FKM construction.
The low down on FKM
FKM, the abbreviation for Fluorkautschukmaterial, or more commonly known as Fluoroelastomer, is a synthetic rubber material made from chains of PFAS. It’s durable and can withstand more extreme elements, like UV rays, aging, wear and tear, and, of course, the skin cells, dirt, and other grime that can accumulate on a watch band. Because of these factors, FKM bands are a great option for outdoor activities or active individuals. Nomad’s Tempo band is made of FKM.
However, some individuals (including plenty of Reddit users) feel that FKM may not be the safest option for smartwatch bands. If this is you, I’d consider watch bands made of leather, metal, or other materials. Part of the FKM debate stems from recent research. A December 2024 study from the University of Notre Dame suggests that fitness trackers and smartwatch bands are the latest consumer products found to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — aka, “forever chemicals.”
CNET: Apple watch lawsuit claims some bands contain harmful ‘forever chemicals
“We are confident that all of our FKM products are safe to wear daily. That being said, we have been working with our supply chain to develop a PFAS-free FKM, which gives all the benefits of FKM with zero PFAS present. We introduced this material for our Tempo band and will be rolling it out across our band lineup over the next few months,” a Nomad spokesperson for the brand told ZDNET.
ZDNET’s buying advice
If you’re looking for an Apple Watch band that can handle workouts and daily wear, I highly recommend any of Nomad’s sport bands, particularly the new Tempo design