Graphene-X debuts LATTICE, a new watch strap line made with graphene-infused nylon to combat PFAS concerns linked to traditional smartwatch bands, promising higher performance and environmental safety.
Graphene-X has unveiled LATTICE, a Kickstarter-funded watch strap line that it says is designed to avoid the PFAS-linked materials found in many smartwatch bands. The launch lands against a growing body of concern around “forever chemicals” in wrist-worn wearables: research from the University of Notre Dame, highlighted by the American Chemical Society and reported by The Guardian, found PFAS in many common smartwatch and fitness bands and pointed consumers towards woven nylon alternatives. Graphene-X says its new straps are built to offer that alternative in a higher-performance form.
According to the company, LATTICE uses graphene-integrated nylon rather than fluoroelastomers, the synthetic rubber linked to PFAS concerns in some premium sport bands. Graphene-X says the yarn is made by blending graphene oxide into the polymer before the fibre is spun, rather than applying a surface coating. The brand also says third-party testing found 99% antibacterial inhibition after 50 wash cycles and that tensile testing at Braloba, the Swiss manufacturer behind the product, showed the webbing withstood 2,000 newtons without damage.
The design keeps the familiar NATO layout first commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence in 1973, a format intended to keep a watch secure even if a spring bar fails. Two versions are being offered at launch: the LATTICE NATO 20 Titanium for 20mm lug watches and the LATTICE AW Buckle Titanium for Apple Watch cases from 42mm to 49mm. Both ship in Graphene Grey with Grade 2 titanium hardware. A magnetic-closure version, the LATTICE AW Fidlock, will be unlocked for all backers if the campaign passes $40,000.
Jorge Barros, Graphene-X founder and chief executive, said: “Your watch strap is the most-worn textile you own, and the industry never treated it like one,” He added that the strap survived the limit of a 2,000-newton test rig. The campaign, which Graphene-X says reached its funding goal in less than 30 minutes, runs on Kickstarter through September 1, 2026, with prices starting at $69 and delivery planned for December 2026. The company, based in Hong Kong, says it has completed 13 previous Kickstarter campaigns and raised more than $3 million from backers in more than 100 countries.
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