I hate to be a killjoy, but I work with bees several times a week with no gloves and with my wrist watch on. I've never had a sting on or around the band. Maybe it's different somehow. It's just a cheap WallyWorld digital with a black woven nylon band with some fake leather sown in a strip down the middle. It has a small silver colored buckle to hold it on. Just a thought, but maybe most bee stings occur with leather bands. I've heard about the watch band issue for years, but have never experienced it. The only other thing different about my watch is I wear it with the face on the inside part of my wrist - maybe that's it. Ok everyone, turn your watches around and see what happens. :-) Mark in West Texas