Apple has given its lineup of Apple Watch bands a huge change for 2023: it’s no longer selling new leather options. In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, the company has elected not to make any new leather accessories, which also goes for leather cases for your iPhone.
That means you can’t buy a leather band for your Apple Watch — like the new Series 9 or Ultra 2 — from Apple directly. However, plenty of third-party accessory makers have continued to offer leather bands.
Here are eight of the best we could find to give your Apple Watch a premium look.
Bellroy Watch Strap (Second Edition)
$69 at Bellroy
Bellroy has one of the most well-rounded leather bands for the Apple Watch in its Watch Strap (Second Edition). The band is wrapped in eco-tanned leather and made of polymer for extra durability, while the leather itself will patina overtime for a unique look. Bellroy also redesigned the band for the latest Apple Watches to complement their curves, while also perfectly fitting each model from the 41mm Series 9 to the 49mm Ultra 2. Plus, you get a three-year warranty, which is a great perk. It comes in black, Evergreen, and terracotta.
Nomad Modern Leather Band
From $60 at Nomad
Nomad has a wide range of amazing leather accessories for Apple devices, one of which is its Modern Leather Band for the Apple Watch. Available in both standard leather and a premium Horween leather finish, the Modern Band includes a steel buckle and lugs for a high-end finish, and is available with either black or silver hardware. The standard leather comes in black, brown or English Tan. Meanwhile, the Horween leather comes in black or Rustic Brown.
Fossil Watch Band
From $28 at Amazon or $50 at Fossil
Fossil is a staple in the watch community as one of the best when it comes to style and value. Its leather watch band for the Apple Watch is no exception. Available in black or brown leather with steel lugs and buckles, the bands offer a premium look for less.
Barton Top Grain Leather Watch Band
From $29 at Amazon
An even more affordable choice is Barton’s leather band for the Apple Watch, which will give you a more substantial wrist impression like the Nomad option. The company uses top-grain leather with a treated underside to feel soft against your skin. You’ll also find 316L stainless steel buckles and lugs, the latter of which can be removed and installed on any of Barton’s standard 22mm watch bands.
There are a lot of color variations available, each with an array of stitched finishes. From standard black leather to navy blue to saddle brown, there’s a little something for everyone.
Arrow & Board Leather Simple Band
From $79 at Arrow & Board
This leather band from Arrow & Board is perfect for those who want the feeling of wearing something hand-made — because that’s exactly what you’re getting. Produced in small batches in Austin, Texas, the Simple band is made of a single piece of Wicket & Craig full-grain leather that’s been vegetable-tanned and will naturally patina overtime. It’s hand-sewn with polyester thread for durability, and the edges are treated to avoid fraying.
Available for every Apple Watch size, the Simple band is sure to draw attention. While the leather is only available in Medium Brown, you can swap out the lugs and buckle for a Space Gray, silver stainless steel, gold aluminum or silver aluminum finish.
Bullstrap Full-Grain Italian Leather Band
$95 at Amazon and Bullstrap
If you want something luxurious, check out Bullstrap’s full-grain Italian leather band for the Apple Watch. Aimed to help you “look as smart as your technology,” the strap boasts an Italian leather finish with crafted stitching around its border, while the stainless steel hardware has a brushed finish for an understated look.
The band is available in seven different colors: Black Edition, Matte Black, Classic, Dune, Ocean and Sienna.
Nomad Traditional Band
From $100 at Nomad
Also in the luxurious vein is Nomad’s Traditional Band. The strap, which features vegetable-tanned Horween leather sourced from the United States, is designed to give a timeless look with a curved construction. Nomad uses a Fil Au Chinois beeswax linen thread for the stitching, as well as custom stainless steel lugs and buckle for a premium touch. It’s available in either Rustic Brown or black with black or silver hardware.
Casetify 2-in-1 Italian Leather Watch Band Kit
From $102 at Casetify
If you want to get that classic Hermès double-tour look, Casetify has what you’re looking for. Its 2-in-1 Italian Leather Watch Band Kit for the Apple Watch features genuine leather with interchangeable single and double tour straps in the same kit, allowing you to mix and match based on your outfit of the day. The best part? The strap’s lugs can be swapped for lugs designed for other watches, so if you eventually move away from the Apple Watch, you can bring your band with you. It’s available in black, brown or a very vibrant red.
