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Whether you got that Apple Watch to count steps during your European vacation, count calories burnt at Barry’s, or just to take phone calls on your wrist like you’re in fucking Star Wars, you want it to look good. The easiest way to do that? Swap that lame silicone band out for a designer Apple Watch band.
It’s the tech behind an Apple Watch that makes it one of the best smartwatches on the market, but the band is what makes it your own. And honestly, Apple’s stock bands fall a bit short (the Hermès collaboration being the exception). But because this is a wearable—not a computer, smart home device, or other hidden gadget—you want it to look good. It’s a proper accessory, like an AirPods case or AirTag Wallet. So to make sure your tech doesn’t ruin your style, we went out and found the best looking luxury Apple Watch bands on the market.
The Latest Apple Watch Models and Their Sizes
Apple Watch Ultra 2: 49mm
Apple Watch Series 9: 41 mm or 45mm
Apple Watch Series 8: 41 mm or 45mm
Apple Watch Series 7: 41mm or 45mm
Apple Watch Series 6: 40mm or 44mm
Apple Watch SE: 40mm or 44mm
Apple Watch Series 3: 38mm or 42mm
Twill Single Tour
You’ll really emphasize the luxury part by opting for the twill watch band Hermès created for Apple. Even though the partnership no longer includes leather bands—as part of Apple’s big sustainability push—the Hermès bands are still far more luxury than anything else on the market. And, quite frankly, that’s what we’re all about over here.
Orange Kilim Band
Want something sporty? I would still go Hermès, because there’s nothing more luxury than working out, running, or doing yoga with that trademark orange on your wrist.
Zigzag Knit Band
As with anything Missoni, the patterns can feel a bit feminine on accessories. If that’s a worry of yours, this predominantly black version is understated enough to work for just about any man.
Zigzag Knit Band
If you’re not so afraid of the colorful options, this deep red band really is beautiful.
Embossed Green Leather Strap
Sorry, the triple feature might seem excessive, but Missoni just has some of the category’s best options. The brand also does a lovely embossed leather. (We love this green, but there are plenty of other options)
Compatibility: 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm
Matte Alligator Watch Strap
Alligator leather is a classic for men’s accessories, so it makes sense that it works well here too. Want your Apple Watch to look more posh, distinctive, and a little bit rugged? Alligator, that’s what you need.
316L Stainless Steel Metal Watch Band
Bullstrap makes a sturdy metal band when you want to get a bit dressier, especially when you’re out with a classic black suit and white button-down. But other colors will work.
Titanium Band
Or—as a solid contender—go for this one from Nomad Not only does Nomad’s version look just as expensive with a neat clasp, but it’s also made in grade two titanium and coated with diamond-like carbon. But it’ll feel light at your wrist. That’s even more magical.
Milanese Loop
Apple’s most timepiece-looking band, the Milanese Loop matches the finish of your Apple Watch while giving it a more put together look.
Performance Watch Strap
The curved silhouette here accentuates Apple Watch’s own curve, and that alone is a serious coup. But you’ll love how its smooth leather can prevent sweat build-up and age with patina, too.
Leather Strap for Apple Watch
Shinola makes leather—classic, glossy, a whole lot of sass, yet simple for every wardrobe and in every color. Strapping that with the best smartwatch on the market makes your everyday look understated.
Alpine Loop
Apple’s latest smartwatch, the outdoorsy Ultra, is the odd one of the bunch size-wise: 49mm. As such, Apple has launched three styles of watch strap exclusively in tandem with Ultra—Alpine, Ocean, and Trail. Amongst them, Alpine is the classic, minimalist dress-up that’ll meet even the most discerning eye.
Genuine Leather Band
This pebbled leather band is great for any Apple Watch, but it’s especially good for Apple Watch Ultra owners. The Ultra’s 49mm face gives you a lot less options for bands, but for a non-sport band, this one from Casetify is all you’ll ever need.
Rubber Watch Strap
When you’re keen on looking more for less—or less for more—Horus’s slew of sports-friendly rubber watch straps in either bright monotones or graphic prints will come in a clutch. (Pair it with a tracksuit to make it a look.)
B&W Striped Leather Watch Strap
A subtle aesthetic reference to the luxe car is seen here, in all its glory. And La Californienne is the kind of brand that only makes centerfold-worthy straps for leveling up your timepiece game. Hence, there’s a whole world of colorful stripes and motifs in leather for you to dig in.
Why Trust Esquire?
Because we are the only people that will tell you the hard truth: A lot of tech accessories are hideous. I’m a tech editor, so I see everything that goes to market. A lot of it is cheap, ugly, and bad, but I see other publications cover it as though it’s not.
Also! I’m the only person that’ll tell you what the materials actually are. My peers drink the marketing Kool-Air, and they’re telling you a watchband is made of fluoroelastomer or thermoplastic polyurethane. You know what those really are? Rubber and plastic. I’ll tell you that straight.
And, unlike everyone else, I’m looking at these things as a watch-lover from a watch-loving magazine. There’s a high bar to clear, and only a few brands do it. I’ve compiled all of the best luxury Apple Watch bands into this list. These were the criteria:
Looks – Pretty simple. The thing can’t be ugly. I don’t like too techy. Even though it’s tough to find anything that’s not plastic, there are a few options, and they’re all present here.
Compatibility – Tim Cook’s Apple is not Steve Job’s Apple. The old man in a black turtleneck never would have allowed there to be so many different Apple Watches in so many different sizes. But, we’re living in reality, so I tried to feature watch bands that are compatible across the spectrum of Apple Watch sizes.
Durability – I mean, I’m not going to recommend you a $150 watchband that’ll look horrible in a year. Everything on this list will stay clean or be cleaned easily.
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