What are peoples thoughts on the leather bands?

[danny842003]

I've been thinking about ordering a leather link or leather loop when i get my Series 7. I just want the option to make the watch feel a little more grown up. I personally just don't like the look of the apple watch with the link and Milanese offerings. It wouldn't be a band I was wearing daily.

What the differences between the type styles and what are peoples preferences? Also how do they stand up to long term wear?

 

[KrisLord]

I’ve used the leather loop and more recently the leather link band.

I really like both, the loop is a bit more secure by design but I’ve never really had a problem with the leather link band coming off.

Both are really comfortable too.

 

[jaybar]

Hope others will respond.

 

[shooter45acp]

I also have both the link is easier to put on but think I prefer the loop feels more secure to me. And does change the look of the watch.

 

[mousouchop]

Relevant, due to comments on “security” of strap. The Modern Buckles (still available), and Classic Buckles (discontinued, but available new on eBay) likely have the “most secure” clasp. The CB is likely the odd man out, in that it is a standard watch clasp, and thus the most onerous to put on…

I own Gen 3 and Gen 4 CBs, and really like them both. Can’t speak to long term durability, but Gen 3 does seem to have stiffer and maybe thicker leather than Gen 4.

 

[mavis]

I’ve used the leather loop and more recently the leather link band.

I really like both, the loop is a bit more secure by design but I’ve never really had a problem with the leather link band coming off.

Both are really comfortable too.

Same. I think the leather link is more comfortable, but it's less secure. It's never come off but it's slipped (loosened) a little, once or twice.

 

[xenoako]

Same. I think the leather link is more comfortable, but it's less secure. It's never come off but it's slipped (loosened) a little, once or twice.

Could you describe the conditions that triggered this particular band behavior?

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

I returned my leather link because of how easy it came loose. I was sweeping out a garage and it would have hit the concrete had I not caught it. It would be fine for an office setting but if you're moving at all, I'd stay away.

 

[axantas]

What the differences between the type styles and what are peoples preferences? Also how do they stand up to long term wear?

Leather loops age - this is the main difference. If it is "natural", not coloured leather, then it ages well and looks even better, when aged. Like a saddle - looking gorgeaus after beeing used heavily.
If it is - for instance - yellow coloured leather, it ages as well, but not that well.

It also loosens - like new shoes, feeling more comfortable after some time.

 

[The Mad Kiwi]

I wear various leather bands and prefer them for the more traditional look, if the Apple Watch can ever look traditional.

I got mine from aliexpress, I'm not 100% sure that they are genuine ;-) But they're good quality and that's what counts to me. I bought half a dozen so I can change them up, since easily changed bands are one of the things I like most about the Apple Watch.

 

[wilberforce]

The "patina" on aged leathers and metals is essentially stains (for leather) and corrosion (for metals). This I think works well for things like saddles and the Statue of Liberty, but not so well for other items, such as light colored and painted leather. (Think white leather car seats.)

It is obviously personal preference: like antiques and distressed wood finishes. The aged finishes can add visual interest and evoke a history. Not so sure this applies so well for bands for a modern digital watch. I think the colored leather Apple watch bands look best when brand new. Just don't wear them too much.