The 15 Best Designer Apple Watch Bands From Luxury Brands

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Technology and fashion are in sync more than ever before — just take a gander at Gucci’s Metaverse storefront or contemplate the captivating designs featured at the first-ever 2023 AI Fashion Week. In everyday life, however, the most ubiquitous example of the merging worlds is the stylized way we accessorize the miniature computers on our wrists with the best designer Apple Watch bands.

Considering we take our Apple Watches from sweaty workouts to wedding receptions, it is understandable why we would want to spend a little extra on a more durable and stylish wrist accessory. Plus, a luxury Apple Watch band can coordinate seamlessly with our dressier office clothes and elevate the look of our casual, cozy sweaters. The growing popularity of designer Apple Watch bands has only pushed brands like Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors to create numerous iterations of the style so that we can swap out the strap depending on our mood or what occasion entails. For example, a whimsical-printed silicone band may complete your activewear attire, whereas a gold-toned chain link bracelet would be better suited for a formal dress. Yet, you can never go wrong slipping on a sleek, classic leather band that will match a neatly tailored fall blazer or practically anything else in your closet.

What’s more, designer Apple Watch bands often boast better craftsmanship and the use of higher-quality materials, meaning they’ll last longer and remain in good shape as they stay strapped to your wrist 24/7. Still, one size most certainly doesn’t fit all. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best designer Apple Watch band, like how often and where you’ll wear it and whether you seek any special features —think: water-resistant materials. Whatever you desire, discover below the best designer Apple Watch bands to shop right now. 

Top Designer Apple Watch Bands of 2023

Olivia Burton Celestial Leather 20mm Apple Watch Watchband

Best Embellished Designer Apple Watch Band

We hitched our wagon to a star (or should we say a couple of them) when picking this watch as one of our favorite Apple Watch bands. The elegant addition of celestial charms is definitely recognizable, but you won’t be hard-pressed to find something to wear the watch with as the band is subtle enough to keep from appearing overly ostentatious. Additionally, the band is thin and comes in two neutral-toned colorways, which, for an embellished option, helps keep the overall look super versatile. Sure, these features are a wonderful way to dress up your jeans and sneakers, but this band can also go with dressy attire, too.

What testers say: “This watch band is just gorgeous!! Simple and elegant. Love, love, love!!”

Price at time of publish: $125

Lagos Smart Blue Caviar Ceramic & Stainless Steel 20mm Apple Watch

Best Stainless Steel Designer Apple Watch Band

There’s luxury, and then there’s Lagos, whose trademark Caviar beads dazzle us every time. The designer crafts some of the best minimalist jewelry, and yet again, we’re drawn to the brand’s hypnotizing ceramic trademark design detail, which, in this case, frames a Santorini-blue band and stops on either side of the logo-embossed clasp. The result is a fine, exceptionally gorgeous accessory you may be tempted to pass down as an heirloom to the next generation of Apple users. It’s noticeable but not too flashy, which are qualities we always seek in an investment piece.

What testers say: “Gorgeous. Love it. The band is stunning and goes with everything.”

Price at time of publish: $1,100

Missoni Fabric Zigzag Apple Watch Band/24MM

Best Multicolored Designer Apple Watch Band

Deviating from a sea of neutral-toned colorways, the Missoni Apple Watch band features punchy blues, oranges, and yellows that jump off the accessory in an appealing chevron pattern. The multi-dimensional effect is the luxury Italian brand’s calling card and nods to its busy graphic-printed dresses and abstract knitwear. Upon further examination, we can confirm its use of mixed materials — woven canvas, and smooth calf-skin leather — solidifies this as a pick for anyone who enjoys adding an inkling of whimsy to their outfits. But, it sticks with tradition in some ways, by opting for an Ardillon buckle, a common and convenient clasp among most watch bands, that fits into nine notch options and gives you plenty of wiggle room for fitting it to your wrist.

Price at time of publish: $150

Coach Leather & Chain Link Apple Watch Strap

Best Chain Link Designer Apple Watch Band

Coach is one of the top designer handbag brands. Even if you’re not a Gen-Zer who’s stowed away their mom’s Coach Tabby Bag from the ‘70s, most of us can agree that the brand’s recent resurgence among 20-something consumers is undoubtedly due to its enduring designs. True to form, with its soft saddle-brown leather interwoven between a glossy gold band, this Apple Watch band won’t end up in a trend graveyard by year’s end. Luckily, this hardware is made to last, too. The design features a sturdy foldover clasp so you can easily slip it on and off, and a durable ionic plating finish that won’t scuff or scratch easily.

What testers say: “This band is made very well. It’s easy to adjust and clasp. It looks good dressed up or dressed down so no need to continually change out your band. Love it!”

Price at time of publish: $175

Shinola Black Alligator Strap for Apple Watch

Best Black Apple Designer Watch Band

The exemplary craftsmanship that embodies any Shinola product distinguishes this pick from a sea of black bands offered by other retailers. And, we can confirm its products are worth the investment —these high-quality leather goods have a long life ahead of them. The brand is regarded for only using the best materials that age gracefully and soften beautifully over time, instead of pilling or scuffing along the way. Additionally, between the timeless look of crocodile leather and its slim silhouette, you can match the band to any occasion or outfit, and it’ll never look out of place. The stainless steel buckle is another bonus, as the universal finish blends discreetly with whatever accessories you pair beside it.

Price at time of publish: $255

Michele Silicone Wrapped Stainless Steel Apple Watch Bracelet

Most Comfortable Designer Apple Watch Band

Planning to wear your watch while you work, exercise, and run errands? It’s best to opt for a material like silicone that will flex with your movements. Still, designer watchmaker Michele ensures there’s plenty of fashion incorporated into this functional watch. The brand offers the strap in soft, dreamy colorways like lilac and a dusky rose and intermixes the silicone material with feminine rose gold metal. Plus, if you find it growing too tight or feeling too loose throughout the day, you can easily adjust its size with the interchangeable connector. We’re also fond of the fact that its silicone overlays sturdy hardware underneath, so while the soft material won’t cause any discomfort, it still has a durable base that’s less likely to become damaged.

What testers say: “Love it! I have always wanted a Michele Watch, but since I mainly wear my Apple Watch I have never purchased one. This is the best of both worlds. I get comments ALL the time. Not to mention it goes well with my skin tone!!”

Price at time of publish: $295

Abas Alligator Apple Watch Band

Best Designer Leather Apple Watch Band

If endless outfit versatility and a comfortable fit are your primary M.O. when shopping for an Apple Watch band, you can’t go wrong with choosing leather one. Abas is the best choice for a designer leather Apple Watch band because it takes sustainable steps in its sourcing of materials. Per the brand, it only harvests leather from the company-owned tannery in Florida and other ones across the Southeastern United States. What’s more, you’re not limited to choosing from a narrow number of neutral shades, as Abas designs the product in 14 colors ranging from a vibrant hot pink and bright yellow to a rich forest green and burnt orange. We like how the band adjusts similarly to a belt and clasps with a thorn buckle to make slipping it on and off a breeze. 

Price at time of publish: $250

Kendra Scott Leanor Gold Tone Stainless Steel Watch Band

Best Jewelry Inspired Designer Apple Watch Band

To be fair, the most stylish Apple Watch bands don’t look like, well, that you’re wearing an Apple Watch. And, leave it to Kendra Scott to beguile us with its classic Southern charm — with this band, you’ll forget the point of the accessory is to dress up our tech. Notably, it incorporates a quintessential strand of pearls into the band for an elevated design you’ll want to reserve for more upscale occasions. With a stunning mother-of-pearl band and glistening gold accents, the design would tempt us to buy the coordinating tech if we didn’t already own it, simply for a chance to sport this elegant piece of jewelry on our wrist.

Price at time of publish: $328

Nomad Aluminum Band

Best Metal Designer Apple Watch Band

Otherworldly metallic shades infiltrated fall 2023 and spring 2024 fashion weeks, from dangling earrings down to shiny shoes and silver handbags, but if you’re not ready to drip head-to-toe in the reflective finish, consider this watch as an introductory midpoint into the trend. The style is futuristic in more than just its aesthetic: It’s made with super lightweight anodized aluminum, is water-resistant, and features a scratch-proof coating. However, one of our favorite aspects of its design is the two discreet buttons you press to unclasp the watch from its magnetic closure, meaning you can take it on and off without assistance. Its use of integrated lugs creates a cohesive design that gives the watch the sleek look of one continuous, mesmerizing loop. 

What testers say: “Silver is stunning. It is lightweight, yet sturdy construction.”

Price at time of publish: $200

Hermès Apple Watch Band

Best Nylon Designer Apple Watch Band

Each iconic in their respective industries, it only seems natural that Apple would partner with Hermès to make designer Apple Watch bands. The latest iteration of their collaborative designs includes a nylon Apple Watch bracelet available in several collegiate-inspired colorways, including the instantly recognizable signature Hermès orange shade. However, we’re fond of the braided version that nods to the equestrian themes woven throughout the French heritage brand’s centuries-old designs.

Price at time of publish: $449

What to Look for In a Designer Apple Watch Band

How We Selected the Best Designer Apple Watch Bands

Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.

To compile this list of the best designer Apple Watch bands, we conducted hours of research to discover the most popular designer Apple Watch Bands for 2023. Then, we narrowed it down to our top favorites based on customer reviews and editor’s picks. We also considered other factors like the quality of materials used and special features like whether the watch was water resistant or used sustainable manufacturing practices. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Author

Irene Richardson is a Brooklyn-based writer who covers fashion and beauty for brands such as InStyle, Byrdie, Brides, Travel + Leisure, and Footwear News. Whether she’s going for a run or out to dinner, she never leaves the house without accessorizing first and wouldn’t be caught in public without a pair of earrings or, at the very least, a simple stack of bracelets. In her spare time, Irene keeps up with jewelry trends, including the best designer Apple Watch bands, to understand which designs are most popular among celebrities and streetwear alike.

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