Strapa band for Apple Watch puts fine Italian leather on your wrist [Review]

If you want a leather Apple Watch band that feels great, looks spectacular, and is built to last you years, you should really do yourself a favor and check out the wonderful Ingenium band from Strapa.

It’s made using leather sourced from one of the finest tanneries in Italy, plus 316L surgery-grade stainless steel buckles and adapters. I’ve been using one for months now, and I highly recommend it.

Strapa Ingenium band for Apple Watch review

I have a soft spot for leather Apple Watch bands, so I now posses a rather large collection of them. But I only ever wear a small few, because it’s so easy to pick up leather bands that look great in photos, but feel cheap and flimsy when you put them on.

That’s certainly not a problem for the Ingenium band from Strapa. It’s one of the few leather bands I’ve used that not only looks even better in the flesh, but actually lives up to its promise of being a high-end product you can rely on.

Leather doesn’t get much better

Strapa uses raw, tanned leather that brings out the material’s best qualities — and you get a lot of it. The Ingenium use a dual-layer design — an outer layer combined with a smooth leather backing — that’s nice and thick, so you never have to worry about it tearing.

The layers are joined by durable linen stitching, like that found in traditional artisanal saddlery, that helps prevent the leather from stretching or morphing over time. It’s carefully applied so that every piece of it is perfectly aligned.

Despite its rather hefty feel, the Ingenium is surprisingly lightweight, soft, and supple. It wraps comfortably around your wrist, and after just a few days, it will be trained to fit you like a glove. Like all good bands, you’ll quickly forget you’re even wearing it.

The Ingenium doesn’t mind getting wet, and it’s tough enough to withstand normal wear and tear. I’ve been wearing mine, on and off (mostly on), for several months now, and it still looks outstanding.

I picked up the coffee color option, which goes great with both casual and formal dress. The band is smart, so it’s ideal for a professional setting, but it won’t look out of place with a t-shirt and jeans, either.

Sturdy stainless steel

Alongside the leather itself, Strapa uses 316L stainless steel buckles and adapters. The buckle has a slight curve so that it sits comfortably against your wrist, and it’s tastefully emblazoned with the Strapa logo.

The adapters are precisely cut so that they slide into and out of Apple Watch effortlessly — without feeling too loose. They’re also incredibly strong, which helps make the Ingenium feel like a tank.

All fittings are available in a brushed or polished finish to match both aluminum and stainless steel Apple Watch models.

The verdict

I’ve always heard good things about Strapa bands, so I had high hopes for the Ingenium before it arrived. And I’m glad to report it has more than lived up to my expectations. It’s a genuinely impressive leather band that you certainly won’t regret splashing out on.

Treat yourself to a Strapa band via the Cult of Mac Store today. Prices start at $109 for the Confidens, or $119 for the delightful Ingenium I’ve been using.

Strapa provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more of our in-depth reviews.