Continuing E3’s trend of making very cool gear aimed at the riders of their custom motorcycles, today we’ll be looking at E3 Supply Co’s Horween Leather Watch Band for Apple Watch. This rugged strap features chromexcel, military style hardware, and a great look for most occasions.
About E3 Supply Co.
E3 Supply Co. began from a passion for building custom motorcycles, and has now extended to creating killer leather accessories for their riders. The company prides itself on hand making each product from start to finish, all at their headquarters in Brooklyn. As far as companies go E3 is as cool as they come. I highly recommend following their Instagram, which includes cross-country camper adventures, musical pursuits, and, of course, plenty of leather.
Construction
Hand construction on this watch strap is extremely well done. This is a fairly simple product, but in many ways this makes the little things stand out even more. Edges are cut well, the pair of stitches are seamless, and the skiving and glueing are smooth. I see no flaws in the assembly of this strap.
The chromexcel leather and steel, military style hardware are carefully selected for quality control and should endure a lifetime of abuse. This leaves the stitching as the weakest link (true of most leather products), but the minimum amount of high quality waxed thread should hold up equally long.
Function
The great construction extends to a well functioning strap. Buckle holes are placed over a wide range and with minimal separation–which is good, as the strap will stretch a bit with use, and you’ll probably need a tighter hole or two over time. The quality leather and hardware make it easy to get your watch off and on, and it feels great on your wrist. Chromexcel isn’t waterproof, but this strap has endured rain and spills with no issue.
If you work a computer job like I do, the hardware can become painful when your wrist is resting on a desk. This is an issue most any watch strap, short of a button stud, will face, and the heavy duty hardware on the E3 strap is no exception.
Overall, the E3 Apple Watch strap functions very well.
Aesthetic
I won’t lie; I’m not a big fan of the Apple Watch’s look. Never have been. The square watch doesn’t suit my fancy. Thankfully, a good strap can do a lot to compensate for this. E3’s Horween strap executes this well. It adds a rugged, masculine feel to the watch. The lines of the leather add rigidity and the curves of the hardware complement the curves of the Apple Watch. It all works together really well.
I have the silver Apple Watch, and the natural chromexcel strap is great for a more casual look, where the black chromexcel version feels a bit more classy for dress up occasions (black on silver). E3 has options that fit whether you want a unique feel, something to match your outfit, or something to match your watch.
Conclusion
I’ve been using E3 Supply Co’s Horween Leather Watch Band for Apple Watch for several months. I still enjoy putting it on every day. It feels both rugged and refined simultaneously. It enhances the look of the Apple Watch significantly. It’s not completely ideal for use while at a desk, but otherwise works well in nearly every situation. I highly recommend this Buy It For Life product.
E3 Supply. Co. makes their Apple Watch straps in a variety of styles out of numerous Horween leathers. Check out the selection in their shop!
