Review: Finally a Waterproof Leather Band to Match the Waterproof Apple Watch

As Apple has made advancements in waterproofing the Apple Watch, one thing was holding it back. Leather bands are not meant to be used in the water. Finally, Nomad, the makers of numerous high-quality leather accessories for Apple devices (and others), has developed a leather watch band that's up to the task. I picked up an Active Strap for Apple Watch ($69.96) at the recent Consumer Electronics Show just in time for a trip to Florida and the Bahamas. Ordinarily, I would have left the Apple Watch at home, but not this time.

Related: 15 Apple Watch Tips That’ll Make You A Pro

Nomad

Nomad's Hydrophobic leather provides waterproofing without the need for any special coating, which could otherwise deteriorate. It is available with either black or silver hardware and only for 42/44mm Apple Watch sizes, not 38/40mm. It has a classic style, and the black hardware goes with just about any Apple Watch, even gold. It looks when you're dressed up and is comfortable at the gym, thanks to the ventilated ridges inside, and you can just run it under water to clean it post-workout.

iPhone Life
Discover your iPhone's hidden features
Get a daily tip (with screenshots and clear instructions) so you can master your iPhone in just one minute a day.
Nomad

Pros

  • Hydrophobic leather without special coating
  • Available with black or silver hardware
  • Classic styling

Cons

  • Only sold in black or mocha
  • Only for 42/44mm Apple Watch sizes, not 38/40mm

Final Verdict

You can now feel comfortable taking the plunge with the Active Strap for Apple Watch from Nomad. After all, it is as water-resistant as the Apple Watch itself! Take the time to learn how to remove and change an Apple Watch band correctly to avoid causing any damage to the watch and your new band!

Master your iPhone in one minute a day: Sign up here to get our FREE Tip of the Day delivered right to your inbox.

Topics

Author Details

Todd Bernhard's picture

Author Details

Todd Bernhard

Todd Bernhard is a bestselling (6+ million downloads) award-winning (AARP, About.com, BestAppEver.com, Digital Hollywood, and Verizon) developer and founder of NoTie.NET, an app developer specializing in Talking Ringtone apps including AutoRingtone. And his profile photo is of the last known sighting of Mr. Bernhard wearing a tie, circa 2007!

An iPhone is almost always attached to his hip or in his pocket, but over the years, Mr. Bernhard has owned an Apple Newton, a Motorola Marco, an HP 95LX, a Compaq iPaq, a Palm Treo, and a Nokia e62. In addition to writing for iPhone Life, Mr. Bernhard has written for its sister publications, PocketPC Magazine and The HP Palmtop Paper.