BuonGustoItaliano creates beautiful Italian leather Apple Watch bands
You can own a handmade Italian leather band for less than the cost of Apple’s bands. This Etsy shop carries styles similar to Apple’s as well as other unique colors and styles.
The Facts
Company: BuonGustoItaliano on Etsy
Product: Apple Watch Band
Price: $99.00 to $175.00
Compatibility: Any Apple Watch
Colors: Many colors; choose adapters and buckle to match watch
Date: Jan. 25, 2016
Overview
Emiliano of BuonGustoItaliano on Etsy was kind enough to send me three watch bands in the same style but different colors to review: Florence White, Vintage Pink, and Blue Smoke. Though they look like alligator leather, they are embossed cow leather. Each watch band is handmade to order in Italy from genuine Italian leather to ensure proper fit. You can choose the adapter and buckle color to match your watch. There are also some other leather styles to choose from if alligator style is not your taste.
Blue Smoke
When the bands first arrived, I was taken aback by the size of them. My first thought was that they had mistakenly sent me bands to fit a 42mm rather than 38mm watch. But as it turns out, they are indeed the correct size. Somehow, they fit a 24mm wide leather band onto a 38mm adapter. All of my other leather bands are 22mm wide, which is the typical width for the 38mm watch. Additionally, these bands do not taper at all, as many bands do. As a result, this is a much wider band than I am accustomed to wearing on my narrow wrists. But since the Apple Watch is a larger, chunky piece of jewelry, the width of these bands suit it quite beautifully. Much to my surprise, I like the way they look on my wrist.
Florence White
The bands were quite stiff when they first arrived. I was told there would be a bit of a break-in period, but as it turns out, that break-in period was less than a day. By the end of each day wearing a new band, it was so comfortable I couldn’t even feel it. The adapters are some of the best I’ve ever tried; they slide in like butter. They match my stainless steel watch and fit perfectly.
I really can’t think of anything negative to say about these bands. They are not cheap, but you are paying for quality here.
Bottom Line
For a classy and compelling alternative to Apple’s leather bands, take a look at BuonGustoItaliano. They are similar in price to Apple’s bands while offering unique style. The classic and alligator band styles seen here are $99.00; other styles such as the double tour and cuff models range up to $175.00. Made in Italy, they ship worldwide.
Vintage Pink
