Monowear’s Latest Napa Leather Band Paired With A Slick Deployment Clasp

Their soft, supple Napa Leather bands, in 5 colors have been paired with a steel deployment clasp in 5 finishes to create a system that lends a classy look and comfortable fit.

After seeing a few reviews of their latest creation, I decided to order a couple for myself based on my positive experience purchasing their nylon NATO style band. Their attention to details made me confident the Leather Deployant band would fill my want for a dressy leather band that will not wear excessively over time like a traditional buckle usually does. I also chose to get one for each of my Apple Watches to see if there are any exceptions in quality along their line. To complete my order, I bought their Monochest to help keep my handful of bands in order which I will review at a later date. Let me reiterate: I purchased all of these products directly from their website and none are gifts from Monowear, making these reviews simple observations of what anyone who orders will receive from them.

Compared to each other, fit, finish and presentation are nearly identical with no conspicuous differences in quality, so my review from this point forward will focus on my observations in a general sense of their design and quality.

Beginning with their choice of clasp, the design is a single, fold over hinge with spring bar attach point on one end, dual pin adjustment on the other and a positive, twin button sprung release. If you’ve ever owned a Tag Heuer, you’ll be familiar with the design as it’s a clone of their Deployant clasp. The finish on their space gray clasp seems to be PVD with polished interior and lightly brushed on the exterior surfaces. Their name is engraved onto a vanity plate and attached with security screws; a subtle yet professional look.

Use of this “Tag Heuer type” clasp requires extra considerations to be made in the design of the band. Unlike double hinged designs that repurpose standard bands with traditional buckles, this design forces the band to be constructed solely for use with this clasp. For one, the band that traditionally carries the buckle must be lengthened and the adjustable end must be shortened for the clasp to fit the wrist properly for most wearers. Equally important in that the adjustable end must be tapered in thickness and have enough pliability for excess to fit comfortably between the clasp and wearer’s wrist. Where a double-hinged clasp allows the adjustable end to fit the original retaining loops, this Tag Heuer style clasp has no retaining loops by design.

This leads into the leather bits. Napa leather is used throughout, double layered and heavily stitched while the material is tapered in thinness so any extra length after sizing remains comfortable between the clasp and the wearer’s wrist. The edges are coated with polyurethane to prevent water from getting in but the leather, by its very nature, is not water proof by any means. The texture is soft and is very flexible, the contrast stitching is aligned well. A lot of thought seems to have been dedicated in getting just the right leather for proper flexibility to follow the contour of the closed clasp without being flimsy. There is no break-in period necessary with this band.

From the fine details in both the clasp and the choice of leather to the construction, it’s a well made band that should pass muster for even the pickiest of Apple Watch owners. The attention to detail is apparent, especially when laid beside Apple’s own leather bands and should be considered by anyone looking for a leather band with deployment, a style of band Apple doesn’t offer. Their closest offering being the Modern Buckle that’s only available for 38mm case size Watches. At $89, it’s up to you to find the value as the retail price may be higher than you’re used to from a third party, but it’s still well below Apple’s $150 entry price for anything in leather. In my opinion, it’s quite a value for what you’re getting, especially when compared to other third parties playing fast and loose with the quality of their offerings at the $100–150 price point.