Apple Leather Classic Buckle

Apple Leather Classic Buckle

Classic Buckle

The Classic Buckle was Apple's take on the most traditional watch band. The strap was available as part of the launch series of straps for the Apple Watch from spring 2015 and remained in the line-up until it was discontinued in autumn 2018 when Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 4.

One peculiar aspect of the Classic Buckle's history is that, unlike all the other bands Apple has released, it has undergone several design updates in its 3.5-year existence. At each step, new features and refinements were added to the band.

Pictured above are all four generations of the Apple Watch Classic Buckle, with its four iterative strap designs. From left to right: first generation black classic buckle; second generation classic buckle with filleted edges; third generation with filleted edges and matching stitching; and the fourth generation band with filleted edges, stitching and a new spring-loaded square buckle.

1st Generation

The first version of the Classic Buckle was launched along with the original Apple Watch and was the most "oh hey, that's like a regular watch" style of strap. The first generation was only available from Spring 2015 to autumn 2015.

This is how Apple described the Classic Buckle at the time:

"The Dutch leather used for this strap comes from the renowned ECCO tannery in the Netherlands and is milled to give the grain a subtle, distinctive texture. The simple clasp is made from the same stainless steel as the case. It is a beautiful take on a traditional strap design. Available in black."

At launch, the Classic Buckle was available for both the 38 and 42 mm stainless steel watch models, available in combination with the watch or sold separately for $149. The strap was also used for two of the Edition tier Apple Watches, in a 42 mm black and Midnight Blue colour with 18K yellow gold clasp to match the watch. The Edition models both sold for $15,000, while the matching straps for these watches were never sold separately.

With this strap, the watch looked much less like a "computer on your wrist" and more like a digital timepiece upgraded by the subtly textured leather strap and highly polished, round stainless steel buckle.

Available from spring to autumn 2015, the original classic buckle featured a thick piece of textured leather that softened over time and a highly polished stainless steel buckle to match the stainless steel Apple Watch.

2nd Generation

After only five months on the market, the Classic Buckle received its first redesign at Apple's September 2015 event, the same event where Apple released the iPad Pro & iPhone 6s line. The strap was updated with calfskin and now had a two-tone finish (black exterior, Saddle Brown interior), and was now also available in a second colour: Saddle Brown, in addition to black. Other changes were that the milled texture on the black strap was more subtle than on the original Classic Buckle, the tapered end was now rounded (instead of rectangular) and the edges were given a filleted finish (i.e. that notch that runs along the strap).

Here is Apple's description of the updated Classic Buckle:

"This traditional design has been updated with new calfskin leather that ages naturally over time and acquires a beautiful patina. The contrasting inner lining creates a dramatic two-tone look, and the filleted rim creates a clean geometry."

In addition to the updates to the stainless steel straps, the Classic Buckles for the Apple Watch Edition received a further refinement not found on this generation's other Classic Buckles. Besides the updated two-tone look, rounded ends and filleted edges, the Edition line's straps also received matching stitching along the length of the strap. Midnight Blue remained an exclusive colour for the Edition line, but was now paired with an 18K Rose Gold 42mm Apple Watch, while the black strap remained paired with the Yellow Gold Edition.

Both the Black & Saddle Brown Classic Buckles remained available with the Stainless Steel Apple Watch or separately for £149, and they were both available for both 38mm and 42mm watch cases. The Edition straps remained unavailable for individual sale.

The second generation Classic Buckle in Black & Saddle Brown introduced a new two-tone look, filleted edges and a new calfskin leather.

3rd Generation

We saw the third iteration of Apple's Classic Buckle at their Spring 2016 event (other product highlights included the introduction of the 9.7" iPad Pro, iPhone SE, & Woven Nylon Apple Watch Bands). With this latest design, the stitching colour scheme, first seen on the Classic Buckle that came with the Apple Watch Edition, has been carried across the line-up. All previously added changes from the second redesign (new leather, two-tone and filleted edges) have also been implemented in this update.

In addition to the traditional black and saddle brown straps, Apple introduced a range of new colours for the Classic Buckle, including Blue Jay, Marigold, Marine Blue, Midnight Blue (now available outside the Edition model for the first time), Red, Storm Gray and White. In autumn 2016, Blue Jay, Marine Blue and Storm Gray were no longer sold, but Sea Blue was added to the range.

The third-generation Classic Buckle came in several colours. From top left to bottom right: Red, Marigold, Blue Jay, Marine Blue, Sea Blue, Black, Saddle Brown, Storm Gray, Midnight Blue, & White.

4th Generation

The latest version of the Apple Watch Classic Buckle arrived on 21 March 2017. That morning, Apple also released a collection of new colours for their straps, released a PRODUCT(RED) iPhone 7 and a budget-friendly 9.7" iPad. In addition to new colours, this iterative update to the Classic Buckle replaced the rounded stainless steel buckle with a more prominent, spring-loaded, square buckle that Apple advertised as "making it easier to insert the strap."

Here is Apple's description of the updated Classic Buckle:

"This traditional design is made of calfskin leather that ages naturally over time and acquires a beautiful patina. A contrasting inner lining creates a dramatic two-tone look, and matching stitching at the edges provides a subtle complement. The new square buckle is spring-loaded, making it easier to fit the strap."

As you can see, Apple offered a huge range of colour options for their latest strap. That spring, Apple updated its Red, Midnight Blue, Saddle Brown and Black bands with the new square buckle and added Berry, Sapphire and Taupe to the range; while that summer, the Sunflower band was added to the range. In autumn 2017, Apple added a Ruby PRODUCT(RED), Cosmos Blue, Dark Aubergine, & Pink Fushia to the line-up. In spring 2018, the latest update to the Classic Buckle added a new Spring Yellow, Electric Blue and Soft Pink option to the range.

The fourth-generation Classic Buckle has even more colour options than the third generation. From top left to bottom right: Ruby (a PRODUCT(RED) strap), Berry, Pink Fuchsia, Red, Soft Pink, Cosmos Blue, Sapphire, Electric Blue, Midnight Blue, Dark Aubergine, Black, Saddle Brown, Taupe, Sunflower, & Spring Yellow.

Apple never explained why the Classic Buckle was discontinued, but in autumn 2018, all remaining Classic Buckles disappeared from the online shop. And it's not as if Apple wanted to get rid of leather, because even after the Classic Buckle was discontinued, Apple continued to update the Modern Buckle and Leather Loops, and even added the Leather Link in 2020. Perhaps Apple didn't like how the straps took on a more worn and misshapen appearance over time, or maybe it just decided that this traditional classic no longer fit in the world where the Apple Watch was starting to rise in popularity.

Apple continues to sell a "classic buckle design" through their partnership with Hermès, which remains in the range and is updated seasonally with new colours and embellishments. But with a starting price of €339, these straps are much more expensive than the €149 Classic Buckle ever was.

Apple Special Collections

Apple has released several collections such as the (RED) collection, Pride Edition and Black Unity, which support charities against AIDS and human rights organisations. For the Leather Classic Buckle Apple has created a design that falls within the (RED) collection. It is a strap in the colour ruby. By buying this strap, you can contribute to the fight against HIV/Aids.

If you want to know more about these collections,

Click on this link and learn more about the different collections from Apple Watch straps at SB Supply!

Classic Buckle size

The Classic Buckle is available for both the small and large Apple Watch. The 38 mm and 40 mm are suitable for wrists from 125 mm to 200 mm and the 42 mm and 44 mm are suitable for wrists from 150 mm to 215 mm. The 38 / 42 mm and 42 / 44 mm models are also compatible with its offspring. So you can use straps from 2016 for your 2022 Apple Watch. 

Note: A 38 / 40 mm Classic Buckle will not fit a 42 / 44 mm Apple Watch and vice versa.

Apple Classic Buckle 38 mm / 40 mm 125 - 200 mm wrist
Apple Classic Buckle 42 mm / 44 mm  150 - 215 mm wrist

It is important to know whether your Apple Watch has a 38 / 40 / 41 mm case or a 42 / 44 / 45 / 49 mm case. This will tell you exactly which strap fits your Apple Watch. Don't know which Apple Watch you have. Check out our page: Which Apple Watch do I have? To find out exactly which Apple Watch you have.

A better fit makes for better measurements

The best results with features like wrist detection, the Taptic Engine and the electrical and optical heart rate sensors are obtained when the back of the Apple Watch makes contact with the skin. If you wear the Apple Watch properly fitted (not too tight, not too loose and with enough slack so your skin can breathe), the Watch will sit comfortably on your wrist and allow the sensors to do their job.

You may want to tighten your Apple Watch band during workouts. Then loosen it again when you're done. Also, the sensors only work when you wear the Apple Watch on top of your wrist. If the Apple Watch does not stay in place properly or if the sensors do not measure your heart rate, tighten the strap slightly. The Apple Watch should be snug but comfortable.

Too loose

Just right

Een Apple Watch die te los om een pols wordt gedragen Een Apple Watch die correct om de pols wordt gedragen

Maintaining Classic Buckle

Keeping your Apple Watch and strap clean and dry will keep it comfortable to wear and will ensure that your Apple Watch and strap will still function well in the long run. This is especially important after a workout or exposure to liquids such as sweat, soap, sunscreen and lotions that can cause skin irritations.

How do you clean the Apple Classic Buckle?

It is important to take good care of your Apple Watch straps, as this will help them last as long as possible and continue to function properly. To clean your Classic Buckle strap, follow these steps: 

To clean the leather of the Classic Buckle, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the leather parts of the strap with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. Moisten the cloth lightly with clean water if necessary.
  2. Do not immerse the leather parts of the strap in water, as this may permanently damage them. The leather straps are not water-resistant.
  3. Let the bracelet dry completely in the open air before attaching it to your Apple Watch. Do not expose leather straps to direct sunlight, high outdoor temperatures or high humidity. 

To clean the buckle, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the strap with a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth. If necessary, lightly moisten the cloth with clean water.
  2. Dry the bracelet with a lint-free, non-abrasive cloth before attaching it to your Apple Watch.  

For cleaning your other Apple Watch bands, you can find more information here: How to clean your Apple Watch band.

How do you (dis)assemble the Apple Classic Buckle from your Apple Watch?

Changing your Apple Watch strap is very easy! What you need to check beforehand is whether you have the right size strap for your Apple Watch. You have two different sizes; 38mm/ 40mm/ 41mm and the 42mm/ 44mm/ 45mm/ 49mm. If you are not quite sure which size Apple Watch you have? Click here to find out which Apple Watch size you have.

Follow these three steps to change your Apple Watch strap:

  1. Turn your Apple Watch over so that you have the back of the Apple Watch.
  2. Hold down the strap release button on the Apple Watch.
  3. Slide the band out of the slot to remove and slide the new band in. Does the band not move? Then press the unlock button again and try sliding the band out of the slot.

See the image below for a visual representation:

Never force a band into the slot of the Apple Watch. If you fail to remove or insert the Apple Watch band, press the band's release button again.

A better fit ensures better measurements

For optimal performance of your Apple Watch, it must fit snugly on your wrist. For the sling detection, tactile notifications and heart rate sensor functions to work best, the back of the Apple Watch must make good contact with the skin. When the Apple Watch is snug on your wrist, with a little slack left so that your skin can still breathe, you can do anything and the sensors will work properly. The Apple Watch only works when you wear it on top of your wrist!

Fake or real band?

  1. Original packaging > Is the original packaging included?
  2. Price > A strap cheaper than €20 is not realistic, as Apple often maintains its value.
  3. Size print > On the inside, the size is indicated on both sides, e.g. S or e.g. 40mm.
  4. Imprint 'Assembled in China' > Apple's connector says 'Assembled in China'.
  5. Imprint on the side of the connector pin > There is a very small imprint of a code on the side of the connector pin.
  6. Other materials and colours > Look carefully at the material of the straps that it is not plastic. See the Bandbreite See the Bandbreite app to make sure the colour is actually released by Apple. 
  7. Neater finish > Look closely at the finish of the edges. Apple always provides a nice finish.
  8. Inform yourself > The more you know about the original straps, the sooner you can fish out the fake versions.
  9. Real leather > There is a mark on one side of the strap that says it is real leather with 'natural leather' underneath. 

This style was discontinued at the end of 2018, probably to eliminate competition with the Hermes leather straps. However, there are still quite a few in circulation. Also, the Classic Buckle went through 4 different designs, making spotting fakes more difficult.

Tips to avoid skin irritations

No Nickel was used during the production of the Classic Buckle, as they chose to use stainless steel for this product. The Classic Buckle band is made of: leather with stainless steel or 18-carat gold.

Tips to avoid skin irritations or hypersensitivity 

Indications that it is a real Apple Band 

Indications that it is a fake Apple Band

Identify which band generation you have:

  • Gen 1: Band is a single colour on both the front and back and there is no stitching. The oval buckle is attached to the strap with a spring bar hidden in the buckle itself. The end of the piece with the holes is square. Markings are stamped instead of embossed. Available only in black (and midnight blue with Edition watches, which will have gold hardware instead of silver).
  • Gen 2: Band has coloured leather on the outside and brown leather on the inside. The strap has a filleted line running parallel to the edge of the strap, but there is no stitching. Oval buckle is attached to the strap with a spring bar hidden in the buckle itself. The end of the piece with the holes is rounded. Markings are embossed rather than stamped. Only ever sold in black and saddle brown.
  • Gen 3: Exactly the same as Gen 2, except stitching in matching colours has been added running around the edge of the strap. Available in several colours that changed seasonally.
  • Gen 4: Band style is the same as Gen 3. However, the oval clasp has been replaced by a larger square clasp. The new clasp features a spring action.
 The buckle style is one of the biggest giveaways. Fake bands usually use a buckle that looks like it comes from a mechanical watch. Very few will try to match the buckle on the real strap.

    The long piece of the strap with the adjustment holes has the words "NATURAL LEATHER" and the leather symbol at the bottom near the ridge.

    • On gen 1 straps, this marking is stamped in white.
    • On gen 2-4, the marking is embossed in the leather.

    Band lacks the size and leather markings.
      The short piece of the strap with the clasp has the watch case size (42 or 44 mm) stamped (gen 1) or embossed (gen 2-4) at the bottom near the loop.

      Looks like a 2nd-4th generation strap, but lacks the stitching or the leather is the same colour on the outside and bottom.
      The words "Assembled in China" are stamped on the edge of one of the lugs.

      OEM* buckles on gen 1-3 are attached directly to the leather, not embedded in it. If the leather goes over the buckle and no full oval can be seen, the strap is fake. Gen 4 classic buckles are exempt from this, as they have a square buckle instead of the oval buckle.

      *OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturer