Ullu offers a taste of the accessibly exotic with its line of handcrafted leather bands for Apple Watch. The Apple-centric accessories brand offers luxurious bands in stingray and ostrich, as well as its signature Italian leather bands.

Peruse the collection of colorful, artisan-made bands in our Watch Store, and step up your style for spring. Ullu’s Stingray bands for Apple Watch are on sale for $99 (regularly priced at $249). Order now in time for Valentine’s Day!

Exotic leather Apple Watch skins by Ullu

Exotic leather is a luxury option for fashion-conscious wearers that are looking to distinguish themselves from the humdrum of lesser leathers. Based in Dubai, Ullu’s philosophy on product creation is a nod to the finer things in life — a perfect pairing considering Dubai is well-known for its luxury shopping and ultramodern architecture. The luxury brand prides itself on crafting by hand premium leather Apple Watch accessories for its discerning clientele from whom Ullu gleans its style cues. Finished by skilled artisans, each strap is unique, beautiful and impeccably finished. Only the best in high-quality craftsmanship here.

Among the types of leather you can find at Ullu are ostrich, ethically sourced from South Africa; and stingray, ethically sourced from Thailand as well as premium Italian calf’s leather, regular or hand-colored. Each of Ullu’s straps is produced in compliance with international laws regarding animal protection and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

If you’re not opposed to sporting animal hide, the story of stingray leather might be of interest. Ullu writes on its blog that Samurai warriors used stingray leather on the hilts of their swords because it did not get slick when covered with the blood of the enemy. Tales aside, stingray is one of the most precious leathers on the market. This strong, highly-resistant material is expertly hand-wrought to give the bands a brilliantly shiny, pearly effect.

Why buy high-quality leather?

Good quality leather can give your Apple Watch (not to mention your entire wardrobe) a high-style touch. In contrast to rubber and metal, leather is easy to form and fit different lug widths. A number of stitching styles are available, ranging from minimal patterns to the familiar parallel patterns. Since leather is a soft bendy material, the wrist band made for the watch conforms beautifully to the wrist. Leather doesn’t irritate the skin or give any rashes like those given by synthetic material and metal bands. Most importantly, leather is extremely durable and long-lasting.

If your Ullu accessory gets wet, pat off the excess water with a soft towel or a tissue paper. Don’t wipe hard — you’ll just drive water deeper inside the leather. For light grease or oil stains, use a damp tissue or a baby wipe. For bigger oil stains, apply a little baking soda or corn starch on the grease, and wipe off with a microfiber cloth after a few minutes.

Genuine Apple adapters — no fakes here!

Ullu’s high-end bands are assembled with original genuine Apple lugs ensuring a perfectly flush fit. A shiny, stainless steel buckle polishes off these exceptional bands. Available in both 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch sizes.

Price: $99 (regularly priced at $249)

Buy from: Cult of Mac Watch Store

Ullu provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See Cult of Mac’s reviews policy; and check out more stuff we recommend in our Best List reviews.