ANDО̄ for Apple Watch
We deeply apologize that ANDO for Apple Watch has already been sold out despite having been launched for a couple of hours. We have underestimated the demand and have left the majority of the North American and Oceanic markets uncatered due to their time zone differences at launch.
Please understand that we cannot expand the number of 'Tangerine Brown' previously launched as we simply do not have enough material left. We have decided to launch early a new batch of 88 straps in 'Smoke' with deliveries expected to begin in August 2023. Similarly, ‘Smoke’ will not be repeated after this launch. We deeply apologize again for this inconvenience.
An edgy yet radiant strap, ‘Smoke’ is designed to accompany you to any function be it formal or casual. This release allows for the inclusivity of digital watch enthusiasts to experience the beauty of our avant-garde straps and incorporate what has been made in style, with Edo-period art. The vibrant blue and purple hues of ‘Smoke’ would patently catch the eyes of those who view it and is definitely a statement piece for the wearer.
HIROSHIGE is proud to bring one of the most complex-to-build fine leather straps in the market today, to a new line of horological leathers dedicated to the the Apple Watch - ANDO. Completely made by hand, ANDO for Apple Watch is a horological leather constructed from Japanese deer-leather with hand-applied urushi lacquer ('Inden'), and hand-rubbed anticatura patina calf leather. It takes more than 3 months to create each strap from start to finish, and is thus limited to 88 pieces. A unique quick release system allows the strap to also be used on watches with 24mm lug widths as well.
ANDO for Apple Watch in tangerine brown is priced at JPY27,500 / US$195 and is limited to 88. The removable watch strap adaptor is made to fit 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm (Ultra) Apple Watch cases. Strap measurements are sized at 115/75mm and is consistent with the standard Apple Watch Ultra stock strap size. Strap-only lug and buckle widths (excl Apple Watch adaptor) for non-Apple Watch use are at 24/20mm respectively.
Deliveries start from July 2023.
Lengths:
Standard: 115mm/75mm
Lug/Buckle widths (excl Apple Watch adaptor):
24mm / 20mm
Upperside color: Miru-ai green deer leather with red urushi | Tangerine brown hand-patinaed leather
Underside color: Olive-green
Embossed logo on underside
Revised quick-release spring-bars at lugs end
Hand-made & hand-cut
Limited production and shall not be repeated
ANDO for Apple Watch
The INDEN portion of the strap is created by combining Japanese deer leather with hand-applied urushi lacquer. Popular during the Sengoku period (1467-1603) as part of samurai armour wear, this centuries-old technique is now applied to create what is perhaps one of the most unique Apple Watch straps today. Made by hand in Japan by a master artisan, the INDEN urushi leather features the unique properties of Japanese lacquer - becoming glossier and achieving a slight patina over time. It is extremely time-consuming to create and cure INDEN and only a limited number of sheets can be made each year. The deer leather is sustainably sourced from official local breeders in western Japan and is very limited.
The Anticatura Patina portion of the strap is created from supple calf leather that is hand-dyed using the anticatura patina technique, bringing an additional level of character and refinement to horological leather. Patina must be hand-applied and hand-rubbed to create the desired effect.
No two straps will ever look the same, and they will over time take on their own character and personality by building on the original patina as it ages.
Hiroshige Script & Katana Cut
ANDO for Apple Watch is engraved with legendary Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige’s original handwritten poem from the original artwork ca. 1840 in our collection. The poem is loosely translated as: 'The moon indulges into the night in various ways.'
The ends of the strap are hand cut with a shape reminiscent of the ends of a katana blade. This not only provides an iconic look that is unmistakably Hiroshige, but allows for easier entry into strap guides when worn.
Hand-made Construction Complexity
ANDO for Apple Watch is evolved from our acclaimed SCAR 継ぎ:Tsugi for Kurono strap and aims to lend unique refinement to the Apple Watch via fine horological leathers. To achieve a contemporary meets Edo-period look, the original red hand-stitching is now in chic black, with the patinated calf in tangerine brown to match the color palette of the Apple Watch Ultra. A small yet significant difference that allows the strap to exude a more sophisticated feel. The complexity of making this strap puts production numbers at very limited levels, and will not be reintroduced after this production run.
Made By A Certified Master Craftsman
HIROSHIGE INDEN is made by a certified master craftsman from start to finish. It was originally created as a material for samurai armor, however as battles came to an end, the technique translated into fine crafts for nobility.
Because Japanese urushi is sensitive to temperature, humidity, and other seasonal factors, it requires many skills to apply evenly. Today, there are only five other 'master' level craftsmen in all of Japan that can create good INDEN.