This is the first leather Pixel Watch band I’ve actually liked, and it’s finally available [Gallery]

Ben Schoon | Oct 28 2025 - 6:05 am PT

The band situation with Pixel Watch has always been rough, especially if you want a nice leather band. But, finally, the day has come, as Nomad is now shipping a premium leather band for Pixel Watch that’s absolutely worth a look.

To quickly recap the situation with leather bands for the Pixel Watch, it’s been an excruciating few years. Google has two bands of its own – “Two-Tone Leather” and “Crafted Leather” – available through the Google Store (and some retailers). Google offers the two-tone option solely for the smaller 41mm Pixel Watch, and right now only in black or “Jade” green. The “Crafted” band, meanwhile, is currently only sold in black or “Moonstone.”

For a long time, these were the only options. Bellroy joined in 2024 with its own leather band, but with its own set of issues. Namely, the 41mm size was very small and wouldn’t accommodate for most wrist sizes, and the 45mm option had the opposite problem. That band has since been discontinued.

But, now, Nomad is stepping up to the plate.

Advertisement - scroll for more content

As announced in August, Nomad is bringing its “Active Band Pro” to the Pixel Watch, offering a hybrid leather and rubber band for something that Pixel Watch owners have literally never had access to. The band is made from premium Horween leather that develops an actual patina over time. It’s also sold in both “Rustic Brown” and black colors, with the choice between black or silver hardware to match your watch.

I’ve been using this band situationally since its announcement in August, and a prototype well before that. Put simply, this is the best third-party Pixel Watch band, and quite possibly the best Pixel Watch band you can buy. The brown leather of mine is slowly developing a nice patina, and it also remains very comfortable. It also uses lugs with a really solid connection to Google’s band system, forgoing the biggest downside of many third-party Pixel Watch bands. I’ll also give credit to the hybrid build, as this band is way more comfortable than Google’s “Crafted Leather” band. I still tend to only use it in “dressy” situations, or at least not when I’m being active, but it’s remained comfortable in just about every situation I’ve used it in.

Of course, there are two notable downsides.

Firstly, there’s the fact that this is exclusive to the 45mm Pixel Watch, meaning it only works with Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 4 in their larger sizes. There are no immediate plans from what I’ve been told to launch a 41mm size yet, but I’m hopeful that might change eventually.

Beyond that, there’s the price, which isn’t so much of a downside as much as it is a fact of buying a premium band. Nomad charges $75 for this band, but that’s still less than you’d pay for either of Google’s which at $80 each.

The Nomad Active Band Pro for Pixel Watch is shipping now, and you’ll also get free shipping (at least in the US) with your purchase.

Nomad Active Band Pro for Pixel Watch (45mm)

Beyond the Pixel Watch, Nomad is also releasing the band as a generic 22mm option for other smartwatches. This would include support for Galaxy Watch (outside of the latest generation) as well as OnePlus Watch. That’s also available starting today for $65.