Since Apple Watch was released back in the Spring to varying degrees of fanfare, accessory companies have been rushing to develop and ship their own products for this new timepiece. There have been different levels of quality and styles that charge, hold or store Apple Watch. While the low-end market has been flooded with plastic charging solutions, we have not seen as many options that mix natural materials with Apple’s latest device.
Today we’ll be looking at DODOcase’s $100 Charging Stand for Apple Watch that is made from USA-sourced wood and is handcrafted in San Francisco.
Design and Materials
Right away, you’ll be able to tell a difference between the DODOcase Charging Stand for Apple Watch and some of the other options that we have reviewed. It’s dark California American Walnut wood looks and feels like a upgrade in materials, while the heavily-weighted metal bottom offers a nice contrast. DODOcase has intentionally stepped up the design of this product with a focus on customers that want a stand that will show off their new device rather than just hold it.
The watch itself sits on an angled perch that displays the screen for access while it is charging. Like many other retailers, DODOcase was not aware of the upcoming watchOS 2 update that allows for an alarm clock to be shown when the device sits in a horizontal resting place. This charging stand will not be able to accommodate that feature.
There is a large cutout just below the resting arm for the watch, this allows for the watch’s bands to stay connected and still slide on to the charger. For example, I have a leather loop band and it slides over the charging puck just fine without the need to completely undo the strap. Milanese loop users will also find this to be handy as well.
Cord Management
DODOcase receives high marks for its attention to detail in regards to hiding the charging cable that runs down from the puck. When viewing the Charging Stand from the front the cord is not visible. Unlike other plastic mold-injected options that are available, the area that hides the cord is sliced out by hand, given that it’s made of wood this is all the more impressive. If you’re into cord management and a clean look, this is certainly a positive.
DODOcase has created a unique option for charging the Apple Watch made from hand and locally sourced materials. However, with that design comes a higher price tag. At $99.95 most are probably going to look for a more economical solution for holding their watch at night. With a minimum $350-$400 investment – before purchasing other watch bands – most won’t want to drop another $100 for a watch resting place.
That said, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line power management option for your Apple Watch, this is certainly a contender. DODOcase also offers a less expensive Watch/iPhone charging station that doesn’t have quite the same level of luxury. If you’re interested in the Apple Watch Charging Stand, there is currently 4-6 week wait time following each order.
Checkout our full list of Apple Watch accessory reviews here.
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