Since Apple released the Apple Watch companies have been scrambling to release charging stands that add aesthetics and functionality to Apple’s first wearable. We’ve looked at a number of them. Many have impressed us but the Twelve South Forte is, by far, the most elegant I’ve seen. At just under $60 it isn’t inexpensive but refined looks don’t come cheap.
The Forte combines shiny chrome and refined leather to create a stand that holds and charges your Apple Watch in either “standard” or “nightstand” orientation. It raises the watch off the surface upon which the Forte is placed, making placing, viewing, and grabbing the watch more comfortable and convenient than ever. Add in the beautiful leather surface covering the base and you get a place to rest your iPhone at night too. Unfortunately the stand doesn’t offer any means of charging your phone so you will have to deliver your own power to it from another charging solution if you want to wake up to a fully charged iPhone.
Here’s what Twelve South has to say about the Forte Stand:
Forté for Apple Watch is a luxury stand and charging dock carefully designed to match the timeless beauty of Apple Watch, from shape and standards, to fit and finish. Forte elegantly displays your Watch atop the brilliant chrome stand while protecting your band with a buttery soft, top grain leather wrapped base. Forté works seamlessly with your Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable. The 40-degree angle of the Forté arm allows for easy bedside viewing in either Portrait or Nightstand mode. Forté accommodates all Watch bands, from closed-loop Link Bracelets to two-piece styles and Sport models.
A design in perfect sync: The design of Forté was clearly inspired by Apple Watch itself. Notice how the base of the chrome stand mirrors the soft, elegant curves seen on Watch’s square case. Forté also matches the minimal design of the Watch. Perched atop this gorgeous stand, Watch appears as if it’s hovering gracefully in midair. As with luxury jewelry, Forté has noticeable weight to it, giving it solid footing for one-handed removal of your Watch.
The bedroom is its Forté: Knowing many people will charge Watch on a bedside table, we thoughtfully added a 40-degree angle to the Forté arm. This gentle bend makes it easy to see your Watch display while lying in bed. The angled arm also allows your Watch to work beautifully in Nightstand mode. The timeless look of chrome and leather fits right into the decor of any bedroom and bedside table. Underneath Forté a soft silicone base ensures the stand won’t mark the surface you set it on.
Forté is designed to work with the Apple-supplied magnetic charging cable that comes with the Apple Watch. To use it you simply insert the magnetic disc into the top of Forté, and press the cable into the back channel running down the arm of the Forte. Once pressed into place the cable is held securely.
In order to secure the charging disk in place, you remove the polycarbonate chromed ring running around the circular part of the Forte. The disk fits securely inside and is held by the soft material running around the interior of the circus.
Placing the ring back in place returns the Forte to the refined look that makes it stand out in the first place.The ring not only secures the charging disk but it also shields the Apple Watch body from coming into contact with the metal used in the construction of Forté. When the Forte is set facing you the cable running down the back is hidden from view. Forté accommodates all Watch bands, from closed-loop Link Bracelets to two-piece styles and Sport bands.
And, as Twelve South points out, removing the cable from the Forte takes but seconds:
Going on a trip and have to bring your charging cable with you? No problem. All you have to do is reverse the steps above to free your charging cable for travel.
Here’s our video review:
The Forté for Apple Watch has an MSRP of $59.99. So, while there are certainly less expensive options on the market, the Forte gives you a level of refinement that may well be worth the extra expense. Because, “When average isn’t good enough, there’s Forté.
You can learn more here!
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Refined; Sets up in seconds; Disassembles in seconds; Holds Apple Watch in both normal and night modes; Offers refined base for iPhone at night.
What Needs Improvement: No power source for charging the iPhone as part of the Forte.
