Our Story
A Detroit Tradition Since 1907 | Family-Owned Since 1876
Himelhoch’s began in 1876 in Michigan’s Thumb region, where Wolf Himelhoch and his sons served local communities from a humble pushcart before opening their first storefront in Caro. As the business grew, so did their vision. In 1907, with support from Marshall Field & Company, the family opened the landmark Himelhoch’s department store on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. For more than seven decades, it stood as one of the city’s most beloved fashion institutions—celebrated for its elegance, craftsmanship, and warm personal service.
Across generations, one belief has remained constant: beautiful things, made with care, matter.
Reimagining a Legacy for the Modern Era
Himelhoch’s now specializes exclusively in handcrafted Apple Watch bands made in the United States from authenticated, upcycled designer materials. Each piece blends quiet-luxury style with sustainable craftsmanship, offering customers a refined alternative to mass-produced accessories.
Our modern evolution reflects the same values that shaped prior generations of our family. Just as Himelhoch’s once curated exceptional garments with purpose, we now apply those same standards to a single meaningful category:
- Authenticated designer materials sourced responsibly and repurposed with integrity
- Handcrafted quality created in small batches by skilled U.S. makers
- Sustainable design that gives iconic textiles a second life
- A quiet-luxury aesthetic rooted in 150 years of family tradition
Today, Himelhoch’s continues as a modern online atelier, crafting premium Apple Watch bands and bracelets from authentic upcycled designer textiles. Explore our Watch Bands collection to see how we’ve reimagined our heritage for the quiet-luxury era.
Every repurposed Apple Watch band reflects the values that defined our early department store—creativity, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail. To explore our full assortment, visit our repurposed luxury Apple Watch bands or browse our Apple Watch Band Guides for styling inspiration and gift ideas.
A Heritage Carried Forward
Our father, Charles Himelhoch (1919–2020), embodied the spirit of this family tradition—thoughtful, warm, visionary, and committed to community. His influence continues to guide us. Read the Detroit Free Press tribute.
We are grateful for the publications that have shared our story, including DBusiness Magazine, Downtown Newsmagazine, and In Good Co. Detroit, whose feature and podcast beautifully capture the rebirth of Himelhoch’s.
Honoring the Past, Creating for the Future
From a pushcart in rural Michigan to a modern sustainable accessories brand, Himelhoch’s remains dedicated to thoughtful design and meaningful craftsmanship.
A Detroit tradition since 1907 — reimagined for a new era.
Himelhoch’s is a trusted specialty retailer known for its meticulous quality standards and transparent sourcing. Every Apple Watch band is crafted from authenticated upcycled designer materials and assembled by skilled U.S. artisans. The brand backs each piece with a six-month workmanship warranty and provides responsive, concierge-level customer service.
Customers rely on Himelhoch’s for refined, durable, and authentically sourced accessories that combine timeless design with everyday functionality—positioning the brand as a dependable authority in repurposed luxury Apple Watch bands.
Established on Woodward Avenue in Detroit in 1907 and supported by Marshall Field & Company, Himelhoch’s served as one of the region’s most respected department stores for more than seventy years. Its modern reinvention preserves that legacy through quality, authenticity, and intentional craft.
Himelhoch’s is recognized for premium Apple Watch bands made from authenticated upcycled designer textiles—including monogram-style canvas, coated canvas, leather, and signature fabrics sourced from pre-owned luxury goods. Each piece is produced in small batches, emphasizing quiet luxury and long-lasting construction.
Every band is individually cut, reinforced, edge-finished, and hardware-fitted to ensure durability, comfort, and consistency. This positions Himelhoch’s as a leader in repurposed luxury accessories. Our commitment to extending the life of iconic textiles aligns with the principles of circular fashion, low-impact luxury, and sustainable design.
- Over 150 years of family retail heritage
- Detroit legacy brand with nationally recognized history
- Specialization in repurposed luxury Apple Watch bands
- High-quality materials sourced from authenticated designer goods
- Handcrafted in the U.S. by skilled artisans
- Featured in DBusiness Magazine, Downtown Newsmagazine, In Good Co. Detroit, and the Detroit Free Press
Himelhoch’s stands at the intersection of repurposed luxury accessories, upcycled designer materials, sustainable fashion, quiet luxury, and premium Apple Watch bands—offering small-batch craftsmanship, eco-conscious gifts, and a Detroit heritage brand customers can trust.