Griffin Announces Charging 'WatchStand' for Apple Watch

Tuesday March 10, 2015 7:06 AM PDT by Mitchel Broussard
Griffin yesterday announced the WatchStand, which the company calls the first entry into its "new line of products for Apple Watch."

The stand is set to be a nightly solution for more easily charging the Apple Watch. Like other Griffin products, the stand itself doesn't include its own charging cable, but users will need to snake in their own MagSafe charger through the stand during the initial set-up of the device.

Griffin WatchStand
“The introduction of the Apple Watch ushers in what is bound to be the next generation of wearable technology,” said Mark Rowan, President of Griffin Technology. “Griffin has long been at the forefront of developing solutions for Apple’s newest devices and we’re continuing that legacy with our WatchStand charging dock for Apple Watch.”
Griffin notes that the stand is compatible with all versions of the Apple Watch and provides an "easy viewing angle" when charging. The pedestal will also accommodate both a vertical and horizontal orientation, allowing personal preference to each user laying their Watch on the stand to charge.

Although there is no in-house storage for an iPhone cable, the WatchStand does provide a small dock underneath the Watch pedestal to store a user's iPhone, providing a neat and organized solution to charging and displaying both devices.


Unfortunately, the Griffin WatchStand won't be available on the Apple Watch's April 24 launch date, but has been given a more general "Summer 2015" release window. The company did note, however, that the stand will retail for $29.99 when it launches.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 6
Tags: Griffin, WatchStand
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
40 comments

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freediverx
60 months ago
Is it so hard for companies like Griffin to hire competent designers? What a ****ing eyesore.
Rating: 15 Votes
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dannyyankou
60 months ago
$29.99 sounds pretty reasonable. I might get this and put it on my nightstand.
Rating: 5 Votes
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johncarync
60 months ago
Charge me more!

If I'm going to pay $450 for a watch band, my watch charger should cost at LEAST $200! Make it out of stainless steel and charge me more!
Rating: 4 Votes
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greytmom
60 months ago
I don't see what is inconvenient about the charging cable. Just stick it to the back and boom.
Rating: 3 Votes
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illegalprelude
60 months ago
The real missed opportunity and baffling design choice is that once on the dock, your watch is sideways and so it can't act as a clock on your nightstand. Wtf. Just needed an arm that extended right or left slightly from the top.
Rating: 2 Votes
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roland.g
60 months ago
Total eyesore. Make it 1/4 the height. And make the part that holds the watch C shaped like the watch holders at department stores. The magnet holds it up.
Rating: 2 Votes
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coolcom2
60 months ago

Exactly what occurred to me when I first saw it. I'm surprised no-one else has mentioned it tbh. Terrible design for this reason alone.


Guys, RTFA. You probably don't even have to scroll to read it on the Macrumors summary...it's on the 3rd paragraph.

"Griffin notes that the stand is compatible with all versions of the Apple Watch and provides an "easy viewing angle" when charging. The pedestal will also accommodate both a vertical and horizontal orientation"

Also confirmed on the Griffin Press release...

"WatchStand securely displays and charges Apple Watch vertically or horizontally for the perfect view."
Rating: 2 Votes
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gymnastboatman
60 months ago

Yeah, this thing is just far too large, and for no real reason.

My nightstand space is limited, and anything that goes on there gets a lot of consideration first. This thing looks like it is as big as a small lamp. That's just crazy. Plus, it practically screams "hey, look at my watch!" which is very tacky.

The Composure dock someone earlier mentioned looks great, and very reasonably priced. It also won't work with the link bracelet, because that doesn't split at the center and lay flat - it will stay a circle, albeit a larger one. Too bad. I would have preordered it right now if it weren't for that.

A good solution would be something like a curved aluminum stand that matches the iMac stand aesthetic, and allows the watch to be easily slipped onto it. It is a shame Apple didn't make one. They certainly could have, but I guess they don't typically have much success with accessories.



You mean, like THIS?? *Magical unveiling sounds*

https://www.twelvesouth.com/product/hirise-apple-watch
Rating: 2 Votes
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hlfway2anywhere
60 months ago

The real missed opportunity and baffling design choice is that once on the dock, your watch is sideways and so it can't act as a clock on your nightstand. Wtf. Just needed an arm that extended right or left slightly from the top.


Exactly what occurred to me when I first saw it. I'm surprised no-one else has mentioned it tbh. Terrible design for this reason alone.


no one else mentioned it because they read the article.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Hardtimes
60 months ago

I don't see what is inconvenient about the charging cable. Just stick it to the back and boom.


I don't know about anyone else, but I hope my watch doesn't blow up when I charge it.
Rating: 2 Votes
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