...a heavier leather strap similar to what is seen on Panerai watches.
But this all hinges on another company reverse engineering the strap mechanism and producing a universal strap adaptor in aluminum, stainless steel, and/or gold.
Apple would most definitely be involved. I also think we wouldn't see something like this until the end of the year when standalone apps are allowed to be developed. However I think it could be a good compromise if there was a way to integrate it.