Apple Watches

[cobra kid]

In an attempt to get myself a bit more up to date, and with a lot more overseas travel with work, I was thinking of getting an Apple watch to link up to my 4 year old iPhone 13. I've no experience at all with these, so was wondering just how much difference there is between them, over the years. Is it the same as with the phones?

[phil4]

More or less, yes. Better screens, always on display, longer battery, more sensors etc.

I tend to use mine until either they're no longer supported, or battery doesn't last the day, so I'm only on my second since my first gen.

Unless you're flushed with cash or your wrist jewellery is crucial, don't spend a load of money on fancy case, screen, strap materials... it's not like a normal watch where it'll last "forever", the battery will die, and that investment is gone (strap -may- fit... may not, but case and screen material defo gone).

They're very much health centric, so if you're not really into exercise, you probably won't need an Ultra, and either the SE or normal will do depending on your likely usage.

Depending on when you go to buy one, this might help find what'll work with your phone:
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/118490

[SteBrown91]

I would stick to the SE2/SE3 watches - I wouldn't waste money going for the higher spec really.

I picked up an SE2 while still current for about 80 quid on ebay (I just had a saved search for apple watch and kept bidding on stuff ending soon that was a good price) and it has 90+% battery health.

If buying new go for the new SE3 which is about £220 quid.

[cobra kid]

Someone local has an SE1 44mm with the display still saying 100% battery. For £70. Interesting…..

[Somebody]

I would go for the more recent releases (series 9 onwards) which screen for possible hypertension; but it does not give an actual BP reading like 120/80.

[Crumpet]

I’d say the Cellular version is essential as it gives you the opportunity to leave the phone (and it’s temptations) behind while still being fully connected if needed - especially if using it for exercise and if you’ve got Apple Music and some headphones.

I no longer use my Series 5 because it doesn’t have cellular and the new Air Pods can do heart rate while exercising. It’s effectively redundant and of little use. Depending on what you wear - especially if it’s a suit - as a simple watch they look st. So that’s also a factor.

[Alorotom]

Crumpet said:

Depending on what you wear - especially if it s a suit - as a simple watch they look st. So that s also a factor.

That’s an extremely subjective statement and one I would say is wildly inaccurate. They can be easily styled up or down with a very easy 5 second strap swap.

Also, I work in healthcare and the Apple Watch is by far the most common wrist adornment throughout the organisation I work with currently from operations through to the exec / board.

[Crumpet]

Alorotom said:

Crumpet said:

Depending on what you wear - especially if it s a suit - as a simple watch they look st. So that s also a factor.

That s an extremely subjective statement and one I would say is wildly inaccurate. They can be easily styled up or down with a very easy 5 second strap swap.

Also, I work in healthcare and the Apple Watch is by far the most common wrist adornment throughout the organisation I work with currently from operations through to the exec / board.

Well style is always subjective, but even with a quality leather strap they still look at odds with a traditional suit and tie (or uniform for me) - that’s not a particularly controversial viewpoint. Modern smart business casual with a shirt and chinos, sure, they look absolutely fine.

They’re also probably the most used watch in my line of work as well (aviation) because they’re a really great tool for the job.

[CooperS]

I’m still rocking a series 7 titanium model.

Put a new battery in and beyond a slightly larger screen and missing two new measures i can’t see what I’m missing from the latest range.

That said in two years I’ll go to the latest ultra as a battery life that can do a true 24 hours would be nice.

For me I use the watch without my phone a more than thought I might (dog walking / running) to play music and be contactable.

[NDA]

Crumpet said:

Depending on what you wear - especially if it s a suit - as a simple watch they look st. So that s also a factor.

I wear one when in London rather than my Breguet or other decent watches.

The Apple Watch is so ubiquitous these days that they go with anything - I don't think anyone cares either.

[HotJambalaya]

I bought one because I was having issues sleeping for a while and wanted at least a rough estimate of what was happening. I kept it until it was basically needing charging twice a day.

I got the ultra 3 because I have a pretty good idea that I have sleep apnea and wanted to see if it would detect that since it's supposed to have a detector. It hasn't said anything in particular about that, but has popped up saying potential hypertension. So it's lovely having a constant reminder that im getting old and falling apart. the battery on it is phenomenal, lasts a good 3 days.

I dont really obsess about closing the various rings on it, or even know how accurate they are. I can be sitting down and it will suddenly bing saying that I've closed the standing ring today etc, but overall, I'm pretty pleased I have it.

[RotorRambler]

I’ll be getting the standard 46mm soon, going to book a slot to get the battery replaced on my 14 pro, so will pick up from store at the same time.
I was going to get the new loop strap, only seems to be available on the apple sold ones, not via Amazon etc.
My existing one seems to be about 5 years old, did ok.
I won’t buy a special one, as a disposable item really, well a 5 year lifespan realistically!

[donkmeister]

Alorotom said:

Crumpet said:

Depending on what you wear - especially if it s a suit - as a simple watch they look st. So that s also a factor.

That s an extremely subjective statement and one I would say is wildly inaccurate. They can be easily styled up or down with a very easy 5 second strap swap.

Also, I work in healthcare and the Apple Watch is by far the most common wrist adornment throughout the organisation I work with currently from operations through to the exec / board.

It's a sartorial non-issue; I think they look fine.

The only criticism I have of wearing any smart watch with a suit is that I find shirt cuffs and smart watches don't play nicely together for me.

However, I have large hands and wrists, my shirts are off the rack and I wear double cuffs with links. If my shirts were bespoke I'm sure they could allow a touch more room in the cuff for a watch.