Love it. I am going to wear it and embrace the character it develops over time. I have knocked it against a few things, but not hard enough to start the “character” yet. It may take some time idk. The ocean band blows me away in how comfortable it continues to be. I have zero desire to put a different band on. I like the in your face yellow too. Maybe I look like a tool to other people, but it’s been a long time since I cared and I am not going to start now.
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Almost a week in, how do you guys like your Watch Ultra?
- Thread starter Legion103
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The Ultra scares me, as it seems to give psychological problems to their owners.
I've seen all kinds of videos on YouTube where the owners are tempted to hit it as hard as they can with a hammer and record themselves.
Were any of you affected by this issue?
I've seen all kinds of videos on YouTube where the owners are tempted to hit it as hard as they can with a hammer and record themselves.
Were any of you affected by this issue?
I've always done this with all my watches. I have a Titanium Tudor Pelagos that IMHO looks better with the patina of wear. Mind you I have given that watch a real beating and it still looks great.
Have only had mine 24 hours, can't fault it, love the size/look/weight, the screen is so much better than my S7.
I got the green alpine loop and really like it, never really liked silicone bands.
Can't wait to try it out surfing can't see the alpine band being a issue.
I didn't upgrade my 13 max as didn't see the point yet, the ultra is a real upgrade from a S7.
Same size as the catalyst case I have used, 45mm watches looked like a toy on me lol.
I got the green alpine loop and really like it, never really liked silicone bands.
Can't wait to try it out surfing can't see the alpine band being a issue.
I didn't upgrade my 13 max as didn't see the point yet, the ultra is a real upgrade from a S7.
Same size as the catalyst case I have used, 45mm watches looked like a toy on me lol.
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the clarity of the screen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After getting it, playing around with it, and then setting it up for always on display - I get 47 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES of use. During this entire time it was on my wrist and I did about 4-5 text messages and 3 phone calls less than 1 minute each. When nearly discharged to 1%, it takes time on my Belkin charger I picked up at the Apple Store.
I was hoping to get a solid 48 hours with 2% battery to spare. Battery life is important to me as I'm coming from the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Sapphire smartwatch. I was about to pull the trigger on the Garmin Epix 2, but went with the AW Ultra. I'm on the fence about the AW Ultra. It's actually $200 USD cheaper than the Epix 2.
I was hoping to get a solid 48 hours with 2% battery to spare. Battery life is important to me as I'm coming from the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Sapphire smartwatch. I was about to pull the trigger on the Garmin Epix 2, but went with the AW Ultra. I'm on the fence about the AW Ultra. It's actually $200 USD cheaper than the Epix 2.
1 week owning it and already put on it 16 miles running, 43 miles biking and 4 hours lifting workout. Not a single glitch so far. Heart rate and GPS works better than with my Apple Watch 7. Very happy with the upgrade. Can't wait for tomorrow 21 miles road bike ride and Saturday 32 miles trail biking 
I also don’t like how the alpine feels on my skin. i honestly am reusing the silicone band that came with my titanium series 5.
The screen is easy to read and very bright, the battery life is great, the functionality with two buttons is a nice change, the look is a nice change although a stainless option would have been cool, the bands honestly are just OK. The ocean band seems functionally appropriate since it will stay on and dry quickly. The other two are just ok since the alpine has no real alpine feature I can see and the trail is an old design that once full of sweat seems outdated tech. I am happily using my old Nike band and will gladly get another one when this one wears out if it does. The only thing missing is offline maps and more apps that don’t need the phone.
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I upgraded from a stainless steel Series 6. The Ultra has the same SOC as the Series 6, so this time there isn’t the huge leap in performance I had between Series 3 and 6, much less between Series 0 and Series 3.
Where the Ultra really shines over my last watch is in the screen performance and the battery life.
The Ultra is the first Apple Watch I’ve owned whose screen is perfectly visible even in direct, intense sunlight without having to shield the screen with my opposite hand. I don’t have any direct evidence, but to my eyes the Ultra’s screen seems nearly as bright in always-on mode as the Series 0 original Apple Watch was at half brightness.
The battery life is awesome. I have always been a fairly heavy user of the Apple Watches I’ve owned, and I usually got no more than 16 to 18 hours of battery life out of them before I had to recharge. The Ultra lasts me at least a day and a half. I know that’s still considered a joke in watch circles, but when you’ve spent 7 years needing to charge your watch every day, suddenly the fact that you only have to charge it every other day seems luxurious.
The aesthetics are apparently polarising. Lots of people consider it huge, ungainly, and I have even seen the word “ghastly” thrown around on this forum. Respectfully, I disagree with that opinion. I love the design of this Watch way more than its predecessors. The original Apple Watch design was good, but it was also very safe. It didn’t really take many aesthetic risks. It epitomised the Jony Ive ideology of distilling an object down to its most essential, unadorned self, a blending of form and function so complete that each informs the other in perfect balance — looking somehow elegant but plain at the same time.
The Ultra isn’t that kind of object, and doesn’t have that kind of aesthetic. It’s bolder and more in-your-face than the original design. It’s less of a fluid teardrop of aluminium and glass (or steel and sapphire) and more of an unapologetic tool, a thing for getting things done.
I love that they took a risk with this design and made it different enough from the original design to make it seem fresh and bold. Is it the perfect design? No. Some things about it lack a certain refinement, like the way the screen rises with a sharp verticality from the rounded edges of the watch itself. And I very much wish that it had come in black.
I have an alpine loop, and it’s been my favourite workout band ever thus far. It’s more comfortable than the original silicone sport band, and far more secure-feeling than the cloth sport loop. It’s difficult to get the band on and off, but that’s kind of the point. The olive drab colour with the titanium hook reminds me of safety restraints in a military vehicle. I wouldn’t choose to wear this band for any activity or occasion other than exercising, but for exercising itself, it’s an excellent choice.
I am thrilled the Ultra is compatible with the several bands I already owned. It looks surprisingly good with the original black sport band. Both that band and the Space Black link bracelet give the Ultra an unmistakable dive watch character.
I also really like the way it looks with my Juuk Vitero band:
I’m probably not going to run a marathon, trek the Sahara, climb the Alps, or do any deep sea diving with this watch. But it has done the same thing my first Apple Watch did: it’s prompted me to move more, to exercise with greater focus, intent, and intensity. It’s an ever-present reminder that whatever I’m doing at the moment, I could be doing something more, whether that’s a walk to the beach, a HIIT session on the elliptical, or a visit to my weight bench downstairs.
This watch was ridiculously expensive. It’s more watch than I will likely ever have a use for. It’s ostentatious to many, ugly to some, huge to others, all three to a few.
I love it.
Where the Ultra really shines over my last watch is in the screen performance and the battery life.
The Ultra is the first Apple Watch I’ve owned whose screen is perfectly visible even in direct, intense sunlight without having to shield the screen with my opposite hand. I don’t have any direct evidence, but to my eyes the Ultra’s screen seems nearly as bright in always-on mode as the Series 0 original Apple Watch was at half brightness.
The battery life is awesome. I have always been a fairly heavy user of the Apple Watches I’ve owned, and I usually got no more than 16 to 18 hours of battery life out of them before I had to recharge. The Ultra lasts me at least a day and a half. I know that’s still considered a joke in watch circles, but when you’ve spent 7 years needing to charge your watch every day, suddenly the fact that you only have to charge it every other day seems luxurious.
The aesthetics are apparently polarising. Lots of people consider it huge, ungainly, and I have even seen the word “ghastly” thrown around on this forum. Respectfully, I disagree with that opinion. I love the design of this Watch way more than its predecessors. The original Apple Watch design was good, but it was also very safe. It didn’t really take many aesthetic risks. It epitomised the Jony Ive ideology of distilling an object down to its most essential, unadorned self, a blending of form and function so complete that each informs the other in perfect balance — looking somehow elegant but plain at the same time.
The Ultra isn’t that kind of object, and doesn’t have that kind of aesthetic. It’s bolder and more in-your-face than the original design. It’s less of a fluid teardrop of aluminium and glass (or steel and sapphire) and more of an unapologetic tool, a thing for getting things done.
I love that they took a risk with this design and made it different enough from the original design to make it seem fresh and bold. Is it the perfect design? No. Some things about it lack a certain refinement, like the way the screen rises with a sharp verticality from the rounded edges of the watch itself. And I very much wish that it had come in black.
I have an alpine loop, and it’s been my favourite workout band ever thus far. It’s more comfortable than the original silicone sport band, and far more secure-feeling than the cloth sport loop. It’s difficult to get the band on and off, but that’s kind of the point. The olive drab colour with the titanium hook reminds me of safety restraints in a military vehicle. I wouldn’t choose to wear this band for any activity or occasion other than exercising, but for exercising itself, it’s an excellent choice.
I am thrilled the Ultra is compatible with the several bands I already owned. It looks surprisingly good with the original black sport band. Both that band and the Space Black link bracelet give the Ultra an unmistakable dive watch character.
I also really like the way it looks with my Juuk Vitero band:
I’m probably not going to run a marathon, trek the Sahara, climb the Alps, or do any deep sea diving with this watch. But it has done the same thing my first Apple Watch did: it’s prompted me to move more, to exercise with greater focus, intent, and intensity. It’s an ever-present reminder that whatever I’m doing at the moment, I could be doing something more, whether that’s a walk to the beach, a HIIT session on the elliptical, or a visit to my weight bench downstairs.
This watch was ridiculously expensive. It’s more watch than I will likely ever have a use for. It’s ostentatious to many, ugly to some, huge to others, all three to a few.
I love it.
Absolutely love it. I've got the S4 and S6 in SS which i'll probably keep because there's not much resale value (not compared to what i paid or them anyway!).
I love the flat screen, the bulky look feel with my SS Link bracelet and the brightness.
I love the flat screen, the bulky look feel with my SS Link bracelet and the brightness.
I’m really glad you posted those images. I had contended to some who seemed really put off by the size that many actually put a case on their other Apple Watches, and there are many to choose from, and essentially making those watches as big or bigger than the Ultra. If they can be happy with those the Ultra shouldn’t pose any issues as far as size for most.
Garmin is crappy as a smart watch, but if you don’t really use AW’s smartwatch functions and integrations with the iPhone, maybe Garmin is still the best choice for you.
I'm coming from a series 3. I'm about 50/50 on whether I'm going to return it and swap it out for an 8.
Positives:
Positives:
- I really really like the flat screen. The previous Apple watches look so dated in comparison. This is probably the biggest reason why I might keep it
- I like the Wayfinder face that is exclusive to this watch
- Ti color and finish looks great
- Action button in theory is a big plus
- Width and height work for my wrist
- Very thick. I think I'd trade some battery life for a thinner watch. Unlike many, I don't have an issue with the current apple watch battery life (at least my series 3 without AOD) and don't mind leaving it on a charger at the end of the day
- Heavy. Everyone says it seems lighter than expected, but it feels pretty heavy to me and I really have to get the wrist strap tight to keep it from moving around during a workout. Again, I think I would trade some battery life for a lighter watch.
- AOD is not as compelling as I hoped. I really like the Wayfinder face, but my preferred color combo changes the inner circle to white every time I raise my wrist. I wish it would just stay black all the time so it felt more like an analog watch with a consistent face.
- Alpine loop is not very comfortable for a full day of use. I don't have a problem getting it on and off, but compared to my old Nike band, it really digs into my skin after a few hours. I'm considering returning and waiting for the trail loop configuration hoping it might be more comfortable.
- Action button isn't that useful right now. I want to be able to launch an app like Strava or Workoutdoors. Hopefully a software update will fix this.
Looks amazing! No need to switch bands at all. They definitely nailed it with the Ocean Bands. I'll be picking up the yellow & white ones myself to complete the set.
The comments on the Ocean band are very helpful, thanks all.
Another concern I have is that although the G-hook on the Alpine band is pretty well finished - it doesn't have sharp edges - I think that hook is going to wear the little loops that it slides into fairly quickly.
Very nice review/impressions piece.
Very happy with it. Have had each series prior.
I got it with the Alpine Loop - Green. Originally wanted Trail Loop but decided not to wait. No problem with the Alpine Loop. Very comfortable, but I was concerned about the fabric absorbing water and sweat, so I decided to get the Ocean Band - Yellow. Surprised how comfortable it is, so it may be the band I use most of the time.
I got it with the Alpine Loop - Green. Originally wanted Trail Loop but decided not to wait. No problem with the Alpine Loop. Very comfortable, but I was concerned about the fabric absorbing water and sweat, so I decided to get the Ocean Band - Yellow. Surprised how comfortable it is, so it may be the band I use most of the time.
I’ve owned every Apple Watch and am currently using a Hermes Series 7. I used the Ultra for about 5 full days before I made my decision. The first day or two is always exciting, so I wanted to make sure I gave it enough time. My typical weekly activity use is 5 gym workouts, 3 outdoor 5-10K runs. Occasionally I’ll hike and do a Ragnar type event.
Positives:
After taking everything into consideration I made the decision to return the Ultra. It has promise, but failed to deliver (for me) in its current iteration. Good luck to all the owners out there. Excited to hear more about your thoughts on this exciting watch.
Positives:
- Brightness
- Action button
- Flat screen - don’t love the large reflective bezels though
- Braided charging cable
- Cheap price - $799 USD
- Durability for my use case
- Appears worse than SS - I’m more likely to hit a door or slip while running. My SS models have never had a deep scratch or ding to the to body; in 3 days I had a slight ding and honestly not sure how it happened
- GPS bands discolor very easily - looks terrible
- 49mm case - wish the screen was bigger compared to increase in case size
- Screen - Not as clear as the Series 7
- Thickness - sits too high on my wrist
- Bands are disappointing, but 45mm bands work thankfully and many look really good!
After taking everything into consideration I made the decision to return the Ultra. It has promise, but failed to deliver (for me) in its current iteration. Good luck to all the owners out there. Excited to hear more about your thoughts on this exciting watch.
Absolutely love mine, and my husband loves his too. I found the Ocean band way more comfortable than I expected, I really love it. But for workdays, I threw a Solo Loop on it, as I don't like metal things dragging against my desk while I type. That works great as well. My hubs wears his with the Alpine band, and finds that very comfortable as well.
The battery life I was getting the AW7 was 26 hours and just short of 48 hours on the Ultra. I disagree about the screen clarity. The Ultra is better than the AW7 - of course I understand that’s all subjective. Sleep tracking and body battery is what I miss from my Garmin. IMHO, the Garmin Connect app is better than Apple’s Health app for pertinent information.