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CalMin

Contributor
Original poster
Nov 8, 2007
1,883
3,677
This is going to sound like it comes straight from the internal training manual for Apple Watch, but Apple Watch is different - very different. Unlike with most technology products, the fact that you wear this thing makes it a completely different object to an iPod, iPhone, iPad or Mac. The aesthetics of it cannot be easily judged without physically trying the thing, because it sits on your wrist.

I experienced this myself today when I went to the store for my try-on appt. I was convinced that the 42mm Sport version was for me - the Space Gray model in particular. I pre-ordered that one at 12.05am 4/24 and then ordered a 38mm stainless version for my wife.

Accordingly, my trip to store today was a simply confirmatory one and a chance to play with one of the demo watches. Well, immediately upon trying it, I knew that Space Gray was a mistake on me. For intangible reasons, it simply didn't suit me or my sense of style (sorry - no pics I literally had to take it off and try as many others as possible before my 15 mins ran out). All of a sudden - I understood why Apple created so many different versions. No matter how much you like a particular band or case style, it's only when it is on you that you can determine whether or not it looks right or not.

I liken it to trying on a piece of clothing. As much as I like certain brands or clothing styles, some things just don't fit me right or look right on me. For example, as popular and fashionable as Levi's 501 style jean is, it just does not work on my body type and I have to wear a different cut. And although Apple Watch is not quite as personal, the basic thinking still applies - you wear the watch and it has to look right.

I'm now a little bummed that I have to change my order and deal with the shipping delay, but on the flip side, I do now know that I'm buying the right one. As does my wife who wants the Milanese Loop instead of a modern buckle. And even the Aluminum version that she was sure that she did not want, looked great on her!

--

I strongly urge that if you're going to buy one of these things that you get yourself to an Apple Store asap and put one on. Perhaps you will be lucky, but you may be as surprised as I was about what looks good and what does not.
 

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AbeFrohman

macrumors 6502
Mar 18, 2011
454
12
You're singing my song. I thought I knew and could have preordered at 12:01, but wanted to see/touch/try before finally deciding. It cost me shipping delay, but I'm not going through the angst of regret or canceling orders, etc.
 

x-evil-x

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,597
3,281
hopefully i made the right choice. i own a 51-30 nixon(which is huge a very very heavy) all black and another all black watch about 46mm.
You where turned off on that all black style of the watch? Do you own any all black watches?
 

nfl46

macrumors G3
Oct 5, 2008
8,535
9,492
Apple Watch is different - you HAVE to try before you buy

Yep. I wholeheartedly agree, especially if you are investing that type of money into a smart watch. Better to see in person!
 

janderson0719

macrumors 6502
Aug 25, 2011
403
19
No need to try it on for me.

SG 42mm here. I'm using my watch for the gym and basically utility purposes. Not springing for the more "fashionable" watches the first go around.
 

DynaFXD

macrumors 6502a
Jun 15, 2010
799
368
East Coast
I strongly urge that if you're going to buy one of these things that you get yourself to an Apple Store asap and put one on. Perhaps you will be lucky, but you may be as surprised as I was about what looks good and what does not.
I hear what you are saying. However, in this case I'd reply that Apple has a robust return policy. For those that went ahead and pre-ordered site unseen it is no big deal as we can return what we don't like and then look for another model or band. Either way - pre order and return or wait to get a fitting,- you're looking at a delivery date of June for your final selection. I say take your chances on what you think you may like with a pre-order. You have nothing to lose. IMHO of course.
 

janderson0719

macrumors 6502
Aug 25, 2011
403
19
hopefully i made the right choice. i own a 51-30 nixon(which is huge a very very heavy) all black and another all black watch about 46mm.
You where turned off on that all black style of the watch? Do you own any all black watches?

I own two 51-30. Love the ultra size faces. Hopefully the 42mm Apple Watch won't feel too small for me.
 

bunnicula

macrumors 68040
Jul 23, 2008
3,816
817
I ordered what I thought would work and it's perfect. 38mm SS Milanese loop. Husband got 38mm SS w/black sport band and extra SS link band. He loves his choice, too. Our appt just confirmed it.

Only surprise for me is that I also like the sport bands. That was not what I expected.

Well, that and I don't like the modern buckle as much as I thought. I think that one would grow on me, though. And I really dislike the classic. Oh. And leather loop is way nicer in person, though it wasn't an option for 38mm.
 

x-evil-x

macrumors 603
Jul 13, 2008
5,597
3,281
I own two 51-30. Love the ultra size faces. Hopefully the 42mm Apple Watch won't feel too small for me.

yea I'm hoping that also. i have small wrists too but the 51-30 is one bad ass watch. The other 46mm looks good to me too. going to post some pics in the post your watch thread.
 

JohnApples

macrumors 68000
Mar 7, 2014
1,636
2,777
Definitely agree with you. I took a huge gamble and ordered the Space Gray 42mm right at 12:02. Went a couple days later to try it on, and thankfully, it looked MUCH better than I had thought. The size was completely different than what the pictures portrayed, and the renders are just that- renders.

I got lucky, but whenever I decide to upgrade to a new Apple Watch, be it gen2 or 3, I'm definitely trying them on before ordering.
 

Poochi

macrumors 6502a
Jul 30, 2010
887
262
Toronto
Absolutely correct... Thought SG Sport would do it since this is 1st generation.

But opinion from people who came to the store with me were... "It looks like a toy, SS ones look much better, it's like a real watch"

I ask them, what do you mean by "toy"?

She said, "have you been to Walmart? You know the kids watch section..."

Then I immediate cancel the SG Sport order and stick to the SS.


The other friend said the SG Sport looks like a fitbit and she's not paying that kind of money for a watch that looks fitness tracker.
 

mightyjabba

macrumors 68000
Sep 25, 2014
1,586
328
Tatooine
It is a bit frustrating how different the watches can look on different people or in different photos, and how different people's impressions of them are. I guess it just goes to show that Tim Cook was right about it being a very personal item. But for people like me who have to drive 3+ hours to get to an Apple Store, there's little choice but to do some research and hope you made the right choice.
 

Poochi

macrumors 6502a
Jul 30, 2010
887
262
Toronto
It is a bit frustrating how different the watches can look on different people or in different photos, and how different people's impressions of them are. I guess it just goes to show that Tim Cook was right about it being a very personal item. But for people like me who have to drive 3+ hours to get to an Apple Store, there's little choice but to do some research and hope you made the right choice.

If you have the budget, I would buy the SS with sport band and wait a bit until Applestore have bands in stock and go in and pick out the one you like the most.
 

Arran

macrumors 601
Mar 7, 2008
4,928
3,935
Atlanta, USA
Well, that and I don't like the modern buckle as much as I thought...

What don't you like about it?

Personally, I think the open buckle is an eyesore: The mating surfaces seem poorly finished for a $250 strap.

It's looks fine closed - but the mechanical design seems somewhat rushed.
 

KauaiBruce

macrumors 65816
Jul 5, 2007
1,046
100
Kauai, HI
We don't all have the option to see one and try on all of the options before we buy. It would cost me $300 in airfare just to fly to the closest place to see them. I decided you can't go wrong with SS and Classic Buckle and I got a pretty green sport band for work and the gym.

I WILL be near an Apple Store in Berlin in May and do plan to try on the SS Link there to decide whether to order one then.
 

bunnicula

macrumors 68040
Jul 23, 2008
3,816
817
What don't you like about it?

Personally, I think the open buckle is an eyesore: The mating surfaces seem poorly finished for a $250 strap.

It's looks fine closed - but the mechanical design seems somewhat rushed.

The strap is too thin. It seems a bit flimsy. I expected it to be a bit thicker. I also agree re: the open buckle. I think it's finished that way due to fine milling so the surfaces will fit perfectly when closed, but it comes out looking rough.

Also, the buckle itself seems less substantial than it looks in the online renderings, too. I expected it to have a bit more heft to it.
 

Arran

macrumors 601
Mar 7, 2008
4,928
3,935
Atlanta, USA
The strap is too thin. It seems a bit flimsy. I expected it to be a bit thicker.

Yeah I noticed that too. The free end of the strap was like a thin ribbon, and not particularly luxurious.

Overall, it wasn't the quality I'd expect from Apple at the price they're asking. It feels like its design wasn't done entirely in-house.
 
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leenak

macrumors 68020
Mar 10, 2011
2,416
52
I don't have to try before I buy because I can always return. My main purpose of the watch will be the fitness features, in which I'll want the lightest watch possible. I don't wear leather. I like the white sport band.

I do plan to be near an apple store soonish as I need to go to a different store nearby. It is mostly laziness and dislike of crowds that I haven't gone yet. (I have 2 apple stores within a 15-20 minute drive of me)
 
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