Apple Watch Psychology

[JayLenochiniMac]

Yes(ish).

http://www.apple.com/s/aR4U1u6k4h

The hardware on the sport bands are all stainless steel. So if you wanted an silver toned Sport with a black band you'd just order the same black sport band that someone would if they had the Apple Watch version. In case there's any confusion, note that the blue, pink and green versions of the sport band also have a stainless steel pin.

I know that this is the answer to one very minor point in a very long post, but you asked the question.

Also, if you're getting the Space Black SS and want the black sport band to go with it, get the Space Gray sport band from the Sport collection as it has the stainless steel pin in Space Gray and is a better match for Space Black than the standard SS pin.

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As for me, I'm getting the link bracelet but not in Space Black because it won't go well with my platinum and 18K gold wedding band. I figured it's a good all around choice. Not too formal to be worn with casual clothes and formal enough to be worn with dress clothes. I'm also unlikely to change bands as I'm lazy.

 

[nebo1ss]

My head hurts after reading half of the original post.

 

[davidjearly]

Easiest question I'll answer today.

Sport in Space Gray.

Because I like it.

 

[nathanjbrown]

I enjoyed reading this thread. Great original post and subsequent replies (I'm in product marketing and contemplate such things regularly).

For me: Black SS + Black Sport Band w/ Space Gray pin. I keep telling myself to make the responsible choice (Sport Watch), but I simply prefer the look (and - I imagine - weight) of the Black SS.

It is a bit discouraging to know that I'll probaby throw the thing up on eBay a year from now when gen 2 is announced, but what the hell.

Related:
I recently purchased a new car for the first time in my life (I'm 37). Every previous car in my garage had been purchased used (and I went for four years without a car of any kind). So when I purchased the new car, I decided to buy exactly what I wanted: a fully loaded sport SUV in black with black leather interior, blacked out trim and gunmetal wheels. As I sat in the dealership with pen in hand, I stopped to contemplate why I really wanted this particular vehicle. Was it a status symbol? Was I overly concerned with what other people think? I was basically second guessing my own motivations for spending "more money than I should." I quickly decided: No. It's a bad ass, mean lookin sports SUV that causes MY head to turn every time I see it. I now get home from work at night, park it in the garage, lock the doors, and when I've walked about 20 feet from the car, I turn around to check it out one more time. And I love it. It's my taste.

And If the Black SS Apple Watch on my wrist fails to turn MY head, I'll return it and pick up the "more responsible" Sport.

 

[profmjh]

I recently purchased a new car for the first time in my life (I'm 37). Every previous car in my garage had been purchased used (and I went for four years without a car of any kind). So when I purchased the new car, I decided to buy exactly what I wanted: a fully loaded sport SUV in black with black leather interior, blacked out trim and gunmetal wheels. As I sat in the dealership with pen in hand, I stopped to contemplate why I really wanted this particular vehicle. Was it a status symbol? Was I overly concerned with what other people think? I was basically second guessing my own motivations for spending "more money than I should." I quickly decided: No. It's a bad ass, mean lookin sports SUV that causes MY head to turn every time I see it. I now get home from work at night, park it in the garage, lock the doors, and when I've walked about 20 feet from the car, I turn around to check it out one more time. And I love it. It's my taste.

I totally get this. I do care what other people think -- who doesn't? -- but I also care what I think. I really love my car. Literally every single time I sit in it I think how lucky I am to have such a beautiful thing that works so well. That's my expectation of the Apple Watch.

Which makes me realise -- I do have different expectations of the Apple Watch from other Apple products. I use my iPhone 6+ and my MacBook all the time, every day. I admire the design and functionality. But I don't love them like I love my car. Yet I do expect to love the Apple Watch. It does feel like it's in a different class of object. Years ago I bought a Tag Heuer -- every time I put it on I got a little rush of pleasure from touching something so beautiful. The same when I had my Montblanc pens. A Montblanc pen is more than a pen. I expect the Apple Watch to be more than a watch. Apple is certainly marketing it that way.

(Incidentally, I sold my Montblanc pens because I needed the money. You couldn't do that with a cheap pen. I didn't replace them because I found something better. Not as beautiful, but more practical and useful. So there's a moral there somewhere, too.)

 

[jaymc]

Am getting the SS Watch with the link band cause I like how it looks. Also have a SS Rolex GMT Master II with SS link band ... guess I just like that style.

 

[zacheryjensen]

One of...

1. Stainless Steel with Black Leather Loop (plus sport band for wet times)
2. Stainless Steel with Link Band
3. Space Black Stainless Steel with Space Black Link Band

But, I haven't made that final decision yet. My reasoning has been rather circuitous and definitely involves appearance as much as utility. I started with nothing but my personal watch fashion preferences. I always wear a watch and the appearance does matter to me on a personal level, like a little badge representing my tastes to a certain degree.

I've come to prefer link bands over the years and was pretty much set on that choice when I first saw the watch. Later I learned of the space black version but the photos made it look more like a light gray which seemed weird to me. More recent photos make it look much darker so I switched. I've been wearing a full blackout SS watch/band for the last year or so and it's nice looking, if hard to read the time sometimes.

However, it occurred to me that often when I'm typing on my MacBook Pro w/Retina, my watch rubs on the base and the metal on metal rubbing bugs me. So I started considering other bands. Ultimately, the only other band that addresses this concern completely is the leather loop. I don't like to wear rubber bands more than necessary. Of course, that forced me to consider the 42mm vs. 38mm conundrum as someone who prefers smaller watches. Ultimately I was able to arrive at the conclusion that either way is okay, but, that also led me through a whole new round of considering other band options.

But then I went back and realized maybe I don't care so much about the metal rubbing problem and there was another issue I cared about more: showering with the watch on. Yes, I would shower with the watch. I'm not scared of the water ruining it. I am, however, quite aware that the leather is not going to put up with that. So back to water proof bands. Still don't want the rubber. So that only leaves 3 options. Milanese, which my wife basically ruled out rather vehemently (lol,) SS and Black SS link bands.

So there we have the 3 remaining choices I have to pick from. Do I care more about convenience in showering (I'd really like to have a super convenient way to take notes/reminders based on "shower thoughts") or the softness of the leather against the laptop? Not sure yet. If I decide on SS, I still have to pick a color and decide on a size. So I guess it's really 5 choices.

In the end, the appearance aspect comes into play in minor ways, and if I decide on stainless, it will make my final decision. One thing that has not come into play is the perceived value. I don't care how expensive my watch seems. I actually have my doubts that, short of a very obviously expensive piece to a small set of people, anyone would even realize how expensive that black SS has to be. But, I do believe the look of the watch itself may convey meaning to some.

Comfort is also a pretty big concern, but, I am perfectly happy in link bracelets. I'm not 100% how I'll like the leather loop, though. Maybe it will feel bad. I've never worn a leather watch band, just plastic/rubber and metal.

Oh, and the Edition models... I'm not fond of Gold jewelry. It's the color, mainly, but, also the pretentiousness of it. Yellow gold seems almost solely worn to advertise wealth, outside of perhaps a wedding ring. For the Edition to even be an option, I would have to do more than disregard the high price, I'd have to be willing to make a much stronger social statement than any other version of Apple Watch makes.

 

[bunnicula]

Also, if you're getting the Space Black SS and want the black sport band to go with it, get the Space Gray sport band from the Sport collection as it has the stainless steel pin in Space Gray and is a better match for Space Black than the standard SS pin.

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As for me, I'm getting the link bracelet but not in Space Black because it won't go well with my platinum and 18K gold wedding band. I figured it's a good all around choice. Not too formal to be worn with casual clothes and formal enough to be worn with dress clothes. I'm also unlikely to change bands as I'm lazy.

Jay,

I considered how well my watch would coordinate with my platinum wedding bands and engagement ring. That's how I settled on the regular SS model. The modern buckle keeps the watch from looking as potentially masculine as the Classic buckle...and the Milanese matches the SS Watch and most of my jewelry. It is an important consideration for an everyday wearable.

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My head hurts after reading half of the original post.

You had only to skim it. I broke it up with skimming in mind.

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I enjoyed reading this thread. Great original post and subsequent replies (I'm in product marketing and contemplate such things regularly).

For me: Black SS + Black Sport Band w/ Space Gray pin. I keep telling myself to make the responsible choice (Sport Watch), but I simply prefer the look (and - I imagine - weight) of the Black SS.

It is a bit discouraging to know that I'll probaby throw the thing up on eBay a year from now when gen 2 is announced, but what the hell.

Related:
I recently purchased a new car for the first time in my life (I'm 37). Every previous car in my garage had been purchased used (and I went for four years without a car of any kind). So when I purchased the new car, I decided to buy exactly what I wanted: a fully loaded sport SUV in black with black leather interior, blacked out trim and gunmetal wheels. As I sat in the dealership with pen in hand, I stopped to contemplate why I really wanted this particular vehicle. Was it a status symbol? Was I overly concerned with what other people think? I was basically second guessing my own motivations for spending "more money than I should." I quickly decided: No. It's a bad ass, mean lookin sports SUV that causes MY head to turn every time I see it. I now get home from work at night, park it in the garage, lock the doors, and when I've walked about 20 feet from the car, I turn around to check it out one more time. And I love it. It's my taste.

And If the Black SS Apple Watch on my wrist fails to turn MY head, I'll return it and pick up the "more responsible" Sport.

Absolutely! This is why I bought my Volt in Summit White. The contrast with the black trim and black leather interior turned MY head. Sold!

You'll always have that Space Black Link bracelet to help boost resale value, so there's that.

Btw? I'm glad that other people sit and contemplate the mind and motivations of the buyer. It's fascinating stuff.

 

[bunnicula]

I totally get this. I do care what other people think -- who doesn't? -- but I also care what I think. I really love my car. Literally every single time I sit in it I think how lucky I am to have such a beautiful thing that works so well. That's my expectation of the Apple Watch.

Which makes me realise -- I do have different expectations of the Apple Watch from other Apple products. I use my iPhone 6+ and my MacBook all the time, every day. I admire the design and functionality. But I don't love them like I love my car. Yet I do expect to love the Apple Watch. It does feel like it's in a different class of object. Years ago I bought a Tag Heuer -- every time I put it on I got a little rush of pleasure from touching something so beautiful. The same when I had my Montblanc pens. A Montblanc pen is more than a pen. I expect the Apple Watch to be more than a watch. Apple is certainly marketing it that way.

(Incidentally, I sold my Montblanc pens because I needed the money. You couldn't do that with a cheap pen. I didn't replace them because I found something better. Not as beautiful, but more practical and useful. So there's a moral there somewhere, too.)

I think most people don't want other people to generally look at them and their choices as "questionable." Which is why I think Aztek owners must be brave or something because those are seriously ugly vehicles.

It really is fun to buy a high-end item, open it, and marvel at the craftsmanship. I've never owned a Mont Blanc pen (I'm not into pens), but I know a collector who loves them.

The packaging is almost as exciting as the product.

 

[KauaiBruce]

I love gadgets. I chose the SS with Link because I love SS watches. I had a newton so that proves I try everything.

I DO expect a lot of people to notice it but that is not a main reason for me. I currently get a lot of people asking if my Pebble is the Apple Watch. I expect a lot more of that with a screen that lights up.

I also get a lot asking if my phone is the 6+ but that is not because they are impressed. We have no apple store without a plane ride so many want to see one who are considering one.

I WILL use my watch at work to get attention because much of my concierge business revolves around getting people to talk to me. Anything that stops them is a good thing. I will have a bright bold display when I work and do a quick glance just to make it light up and get people to stop and talk. THEN I will sell them something.

 

[TallManNY]

I just noticed something peculiar about that photograph:

View attachment 537274

Whereas on the Apple website:

View attachment 537273

Is it possible it's the wrong size (42mm band on a 38mm?)

Or just really imprecise pre-production parts?

They would stick out a lot farther if it was from the wrong size band. Also I'm pretty sure that the different band sizes won't even fit.

This could easily just be a production issue. Remember these watches must have been made weeks before the actual April 24 launch. They are definitely part of the "first" batch.

That said, there might be variation in preciseness so that watches aren't all identical. Apple will probably try to insist on its high standards, but with all the moving parts and the different bands it might not be possible. I doubt Apple did severely misleading photoshopping in their website photos. That isn't their style.

 

[SpyderBite]

It's much more polite/professional to glance at your watch during a meeting or dinner than to pull out your phone and scroll through recent calls and texts.

 

[MisterMe]

...

That said, there might be variation in preciseness so that watches aren't all identical. Apple will probably try to insist on its high standards, but with all the moving parts and the different bands it might not be possible. I doubt Apple did severely misleading photoshopping in their website photos. That isn't their style.

You do understand that the issue of interchangeable parts was solved near two centuries ago, don't you?

 

[TallManNY]

You do understand that the issue of interchangeable parts was solved near two centuries ago, don't you?

I also am aware that you can give a design to a manufacturer and you will get back something that isn't precisely what you designed. Not to mention that some runs will fluctuate and differ from the result of other runs, even if it comes from the same manufacturing facility.

 

[zacheryjensen]

I just noticed something peculiar about that photograph:

View attachment 537274

Whereas on the Apple website:

View attachment 537273

Is it possible it's the wrong size (42mm band on a 38mm?)

Or just really imprecise pre-production parts?

This top photo is from a blog post from last September. Either the blogger put the wrong band in or it's an early prototype snafu. Either way, it's irrelevant since it's from WAY before normal production.

 

[Elzbeth]

I'll be getting the Aluminium with either pink or white sport band then hope to purchase a third party leather band or two.

I can't afford much and just want to be able to enter the market, I plan to invest more on the next version in a couple of years after I am sure it is something I will use and love.

 

[kdarling]

They would stick out a lot farther if it was from the wrong size band. Also I'm pretty sure that the different band sizes won't even fit.

Actually I'm now convinced that it's simply an accidental picture of a 42mm band in a 38mm case.

This because, even though the 38mm case is a lot shorter in height, it's only 1/10th of a inch less wide.

Thus the larger band would only stick out 1/20th inch on each side, which is about what we see in the picture.



Since both band sizes connect using a center spring-loaded section, it makes sense that one could accidentally be used in place of another.

 

[MisterMe]

I also am aware that you can give a design to a manufacturer and you will get back something that isn't precisely what you designed. Not to mention that some runs will fluctuate and differ from the result of other runs, even if it comes from the same manufacturing facility.

So you have no idea what Tim Cook did at Apple before he was promoted to CEO?

 

[TallManNY]

So you have no idea what Tim Cook did at Apple before he was promoted to CEO?

I'm well aware of that. And the picture in question has been identified to be from last year, which is very early on in the production phase. But I am sure that the specs and design even in the summer of last year did not include the band being slightly not flush with the case.

This is a situation where the manufacturing does not perfectly follow the design. It happens all the time. You can yell louder when you've order 20 billion of an item. But it is the same complain as when you oder ten thousand dollars worth of some stuff.

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Actually I'm now convinced that it's simply an accidental picture of a 42mm band in a 38mm case.

This because, even though the 38mm case is a lot shorter in height, it's only 1/10th of a inch less wide.

Thus the larger band would only stick out 1/20th inch on each side, which is about what we see in the picture.

View attachment 537550

Since both band sizes connect using a center spring-loaded section, it makes sense that one could accidentally be used in place of another.

No way. The difference between case size is more than 1/20th of an inch on each side. Or at least I assume it is. It would be nice if the cases fit together due to the center pin that you point out. But I doubt the difference is that subtle. I think this was just a picture from sometime in the late fall and this particular manufacturing wasn't quite done. And who can blame them? If they didn't quite get it right in October 2014, who cares if the product isn't going on sale until April 2015? And if they make 1,000 pretty good bands in 2014, but get 10,000,000 perfect bands in 2015 that seems good enough to me.

 

[Squid7085]

I think very few people in the "general public" will notice the difference between any of the watches and equate that to any price point. For the first few years just having an "Apple Watch" will be a factor in people noticing it, be it the Sport or the Edition.

So many people on here think that the other 99.9% of the world is going to look at you wearing the Space Grey with the sport bracelet instead of the Space Grey SS with the link bracelet and think "Ha, what a cheapskate." No they, if they even notice it will think "Huh cool, an Apple Watch, and move along with their day."

 

[MisterMe]

I'm well aware of that. And the picture in question has been identified to be from last year, which is very early on in the production phase. But I am sure that the specs and design even in the summer of last year did not include the band being slightly not flush with the case.

This is a situation where the manufacturing does not perfectly follow the design. ...

Keep telling yourself that. You have only until April 24 before reality sets in. Enjoy it while it lasts.

 

[rhyme]

Personally, I expect people will be more likely to roll their eyes and see me as another fangirl when they see me wearing the watch than to think it's cool or worry about which version it is or how much it cost . But oh well; I want it anyway and expect to enjoy using it.

 

[MacOG728893]

Just the kind of thread I was looking for.

The watch was first announced, I thought it was a cool device, but didn't have much interest in it. Now, as were getting closer to taking preorders, I'm almost convinced that I want to buy one. I think it'd be really cool to use Todoist and the native calendar app to help me stay on top of my tasks or events.

After looking at all available options, I settled on the silver or space gray SS watch. After making this decision, I asked, if I only needed the watch to use my to do list and calendar, why wouldn't I just opt for the cheapest one available?

After asking myself this question, I then realized that a major reason for purchasing this is a fashion statement. I don't generally wear watches, but I think this would be cool to have. I'm not usually one to jump on the latest fashion or care too much for being on the most current trend, but for some reason, I think this would be an awesome fashion accessory and a useful tech gadget. It doesn't make a lot of sense, but hey, it's my life.

Maybe my reasoning for purchasing one is that I do care about what people think of me and this watch is a something that would turn heads. I don't really see a problem with that and I'm in the financial position to purchase one.

Just my thoughts.

 

[Elzbeth]

Personally, I expect people will be more likely to roll their eyes and see me as another fangirl when they see me wearing the watch than to think it's cool or worry about which version it is or how much it cost . But oh well; I want it anyway and expect to enjoy using it.

Agree!

 

[Chupa Chupa]

With the Sport series, though they are the same price, going for the Space Gray guarantees you that you'll get to have a black band (if white and bright colors aren't your thing) AND that you'll likely have people seeing that watch at a glance and not realizing it's the Sport and thinking you've got the Space Black Watch. There's also going to be a group of people who really want the regular aluminum watch that will have to pay for an extra band to get the black... and does it even come with regular aluminum hardware in black?

The black Al watch comes with the black band only because the consumer that wants a black case (likely a male) wants something subdued. The regular Al case is a bit more conspicuous. Someone who wears it wants, or doesn't mind, to be noticed for what they are wearing; is likely more into fashion; wants colorful choices; probably isn't looking for something as mundane as a black band.

Apple could offer the black case with all the color band options but that's more SKUs, and higher cost. Apple likely did market research and decided the % of customers interested in a black case and also a colored band was so low that the cost efficient route was to have just one SKU for that color.