Apple Watch Ultra Available for Pickup Today Without Pre-Order

[rjjacobson]

Honestly I love the fact you’re 72 and still loving this technology. I think it’s awesome and respect that

Thanks. Yeah I am a die hard apple tech user for long time. Just do not like android or windows even though had windows machine at my job working for Illinois Geological Survey I also brought in my macbook to have handy LOL. One of the things that I think can keep an older persons mind going is having a technology hobby like this. I enjoy playing and getting the latest as I can afford it. You can see what I have in my signature below ;-). I knew a lady years ago when I was in my 40’s who was nearly 80 and she did technology and the old bulletin boards to keep her mind keen. I think that it works and as my dad also told me when you retire make sure you have hobbies or you will end up dying early LOL. I love craft beer, brewing beer with son in law when he has time, Kansas City Style BBQ, collecting fossil trilobites (narrowed my collection down to trilobites now at 840 plus), my Canon EOS 7D Mark II And Canon EF 100-400 mm f4.5-5.6 IS II USM telephoto I use for bird, nature, insect and butterfly photos, and last but not least Apple technology’s keeps me happy and enjoying life. So I think I followed my dads advice well LOL

 

[rjjacobson]

Bought one at 7am in the app and biked to pick it up at 9:30. Awesome weather, store wasn’t crowded, and I love the build and finish in person much more than I was expecting to. For grins, I put on my “vintage” Apple Saddle Leather band while I get used to it. Makes it look like a dad watch.

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Looks awesome to me, now if I can find a spare $800 sitting around… LOL

 

[Bacasable]

I was especially at Zurich to buy one without detax as a french Guy, and the aple store didn’t want to sell it without réservation. i did my BEST to convince him, but without results.

so now i guess i have to wait till november to get one at Paris ?

 

[OneMike]

Figured this would be the case. Waited until 8am this morning snd ordered the configuration i wanted. Will arrive any minute.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Looks awesome to me, now if I can find a spare $800 sitting around… LOL

Thanks. Yeah, paying $800 (plus local tax) for something that won’t last forever gets more difficult as one gets older, especially since my SS Series 4 was still a good watch. But at least my had-to have-it-back-then $450 link bracelet looks good to me on the Ultra because of the brushed steel.

 

[JM]

Bought one at 7am in the app and biked to pick it up at 9:30. Awesome weather, store wasn’t crowded, and I love the build and finish in person much more than I was expecting to. For grins, I put on my “vintage” Apple Saddle Leather band while I get used to it. Makes it look like a dad watch.

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Most attractive photo of the Watch I’ve seen yet. Nice!! That brown band really accentuates the rugged yet attractive nature of the Watch design.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Most attractive photo of the Watch I’ve seen yet. Nice!! That brown band really accentuates the rugged yet attractive nature of the Watch design.

Yeah, my heart skipped a beat when I saw how good leather looks on this watch case. This watch is going to sell lot of rugged leather bands.

 

[JM]

Yeah, my heart skipped a beat when I saw how good leather looks on this watch case. This watch is going to sell lot of rugged leather bands.

The “father’s Watch” comment really nailed it. I wasn’t attracted by the design until reading that.

 

[bbeagle]

Thanks. Yeah, paying $800 (plus local tax) for something that won’t last forever gets more difficult as one gets older, especially since my SS Series 4 was still a good watch. But at least my had-to have-it-back-then $450 link bracelet looks good to me on the Ultra because of the brushed steel.
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This is the second picture on here today of someone wearing their watch reversed. I find the dial impossible to use if it's on the left side.

 

[jbachandouris]

As you may remember, the SS AW 45 is $799 this one is $50 cheaper.

That being said, I have a pickup appointment at 12:15. I will try it out and see if it's 'for me.' I used to wear G-shock so it might be ok....

Great. Just picked it up and now I have to go back. Band defective. Piece that causes it to lock in fell off. Ugh.

 

[elimporta2]

With the same money:
I just got a series 7 45mm New + Airpods pro 2 and I still have $300 cash to get a Garmin for long runs.

 

[CharlesShaw]

This is the second picture on here today of someone wearing their watch reversed. I find the dial impossible to use if it's on the left side.

I had to reverse it years ago because I kept getting unwanted side button activations when cycling or doing pushups, etc. Luckily, the new Action button (have it set for flashlight) ends up in a “safe” spot away from my tendons when worn in reverse mode. And the new crown is much easier to control with my right thumb, so it’s an upgrade for me.

 

[lazyrighteye]

After years of resisting I decided to get an Apple Watch. I’ve had a Garmin for a while and really liked the 2-3 week battery life but I’d rather not take my phone when I go running. Ordered a Watch 8 with cellular this morning and then saw this. Looks like there’s decent availability for these in DC so I switched my order to an Ultra. Primarily I just want the longer battery life and I like the fact it is more durable. Yes, is is $274 more than the Watch 8 cellular but battery life is pretty important to me. I just wish there were more band choices.

Congrats on the purchase.
There will be more Apple-branded bands, in time. Keeping it tight for launch.
That said, all 42mm bands fit Ultra. I'm sure the 3rd party offerings will explode with super chunky "outdoor" bands. Likely in time for the holiday shopping season.
Cheers.

 

[avatar77]

I get why this watch is an attractive upgrade - unsure why people with first gen AirPod Pros would feel they need to upgrade.

If I were a weekly airport warrior the upgraded ANC might tempt me. But otherwise I'm not really seeing it either.

 

[djphat2000]

I wouldn't have it even if Apple sent me one for free. It's by far one of the ugliest Apple products ever.

This watch is far from ugly. Looks great IMHO.

 

[ElBerserko]

I had to reverse it years ago because I kept getting unwanted side button activations when cycling or doing pushups, etc. Luckily, the new Action button (have it set for flashlight) ends up in a “safe” spot away from my tendons when worn in reverse mode. And the new crown is much easier to control with my right thumb, so it’s an upgrade for me.

Isn't that the point of the guard around the crown though? To keep from doing unintended button activations during those strenuous "ultra" activities?

 

[svish]

Good to know that it is available at select Apple stores.

 

[BarredOwl]

This watch is far from ugly. Looks great IMHO.

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To each his own. There is no accounting for taste.

 

[TTTedP]

This morning was available for Apple Store pickup in FL for most configurations but it is already sold out at most stores. Ultra will be an absolute hit. I think so much that regular AW will dwindle down and soon majority of sales will be Ultra.

I just got mine and can agree. Its much nicer in person than all the commenters who base their judgement from an online photo.

Its large, as big as my Fenix 7 on the wrist, but more comfortable (with the Alpine Loop). After having regular AW's over the past 5 years, I was always wishing for something a little more similar to the Garmin's. For a first effort, I think it's on target. Its not a "Garmin killer" (and IMO not meant to be) - Definitely hitting a sweet spot between regular AW and Fenix/Epix.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Isn't that the point of the guard around the crown though? To keep from doing unintended button activations during those strenuous "ultra" activities?

The buttons and crown protrude from the guard, so activating them is the same as before. I suppose the point of the guard is to prevent the crown getting ripped off by a rock, or perhaps the reality is to just make the watch look more rugged.

 

[JM]

Yeah I tried it once too, but it’s just not as easy to use with thumb.

This is the second picture on here today of someone wearing their watch reversed. I find the dial impossible to use if it's on the left side.

 

[djphat2000]

To each his own. There is no accounting for taste.

Have you tried it out, seen it in person?

 

[Belle Pomme]

Was able to pick up the Ultra watch on Sept 23 with a Starlight Alpine band. The watch does not feel as large as I had feared (my wrist is 152 mm and it looks fine). Cannot feel the difference in weight. Medium band still has enough available loops for me to put over my coat when skiing. The Starlight band is nice, more silver-white. Probably fine for guys or gals. Easy to clasp and unclasp. Very thin and has a paper-like feel to it. The green band was not to my liking, so happy with my choice. My Nike band fits fine. I do like the more squared-off feel of the Ultra than my Watch 7.

So far, very happy with the watch. Only trouble has been the 9.01 update which has said "downloading to watch" for two hours now.

 

[bbeagle]

The buttons and crown protrude from the guard, so activating them is the same as before. I suppose the point of the guard is to prevent the crown getting ripped off by a rock, or perhaps the reality is to just make the watch look more rugged.

The crown protrudes quite a bit on the Apple Watch 8. It barely protrudes at all on the Ultra - maybe 0.5mm. So, yes, it's protected and won't rip off or snag on something like the other Apple watches. Now, the protrusion might snag - maybe they should have made a smoother edge.

 

[saronian]

In-store availability looks to be constrained by band type. Very clever Apple, bands are on 10-week backorder but I can buy an Ultra today with an Ocean band and pay $99 for the Trail Loop band that I really want.