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Falling Out Of Love
- Thread starter pauloregan
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I still find mechanical watches interesting and at times beautiful while the Apple Watch in my life is occasionally useful and other times just a digital watch.
This thread is timely for me.
I’ve just pulled the trigger on a new and pretty expensive mechanical watch. It’s something I’ve wanted for years.
I currently have a S4 Hermès. I kinda like it, but I don’t love it. Like, I love my iPhone 12. I think it’s physically beautiful and I use it all the time. Way too much.
But it occurred to me a while ago that I don’t really use any of the features of my AW. The only thing I can think of is changing the volume on my AirPods when I’m listening to music when I’m out walking.
It’s kinda fun to see how much exercise I’ve done, but the data it gives me doesn’t change my behaviour. I’m not motivated by it.
I’m hoping the new mechanical watch will be something that gives me joy every time I pick it up and look at it.
Which has made me wonder: what will the fate of my AW be? I think I’m going to try going cold turkey without it and see I miss it.
I probably won’t sell it. AW resale prices are terrible. And it might be nice to have from time to time if only to take the occasional ECG reading.
How do those of you with more than one watch allocate wrist-time?
I’ve just pulled the trigger on a new and pretty expensive mechanical watch. It’s something I’ve wanted for years.
I currently have a S4 Hermès. I kinda like it, but I don’t love it. Like, I love my iPhone 12. I think it’s physically beautiful and I use it all the time. Way too much.
But it occurred to me a while ago that I don’t really use any of the features of my AW. The only thing I can think of is changing the volume on my AirPods when I’m listening to music when I’m out walking.
It’s kinda fun to see how much exercise I’ve done, but the data it gives me doesn’t change my behaviour. I’m not motivated by it.
I’m hoping the new mechanical watch will be something that gives me joy every time I pick it up and look at it.
Which has made me wonder: what will the fate of my AW be? I think I’m going to try going cold turkey without it and see I miss it.
I probably won’t sell it. AW resale prices are terrible. And it might be nice to have from time to time if only to take the occasional ECG reading.
How do those of you with more than one watch allocate wrist-time?
I still prefer using my AW in situations where using my iPhone isn't optimal (such as at work, inside an engine or with tools in my hand, or when it's more likely I'll drop it and have it break) and it keeps my phone in my pocket.
This weekend I went for a hike in the woods in a local park. Everyone on the trail had their smartphone in their hands looking down at it, and all I could think about was 'those poor people, here is all this beautiful Spring nature growth and they're stuck looking at their Facebook missing out!'. I happened to have my Watch on to start playback of a playlist I had for walking, and had my AirPods in. I never once felt the need to pull out my phone. My phone spends most of its time in my pocket lately.
It's the same thing at Kroger. 90% of folks with faces buried into their phones oblivious to the world around them. If ours supported Apple Pay I wouldn't even need to use the phone at the self-checkout. Otherwise it just stayed in my pocket. I feel a lot of times as if I'm the only person on earth who doesn't need to look at their phone out in public. Thanks to the Apple Watch, that remains a constant.
This weekend I went for a hike in the woods in a local park. Everyone on the trail had their smartphone in their hands looking down at it, and all I could think about was 'those poor people, here is all this beautiful Spring nature growth and they're stuck looking at their Facebook missing out!'. I happened to have my Watch on to start playback of a playlist I had for walking, and had my AirPods in. I never once felt the need to pull out my phone. My phone spends most of its time in my pocket lately.
It's the same thing at Kroger. 90% of folks with faces buried into their phones oblivious to the world around them. If ours supported Apple Pay I wouldn't even need to use the phone at the self-checkout. Otherwise it just stayed in my pocket. I feel a lot of times as if I'm the only person on earth who doesn't need to look at their phone out in public. Thanks to the Apple Watch, that remains a constant.
I bought a S0 and held onto it until last March and upgraded to an S5 due to a $100 deal at Best Buy. I love it more then the S0. So useful!
I miss it when I don’t wear it. I honestly could imagine not using or switching a mechanical watch. I really don’t see the point of a mechanical at this point.
I miss it when I don’t wear it. I honestly could imagine not using or switching a mechanical watch. I really don’t see the point of a mechanical at this point.
admittedly I have only had a series 0 and I hated that until they made WatchOS so much better (the first few WatchOS releases were awful). My biggest issue with the Apple Watch is the idea you have to charge it often, however Apple loves to put inferior batteries in their devices (for 3 reasons: 1) to make money selling various additional chargers, and 2) to replace the battery at cost and 3) to get you to upgrade to the new model in hope for better battery life) so you know that issue when you purchase one.
I have been mainly using the Xiaomi smart band over recent years and this is a product that does most of what I need for less than £30, or £20 if you are prepared to import from China. I had V2 and V3 and I got the V5 last November 2020 and I am so impressed with it. I will probably get the V6 when its available as I know its just been released.
I should also say that I am a mechanical watch collector and my daily driver is my Omega Planet Ocean 42mm. I tend to wear a mechanical watch on my left and my smart watch on my right.
I have been mainly using the Xiaomi smart band over recent years and this is a product that does most of what I need for less than £30, or £20 if you are prepared to import from China. I had V2 and V3 and I got the V5 last November 2020 and I am so impressed with it. I will probably get the V6 when its available as I know its just been released.
I should also say that I am a mechanical watch collector and my daily driver is my Omega Planet Ocean 42mm. I tend to wear a mechanical watch on my left and my smart watch on my right.
This is exactly the point I am trying to get to with my watch (though it’s still a work in progress for me). I’ve noticed, especially with all the down time at home this past year with COVID, that I am looking at my phone constantly. It’s just so easy to pick it up and just flip and scroll. I often find myself scrolling through nothing or through some article I’ve already read. I’ve really come to see my iPhone as a thief of my time and my attention span. I think for me the main driver of looking at my phone is FOMO. What if I miss something!? Never mind that I can’t articulate the “what” I am even worried about or that the “what“ is likely nothing important or that couldn’t wait until later.
So I’m actively trying to make a change, and the watch has proven great for that. I am leaving my phone on my kitchen counter as much as possible during the day. It does not set foot in my home office unless I actively need it for a task. My watch sits on my wrist and alerts me if there is something important that needs my attention (curating notifications is key here). I can still control music, send short texts, see my work calendar, and even take a call in a pinch. It gives me all the things I need without the temptation to sit, scroll, and fall down rabbit holes.
I fully recognize that it’s somewhat insane that I have a device to control my use of another device. But, smartphones have become so integral to our lives, I’m not 100% sure I could ever cut my iPhone out completely. So, if the watch can help me bring my use of technology back to a healthier place, that’s more than worth it to me. And I haven’t even talked about the integration with Fitness+, which has helped me improve my fitness level over the past 3 months. That’s just an added value to me.
I think the watch is like most Apple products. Apple will try to convince you that you need all of them. But, the truth is, whether you will find a product useful depends on your needs and lifestyle. If a product isn’t useful to you, you shouldn’t try to make it fit in to your life (no matter what Apple’s marketing says). For me, that product is the iPad. I have tried to fit it into my workflow several times and it keeps being my least used and least needed product. It also has all the addictive qualities of an iPhone, which is not a good thing for me lately. I am seriously considering selling mine or giving it to a relative.
My Apple Watch, though, is indispensable.
Part of what helps me is that I never really got 'into' smartphones. At first I saw the iPhone launch in 2007 as a flop waiting to happen ("it's just the Apple Newton 2.0" I said)
I used a Nokia 5185i until late 2009, when the battery couldn't handle even a single phone call from the boss (I was on call a lot) and he handed me an iPhone 3GS in 2010 saying plainly "take this, ditch the Nokia, or you're fired". That was my real first intro to smartphones. But my needs still remain simple. Apps aren't really my thing, I don't play games much on the phone (got a real PC for that) so all it gets used for is music, a camera if my DSLR isn't with me, a quick web search at work, or a Podcast player. That's pretty much all I need. AirPods and Apple Watch make me even less dependent on the phone for much of that.
I have wanted a real 'computer watch' since watching Inspector Gadget as a kid.
I'm still really old school in that I fail to see the appeal of these "Zack Morris Phones" aka huge tablets that stick out of people's back pockets these days. I still use a 6S and it's plenty good enough, but if I could use a cellular Watch and go back to that 3GS, I'd be in heaven myself. I never thought phones should have gotten a screen larger than 3.5 inches myself.
I used a Nokia 5185i until late 2009, when the battery couldn't handle even a single phone call from the boss (I was on call a lot) and he handed me an iPhone 3GS in 2010 saying plainly "take this, ditch the Nokia, or you're fired". That was my real first intro to smartphones. But my needs still remain simple. Apps aren't really my thing, I don't play games much on the phone (got a real PC for that) so all it gets used for is music, a camera if my DSLR isn't with me, a quick web search at work, or a Podcast player. That's pretty much all I need. AirPods and Apple Watch make me even less dependent on the phone for much of that.
I have wanted a real 'computer watch' since watching Inspector Gadget as a kid.
I'm still really old school in that I fail to see the appeal of these "Zack Morris Phones" aka huge tablets that stick out of people's back pockets these days. I still use a 6S and it's plenty good enough, but if I could use a cellular Watch and go back to that 3GS, I'd be in heaven myself. I never thought phones should have gotten a screen larger than 3.5 inches myself.
I haven't worn a watch in 20 yrs until i got the S5 SS 40mm this year. I've wanted an Apple Watch for years, and finally pulled the trigger after they announced the unlock feature coming in iOS 14.5 (and a great deal on the S5 SS 40mm). The Watch has done exactly what I thought it would -- allowed me to not be compelled to have my phone in my pocket or within reach at all the times. When I get up from my desk, I would always put my phone in my pocket so I don't miss messages or calls. Now I don't have to. And of course being able to quickly see a notification without having to pull my iPhone 12 Pro Max out of my pocket is nice.
Where I live it's warm enough to do water activities, and I will be doing a lot of that, especially in the summer. Since I have cellular service, I'm looking forward to being able to leave my phone in my hotel room or a locker, and go for a swim while still being able to stay connected.
Where I live it's warm enough to do water activities, and I will be doing a lot of that, especially in the summer. Since I have cellular service, I'm looking forward to being able to leave my phone in my hotel room or a locker, and go for a swim while still being able to stay connected.
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After two months from this post, I picked up my old Citizen ecodrive and radiowave and damn, it’s really beautiful at my wrist. Unexpected. 😱
Never had a watch before this S6 - cant imagine going back and trying a "dumb" watch now as too much I like about it. Love watching my heart rate at the gym and my sleep and resting heart rate overnight and the "silent" alarm which doesnt annoy hubby. I use Siri loads on it to send messages and it rarely fails to get the dictation spot on. I have tripped twice with it on and both times it got it with fall detection.....Love the way in apple CarPlay i can turn the volume up just using the dial on the watch as it automatically shows current song etc.... I can see why they own the Smart Watch sector.
After two months from this post, I picked up my old Citizen ecodrive and radiowave and damn, it’s really beautiful at my wrist. Unexpected.
And that appreciation might stick around for a long time. At least it does for me.
I have tried quite a few watches other than AW but the reality is that Apple is doing it better. That is largely because of the tight integration with iPhone and for me, I also love Apple Fitness and use it a lot. But if AW is not for you there are options out there that can work well. Find your path 
I suspect most forum dwellers are allowed/required to work from home these days. I can offer a different perspective.
I work in the construction industry operating a concrete mixer delivering a time sensitive, perishable product in a major metro area.
My AW provides me with many benefits like current weather conditions, easy access to messages when I am out of the cab, phone calls, directions using Maps via Siri, control of the XM app playing on my phone connected to the radio in the mixer, fitness activity and timers.
The watch has been surprisingly durable over the almost 2 years I have had it in service and it has not had an easy existence. Looking forward to finding out what the AW 7 will bring to the table.
I work in the construction industry operating a concrete mixer delivering a time sensitive, perishable product in a major metro area.
My AW provides me with many benefits like current weather conditions, easy access to messages when I am out of the cab, phone calls, directions using Maps via Siri, control of the XM app playing on my phone connected to the radio in the mixer, fitness activity and timers.
The watch has been surprisingly durable over the almost 2 years I have had it in service and it has not had an easy existence. Looking forward to finding out what the AW 7 will bring to the table.
^ can relate to that
Apple Watch still remains why i could never ditch my iphone and go strictly android. Apple Watch is too damn good.
Apple Watch still remains why i could never ditch my iphone and go strictly android. Apple Watch is too damn good.
A program at work enables employees to get a smart watch or fitness tracker for free as long as you do a certain amount of activity each month. It’s called Vitality. Obviously a great deal for employees and I need the extra workout motivation.
Ive never had much interest the the AW and wouldn’t have spent the $ if not for work covering it. I’m pretty psyched about the S6 though, now that I’ve had it for a few days. Certainly not a phone replacement, it’s 99% fitness related for me. My first impression of Fitness + is good. I might even spring for it after the free trial even though I’m drowning in subscriptions.
Ive never had much interest the the AW and wouldn’t have spent the $ if not for work covering it. I’m pretty psyched about the S6 though, now that I’ve had it for a few days. Certainly not a phone replacement, it’s 99% fitness related for me. My first impression of Fitness + is good. I might even spring for it after the free trial even though I’m drowning in subscriptions.
I commend you for not being distracted by your phone when experiencing Mother Nature. However, you only went halfway. Next time, take the damn AirPods out of your ears. With no AirPods in, if all you could hear was constant loud inane yapping from fellow hikers, then ignore my earlier advice, put the AirPods in and enjoy the music.
My Apple Watch has been my wallet since I got the series 0 al the way back in the day. If I don't have it with me, is like if I left my cards and cash at home. I pay everything, including the underground and the buses with it.
Bought my first AW that day in 2015 when they first arrived. I've had a few. But I've also purchased other watches for their distinctive looks and style. Finally with the AW5 I bought the silver stainless model. It matches well with some really nice watchbands, watchbands that would look presumptuous with Aluminum Apple Watches. In other words, the SS AW falls in the category of really nice jewelry. Oh, forgot to mention, I've grown into the practical effectiveness of the AW to a point where I feel totally naked if I'm not wearing the darn thing.
Cool. Those early days must have been rough though. Not many retailers supported it back on launch. Even then I still need a physical ID and credit card for restaurants and backup to when ApplePay isn’t accepted. Since the pandemic a lot more stores have been added, but still quite a few large retailers still don’t offer it today. I want to see the day I don’t have to carry a wallet, but for me that isn’t a reality yet.
I have a Series 5 and it works great. I just prefer mechanical watches still. Never have to charge, 3-4 days of operation without it even on, still ticks. The shape, the materials, and the longevity of them I prefer as well. Most Apple Watch users have already been through 1-3 Apple Watch generations and constantly look to Apple to release Apple Watch Series 7, 8, 9, 10, etc (not to mention the endless amount of watch bands.) It's a great lucrative business for them and I'm sure many enjoy the watches, myself included, I just don't see myself keeping up with Apple every other release or two. I have the same mechanical watches since before Apple Watch Series 0, and I'll continue having them after Apple Watch 40. lol.
Nope... had my S2 since 2016 and I love it. Been using it for years and years. For a long time it was just a 'watch' that I had to charge as I really wasn't taking advantage of it, but now I keep my phone in a timed lock box and use the S2 as my main way of accessing 'mobile' features. I can access my to do list and habit tracker on the watch, as well as reply to WhatsApp and Messenger with quick messages without needing my phone, but I don't get sucked into scrolling.
I also run and do kickboxing, so the fitness features are great.
I also run and do kickboxing, so the fitness features are great.