Hands-On First Impressions of the New Apple Watch

[spinedoc77]

Are you guys for real? Have you ever held an actual (lets put the bar super low, $400) nice watch in your lives? There's a lot of things that make a luxury watch besides having a round face and a dial around it. In every single photo besides the highly post-processed one with the metal band, the Moto360 looks like a piece of junk someone buys from the jewelry counter at Walmart.

The Apple Watch is never going to look exactly like a Tag or Omega, much less a Rolex or Ulysse Nardin. No smart-watch ever will. This brings me to the most important part, which isn't features or anything of that sort.

It's a digital computer that sufficiently resembles a luxury watch:

http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/entry_photo_images/10679416/iwatch3002_verge_super_wide.jpg

That's not a professional photo. That's taken from the pavilion after the keynote.

Now, I personally don't want one because I don't need one and I don't feel it would add sufficient utility to my life at the moment. But as young attorney who has to regularly dress professionally, I'd have no problem pairing that watch with a suit.

Smart-watches will eventually become commonplace. If for no other reason than the health benefits. Today, Apple has presented a product that you never knew you needed in a package that you will actually use (read: digital crown). I'm taking a leap of faith in the company but I will bet you that once you use it for a sufficient amount time, you'll forget you ever lived without it.

The same as every other product they've ever released, when they get you to put it on in an Apple store it's going to bug you until you have one. That's the genius of their company. The adoption might not be as fast as some fanboys will preach, but it is coming. By the third iteration Apple will be selling these things like iPads. This one is just the start.

And that is why Samsung and Motorola are shaking in their boots. Everything they've come up with so far is worthless. No one who sets any trend wants to use their products. Those smart-watches are by definition, pure, trashy novelty.

Apple just changed the game. I'm excited to see what they do with the Apple Watch.

I disagree with that, the moto 360 holds its own in aesthetics, and yes that's my picture not a photoshopped marketing one. Also a $600 swiss made replica (fake) watch is indistinguishable from a real one, inside and out. Expensive watches are expensive to make companies money, not because they are necessarily 10x better quality versus 10x price. Hey I own a couple of those expensive watches, but I'm honest enough to admit they are more show pieces.

 

[3282868]

I disagree with that, the moto 360 holds its own in aesthetics, and yes that's my picture not a photoshopped marketing one. Also a $600 swiss made replica (fake) watch is indistinguishable from a real one, inside and out. Expensive watches are expensive to make companies money, not because they are necessarily 10x better quality versus 10x price. Hey I own a couple of those expensive watches, but I'm honest enough to admit they are more show pieces.

You're kidding yourself if you think that knock-off is even close to passable. No. Just. No.

If you really know watches, you should know that they're well crafted time pieces with mechanisms that knock-offs will never be able to replicate (aside from the fact that those knock-offs are battery and not perpetual time pieces). Honestly, anyone who knows basics on Swiss watches will understand this is incorrect information.

 

[fortysomegeek]

Um, the Santos starts at $3k for a decent model. This may compete in the lower-end luxury category such as Tag Heuer's. I'll stick with my Rolex GMT Master II Black and Blue and Black and Red and Breitling.

It isn't going to compete with high-end Swiss watch. I am in agreement with you there. However, the poaching of the luxury execs have to do with distribution. The tag hire is the guy who negotiate deals with all the Airport duty free shops, the Harrods, the Bloomingdales of Dubai, Tokyo, Frankfurt. Your Rodeo Drive of Bangkok, etc.. This means, they will have a strong retail push in the high end boutique shops. This is why I said it will compete in the $800-$1200 market. That price point are mostly quartz watches where fashion is everything. Where people pay $1000 just because it says Armani or Burberry on the dial despite the mvt is a Japanese Miyota.

This won't compete with the $3000 and up market. I'm telling it as I see it.

 

[r3m1]

The Swiss watch makers must be shaking in their boots by now ... from laughing that is

 

[Rogifan]

Yeah, but this guy has the obvious disadvantage of actually seeing one.

Quite amusing how reading reports from people who saw it hands on is quite different than comments here and elsewhere from people who've only seen photos. From the hands on reports I've read the common theme is that the device feels premium; premium materials and high quality manufacturing. I'm sure it will get dinged for not being round and being kinda chunky. But one thing I find amazing (and that's seemingly being overlooked) is the fact that Apple has three models with many different bands and light and dark versions on day 1. The classic version has 18 different combinations! And none of it leaked. I think that's pretty amazing.

 

[fortysomegeek]

I didn't think of that, but I think you are right when you say it will be huge with women. It's a very effeminate looking watch, it looks more like a piece of jewelry than a watch. Otherwise I don't care so much what materials they used if it's still a fugly watch, but your point is taken.

It has the build quality to be taken seriously if it was sold at the Millionaire's Duty Free shop in Dubai, Tokyo, or Paris. It will be sold to woman. This is where I see it succeeding. They're planning 18K models and that mesh bracelet is NOT cheap. Omega sells a similar mesh bracelet alone for $600.

I, personally don't like the looks of it either.

 

[spinedoc77]

You're kidding yourself if you think that knock-off is even close to passable. No. Just. No.

If you really know watches, you should know that they're well crafted time pieces with mechanisms that knock-offs will never be able to replicate (aside from the fact that those knock-offs are quartz and not perpetual time pieces). Honestly, anyone who knows basics on Swiss watches will understand this is incorrect information.

That's not a knock off, it's a genuine Rolex. The first thing I bought myself when I started earning a good living 15 years ago. It's quite telling that you thought it was a knock off.

The swiss made knockoffs these days are incredible. I'll tell you a secret, my real Rolex is a couple of minutes fast, every 2 or 3 days I have to wind it back 3 or 4 minutes. And yes I'm sure it's a real one, I can take a pic of my serial number if you like. It's all marketing, just like believing diamonds are actually valuable.

 

[paulsdenton]

Can't wait to get one. Looks fabulous and has ENORMOUS capability.

Interested in seeing all the pricing.

$349 is chicken feed.

 

[RenoG]

Hey guys, Google here. Today we are pleased to announce a revolutionary new product category. This amazing device was designed from the ground up be worn on your wrist. It has a magnificent circular touchscreen, the first of its kind. Truly magical. In terms of design, our goal was to create an elegant fashion accessory that wouldn't look out of place alongside premium Swiss timepieces. We're extremely proud of what we came up with, and we think that our customers are absolutely going to love it.

Introducing the Moto 360:

Image

Yeah thats a nice watch however it looks like something its not, also like the stuff that sits comfortably in little plastic boxes at JCP.

and besides would you:
- work out in that?
- Cycle with that thing on?
- rock climb with it?
Its not versatile whats-so-ever.

Cute slap stick joke though it falls only slightly short. You gets 'E' for effort.

 

[spinedoc77]

Quite amusing how reading reports from people who saw it hands on is quite different than comments here and elsewhere from people who've only seen photos. From the hands on reports I've read the common theme is that the device feels premium; premium materials and high quality manufacturing. I'm sure it will get dinged for not being round and being kinda chunky. But one thing I find amazing (and that's seemingly being overlooked) is the fact that Apple has three models with many different bands and light and dark versions on day 1. The classic version has 18 different combinations! And none of it leaked. I think that's pretty amazing.

You may be right, and some of us may be a bit judgmental based on pictures, especially pictures of the garish one with the color rubber bands. I'll have to reserve my judgment until I actually hold one in my hands. I still don't think I'll like it because it looks like an 80s casio watch in form, but you never know, the heft, quality and functionality of it may win me over.

 

[fortysomegeek]

That's not a knock off, it's a genuine Rolex. The first thing I bought myself when I started earning a good living 15 years ago. It's quite telling that you thought it was a knock off.

The swiss made knockoffs these days are incredible. I'll tell you a secret, my real Rolex is a couple of minutes fast, every 2 or 3 days I have to wind it back 3 or 4 minutes. And yes I'm sure it's a real one, I can take a pic of my serial number if you like. It's all marketing, just like believing diamonds are actually valuable.

Fakes Rolex do not have Rolex movement. They either have a Miyota and the high end fakes have ETA movements. Even the high end ones are fake. The typography is always wrong. The hand markers are off due to which movement being used. The length of the hands differ if it is a Chinese Miyota fake or a high end fake. I can usually tell these things at a glance. The width and weight of the date/dial font is usually the first tell-tale giveaway.

Also, no other Swiss company (or fakes) use 904L grade steel. This is a unique Rolex characteristic. Google it. Only Rolex uses 904L. Sinn had one tactical special force , limited model with 904L but 99% of everyone else uses 304 or higher grade 316L steel.

 

[chris975d]

That's not a knock off, it's a genuine Rolex. The first thing I bought myself when I started earning a good living 15 years ago. It's quite telling that you thought it was a knock off.

The swiss made knockoffs these days are incredible. I'll tell you a secret, my real Rolex is a couple of minutes fast, every 2 or 3 days I have to wind it back 3 or 4 minutes. And yes I'm sure it's a real one, I can take a pic of my serial number if you like. It's all marketing, just like believing diamonds are actually valuable.

If your Rolex is that far off after a few days, it's due for a service. That's way out of spec.

 

[Rogifan]

Are you guys for real? Have you ever held an actual (lets put the bar super low, $400) nice watch in your lives? There's a lot of things that make a luxury watch besides having a round face and a dial around it. In every single photo besides the highly post-processed one with the metal band, the Moto360 looks like a piece of junk someone buys from the jewelry counter at Walmart.

This. I don't get all the drooling over the Moto Almost 360. Just because the face is round? It doesn't remind me of a high end traditional watch at all. Apple's doesn't either (though from the photos on Apple's site the materials appear to be top notch). No one yet has demonstrated how a circular display is the optimal form outside of when the display is showing a skeuomorphic analog watch face.

 

[AaronEdwards]

I'm confused about the design, did Dieter Rams never design any watches?

 

[spinedoc77]

If your Rolex is that far off after a few days, it's due for a service. That's way out of spec.

I paid $600 for a service just a couple of years ago and it didn't make a difference. I don't really wear it that much anymore, it kind of sits in a drawer. The diver dial sometimes is stubborn to move as well, even under water with pressure on it. I love it as something very nostalgic and I'll admit I put that watch through hell for 15 years and it doesn't have a scratch on it.

 

[chris975d]

I paid $600 for a service just a couple of years ago and it didn't make a difference. I don't really wear it that much anymore, it kind of sits in a drawer. The diver dial sometimes is stubborn to move as well, even under water with pressure on it. I love it as something very nostalgic and I'll admit I put that watch through hell for 15 years and it doesn't have a scratch on it.

Should send it back then. I've got 4, and none are remotely that far off.

 

[Analog Kid]

Did not want.
Watched video at apple.com
Now: want.
Badly.
Is it 2015 yet?

 

[Rogifan]

You may be right, and some of us may be a bit judgmental based on pictures, especially pictures of the garish one with the color rubber bands. I'll have to reserve my judgment until I actually hold one in my hands. I still don't think I'll like it because it looks like an 80s casio watch in form, but you never know, the heft, quality and functionality of it may win me over.

I have skinny wrists so I doubt I'll be getting one until it's able to slim down. But the hands on reports I've read are completely different than the comments here. IMO most of the comments are reactionary. It's square not round and immediately it's ugly. I prefer to actually see one in person and try it on before I make judgement. One thing that that I'm hopeful about though is it seems the bands are able to fit snug on the wrist so maybe it won't be so bad for people with tiny wrists.

 

[fortysomegeek]

I disagree with that, the moto 360 holds its own in aesthetics,

That Moto 360 next to a 40mm Diver's watch looks ridiculously out of proportion; making it look like a clown watch.

The width is 46mm which is over-sized. The strap appears to be 22mm. It makes it out of proportion. It is as big as a deep diver's watch yet it can't go under 4,000 feet of water. Deep diver's watch are chunky for a reason.

The strap size ration is extremely puny. It is like putting 14" wheels on a Corvette. At minimum, it should be 24 or 26mm for the strap like Panerai (which are 44 and 47mm)

But if you add a 24mm strap, the watch would ginormously big.

Thus, I do not understand the appeal of the 360 despite the flat tire design.
It tries to copy the Braun musuem watch which people have compared it to. But that watch is only 38mm.

 

[Sy7ygy]

Can't wait to get one. Looks fabulous and has ENORMOUS capability.

Interested in seeing all the pricing.

$349 is chicken feed.

Are you blind?

Or just have a cheap taste.

 

[dtl06]

I disagree with that, the moto 360 holds its own in aesthetics, and yes that's my picture not a photoshopped marketing one. Also a $600 swiss made replica (fake) watch is indistinguishable from a real one, inside and out. Expensive watches are expensive to make companies money, not because they are necessarily 10x better quality versus 10x price. Hey I own a couple of those expensive watches, but I'm honest enough to admit they are more show pieces.

Oh, I never meant to imply that the expensive watches are better because they are expensive. Merely that real watches are essentially jewelry. That is not to say that the difference in quality between a $100 watch from Macy's and a Tag (not an incredibly expensive watch) is not immediate to anyone who looks at or holds one.

If you want my opinion on the Moto360:

1. The width is huge. The submariner already has a fairly large face. The fact that the Moto360 dwarfs it is incredible. Also, you took the photo straight down on the face, which basically showcases only the screen and the glass. Take for example this:

http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/articles/126568-image/Motorola-Moto-360.jpg

2. The height of the casing is crazy. It's incredibly fat.

3. The casing just looks cheap.

4. Gorilla glass. Are you crazy Motorola? This is a watch, Gorilla glass is going to get scratched to hell in no time short.

When you add all of those to the fact that the entire idea of "wearables" is a gimmick, I think you fall really short of any plausibly successful product.

Apple has convinced me that they can produce something more. A complementary "wearable" that can pass for a classy watch with features, utility, design, and ease of use (albeit at the standard Apple tax). Compare to the Moto360, which is essentially shrunken down android phone with a metallic circular display.

My 2 cents and opinion. I'm just sick of people saying it looks like children's toy, which is hyperbole concerning the sports band.

 

[gugy]

Should send it back then. I've got 4, and none are remotely that far off.

I agreed. A watch like Rolex should never do this. They either fix it for good or should give the guy a replacement.

 

[spinedoc77]

Should send it back then. I've got 4, and none are remotely that far off.

Lol, I doubt Rolex would take it after 15 years. It has appreciated in value, at least that's what my insurance agent that insures it says and it's replacement value. I have no need to sell it though.

 

[ksuyen]

I think this is good for Apple. Yes, I was underwhelmed, but not disappointed. If I could summarize it in a word, Apple Watch is: "Wearable". It's very normal looking, small enough but looks comfortable. If the price could be lower by a bit (AUD299 for example) I can see it becomes more popular.

I also like the fact that the watch can run without my iPhone most of the time. And wireless charging means I will never take my watch off my wrist at all.

I am excited where Apple will go from this.

 

[MH01]

Hands-down the best product photography / presentation on the Apple Watch Webpage i have ever seen. Also, i think they did the design exactly right. There is not much you can do differently, this design has been optimized over a hundred years.

Complaining about that it's thick and flat? Did you see luxury watches, and how incredibly thick they look when not worn? They will look nice on your hand, and the rounded edges have a nice reflection to it.
Stainless Steel for me, bitches.

Yeah.... mine is about as thick as the iWatch, but there is a very good reason, designed to be used 3900 metres under water

Also, if you going to make a watch, do not use Aluminium. Watches get hit all the time and scratch. Stupid design choice.