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kcaz507

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 7, 2014
19
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I have purchased a couple of Apple watches only to return them after about a week. I feel like when I have one I find every reason to return it, however when I dont have one I miss it. Some reasons to return it is fear of breaking it, feeling guilty for spending money on it, or something else.

Has anyone else done anything like this or feel the same way?
 
I often have buyer's remorse on big purchases, but this time my remorse was just the opposite. Bought a Sport, realized it was so useful and I liked it enough that I upgraded to a SS before 14 days had past, spending even more money. I decided the looks and durability of SS warranted the upgrade. During the few days after I quit using the Sport and before picking up the new watch, there were dozens of times that I wished I was wearing an Apple Watch.
 
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I have purchased a couple of Apple watches only to return them after about a week. I feel like when I have one I find every reason to return it, however when I dont have one I miss it. Some reasons to return it is fear of breaking it, feeling guilty for spending money on it, or something else.

Has anyone else done anything like this or feel the same way?

As far as your reasons for returning the Apple Watch. I wouldn't be too concerned about scratching or breaking it. Watches are inevitable when it comes to subjecting them to damage. If you were worried about scratching or damaging it upon purchase, then I would not purchase an Apple Watch. Because it's one of those things that watches are Unlikely to not suffer any damage.

If you do end up buying one, I would just focus on the positive aspects of the Apple Watch. Enjoy the features it has to offer and take advantage of its functionality. It's a great watch.
 
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I think it depends on what you find valuable. It's definitely not a "need" but it is a "want". I had one and sold it because my phone was always accessible. Then I took a new job where I couldn't have my phone out. I went and bought a new space gray, then returned it to upgrade to a space black model. For me, the ability to discreetly check and reply to texts from my wife and kids makes it worthwhile. I also use it to track my bike rides and gym time. As mentioned above, instead of finding all the reasons not to have one (like cost) focus on the positive reasons to have one, like in my case.
 
I have purchased a couple of Apple watches only to return them after about a week. I feel like when I have one I find every reason to return it, however when I dont have one I miss it. Some reasons to return it is fear of breaking it, feeling guilty for spending money on it, or something else.

Has anyone else done anything like this or feel the same way?

I am totally in the same boat as you. I have been done this road many times. Part of my ADHD I am guessing. The watch does become part of a routine after you use it for awhile. I still find new ways to incorporate into my daily living. I have also returned it and went to a Fenix 3HR for more detailed fitness related things, but then that lacked the sleek and comfort of the apple watch. I went back and fourth about 5 times over the last 45 days and finally locked in on a Nike+ and bought other bands and a black and white tough armour case to switch things up to satisfy my need to change things frequently

For me the things I find I cant do without from the Apple Watch are

- Silent Alarm - I get up everyday at 4:10am to go to Crossfit and this is a huge thing to not wake up the house.
- Silent notifications - I have no sound on my iPhone at all. It vibrates and so does the watch. I ended up turning off alot of notifications that I really didnt need to be bothered with.
- Fitness Tracking - although not the best, I use it everyday for running or crossfit. Added the Action Sleeve and its amazing for working out
This is just a couple things I love about it.

Here is a real life situation that just occured right before responding that makes me thankful I got this watch and how useful it really is. Upstairs with my daughter who is super sick and had my phone downstairs, I was waiting for the doc to call back, phoen rang watch rang, I was able to talk to him quick through the watch and not leave her side.

Just have to ask yourself if you have the money to spend and if you would use it.
 
Maybe the issue is that the added convenience it beings is a neat idea but once you have it you realise you can actually do without it. It'll never be a game changer in the way the iPhone was but if you can afford it I say go for it.
 
I often have buyer's remorse on big purchases, but this time my remorse was just the opposite. Bought a Sport, realized it was so useful and I liked it enough that I upgraded to a SS before 14 days had past, spending even more money. I decided the looks and durability of SS warranted the upgrade. During the few days after I quit using the Sport and before picking up the new watch, there were dozens of times that I wished I was wearing an Apple Watch.

This was exactly my experience. Once I got the SS, I realized how much I liked wearing a watch that looks like a watch. The milanese loop is so comfortable and fashionable. I also like that I can swap out the band for different purposes (especially for working out).
 
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OP - For the reasons you stated I hesitated to buy an Apple watch until a week ago since it's release. I spent more buying the SS version because I like nice watches and have a few analog ones. But, after seeing how it works with the iPhone, I've found it to be an awesome extension. The iPhone isn't as disruptive to those around me as it was.

For example, at my work we either carry a pager or use an app on our phones called SPOK which acts like a pager - sound and all. Now, when I get a page, a gentle reminder hits my watch and I check the app on the phone without issue. Before the watch, I hated that damn app. I used to carry my phone around the house with me because of this app - if it went off, it was relentless going off every minute until I acknowledged the page. Now, I don't feel like I have to have the phone everywhere I go. (Before you ask, 24x7 IT in Healthcare)

In meetings, I don't have to remind myself to put my phone on vibrate. Just having the watch has the same effect.

As a side note, I can see just how much I haven't been moving lately thanks to the watch tracking and constant freaking reminders LOL. So, I may need to get off my butt some and get moving more.

So no, I'm not having buyers remorse. Quite the opposite.
 
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Smart watches are something you don't need but once you have actually owned one (for longer then a week lol) its hard to go without it. I find my LG Urbane incredibly useful for my lifestyle and i imagine the Apple watch would be no different.
 
I am totally in the same boat as you. I have been done this road many times. Part of my ADHD I am guessing. The watch does become part of a routine after you use it for awhile. I still find new ways to incorporate into my daily living. I have also returned it and went to a Fenix 3HR for more detailed fitness related things, but then that lacked the sleek and comfort of the apple watch. I went back and fourth about 5 times over the last 45 days and finally locked in on a Nike+ and bought other bands and a black and white tough armour case to switch things up to satisfy my need to change things frequently

For me the things I find I cant do without from the Apple Watch are

- Silent Alarm - I get up everyday at 4:10am to go to Crossfit and this is a huge thing to not wake up the house.
- Silent notifications - I have no sound on my iPhone at all. It vibrates and so does the watch. I ended up turning off alot of notifications that I really didnt need to be bothered with.
- Fitness Tracking - although not the best, I use it everyday for running or crossfit. Added the Action Sleeve and its amazing for working out
This is just a couple things I love about it.

Here is a real life situation that just occured right before responding that makes me thankful I got this watch and how useful it really is. Upstairs with my daughter who is super sick and had my phone downstairs, I was waiting for the doc to call back, phoen rang watch rang, I was able to talk to him quick through the watch and not leave her side.

Just have to ask yourself if you have the money to spend and if you would use it.


I have had both the Fenix 3 and the Apple Watch. Returned both but I am longing for at least one back.
 
Maybe the issue is that the added convenience it beings is a neat idea but once you have it you realise you can actually do without it. It'll never be a game changer in the way the iPhone was but if you can afford it I say go for it.

I disagree. The Apple Watch has been a game changer for some. Especially with the fitness aspect and how it's motivated/changed others perception on how they approach a healthier life style.

The Apple Watch and iPhone can't be compared together. There entirely two different categories. The smart Watch market is a niche market that isn't necessarily a needed device, where the iPhone offers completely different reasons for purchasing.
 
I have purchased a couple of Apple watches only to return them after about a week. I feel like when I have one I find every reason to return it, however when I dont have one I miss it. Some reasons to return it is fear of breaking it, feeling guilty for spending money on it, or something else.

Has anyone else done anything like this or feel the same way?

If you don't put yourself into financial difficulties by purchasing one, and if you like your Apple Watch, just try to enjoy it without thinking about what you have spent all the time.
It's okay to treat yourself every once in a while. We have only limited time on this planet, try to enjoy it while you can.
 
I have had both the Fenix 3 and the Apple Watch. Returned both but I am longing for at least one back.

I go back and fourth on which one I want more. I am thinking I will buy the Fenix 5 when it comes out. The issue is the software for me. The calories burned daily was always off and the screen font was small for my old eyes. but damn are they sexy ass watches
 
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I have purchased a couple of Apple watches only to return them after about a week. I feel like when I have one I find every reason to return it, however when I dont have one I miss it. Some reasons to return it is fear of breaking it, feeling guilty for spending money on it, or something else.

Has anyone else done anything like this or feel the same way?


I returned my first AW, too. I re-purchased months later and still stopped wearing it and put it in a drawer. I like it but still switch for weeks at a time with my Garmin or Fitbit devices. None have really made me so happy I feel like I could not live without them. I love my 7+ and many times it is my only way of telling time

Maybe the AW is not for you?
 
Regarding concerns about breaking it: AppleCare for it is cheaper than any other Apple product. Spending the extra $50 for two accidental damage incidents was a no brainer.
 
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We both got 42mm sports. She got rose gold and I got space gray. I had a couple of Apple gift cards and ended up ordering refurbished ones.

Refurbished was probably the best choice for you, being you're not entirely sure if you wanted the Apple Watch. Versus spending a premium on two new one's.
 
Decided to keep the watches. The forecast on the Modular watch face still is wrong, drives me crazy but I just used a different face. Hopefully it will be resolved during the next software update. It seems like its running a day behind or so, just very odd.
 
I have purchased a couple of Apple watches only to return them after about a week. I feel like when I have one I find every reason to return it, however when I dont have one I miss it. Some reasons to return it is fear of breaking it, feeling guilty for spending money on it, or something else.

Has anyone else done anything like this or feel the same way?
Get the series 1, buy apple care. Use it at a fun gadget, novelty item
 
Get the series 1, buy apple care. Use it at a fun gadget, novelty item

The term novelty with the Apple Watch is only if somebody uses it as a novelty item. But when you factor in fitness capabilities and health, it goes beyond being a novelty.
 
Get the series 1, buy apple care. Use it at a fun gadget, novelty item

He already has the watches......why do you say this? Besides, the S2 is not a novelty item. Neither are the S1 or S0. Having the watch as an extension of the iPhone has been awesome! Gone are the irritating notifications during meetings or family time. Gone is the "need" to ensure the phone is nearby when at home with wifi connectivity. Yes, some of us have to be reachable by our businesses 24x7x365 (except vacation time - turn everything about work off then).
 
I'm still on the fence about re-purchasing wither the Apple Watch or a new Garmin Fenix 5. I don't think I need all those fitness metrics of the Garmin, but fun I suppose. I like the always on feature of the Garmin, too. Is it easy to get used to the screen going on and off on the Apple Watch (I didn't keep the first one long enough to tell)?

On a side note, I went to the Arnold Classic today in Columbus, Ohio and saw TONS of Apple watches being worn everywhere I looked. Even saw one of the extra waterproof cases on one guy's watch! The only other watch I saw that rivaled the sheer amount of Apple Watches were G-Shocks and not as many of those.

Any of you considered a Garmin, but then went with the Apple Watch instead?
 
I'm still on the fence about re-purchasing wither the Apple Watch or a new Garmin Fenix 5. I don't think I need all those fitness metrics of the Garmin, but fun I suppose. I like the always on feature of the Garmin, too. Is it easy to get used to the screen going on and off on the Apple Watch (I didn't keep the first one long enough to tell)?

On a side note, I went to the Arnold Classic today in Columbus, Ohio and saw TONS of Apple watches being worn everywhere I looked. Even saw one of the extra waterproof cases on one guy's watch! The only other watch I saw that rivaled the sheer amount of Apple Watches were G-Shocks and not as many of those.

Any of you considered a Garmin, but then went with the Apple Watch instead?

Garmin makes a really nice fitness watch. They're more oriented towards marathons, are more rugged and have a much better GPS than the Apple Watch does. Although, the reason I prefer Apple Watch is over Garmin, is because the software is far more reliable than Garmins. Garmin also has a sketchy track record with software updates and customer service that is not nearly as good as Apples.

If you're somebody that's into casual/regular fitness, the Apple Watch would likely suit you better. But if you're serious runner and want more accurate health tracking, Garmin might be the better option.

I prefer the Apple Watch.
 
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