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Just got back from trying it... the problem with the 42 is NOT that it is "big"

N

NOLF1

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 5, 2009
39
10
I just got back from seeing the 42mm. I can confirm what most are saying - the pictures do make it look like it is too "big" for the wrist. It really isn't.

The problem is that it is too THICK. Almost to the point of being comical. It almost felt like I strapping a block of metal to my wrist. This is why I think it looks so ridiculously massive in some of the pictures.... it's an optical illusion due to the thickness. This same thickness and appearance is present on the 38mm and neither is going to get rid of it.

To put this in perspective, the iPhone 6 6.9mm thick, the iPhone 5 is 7.6mm thick, the iPhone 4 is 9.3mm thick. This watch is over 10mm thick. This thing is thicker than an iPhone 4. Pretend you strapped an iPhone 4 to your wrist. Let that sink in for a moment.

Obviously, the thickness was to house a large enough battery to get the usage time they needed.

Now that I have tried it on, I think the *biggest* flaw was not using a curved LCD display. (Think the Samsung Gear S with the curved LCD display tech) This would have done a lot, IMO, to eliminate the "I've got a block of metal strapped to my wrist" feel since the watch would curve around the wrist.

If your wrist is too small, you WILL have a thick block of metal jutting off your wrist, and, because of the thickness, it will look ridiculous because of the optical illusion this thickness creates. But, is the screen it's self too "big" in so far as screen dimensions for most peoples wrists? No.

Now, is this a deal breaker? No. Is it something you will probably get used to feeling pretty fast? Yes. Was the watch overall good with TONS of potential and probably lots coming in future generations? Yes. Make no mistake, however, this literally *feels* like a first gen product. My first comparison in my mind actually was "brick" first generation cell phones.

Still, no regrets on the pre-order.
 
As I look down at my Breitling Super Avenger on my wrist and notice that I would measure the thickness of this behemoth in inches, not mm's.... 3/4 of an inch to be specific....My Apple Watch will feel tiny and svelte in comparison.
 
dBeats said:
As I look down at my Breitling Super Avenger on my wrist and notice that I would measure the thickness of this behemoth in inches, not mm's.... 3/4 of an inch to be specific....My Apple Watch will feel tiny and svelte in comparison.
Click to expand...

The fact that you have to compare it to something absolutely massive in thickness to make it feel "tiny", pretty much underscores my point.

My 20b cat looks absolutely tiny when I compare him to an elephant, too.
 
My current watch is 10mm think and it's not considered large. I've got a try on tomorrow but expecting it to be fine.
 

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dBeats said:
As I look down at my Breitling Super Avenger on my wrist and notice that I would measure the thickness of this behemoth in inches, not mm's.... 3/4 of an inch to be specific....My Apple Watch will feel tiny and svelte in comparison.
Click to expand...

And we measure the weight in lbs, ha. My Avenger Seawolf weighs 1/2 lb and is 18mm thick, the Apple Watch is not a big or heavy watch.
 
At first I seen the 38mm it looked very small. But after trying it on i felt more comfortable on my wrist versus the 42mm

Edit** this is the 38mm :)
 
Last edited:
dBeats said:
As I look down at my Breitling Super Avenger on my wrist and notice that I would measure the thickness of this behemoth in inches, not mm's.... 3/4 of an inch to be specific....My Apple Watch will feel tiny and svelte in comparison.
Click to expand...

A Breitling Super Avenger is an absolutely amazing watch
The apple watch is a thick piece of metal slab on your wrist
 
NOLF1 said:
The fact that you have to compare it to something absolutely massive in thickness to make it feel "tiny", pretty much underscores my point.

My 20b cat looks absolutely tiny when I compare him to an elephant, too.
Click to expand...

Well, most mechanical self winders are pretty thick, and considering horological enthusiasts might have one of those, I think it's apropos to bring the point up. YMMV.
 
A lot of watches, including the Apple watch look a lot thinner than they are when they are on because often the back is considerably raised.

A GMT-II at a glance looks like it might be about 6mm thick but it's in fact about 11mm and the illusion is created by a raised back which doesn't extend across the full size of the watch. It also helps to make the watch less of a burden when you flex your wrist upwards if it is a largish face.

It is something you get used to very quickly.
 
Yep, just as I thought, chubby metal chiclet. It's going to look absurd on my narrow wrist. But by sheer force of my charm and charisma I'll rock that look, dammit! :cool:
 
NOLF1 said:
I just got back from seeing the 42mm. I can confirm what most are saying - the pictures do make it look like it is too "big" for the wrist. It really isn't.

The problem is that it is too THICK. Almost to the point of being comical. It almost felt like I strapping a block of metal to my wrist. This is why I think it looks so ridiculously massive in some of the pictures.....
Click to expand...

I'm calling mine my Apple Cartoon Watch :eek:

All along I've tried to tell the devotees that because of the bulging rounded sides it's fat and funny looking.

For me it really doesn't matter, I have no desire to "show-off" any of my watches. I bought Apple Watch simply to play with. It's the only true way for me to be able to comment on what it's really like.

With all the new Apple gear I've bought over the last eighteen months I'm fully prepared for a host of problems. Yet being a non-essential item, since I have a watch collection, I won't mind if Apple's watch becomes unreliable.
 
My Tag Heuer Professional is just over 13mm thick so I'm looking forward to the 42mm SS:D
 
abluehaze said:
Which size is that in the picture? It looks great and that's the one you should be getting.

Do you know your wrist size? I'm about a 158mm and am torn between the 38 and 42.
Click to expand...

Yes thank you I definitely agree. That is the 38mm. I'm sorry I don't know my wrist size. I'm a smaller guy. About 5'5 average.
 
My current watch is over 10mm thick so to be honest I'm used to wearing that thickness on my wrist. The cool thing is the apple watch can do so much more.

I think for most people who were a watch it won't feel that thick. For someone who does't wear anything on their wrist, thats a different story.
 
SarZ said:
A Breitling Super Avenger is an absolutely amazing watch
The apple watch is a thick piece of metal slab on your wrist
Click to expand...

Only problem is the black and blue marks on my wrist if I try to run or do sports with it on. :cool: Hence getting an Apple Sport Watch for everyday duties...Thanks for the compliment, I love the watch too, just seems more like a dress watch after 4 years of wearing it almost everyday, the weight and size start to get to you....
 
I have a tag heuer 6000, i think that watch is THIN, and I just googled it - its 42 mm and 11 mm thick! So Apple Watch is actually thinner! This just keeps getting better for me!
 
GrumpyMom said:
Yep, just as I thought, chubby metal chiclet. It's going to look absurd on my narrow wrist. But by sheer force of my charm and charisma I'll rock that look, dammit! :cool:
Click to expand...

You are awesome!

That's all I gotta say.

Chiba
 
My 16 year old stainless steel Fossil dress watch is smaller than the huge watches they sell today, and it's not much thinner than an watch and has a slightly smaller footprint.

I don't think it will be that much of an issue.

I have an aluminum Lunatik band for my iPod nano 6th gen and it's about watch size. It's not a big issue.
 
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