Lightbulb moment

[rossy100]

So after 41 days of waiting since my order, I finally received my Watch yesterday - 42mm SS Space Black Link bracelet.

I'm an Apple fanboy (self confessed) so there was a high chance I was always going to like it, and defend any shortcomings....... but my overall impression after 24 hours of use is not as I expected.

The lightbulb moment for me........ above all else..... it is a really nice, well made, and very comfortable to wear.... WATCH. As has been commented by others, it feels much smaller than originally expected, and looks classy as opposed to geeky. My point is (and cost aside) that i would wear this as a dumb watch quite happily, irrespective of the other functions, or the fact it is an Apple Watch (and FYI I have an interest in Swiss watches generally, and have worn a Breitling for years).

And so the actual technology/smart bits are the bonus here for me. I love the interface, the screen quality and the basic functions (messages, notifications etc) that will really add value to me when I'm on the move.

3P apps seem ok, a little slow perhaps on occasion, but am sure this will improve.

The haptic engine is cool, but for me could do with being a little stronger
Battery life is great so far. I charged overnight and after 4 hours of usage today, am still on 90%. I don't see this being a problem whatsoever.

As someone else commented in their reviews (maybe Gruber)...... do you NEED an AW?... NO...... but do you want one... hell yeah.

 

[H3rman]

To be honest I totally agree. However this is something I knew from the very beginning. I purchased this as a watch first, and a notification centre/gadget/toy second.

Like you say, it is something you would happily wear all day every day even if it was just a normal watch and did nothing else. For me, the haptic feedback, heart rate, fitness stuff, etc is all great. I really like it, but those are just the cherry to top it all off.

All these extra features should not be the MAIN reason people buy the watch. It is a watch first and foremost. Hence when I saw threads where people who hadn't worn watches in 20 years were saying it's rubbish I was just thinking "but you don't want a watch, so any smart watch (Apple or otherwise) will disappoint".

Anyway, enough rambling, bottom line is I agree.

 

[CalMin]

+2

First and foremost this is a jewelry/fashion item. Expecting more than that will lead to disappointment. That said the tech aspect is underdeveloped- even for a first generation product. I'm still satisfied with my purchase but the geek / technology enthusiast in me wishes it was just a bit more accomplished in that regard.

 

[bjdraw]

I agree and find myself frustrated by the unrealistic expectations by many (including reviews). They expect to sea to part just from wearing a watch. I guess the iPhone changed phones so dramatically, that nothing else Apple ever makes can live up to that.

Bottom line is it is the best watch I've ever had and I've worn one every day for 12 years. I believe that as soon as people let their expectations reset, they'll appreciate it too -- kind of like the Star Wars prequels.

 

[gsmornot]

I agree too for what its worth. I bought this looking forward to having another watch versus looking at my phone for the time. I wanted a timer on my wrist which I now have and I wanted a quick glance for weather as I was getting ready to leave the house. I have found the activity measurements, notifications, shopping lists, etc have all added to my enjoyment. I like being able to pay with my wrist. (the phone has been great but this is even easier)

Overall, if you have your expectations right and buy this with the idea that it is a watch and spend what you would be comfortable spending on a watch you will be satisfied.

 

[beardedsteven]

On my 3rd day of using it. Yesterday I read an article in the morning that said the best thing to do was to just wear it as a watch. Let what it does happen on its own. And that's what I did. I just wore it. Didn't try to play with it to make it do everything like I did on the first day. And I loved it...

Just the simplicity of getting notifications and the activity tracker stuff are super nice. And I'm eager to see what this thing will be capable of in the future. I was an iPhone 1 user. This very much feels like that product. I can't wait for the next gen. But for now it's my watch. That does a few really cool things.

 

[sdallnct2]

While I generally agree, I bought my AW first an foremost for the fitness functions. And this has exceeded my expectations (Nikefuel band into trash).

And I've fallen for the other features. Especially notification and quick return of text. Tho perhaps my favorite is Apple Pay. For me it was never a matter of "well you can do that on your phone" because I didn't. If I ran into Starbucks or 7-11 to grab a drink, my phone often stayed in my car, connected to a charger.

 

[ghostwriter]

The end user experience is somewhat unexpected. We're accustomed to frequent interactions with our devices and the Apple Watch reduces those interactions with our phones down to quick 2 second glances at our watch. At this price point, I think many expect frequent use of their watch and that simply doesn't happen. So it feels weird to me. Like I should be using the watch more than I am.

Having said that, the more I wear it the more I like it for what little it does. Does that make sense?

 

[bjdraw]

The end user experience is somewhat unexpected. We're accustomed to frequent interactions with our devices and the Apple Watch reduces those interactions with our phones down to quick 2 second glances at our watch. At this price point, I think many expect frequent use of their watch and that simply doesn't happen. So it feels weird to me. Like I should be using the watch more than I am.

But isn't that true about any new toy? Eventually the newness wears off and it falls into daily use.

 

[macduke]

I needed a new, nicer watch anyway. One of my links was broken on one side so it was just hanging on and it had tons of scratches, including the cheaper glass or whatever it was. I'd be too embarrassed to post my old watch on here, lol. I mean, it was ok, and stainless steel, but pretty mediocre and the design isn't where I wanted it to be. Needs a good cleaning too. The clasp mechanism gets all grody and is chunky compared to the Apple Watch. People complain about the thickness of the Apple Watch but my current watch is slightly thicker, lol.

I was wanting to spend some money on a nicer watch at some point anyway. I had held off because of the Apple Watch rumors. I was on the fence about getting one until I realized my work's health incentive will pay for most of the model I wanted (SS 42mm ML) and I had a gift card to cover the rest. It's definitely one of those things that's nice to have but not needed at all. But most fancy watches are that way. I've worn a watch since 2nd or 3rd grade and it's time to get a big-boy watch. I just hope that they're able to refine the algorithms over time to make the wrist raise time check better. That's one of the biggest complaints I've read, including Gruber which the OP mentioned.

 

[ghostwriter]

But isn't that true about any new toy? Eventually the newness wears off and it falls into daily use.

Yes, that's true.

I think the important thing to understand about the watch is that its designed for quick interactions, period, whereas we can spend a lot more time interacting with our other Apple devices.

The watch does not rise to the level of being the "game-changing" device that the iPod or the iPhone were to their respective categories, at least not yet. The watch, like most devices, is a work in progress. The best is yet to come.

 

[ob81]

This isn't really a "lightbulb moment". You simply discovered that you didn't really think the watch was worth what you paid for it, but found a good way to justify the cost to yourself.

 

[zmunkz]

I agree and find myself frustrated by the unrealistic expectations by many (including reviews). They expect to sea to part just from wearing a watch. I guess the iPhone changed phones so dramatically, that nothing else Apple ever makes can live up to that.

I agree with the OP. As for frustrating reviews, I think the problem is people have come to expect Apple to introduce products that totally reinvent product spaces. I think those of us that had researched the Apple Watch in advance knew we weren't dealing with that in this case, but many reviewers are acting under another expectation. As to whether or not Apple should have held out until they had that kind of revolutionary product, I can't say… Maybe they should have. But personally I am quite happy with AW as it stands.

 

[Night Spring]

I have to disagree with the sentiment that Apple watch is mainly a watch. I haven't worn a watch since I got my first iPod touch, and I wouldn't have bought the Apple watch if it were just a watch. For me, the order of importance of Apple watch features are, activity tracking first, notifications second, and that it is a nice watch is extra.

 

[landune]

Just out of curiosity, how much does a watch with sapphire and stainless steel typically cost?

 

[rossy100]

This isn't really a "lightbulb moment". You simply discovered that you didn't really think the watch was worth what you paid for it, but found a good way to justify the cost to yourself.

Nonsense. My point is that I think there is significant value in the watch even without the 'smart' features. I was surprised by how much I like it as a watch alone. Then add all the great features and it is a fantastic proposition.

 

[jtrue28]

Just out of curiosity, how much does a watch with sapphire and stainless steel typically cost?

"Most" watches have sapphire. If they didn't, people would complain about the face scratching/breaking all the time.

As for stainless steel...seems like a lot of watches fall in that category as well. There is a WIDE range of prices for watches.

You can get a cheapo for $99, or you can invest in the higher end models for $10-100K depending on the other materials (gold, platinum, diamonds, etc).

Maybe I'm not completely understanding your question.

Stainless steel Rolex Submariner (with sapphire crystal) would run you $6k..on the very low end. If you add in white gold, you're looking at $20-30K.

Apple is overcharging (shock) for the Edition. Nothing they are doing to the gold is worth the extra cost.

 

[mattopotamus]

"Most" watches have sapphire. If they didn't, people would complain about the face scratching/breaking all the time.

As for stainless steel...seems like a lot of watches fall in that category as well. There is a WIDE range of prices for watches.

You can get a cheapo for $99, or you can invest in the higher end models for $10-100K depending on the other materials (gold, platinum, diamonds, etc).

Maybe I'm not completely understanding your question.

Stainless steel Rolex Submariner (with sapphire crystal) would run you $6k..on the very low end. If you add in white gold, you're looking at $20-30K.

Apple is overcharging (shock) for the Edition. Nothing they are doing to the gold is worth the extra cost.

This. Most reviews, from a watch person standpoint, peg it as actually being under-priced for the SS.

 

[cambookpro]

If I just wanted something to tell the time, in no way is the Apple Watch more practical than a normal watch. It's not amazing at telling the time because, inherently, it can't be if it utilises a screen which isn't always on.

Since switching to the Apple Watch, it's become a lot harder just to glance at my wrist from an angle and tell the time. I overlook the minor inconvenience as I think the 'smart' features outweigh it - having the current temperature and weather on the face is a massive benefit. I can't wait to see third party complications. But I disagree it's a great watch, if we're talking about a watch in the traditional sense.

 

[mattopotamus]

If I just wanted something to tell the time, in no way is the Apple Watch more practical than a normal watch. It's not amazing at telling the time because, inherently, it can't be if it utilises a screen which isn't always on.

Since switching to the Apple Watch, it's become a lot harder just to glance at my wrist from an angle and tell the time. I overlook the minor inconvenience as I think the 'smart' features outweigh it - having the current temperature and weather on the face is a massive benefit. I can't wait to see third party complications. But I disagree it's a great watch, if we're talking about a watch in the traditional sense.

I really felt the same way at first, but OS 1.0.1 actually made it so I can slightly tilt my wrist and the screen turns on. Before that, I seriously had to raise my wrist.

 

[cambookpro]

I really felt the same way at first, but OS 1.0.1 actually made it so I can slightly tilt my wrist and the screen turns on. Before that, I seriously had to raise my wrist.

It has got much better in 1.0.1, but I still miss just moving my head to look at the time, especially if I'm holding something or typing with my left hand.

I'm sure I'll get used to it over time. I suppose it's more of a problem if you wore normal watches beforehand and are used to the behaviour.

Having said that, I still wouldn't go back to my normal watch. The Apple Watch doesn't have as a profound effect as using, say, an iPhone vs. a feature phone, but I went back to my Casio Edifice this week (exams) and I missed a lot of the small benefits the Apple Watch provides.

 

[landune]

"Most" watches have sapphire. If they didn't, people would complain about the face scratching/breaking all the time.

As for stainless steel...seems like a lot of watches fall in that category as well. There is a WIDE range of prices for watches.

You can get a cheapo for $99, or you can invest in the higher end models for $10-100K depending on the other materials (gold, platinum, diamonds, etc).

Maybe I'm not completely understanding your question.

Stainless steel Rolex Submariner (with sapphire crystal) would run you $6k..on the very low end. If you add in white gold, you're looking at $20-30K.

Apple is overcharging (shock) for the Edition. Nothing they are doing to the gold is worth the extra cost.

I just mean... is the watch overpriced (at $850) when it comes to quality of materials and build? Or is it priced fairly?

 

[za9ra22]

I already had a Pebble, so was already aware of what a smartwatch could do for me. I ordered an Apple watch simply because I wanted to see what it was like and whether it could beat the Pebble at what I want a smartwatch to do, which is notifications.

A significant amount of the criticism I've read is that the Apple watch lacks a 'killer app', and that without one it's just an overpriced toy. I'd agree in part with these comments - I'd never consider paying this much for a watch, particularly one where the screen is only on for 20 seconds at a time. But for me, notifications are the killer app. As with the Pebble, notifications on my wrist make frequent bursts of incoming texts and emails into a simple triage and filtering task that means I don't have to constantly fumble for my iPhone in order to keep up with crucial issues, and can instead quickly prioritise my work as I go.

Anything and everything else the Apple watch can do is just a bonus - a bonus which seems likely to provide some benefits down the road as third party developers begin to apply their creativity towards exploiting what the watch can really do.

 

[iamasmith]

I totally agree, I think some folks bought this expecting to do.. well I'm not sure what.

Think of the first iPhone, it was quite limited, it was designed as a phone but it had the potential to be a very interactive mobile computing device and that's what it ended up being for most.

Now think of the Watch, primarily it's going to be a watch but the cool thing is that it negates a lot of the required interaction with the phone. It shouldn't me made into the primary mobile device, if you want that extra experience you probably want to use a bigger display anyway.

Think of the most basic netty thing, could the watch have been shipped with a browser.. yes, but it would have been a helluva a poor experience even if it had the performance to do it well.

I'm sure there are some really cool possibilities that are better aligned to the watch format though

 

[linkgx1]

I never looked at the Apple Watch as an iPhone for my wrist. It's been more or less a 'set up' from the traditional Timex pieces but lower than say an OMEGA in my opinion. My issue with watches is that they've always been extreme luxury items for my college income. It wasn't functional enough for me. The iPhone is a short of bridge to watches for me because it looks nice and just happens to be a little more functional than a Swiss Watch. That's why I don't judge it so harshly.

Plus it could have only told the time and had Apple Pay and I would have still bought it.