Look how big Apple Watch Ultra is on a small wrist!

[scoobydoonut]

I pre ordered with AT&T as soon as order banks were open early in the morning - got notice it shipped last Thursday for delivery on Friday - Today it’s still showing only a label was created . FedEx claims they don’t have it and never got it and AT&T says they don’t have it either that they shipped it . So I went to the Apple Store and had to try my exact order on so I could at least try it until mine comes in . I’ve got small hands and wrists but I think it’s just fine and can’t wait to get mine . My watch is on top of the ultra for a size comparison

 

[Queen6]

Looked and tried AW Ultra looks ok on my 7-3/4 wrist. It's not for me as it can't replace my field watch and that's 60.3 × 57.7 × 20.2 mm being near bullet proof & solar.

Tend to agree much of the imagery is deliberately off-putting as on the wrist AW Ultra is a good fit

Q-6

 

[Larvas]

The original large-faced watches where designed specifically to be worn on top of what you were wearing - e.g. dive watches were not put on an exposed wrist but rather on top of your neoprene suit. Likewise with pilot/aviator timepieces designed to be worn on the outside of flight suits - the point was to always be able to see time or elapsed time without needing to fiddle with pulling a sleeve up, moving your wrist up close to see time, etc. Things that made the watch even bigger were things like rotating bezels - they only turn in one direction, could be rotated with gloves on, and were your real indication of how long you've been underwater.

They were never meant to be every-day wear. You wore it because it was essential to the activity. In comparison, men's "dress watches" were < 35mm in most cases, and even smaller for women to match a smaller wrist.

At some point, the larger watches became trendy because they represented wealth and drew attention because of their presence. Of course, most Rolex Submariners and Sea Dwellers never see water beyond rain. The Breitling Emergency was meant specifically for pilots with a real RF emergency beacon in it, but became a unique status symbol for some frequent flyers once upon a time. And of course, nobody buying a Omega Speedmaster intends on using theirs on the moon.

These days, it's just about personal preference. If you like it and you can wear it *confidently*, that's all that matters. Just buy it for yourself, not to impress others.

All that said, Ultra does appear to be purpose-built for diving. A large visible display and glove friendly button design, along with a crown guard are all good things for someone that is going underwater. You can obviously use it for every day wear if you want, but considering how much Apple leaned into the dive functions in their presentation, they paid the most attention here. It's the first generation of the Ultra line, so I would fully expect more sizes and shapes down the road. This is a big experiment for them as well, as much as the $10k gold Apple Watch was.

Personally, I might have jumped at a 47mm and absolutely at 45mm, but 49mm is just too big for me. I would not be surprised if Ultras became a 45/49mm offering, and regular AW stayed at 41/45mm.

This.

For me the main seller is the diving part, I can basically keep my SE for day-to-day use, and have the Ultra as my dedicated diving watch, and it can sync well with my phone and data so I'll not lose anything when switching for the weekend.

 

[random person]

Took a picture of the alpine loop on my size 1 wrist. It is a size small and actually fits well with room to spare if I needed it tighter. Haven’t gotten it wet yet but I imagine it would dry quickly. Definitely not settling here — it really does fit. It’s about the function anyway and as far as looks go it’s best to try in person. Photos make it look even larger!

 

[ebika]

This.

For me the main seller is the diving part, I can basically keep my SE for day-to-day use, and have the Ultra as my dedicated diving watch, and it can sync well with my phone and data so I'll not lose anything when switching for the weekend.

I'm leaning towards doing this too. I bought the Ultra primarily because I can use it diving as a backup computer, and keep all the niceties of the Apple eco-system otherwise. I learned today that having the orange action button as a dedicated MyQ garage door opener is pretty fantastic too while on my bike. I'm finding the Ultra is still bigger on my wrist than I like, at least all the time, so I'll likely keep my 40mm s6 in rotation too. I doubt I'll ever wear the Ultra with a dress or fancy business attire, but that's ok, it's pretty in an industrial way.

 

[Fthree]

That's great to hear. Your alpine loop is the small size, right? The alpine loop they had at the store must have been a medium or large, it totally didn't fit.

I'm currently on the fence about getting it this year, mainly because I'd like a temperature sensor that can tell me if I have a fever. Wondering if Apple will have that next year, or will it take longer?

If I do get the ultra, I'd probably go for the ocean loop, because I'm always getting the watch band wet when washing my hands/doing dishes, and I heard the alpine and trail loops take a while to dry. Have you gotten your band wet yet, and if so, how long does it take to dry?

the alpine loop doesn't take a long time to dry but does stay wet for a while. The ocean loop is super nice comfy and can dry it off after washing.

 

[ColdShadow]

Remember Airpods? This would be the same in a few months…

I doubt that.

 

[Kitkat52]

I returned my Ultra yesterday. I did love and appreciate this watch, but it was too chunky for my small wrist, and I was having pain because of the bulkiness. I ended up with the series 8, 45mm, which is not as cool as this watch, but fits me better without pain.

 

[ArchEtech]

So don’t buy one. Problem solved. Fortunately lots of people have, and the Ultra has started more conversations about apples watches since before I can remember.

 

[antipodean]

The ultra fits my wrist better than my series 6 44 mm. No overhand when looking directly down at the watch face. I guess my wrist is quite a bit wider than 49mm.

I went for alpine loop in size large and the fit is perfect. Still find it a bit of a hassle to get on and off compared with previous Nike sport bands (which also had the benefit of drying more quickly). I might grab a velcro-based trail loop knock-off for convenience.

 

[Kitkat52]

Reviewing my photos I have to say it does look a bit like a salad plate on my wrist! But the photos distort the size. Best to check out in person.

I did love mine, but as a tiny wrist person, it really made my wrist ache with the bulk. I don’t regret returning for my comfort. Just my experience.

 

[alee]

I did love mine, but as a tiny wrist person, it really made my wrist ache with the bulk. I don’t regret returning for my comfort. Just my experience.

For folks that have never worn heavier watches, this is a fairly common experience, even long before smart watches. There are a lot of nerves that run through the wrist, and any sort of compression on those nerves can cause a lot of pain - numbness, tingling, aching, etc. Coupled with a band that is marginal on fit and it can be frustratingly uncomfortable.

Your body does eventually adapt, but you may have to take breaks from your watch while you adjust.

This was the case years ago with my first "nice" watch, which was a stainless steel diver watch. I thought I was never going to be able to wear it during my first few days of ownership. Felt like my arm was on fire. Had to take it off throughout the day. Over about 2 weeks, it eventually became a non-issue, but I had to keep on wearing it to desensitize myself. Going up in weight from the stainless steel 45mm to the Ultra hasn't really been an issue. I think my body is used a little bit of compression on the wrist.

 

[Jackbequickly]

View attachment 2052382Look how massive a 49mm watch is on a smaller wrist. Straight on would be much worse which is why they only showed those angles with large male wrists.

LOL! I don’t think they could find a smaller wrist if they looked.

This image caused me some worry while waiting for my Ultra to arrive, but after putting it on my wrist, I find the above image hilariously exaggerated! Surely some do have wrists this small but not the majority.

 

[grouch92]

I did love mine, but as a tiny wrist person, it really made my wrist ache with the bulk. I don’t regret returning for my comfort. Just my experience.

I got an aluminum Series 0 in case I didn't like it. Loved it! Then moved to SS on the next one. I thought it too heavy. And yet I'm happy with the Ultra. I did figure out a few tricks to fool the eye into thinking it looks smaller on my wrist.

 

[papbot]

LOL! I don’t think they could find a smaller wrist if they looked.

This image caused me some worry while waiting for my Ultra to arrive, but after putting it on my wrist, I find the above image hilariously exaggerated! Surely some do have wrists this small but not the majority.

Many of these photos are closeups of the watch gaining them an artificially huge appearance. The Ultra is bigger, and heavier, and I have small wrists and debated ordering one for days before doing so. But I’m very glad I did.

 

[PaladinGuy]

Well, I actually decided to give an Ultra a try, and I’ve mostly adjusted to the bigger size. Then again, I used to wear dive watches before the Apple Watch.

It’s definitely at the limits of what I can wear. I think it looks fine on me. I’m keeping my Series 7 41mm stainless steel with my nice bands for dressier occasions. It now looks super tiny when I put it on. Funny how fast you can get used to something.

I’m almost certain that I’m keeping it.

 

[Travons]

Awwn, looks suits you perfectly.

 

[aurora_sect]

I doubt many will buy this as a piece of jewelry, but as a tool, so does it matter?

The thing that I wear more than any other thing? I think it matters. My clothes aren't jewelry either but I care how they look.

 

[kasimodem]

Hi,
I have a 160mm wrist and I wear a 41mm AW usually.
I'm interested in the Ultra for the battery, the size of the screen and the brigthness.
I will probably go to try it in a Store soon.
My question is : is there any of the 3 bands that is better for small wrists? Which one fits better to maintain the big watch in place on a small wrist and minimize the effect that it's larger than the wrist?
Thanks.

 

[Night Spring]

Hi,
I have a 160mm wrist and I wear a 41mm AW usually.
I'm interested in the Ultra for the battery, the size of the screen and the brigthness.
I will probably go to try it in a Store soon.
My question is : is there any of the 3 bands that is better for small wrists? Which one fits better to maintain the big watch in place on a small wrist and minimize the effect that it's larger than the wrist?
Thanks.

The ocean band has no lugs, so might be better for small wrists. That said, 160mm should be no problem with any of the bands, at least in terms of fit. Whether it looks good visually is up to personal preference.

 

[PaladinGuy]

The ocean band has no lugs, so might be better for small wrists. That said, 160mm should be no problem with any of the bands, at least in terms of fit. Whether it looks good visually is up to personal preference.

Only thing about the ocean band is that it’s only one size. My 160mm wrist looks fine with my Alpine loop and Trail Loop.

 

[Night Spring]

Only thing about the ocean band is that it’s only one size. My 160mm wrist looks fine with my Alpine loop and Trail Loop.

Why is that a problem that the ocean band is just one size?

 

[papbot]

Why is that a problem that the ocean band is just one size?

I tried one similar in length to that one and it wraps completely around my wrist to where it’s rubbing up against the other side of the watch, essentially sticking up in the air a little. The trail can be ordered in a smaller size. Which is what I’ve done and it wraps just over halfway around my wrist. That’s ideal for me, I also ordered the same size sport loop, 45mm, and it fits exactly the same, I even prefer the feel of it against my skin. I could see wearing the ocean band in wet or very sweaty environments but I don’t think I’d ever use it for daily wear.

 

[Night Spring]

I tried one similar in length to that one and it wraps completely around my wrist to where it’s rubbing up against the other side of the watch, essentially sticking up in the air a little. The trail can be ordered in a smaller size. Which is what I’ve done and it wraps just over halfway around my wrist. That’s ideal for me, I also ordered the same size sport loop, 45mm, and it fits exactly the same, I even prefer the feel of it against my skin. I could see wearing the ocean band in wet or very sweaty environments but I don’t think I’d ever use it for daily wear.

What do you mean, "similar in length to that one"? Did you actually try the Ocean band? The Ocean band is built so that it wraps exactly double around a 130mm wrist, with no left over length to rub up against the watch. And the end is held down by the movable band holder, so it doesn't stick out in the air. Considering its purpose is to be worn by divers over wet suits, I can understand why they went for maximum adjustability. I agree the Ocean band is not for everyone, but it's very well thought out.

 

[kasimodem]

Hi,
I went to the Apple Store and tried the Ultra, it looks too big and thick on my wrist.
I tried the 3 bands, the one that best fit on a small wrist is the Trial one for sure.
I took a 45mm S8 instead.