Northern Ireland Apple Watch Thread
I pre ordered both the classic buckle and leather loop 42mm SS versions. Couldn't decide from the pictures which I liked best.
I had a try on in Victoria Sq on Sunday. I was less than impressed in all honesty. Firstly I will excuse the staff member dealing with me - a more pleasant and polite individual would be difficult to find, plus I had also dealt with same staff member in the past regarding Apple Care for my iPhone and was most impressed with their efficiency.
The try on immediately feels too formal when staff member opens up a felt display box with various Apple Watches inside. Then as you start to try on its replaced with an awkwardness - your standing, not sitting like you would be in a jewellers at this price point and the staff member is holding the watch like it is the crown jewels, uneasy with you even touching it as they place it on your wrist. Even after you assure them your confidence you can place the watch on your wrist solo they are clearly afraid you will drop it and/or have been trained to assist in every try on attempt. Even the slightest finger print placed on the watch, they are polishing it with a cloth. All too intense but clearly part of the sales pitch.
As the try on units only have a demo loop the staff member had to interrupt another customer playing on functional unit beside me to answer questions. Again this was awkward and unnecessary - why do try on units only run demo loops?
I was wearing my TW Steel 50mm that day. (Which I was asked to remove from the counter when I had taken it off - and not for security reasons - it was clear comparing it with Apple Watch was gonna cause an issue) 50mm is oversized for a watch I realise, but I own a few other watches around the 44mm size which is now somewhat standard for gents premium fashion/mid range luxury watches. Bottom line is the Apple Watch at 42mm is too small. It looked like a large-ish ladies watch on my wrist. This was only one disappointment.
Next the classic buckle looked and felt like a cheap £7.99 strap you could by in any high street jewellers while the leather loop was comfortable and functional but just didn't look or feel like a premium watch strap.
Overall I was very disappointed at both the Watch and the whole try on experience/sales method. The watch is well enough made but feel too small and the straps etc are way below par for the price points. The standing up try ons also do not work for this product and the entire process felt just....wrong!
I won't cancel my pre order and will try it at home for a while to properly judge it but I feel confident this will be a time I will avail of my rights under distance selling regulations and be returning for a refund!
