I want to preface this post by saying, this is not a technical review. In this post I will not talk about pixel density, the chemical formula of the rubber used, or processing capabilities. These are simply my thoughts about the recently released Apple Watch Sport in brushed gold. In around 3 weeks time I will do a longer review and show how to style it, but for now let's talk about my initial thoughts after wearing the watch for a week.
My phone, tablet, and computer are all Apple products. I don't have a weird obsession with Steve Jobs and I'm not one of the customers who will stand in line for days(or hours) waiting to be the first to purchase a new phone. The simple ease of use and reliability I have experienced, paired with fantastic customer service have been what made me a loyal consumer. When the watch was first announced earlier this year, I cringed a bit when the prices were announced. Despite the seemingly innocent price tag of $399 for the 42mm sport, after adding Apple care, tax, and a snazzy Apple leather strap you weren't getting out for under $600. When rumors surfaced a few weeks later that another version would release at the end of the year I decided to wait. With the introduction of the brushed gold, and rose gold variants of the sport model, I decided to bite the bullet and get one.
1. Wearability: Despite being at the bottom of the price-sheet, the rubber strap is surprisingly comfortable. It feels well made, and is very comfortable throughout the day as your wrist moves about, and swells. I love the navy strap which was a selling point for me. Unlike the previous sport band colors, I felt the navy was conservative enough to wear with more dressy clothing.
via @nwilliamsphotos Instagram
2. Functionality: I will admit, before purchasing the watch I thought of it as an overpriced Fitbit that you could get text message alerts on, but after using it for a week I can see it is more than that. While admittedly it is not as life changing as your first iPhone or Macbook there is a notable added convenience to the watch. I frequently use the maps application on my phone, but being able to simply look at my wrist for the next turn; and when close notified of that turn is really nice. As far as phone calls, and texting goes I wouldn't be caught dead doing either on the watch in public, but when in my car or in a more private setting both do work well. Also the health application is a nice feature. I like being reminded to stand up and move around after binge watching The Office for a few hours.
via @nwilliamsphotos Instagram
3. Style: Look GQ slammed it right out of the gate for being a bit nerdy. And while I see their point(maybe I'm a nerd), I disagree. This is absolutely not a replacement for your Rolex or whatever beautiful analog watch you own. While Apple would like you to think that, you will not catch me in a tuxedo anytime soon wearing this. Can you wear it with a suit? Debatable(I do), with the right strap it doesn't kill me. If you're hitting the town on a Friday night with a hot date, lose the Apple Watch immediately. The only way you could be ruder than texting on a date is glancing at your watch every 5 seconds to read your utterly unimportant Instagram notifications and emails that can wait.
Conclusion: For me this was a fun splurge/reward after a good season of work. Before you go out and buy this I would recommend picking up a nice traditional watch. The first that springs to mind would be a piece from Daniel Wellington. I've owned my DW watch for a year now, and I love it as much now as when I first got it. It is light, comfortable, and with the ability to easily change straps makes it incredible versatile. An important thing to note is that you are buying a trend, not investing in a long lasting timepiece. If you are looking to spend $500+ on something that is going to last you a long time, please don't buy this. Save up your money, and spend $2,000 on an Omega that you will be able to give to your kids one day.