I had already been looking at options to track my biometrics and potentially getting a new watch before the Apple Watch came out. At first, the decision to go with the Apple Watch seemed really easy. The Fitbit option with GPS is normally $249. The cheaper Apple Watch is $349. It’s an extra $100 and I would be getting so much extra feature functionality. But, when I started trying them on, the decision became harder.
APPLE WATCH – A REVIEW AND FASHION PERSPECTIVE
Top: Watch Sport (White)
Bottom Left: Watch (Stainless Steel with Milanese Loop)
Bottom Right: Watch (Stainless Steel with Stone Leather Loop)
The reason I hadn’t pulled the trigger with the Fitbit is that I don’t like the band options. I want something that blends in with my everyday jewelry and normal look. I checked out the Tory Burch for Fitbit pieces, but I wasn’t crazy about the design. Plus, the reviews were hit or miss.
So, I made the short trek to the Boca Raton Apple store and to my surprise – it wasn’t completely crowded and I did not have to wait to try on the watches.
I started with the Watch Sport.
It’s the entry-level option and comes in a handful of different colors. I gravitated towards the white one. I tried both the 38 mm and 42mm faces. I’m not honestly sure how anyone can make the 38mm size work for them. On a regular watch – sure. But, when you’re reading texts and responding it just feels entirely too small. Apps like Instagram and Twitter are already available for the Apple Watch, as well as ESPN, Evernote and Salesforce Analytics. I quickly made the decision that the 42mm was the way to go for me personally. And – I really think there should be a larger option for men. The 42mm was perfect for my wrist, but it would be too tiny on a man’s wrist.
I continue to have an issue with the band options for the Sport. I realize it’s meant to be “sporty,” but I can’t see myself wearing it everyday. And isn’t that the point?
My main issue with the Sport model is that the face is not scratch resistant.
It’s made to be impact resistant, but not scratch resistant. I’m not a klutz by any means, but it’s Murphy’s Law. I’d scratch that thing the first day I got it. With that, the Sport option was out for me.
I moved to the mid-level Apple Watch series. They start at $549. There are 20 different models and a few key differences from the Sport line. First, the casing is stainless steel versus aluminum (which is used for the Sport version). It just looks nicer. It does. Next – these have Sapphire Crystal faces which makes them scratch resistant. That’s a must for me.
I tried both the Milanese Loop and Stone Leather Loop (which is like a pinky-taupe color). I love that the bands are super easy to adjust and magnetic at the ends. Also, I decide these are my top picks. But, then I thought about it again. The majority of the jewelry I wear is gold. If the goal is to get my biometrics and the most utility of the watch – I think it’s going to clash with other things I wear. So, I question if I’d wear it everyday. I think I would wear the leather option since it’s a neutral color. It would go with almost anything in my closet. But, the salesperson I worked with reminded me that it’s not great to work out in because of the damage sweat would do to the band. Point noted. That’s it – the leather band option is out for me.
So, I’m left with the 42mm Milanese Loop stainless steel watch at $699. The Watch Edition line is ridiculously expensive (and NOT worth the value at that point). It’s just not feasible. Plus, I’m sure the Watch 2 (or whatever they’ll call it) will be out sometime next year. Hopefully by that point the watch will actually BE my phone and I won’t have to carry my iPhone 6 on or near me to be able to use some of the Watch features too.
So, where does that leave me? I like it. But, do I love it for $700? I’m not so sure… I think I’ll be waiting until the add-on’s start coming out and I have the flexibility of getting a band that will be more my style.
What do you guys think? Have you tried it on? Are you wearing it? Do you love it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
