Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

username:

macrumors 6502a
Dec 16, 2013
707
365
Try to get over your paranoia and social anxiety. You were afraid to show you had an iPhone? Dude, you buy an iPhone because you think it will be useful to you. Where is the shame in that? Same with the apple watch. buy it because of its awesome features and wear it proudly.
 

mashinhead

macrumors 68030
Oct 7, 2003
2,999
976
The biggest problem with smart watches in my mind is that every single one makes you look like a complete tool while you're wearing it. Seems to me the Apple Watch is no different in this regard. Fitness bands have the same problem, though they're at least generally inconspicuous, or at least they would be if they weren't hot pink. Why does it have to look like some unique thing that is very clearly NOT a normal watch?

Don't know that I agree. It actually doesn't look that garish. At least not the face of it. By this logic I would think the iPhone 6 Plus would fall under the same blanket of criticism.

I think the mistake is having to have an iPhone to use it. It makes it a huge upfront cost to the consumer. And limits the flexibility of such a light device. It really narrows the market. The price point is a huge mistake as well. The other is using voice to communicate. It just doesn't work our in the real world to listen to and respond like a speaker phone in public. There is too much noise around you for this to work. Try using siri at an airport or subway station.

The other think is they should open up the straps to fashion companies to make as opposed to themselves.

Don't know that I'd buy one at the point though. It's just a second screen for what's in your pocket. They haven't really proven that this does anything better, or vital, that your phone can't already do, much easier. The success of this is going to rely on what developers can do with it.
 
Last edited:

Wishbrah

macrumors regular
Oct 20, 2013
235
8
It actually looks pretty low-key. Look at the latest Moto watch...thing is huge, perfectly circle with straight straps that seem to attach underneath the giant bezel. That thing is gaudy.

Also, with the AW, you can choose a low-key color on the band, a darker color for the case (aluminum vs space grey, stainless vs the darker stainless), AND you can choose the smaller size. The smaller size is not a woman's size, I assure you.
 

Cashmonee

macrumors 65832
May 27, 2006
1,504
1,245
I actually think the biggest hurdle won't be looks. It'll be usefulness. I still think smartwatches are a solution in search of a problem. You are trying to convince the general public to spend a minimum of $350 for something that requires another device that costs several hundred dollars and does most of the same things, just not as well. Is it really worth that kind of money to avoid taking your phone out of your pocket sometimes? I will gladly pay the effort penalty to use the device that is vastly superior at performing the same tasks.
 

MarkusL

macrumors 6502
Jun 1, 2014
462
2,524
The only issue I see for the aWatch is it sharing wrist time with my other watches.

No problem! While none of these is an Apple Watch, at least one of them is about as thick as the Apple Watch.
C1.jpg
 

Piggie

macrumors G3
Feb 23, 2010
9,182
4,112
I don't give a rodent's behind what some schmuck thinks I look like. Anyone who thinks they can judge others that way is not worth the time of day.

Yes you do.
You select cloths and other items based upon the society around you.
It's impossible not to do so, unless you live in the jungle on your own and have no idea what type of clothing anyone else is wearing.

----------

Myself, in the photos, I think it looks ok.

Nothing amazing, but ok.

I was expecting, like probably 99% of people were something a bit more technically impressive looks wise, due to some gorgeous concept renderings.

But it's ok. A rounded rectangle.

It's not offensive.

Worst you can say is a bit chunky and a bit dull.
 

parseckadet

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Dec 13, 2010
1,493
1,273
Denver, CO
I've got to think that there is going to be a way for them to support third party watch faces. This thing just screams for it. But, it might be that we don't see it on launch day, or even in the first year. It might be a Watch OS 2.0 feature. Also, I'm betting we haven't seen all the faces that Apple will themselves provide. For example, I haven't seen a single one that uses Roman numerals. That is such a basic design choice for a watch, that I can't imagine Apple not providing ANY faces that use Roman numerals out of the box.
 

TWO2SEVEN

macrumors 68040
Jun 27, 2010
3,531
741
Plano, TX
The biggest problem with smart watches in my mind is that every single one makes you look like a complete tool while you're wearing it. Seems to me the Apple Watch is no different in this regard. Fitness bands have the same problem, though they're at least generally inconspicuous, or at least they would be if they weren't hot pink. Why does it have to look like some unique thing that is very clearly NOT a normal watch?

It does not look like a "normal watch" because it isn't one.

As far as your opinions go, you are certainly entitled to them, but that doesn't mean this is a "problem" with all smart watches.
 

parseckadet

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Dec 13, 2010
1,493
1,273
Denver, CO
It does not look like a "normal watch" because it isn't one.

As far as your opinions go, you are certainly entitled to them, but that doesn't mean this is a "problem" with all smart watches.

It is a problem for Apple if enough other people share my opinion, and I think that could be the case. But I have no way of gauging that if I don't share my opinion and see if others agree or not. If I'm the only one thinking this way, then that's just fine by me and I welcome the opportunity for others to convince me that I'm wrong.

Not really sure what your expectations are here. If you're expecting that this is going to be a place where you can come and everyone has the same opinion you do, then I'm afraid you're mistaken. You've said I'm entitled to my opinions, but the tone of your post seems to suggest that you're annoyed that I expressed them. If that's the case, then I strongly suggest you avoid visiting internet forums in general.
 

cube

Suspended
May 10, 2004
17,011
4,973
The biggest problem with smartwatches is that they are not watches. Until a watchmaker makes a proper one.
 

TWO2SEVEN

macrumors 68040
Jun 27, 2010
3,531
741
Plano, TX
Not really sure what your expectations are here. If you're expecting that this is going to be a place where you can come and everyone has the same opinion you do, then I'm afraid you're mistaken. You've said I'm entitled to my opinions, but the tone of your post seems to suggest that you're annoyed that I expressed them. If that's the case, then I strongly suggest you avoid visiting internet forums in general.

I have no expectations here. I am simply stating my opinion as well. Enjoy your day!
 

parseckadet

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Dec 13, 2010
1,493
1,273
Denver, CO
As for the comment about smart watches not being watches. I only have one wrist to wear a watch on (wearing something on each wrist is plain dumb). As I mentioned before, in my job I often visit client sites, where I will have meetings with not just technical managers, but also executives, including CTOs, at some of the biggest companies in the world. So let me give you a little challenge. Go visit Amazon and search for men's watches between $1000 - $1200 (the rumored price for the Apple Watch Edition line), and pick out the one you like best. Here's a link for your convenience:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=lp_6358...1011&low-price=1000&high-price=1200&x=14&y=11

Are you seriously telling me that you would feel more comfortable walking into a meeting with the CTO of a multi-billion dollar international corporation with an Apple Watch on your wrist over some of the watches on that list?

Edit to add: Just did a search for watches $300 - $350, and there are MANY within that price range as well that would be more appropriate.
 
Last edited:

cube

Suspended
May 10, 2004
17,011
4,973
As for the comment about smart watches not being watches. I only have one wrist to wear a watch on (wearing something on each wrist is plain dumb). As I mentioned before, in my job I often visit client sites, where I will have meetings with not just technical managers, but also executives, including CTOs, at some of the biggest companies in the world. So let me give you a little challenge. Go visit Amazon and search for men's watches between $1000 - $1200 (the rumored price for the Apple Watch Edition line), and pick out the one you like best. Here's a link for your convenience:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=lp_6358...1011&low-price=1000&high-price=1200&x=14&y=11

Are you seriously telling me that you would feel more comfortable walking into a meeting with the CTO of a multi-billion dollar international corporation with an Apple Watch on your wrist over some of the watches on that list?

Edit to add: Just did a search for watches $300 - $350, and there are MANY within that price range as well that would be more appropriate.

It's not only that. A proper watch should not need frequent recharging. A cheap quartz watch is a proper watch.

A power hungry screen is not needed to make a proper fitness watch.
 

parseckadet

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Dec 13, 2010
1,493
1,273
Denver, CO
For me, that redirects to Amazon UK and does not match any product.

Without seeing the watches: I would not wear anything that I don't like the appearance of.

You're right, it's not working for me either. I wasn't a link to a specific watch, just a link to search results. Just go to the watch section on amazon and limit your results based on price to see what I mean.
 

5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
12,132
19,733
Well it you're nor comfortable wearing it for your big meetings, take it off and wear a more traditional watch until Apple refines the design to your tastes.

I'm not arguing your point. You make a valid one. The tech just isn't there yet to support the type of design an executive is likely to favor. It may never be. You just may have to wait for something like this to become accepted in your circles, if it ever does.

Not all corporate cultures are as rigid and uptight as some you may run into.
 

grahamperrin

macrumors 601
Jun 8, 2007
4,942
648
… go to the watch section on amazon and limit your results based on price …

I sped through and selected a few. In alphabetical order: https://www.diigo.com/list/grahamperrin/list-2014091619292961

I don't like the straps on some of those; I focused on faces.

They're nice, but I prefer my old Timemaster.

If I had the cash to spare: I'd probably aim for a Vulcain Centenary such as this – for my own pleasure, then if someone else sees it on me and likes it, that'll be a bonus.
 

SHNXX

macrumors 68000
Oct 2, 2013
1,901
663
The biggest problem with smart watches in my mind is that every single one makes you look like a complete tool while you're wearing it. Seems to me the Apple Watch is no different in this regard. Fitness bands have the same problem, though they're at least generally inconspicuous, or at least they would be if they weren't hot pink. Why does it have to look like some unique thing that is very clearly NOT a normal watch?

It's still a better attempt than the competitors' attempts.

This is why I would've preferred a fitness band type of a device from apple.
 

parseckadet

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Dec 13, 2010
1,493
1,273
Denver, CO
I've continued to mull over this topic in my mind the last couple of months, and while I may be softening, I still think the Apple Watch will still make anyone who wears one look like a complete tool and a shill for Apple.

It's still a better attempt than the competitors' attempts.

This is why I would've preferred a fitness band type of a device from apple.

I actually disagree, and this is where I'm softening. The one smart watch that has been slowly growing on me is the Moto 360. All complaints about the flat tire display aside, when you just glance at one it seems like a nice object (notice I didn't say device). Most smart watches, including the Apple Watch, favor function over form. I think the 360 strikes a nice balance. When you take away the differences between Android Wear and iOS WatchKit, so that all you're left with is how each one looks on your wrist, the 360 wins hands down for me. If Apple took the 360, replaced Android Wear with iOS, and THAT'S what we got for $350 I would buy one and be very happy.

Frankly, I hate square watches. There's a reason respected watch companies like Omega and Rollex only make a handful between them. To take the whole "smart" side of the equation out of it, here are couple from Tag Heuer that illustrate my point:
http://www.amazon.com/Heuer-Monaco-...1_35?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1415386658&sr=1-35
http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-WAE...l&ie=UTF8&qid=1415386734&sr=1-1&keywords=golf

These just look wrong to me.

Hell, even my wife, who loves all things square so much that it could border on the edge of compulsion, makes an exception for watches.
 

leenak

macrumors 68020
Mar 10, 2011
2,416
52
Hey nothing wrong with hot pink. Also, most people who buy fitness watches are used to big ugly watches so the apple watch will fit right in :)

----------

As for the comment about smart watches not being watches. I only have one wrist to wear a watch on (wearing something on each wrist is plain dumb). As I mentioned before, in my job I often visit client sites, where I will have meetings with not just technical managers, but also executives, including CTOs, at some of the biggest companies in the world. So let me give you a little challenge. Go visit Amazon and search for men's watches between $1000 - $1200 (the rumored price for the Apple Watch Edition line), and pick out the one you like best.

Are you seriously telling me that you would feel more comfortable walking into a meeting with the CTO of a multi-billion dollar international corporation with an Apple Watch on your wrist over some of the watches on that list?

Edit to add: Just did a search for watches $300 - $350, and there are MANY within that price range as well that would be more appropriate.

I've worked closely with the CTO, CIO, VPs and other execs in our fortune 50 company. They either wear things like the fitbit band or they wear no watches. And these are things they wear to meet with various government officials and higher ups in other companies. You think they make a bad impression? I think it is probably mostly in your mind.
 

bwfilms

macrumors newbie
Oct 28, 2014
7
0
I've continued to mull over this topic in my mind the last couple of months, and while I may be softening, I still think the Apple Watch will still make anyone who wears one look like a complete tool and a shill for Apple.



I actually disagree, and this is where I'm softening. The one smart watch that has been slowly growing on me is the Moto 360. All complaints about the flat tire display aside, when you just glance at one it seems like a nice object (notice I didn't say device). Most smart watches, including the Apple Watch, favor function over form. I think the 360 strikes a nice balance. When you take away the differences between Android Wear and iOS WatchKit, so that all you're left with is how each one looks on your wrist, the 360 wins hands down for me. If Apple took the 360, replaced Android Wear with iOS, and THAT'S what we got for $350 I would buy one and be very happy.

Frankly, I hate square watches. There's a reason respected watch companies like Omega and Rollex only make a handful between them. To take the whole "smart" side of the equation out of it, here are couple from Tag Heuer that illustrate my point:
http://www.amazon.com/Heuer-Monaco-...1_35?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1415386658&sr=1-35
http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-WAE...l&ie=UTF8&qid=1415386734&sr=1-1&keywords=golf

These just look wrong to me.

Hell, even my wife, who loves all things square so much that it could border on the edge of compulsion, makes an exception for watches.

"Softening" your stance, and yet you still think *anyone* who wears an Apple watch is a complete tool and a shill for Apple?

Millions of people buy and use Apple products (or any quality brand products for that matter) because they appreciate quality products - period. While I'm sure there are people who buy brand-name products strictly because of the brands, your stance is radical to say the least.

As for traditional square watches, the Cartier tank watch is one of the most prized watches. Of course, it's subjective so it's cool if you and your wife don't like square watches. There are plenty of others who do like square watches however.

I personally prefer the Apple watch (a misnomer really - as it is a computer on your wrist) square from a functional perspective. From a jewelry perspective, practically speaking, nothing Apple (or any computer company) can do to make any smart watches as desirable as a Rolex or Patek Philippe as those have a century of history.
 

SHNXX

macrumors 68000
Oct 2, 2013
1,901
663
I've continued to mull over this topic in my mind the last couple of months, and while I may be softening, I still think the Apple Watch will still make anyone who wears one look like a complete tool and a shill for Apple.



I actually disagree, and this is where I'm softening. The one smart watch that has been slowly growing on me is the Moto 360. All complaints about the flat tire display aside, when you just glance at one it seems like a nice object (notice I didn't say device). Most smart watches, including the Apple Watch, favor function over form. I think the 360 strikes a nice balance. When you take away the differences between Android Wear and iOS WatchKit, so that all you're left with is how each one looks on your wrist, the 360 wins hands down for me. If Apple took the 360, replaced Android Wear with iOS, and THAT'S what we got for $350 I would buy one and be very happy.

Frankly, I hate square watches. There's a reason respected watch companies like Omega and Rollex only make a handful between them. To take the whole "smart" side of the equation out of it, here are couple from Tag Heuer that illustrate my point:
http://www.amazon.com/Heuer-Monaco-...1_35?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1415386658&sr=1-35
http://www.amazon.com/TAG-Heuer-WAE...l&ie=UTF8&qid=1415386734&sr=1-1&keywords=golf

These just look wrong to me.

Hell, even my wife, who loves all things square so much that it could border on the edge of compulsion, makes an exception for watches.


Oh I don't know.
Have you actually seen this Moto 360?

I am a watch aficionado and I really would not wear the Moto 360 if it were given to me for free and even if they paid me $1000 a month to wear it.
 

Skylitfly

macrumors 6502a
May 3, 2014
583
215
The biggest problem with smart watches in my mind is that every single one makes you look like a complete tool while you're wearing it. Seems to me the Apple Watch is no different in this regard. Fitness bands have the same problem, though they're at least generally inconspicuous, or at least they would be if they weren't hot pink. Why does it have to look like some unique thing that is very clearly NOT a normal watch?

Actually I think Apple Watch is very different in this regard.

This is the case if you're wearing something like Samsung Galaxy Gear etc. crap.

In my opinion Apple Watch looks very elegant and not so geeky gadget like thing. I would wear Apple Watch and I'm pretty concerned about my style and what I wear.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.