Returning the Ultra? [MERGED]

[Nikhil72]

It’s been weeks back and forth but I think I’m going to stick with my S8 45mm Hermes. The ultra battery was addictive but it’s just a touch too big and the polished steel look is much more my general aesthetic. Prior to the ultra I never found the Watch battery a huge deal anyway since I popped it on the charger for an hour before bed and sleep tracking.

I also incidentally found the crown to be difficult to turn.

It’s a fantastic watch and aesthetically wonderful in its own way but too utilitarian for my lifestyle. I am a very active person and certainly can use the longevity but maybe if I see it on discount in the future I’ll buy one as a second watch.

 

[Dealmans]

hopefully most people return them, so I don't look like everyone out there with a S1-8 lol

 

[snerkler]

It’s been weeks back and forth but I think I’m going to stick with my S8 45mm Hermes. The ultra battery was addictive but it’s just a touch too big and the polished steel look is much more my general aesthetic. Prior to the ultra I never found the Watch battery a huge deal anyway since I popped it on the charger for an hour before bed and sleep tracking.

I also incidentally found the crown to be difficult to turn.

It’s a fantastic watch and aesthetically wonderful in its own way but too utilitarian for my lifestyle. I am a very active person and certainly can use the longevity but maybe if I see it on discount in the future I’ll buy one as a second watch.

I know we're all different but the Titanium finish on the Ultra is by far the best finish I've seen on an apple watch. I prefer the more satin finish and overall think it looks more premium

I didn't find the crown difficult to turn per se, but it doesn't rotate as freely as my S4. What I did notice is that on some apps/menus it would scroll really fast using the crown and then others not so much. Not sure if this is an Apple OS 9 thing, or Ultra thing.

 

[snerkler]

Totally understand. Just to help persuade you further, my mom, who likes lightweight, slim watches is a Series 7 41mm silver stainless owner and she's NEVER noticed any weight issues with it! Trust me: you'll have NO issues yourself. However, even if you do somehow have one, don't forget that, if you buy it through Apple, you have up to 28 days to change your mind and return yours (14 days for the receipt and another 14 days to send it back if you bought yours online). With that and the fact that you're upgrading from a Series 4, you literally have NO reason not to!

Went with the graphite stainless steel in the end. I can tell it's heavier but not to the point I think it will be an issue, guess I'll find out for sure when I'm back at work tomorrow

Edit: Buying the SS makes the Ultra look a bargain, or the SS crazy expensive whichever way you look at it. £849 for the ultra which includes a £99 strap, £779 for the SS which includes a £49 strap. That means you're paying £20 for a bigger case made from titanium with bigger screen and better battery life, not to mention the better faces (wayfinder) and action button 🙄

I'll try not to think about it too much 😂

 

[soulreaver99]

I've had the Ultra since Friday's release. I'm in love with this thing!! I really love the rugged look, and the overall size. Looks great on my wrist! Beautiful piece of technology!!

Coming from the Garmin Tactix Delta, I prefer the Apple interface, and overall functionality. My biggest issue, is battery life. I get 18 days with the Garmin, and my experience with the Ultra is 48 to 55 hours. As much as I love the Ultra, I am likely returning it simply because I am spoiled in not having to throw my watch on the charger every other day, or worry about taking a charger on vacation.

Tough to let this go, as again its a bad a?* looking device.

I mean how hard is it really to find an Apple Watch charger these days 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[CharlesShaw]

As my 14-day return window approaches, I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering —perhaps also wearing their older, yet capable Apple Watch for the first time in almost two weeks—if I could or should bring myself to return the awesome Ultra in order to be more frugal (winter is coming, hehe) and regain the option to buy again in the future (looking forward to uneaten cake versus having eaten one’s cake).

Edit: I‘m keeping the Ultra.

 

[IT Provisor]

As my 14-day return window approaches, I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering —perhaps also wearing their older, yet capable Apple Watch for the first time in almost two weeks—if I could or should bring myself to return the awesome Ultra in order to be more frugal (winter is coming, hehe) and regain the option to buy again in the future (looking forward to uneaten cake versus having eaten one’s cake).

Go with whatever your gut tells you! The last thing that you want to do is be stuck paying over $800 for a watch that you won't enjoy in the end. To be honest, I've resigned myself to do just that, ultimately, but with no regrets as I simply LOVE my gold stainless steel Series 7's look over it, and looks are half of the reason as to why you wear a watch in the first place! Think of it this way: if you could have whatever you bought the Ultra for on your favorite version of the Apple Watch, would you still buy the Ultra? For me, the answer is clear, and my wallet will thank me for saving the roughly $690 that I'll save after trade-in money and a refund of my current Series 7's remaining year and a half of AppleCare!

 

[snerkler]

As my 14-day return window approaches, I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering —perhaps also wearing their older, yet capable Apple Watch for the first time in almost two weeks—if I could or should bring myself to return the awesome Ultra in order to be more frugal (winter is coming, hehe) and regain the option to buy again in the future (looking forward to uneaten cake versus having eaten one’s cake).

Obviously you have to do what's right for you, but have your finances really changed that much in a week? If you felt you could afford it then what's changed?

 

[Dominican]

I’m loving the watch probably sell my series 7 but the battery life is crazy

 

[iphonehype]

Picked up yesterday, I like the Ultra but I cannot justify £900 for the features that S8 has. I think I'm going to return and stick to my S4. Next year Ultra Version 2 will be out, hopeful to have it in black and maybe something new that makes it more appealing.

As a fashional functional watch, it does not serve me. Now if I was a hiking man, i'd keep it.

Plus. I'm concerned about the deprecation Watch's do not hold that well Vs iPhone. If my Ultra will be worth £200 after 12 months I wont be a happy man.

 

[snerkler]

Picked up yesterday, I like the Ultra but I cannot justify £900 for the features that S8 has. I think I'm going to return and stick to my S4. Next year Ultra Version 2 will be out, hopeful to have it in black and maybe something new that makes it more appealing.

As a fashional functional watch, it does not serve me. Now if I was a hiking man, i'd keep it.

Plus. I'm concerned about the deprecation Watch's do not hold that well Vs iPhone. If my Ultra will be worth £200 after 12 months I wont be a happy man.

A 45mm Ultra would be a winner, preferably still in titanium for me.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Obviously you have to do what's right for you, but have your finances really changed that much in a week? If you felt you could afford it then what's changed?

Very true. And we all have different priorities and situations. I thought I had it all sorted, but my awareness yesterday of the pending return window got me questioning my upgrade decision. I’ve made some unnecessary Apple purchases in years past, so I’m trying to make better choices and use the gear longer as I grow older.

That said, growing older actually makes the Ultra more appealing for a variety of reasons, including a screen I find easier to see and use, and the peace of mind of having longer battery life if I ever need to rely on my watch as a primary communication device in an emergency situation. Today, having identified those features that give me a little more peace of mind, I’m leaning toward keeping it.

 

[jbachandouris]

Honestly, I thought I'd never consider returning it but my wrist is barely 7" around. Put my sport band on it and it's much more comfortable than the band it came with (the diving band?).

Also, I'm just to used to the shape and feel of the original.

 

[snerkler]

Honestly, I thought I'd never consider returning it but my wrist is barely 7" around. Put my sport band on it and it's much more comfortable than the band it came with (the diving band?).

Also, I'm just to used to the shape and feel of the original. Box is at home so I'll have to decide soon.

I found the sport band much more comfortable too, although I bought the Ultra with the Alpine Loop. Having taken the ultra back and getting the S8 Stainless Steel I'm wondering if they've changed the material they make the sensor from as both the Ultra and now SS backs feel more 'tacky/sticky' against my skin, whereas my Alu S4 isn't like this.

 

[MsRandall]

Welp I ended up keeping the ultra watch. I purchased a AW 7 Titanium off Mercari because it had a valid AppleCare until 2/24 but it turned out it was monthly version which we know can’t be transferred.

I returned the mint Titanium 7 and I don’t have the energy to go thru the buying process again so I will enjoy my Ultra.

I learned from this experience - Don’t sell
your device until you are super sure you want the new device 🤣

 

[Nikhil72]

Just sent mine back. Staying with the S8 Hermes. I couldn’t personally do the aesthetic

 

[jbachandouris]

Already sold my SS AW7. 14 days is tomorrow. These 54 year old eyes like the screen too much.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Already sold my SS AW7. 14 days is tomorrow. These 54 year old eyes like the screen too much.

This. It’s the bright, flat screen that spoiled me. For the past two days I’ve been switching between my SS S4 and Ultra, trying to prove to myself that I could get a year or two more value out of the S4, but I love the Ultra’s screen too much. I’m happy that I came to my senses, lol.

 

[snerkler]

This. It’s the bright, flat screen that spoiled me. For the past two days I’ve been switching between my SS S4 and Ultra, trying to prove to myself that I could get a year or two more value out of the S4, but I love the Ultra’s screen too much. I’m happy that I came to my senses, lol.

I did prefer the flat screen of the Ultra too, but after returning it and getting the S8 it has pretty much the same actual screen size of the Ultra so is still a noticeable upgrade over my S4. I hope all future watches have a flat screen.

 

[Sciomar]

Late to the party, but I really love the way the Ultra feels. I am coming from an S5 Titanium 44mm, but it always felt dainty to me. The Ultra has no weight feeling to me, but I like the (modest) size bump. Feels more like my old Suunto, which I also loved.

 

[Dealmans]

Mine was bought from a retailer with no 14 day return unless faulty, big gamble lol, sold my S7 next day.
Even though I owned a S4/5/7 45mm all bought cheap used, never liked the look/size of them.

 

[Toonartist]

I understand what I'm purchasing. If what you say were actually objectively true, then every single physical retail store such as Apple Stores might be able to be abolished because nobody would need to try anything on physically and make a decision on whether it works for them or not.

Now that I own it, not just looking at pictures and videos of reviews... now that it's on my wrist and I can try it in daily operation... I can then... and only then... form an opinion and make a final decision. Imagine that... a wearable item like this that goes on your wrist where your wrist is uniquely shaped to you and the way you live your life etc. is uniquely you... needing to try this item physically.

These posts like "You don't understand what you're buying" are absurd and redundant and off topic.

The Ultra is principally designed for people who are very much outdoor types. Climbers, hikers, divers, long distance runners and kayakers etc. It's a rugged AW with a big battery to when you're for hours, days doing whatever sport you love doing. If you don't participate in any of the activities then you could take a reasonable stab at guessing it's not designed for you and you may be better off with the S8. It really isn't rocket science.

That said, others may well by it because they like the styling but what amazes me is when someone buys something that is clearly not designed, intended for them and then complains that it's no good and doesn't suit their requirements?!?!

If you needed some general walking boots would you go out and buy a fancy pair of C1 Climbing boots instead because they were fancy looking and you fancied a change?!?

Now, it ain't perfect as they need to flesh out the software with a good topo mapping system with gradients etc so you can load routes etc. But I have no doubt that will come soon enough!

 

[GoHack]

I love the Ultra, but hate the sharp edge around the display, while not enough to cut you, but it bothers me, and it appears to be too easy to put a nick into.
Apple could have had a more rounded edge, and I hope next year's model does indeed address the issue.

Also too, while it has a second GPS frequency, but it's still not a true system like Garmin has for topographical and trail maps. For hiking, unless you bring your iPhone, it only works so long as you have a cell phone signal.
The display is now big and sharp enough for a REAL live map display, which I hope becomes available. Of course, too, that may require more memory.

If Apple does address my primary concern w/next year's model, the sharp edge, then I'll consider purchasing it.

 

[CharlesShaw]

The Ultra is principally designed for people who are very much outdoor types. Climbers, hikers, divers, long distance runners and kayakers etc.

The Ultra was marketed to those people. But for all we know, the assignment given to the designers and engineers might have been more about selling new watches to people over age 50 with aging eyes and dusty camping gear in their garages.

Edit: if Apple only expected to sell the Ultra to the sort of people in the marketing video, then they would only need to stock a few at each store.

 

[Luba]

Welp I ended up keeping the ultra watch. I purchased a AW 7 Titanium off Mercari because it had a valid AppleCare until 2/24 but it turned out it was monthly version which we know can’t be transferred.

I returned the mint Titanium 7 and I don’t have the energy to go thru the buying process again so I will enjoy my Ultra.

I learned from this experience - Don’t sell
your device until you are super sure you want the new device 🤣

Good to know the monthly AC+ is not transferrable. With monthly AC+ we can continue to pay monthly beyond 3 years and still be covered, can we extend the standard AC+ after 3 years? Probably not?