2015 Apple Watch Buyers Guide

Apple Watch is a brand new device only released earlier this year so there’s a lot of questions out there from ‘what is Apple Watch?’ to pricing, and what you can actually do with it. I’ve been using mine since day one and have spend quite a lot of time with the device before writing this guide.

If you’re looking to buy an Apple Watch you’ll be buying a device which is designed very well, has a lot of functionality and has a wide range of looks to match your style – with different Apple Watch colours, materials and changeable bands.

With this guide I thought I would discuss the Apple Watch range, and explain the key differences. This might help clear up a few questions you may have, and how you can make your purchase on the Apple Online Store.

Apple Watch Range

There’s essentially three different types of Apple Watches in the range in what can be best described as  collections: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition. In each ‘collection’ there’s a number of models which vary in the colour of the Apple Watch, size and band type.

Here’s the thing though – they all do the same thing. They all have the same components inside, the same function and fitness/health sensors, so if you’re wondering if the more expensive Apple Watch can do more than the cheapest, it doesn’t.

So what are the differences?

Apple Watch Sport

In terms of pricing the Apple Watch Sport is the most affordable starting at AU$499 ending at $AU$579 for the 42mm Space Grey Apple Watch which is the model I have.

Apple Watch Sport models are made from aluminium using a custom alloy of material designed by Apple which makes it super light yet 60% stronger than normal aluminium. This material comes in either Silver or Space Grey. The display is finished with Ion-X Glass – Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition are made with a stronger sapphire material for the display.

While this model will be the best design for a Sport & Fitness look (not to mention the band – which is more practical for activity), internally the Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition can all do the same fitness & health tracking.

There are 10 models in this collection, which you can view and purchase at the Apple Online Store.

In summary

• Sizes: 38mm and 42mm.
• Material: Silver or space grey anodised aluminium case.
• Display: Ion-X glass display.
• Straps: Durable fluoroelastomer straps

Apple Watch

There are 20 models in the Apple Watch collection, making it the model with the most customisation. As with the Apple Watch Sports we have 38mm and 42mm versions of the watch, but rather than aluminium it’s designed from Stainless Steel (again using a custom alloy designed by Apple) making it 80% harder, and less susceptible to nicks/corrosion, etc. All of which is finished with a beautiful mirror look.

The display is the same as with other models, finished with sapphire which the second strongest material loosing out only to diamond. This makes the screen near impossible to scratch and it is super strong.

The biggest differences in this collection comes down to the straps. There’s options from the Sports Band, to fine leather, and polished steel – all of which are available in a number of colours.

There are 20 models in this collection, which you can browse and purchase at the Apple Online Store.

In summary

• Sizes: 38mm and 42mm.
• Material: Stainless Steel Case
• Display: Sapphire crystal display.
• Straps: Sports, Leather & Steel

Apple Watch Edition

This is where Apple has really taken another step with innovation, by introducing a new material into their product line – gold: 18-carat solid gold. It really is the Apple Watch that is, in Apple’s words, “exquisitely” crafted, using a custom alloy of gold which makes it twice as hard as the Apple Watch, and is expertly hand-polished. The following video gives a unique glimpse into the stunning process:

https://youtu.be/dDAP9OWtQro

The case and individual crown is made from 18-carat gold, and is available in either Yellow or Rose Gold, with the same sturdy Sapphire crystal display which the Apple Watch features. The result is an elegant, classic and durable finish, but it of course comes at a price with the Apple Watch Edition starting at A$14,000.

There is 8 models in this collection which you can browse and purchase at the Apple Online Store.

In summary

• Sizes: 38mm and 42mm.
• Material: 18-carat gold
• Display: Sapphire crystal display.
• Straps: Durable fluoroelastomer & leather straps.

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At the end of the day the differences between each Apple Watch come down to the material it is designed with, and the strap you choose. It can be said the $499 Apple Watch Sport does the exact same thing the $14,000 Apple Watch Edition is capable of doing – that said, the Apple Watch is not just about functionality, but personal style as well.

What can Apple Watch do?

There’s just so much the Apple Watch can do, and a myriad of ways it can complement your lifestyle. If you own an iPhone, you will know the differences it can make to just about every task are amazing – we all know by now that iPhone is a wonderful tool for managing our lives and keeping us connected thanks to the device and a near endless selection of Apps.

The same can be said for the Apple Watch, when compared to a traditional watch and other wearable devices. Apple Watch has a touch display, an App Store with over 5,000 apps already, and has Wi-Fi/Bluetooth to expend it’s functionality in-sync with the iPhone. The Apple Watch has advanced sensors, used for fitness and health tracking (including a heart rate monitor).

Top Features

• Fitness & health tracking
• Notifications.
• Displaying your next trains.
• Messages, Phone & Mail
• Maps, Music & Weather
• Setting Alarms, Stop Watches & Timers.
• Travel apps which allow you to check-in from the Apple Watch.

The best abilities of the Apple Watch are seen from a collection of videos from Apple:

Size Guide

Apple Watch is available in 38mm and 42mm case size, which brings the question of which one to buy? To give you an idea here are the actual dimensions of the two case sizes:

38mm

• Height: 42mm
• Width: 35.9mm
• Depth: 10.5mm

42mm

• Height: 38.6mm
• Width: 33.3mm
• Depth: 10.5mm

Apple Online & Pricing

All models of the Apple Watch are available exclusively from the Apple Online Store where you can choose a model which suits you, plus shop additional bands to customise your look.

How much do Apple Watch cost?

• Apple Watch Sport – Starts at A$499
• Apple Watch – Starts at A$799
• Apple Watch Edition – Starts at A$14,000

All models come with a 14-day return policy and free shipping.