Tim Cook kicked off their annual iPhone event with the announcement of a new Apple Watch, the Series 10. The splash video that played next revealed the watch itself which, at a glance, didn’t appear all that different. Indeed, the basic shape and structure remains quite familiar, but much of the focus has been placed on ergonomics, both in the size and shape of the screen, as well as the total thickness of the case, something we talk quite a bit about around here. The new Series 10 Apple Watch is just 9.7mm thick, which is about 10% thinner than the previous Series 9.
The wearability of a watch is more nuanced than a set of numbers, and this isn’t an issue that’s plagued previous Apple Watch series’ as I’ve found them to be quite comfortable in use. However, it’s interesting to see Apple bring focus and attention to this aspect of their case, which otherwise hasn’t deviated from the established formula. While it is thinner, I think the overall takeaway here is that of improved ergonomics for a device that’s meant to be interacted with on the regular. To that end, the expanded screen real estate makes just as much of an impact.
The ergonomics of a watch case are a bit more nebulous, but it’s a trend I’d like to see embraced by the watch industry as it promotes a more organic approach to the watch as a whole, rather than a single measurement of thickness or diameter. It’s something that we’ve seen exercised at times in the past in many of the watches highlighted in these very pages, but something that is painfully rare to see across the modern landscape of new releases.
One watch that doesn’t exactly concern itself with measurements but still manages to be perfectly wearable, is the Apple Watch Ultra, which is in its second generation. That watch did receive an update today as well in the form of a new satin black finish, and more importantly, the addition of a titanium mesh bracelet with a parachute style buckle. The new diver style strap is quite reminiscent of some of the mid-century beads of rice and mesh bracelets seen on the likes of the Omega PloProf. The bracelet is being released in both the black and base titanium color, meaning existing owners will be able to use it.
Once again, Apple is showing a welcome propensity to create new and innovative bracelet and strap options the likes of which I’d dearly like to see from the large Swiss brands. Not only the designs of the bracelets and straps, but also in their clasps. With all the attention that proprietary quick release systems are getting, I think brands need to keep the bigger picture in mind, and get buyers excited about new strap options with which they can put those systems to use for.
The new Apple Watches will be available to order later this week, and will ship from Sept. 20th. Keep an eye out for a closer look at the new titanium mesh bracelet coming soon. Apple
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