The Apple Watch Ultra: Why It’s Awesome (with a Problem) 

Apologies for the abrupt ending of the video - technicalities (automated copyright) from Apple. But in conclusion, this is a fantastic new update that is really going to sell well. The only downside is the life of its battery but for all the minor shortcomings, this machine is a great step forward and even one I would consider for myself. What are your thoughts on the Apple Watch Ultra? Edit: Thank you to everyone for clarifying on the Strobe light - I had no idea that Apple watches had them already From an Industrial Designer who loves watches, I am beyond impressed with this final product. Better material, larger size, a focus on being a utility and not a fashion accessory. Great, great result.

In some ways you can say that the Apple Watch embraces the original ethos of a mechanical watch to function as a pure tool, more so than mechanical watches today - which are perceived more as a fashion accessories/jewelry.

I'm honestly impressed that they listened to the customers that did more outdoorsy stuff like you said still come with it's flaws but heading in the right direction hopefully they'll keep improving this over the years. and I believe that you gave me a video idea so thank you mate 🤙

Im upgrading from my series 4, and i plan on wearing it for 6-8 years and upgrading when battery life is even longer hopefully a week

Great video! I enjoyed the points you made. Something I noticed was the mention of the need for a strobe light for the screen. Fortunately they already have that as part of the flash light function found in the quick access settings.

I do 3-hour expeditions on the couch, so this watch is perfect 👍

I love technology and own many Apple products, but it doesn't matter how good it gets, or what it can do, the Apple Watch is reliant on access to a power source almost every day - hardly ideal in the wilds of the mountains or trekking through jungles. Ultimately the Ultra is a disposable item. You could use and adore this model and form memories while wearing it, but sooner than you think it will need replacing because the tech and software will become obsolete. You won't be able to pick it up after maybe 3, 4, 5 or certainly 6 years stored in its box and simply wear it again and rekindle your love for it. Mechanical timepieces will last a lifetime if cherished and can be passed to or shared with the next generation.

Wow, this review is the best. Love your candor and openness about the Ultra - an Apple Fan Boy.

Don’t even own a watch, but love the channel 🥰

I agree with every point you’ve made. From the dislike of our disposable goods culture, Apple Watch being more of a tool than todays mechanical watches, and the fact that the Apple Watch battery life is its Achilles heel. I still ordered the ultra despite it falling short of my battery expectations. The ability to have a cell phone on your wrist, and leave your phone behind, is it’s biggest attribute that sets it apart from Garmin and other outdoor watches. That’s the biggest safety feature of them all. I’ve been in bike crashes, and trying to dig your phone out while injured is less than ideal.

I’m very interested by this Watch Ultra though because of the cellular capabilities for the get go and the qualities of the materials chosen… the next step for this model will be a solar system recharge capability as Citizen and Casio have… To some extent, this rugged Watch replaces so many other devices (exactly like the iPhone does btw) but it has a cost of the energy needed… Very articulate video. I’m good to look at your videos and you may have another subscriber soon!!!!

Best review ever. Spot on!

Led Strobe on Garmin fenix 7X and Enduro 2 ✔️its a life changer...

Brilliant concept, just not quite there yet. Spot on. Once again a great balanced analysis 👏🙏🥃

Great video. Thanks. I think I need to see some reviews / experience before deciding

I am a big Fan of APPLE Products thanks for sharing this video.

Probably the best Apple Watch ultra analysis on the internet that I’ve seen. Thank you for the video. A lot of people are really praising this watch but u highlighted a bunch of cons that I didn’t see and realize. Well done.

Ordered one, let's see how I like it.

The apple watches out now already have a flash light, strobe, and a red strobe built in. Great review. You made some great points.

I agree with you on the mechanical watches. I am fond of them and love to wear them. But for me an apple watch is still a fashion thingy. I use a Garmin Instinct Solar for my work in the field all over the world and for outdoor activities. For me there is no better tool watch than this one. On the road, outdoor and in the water. We can be pseudo nostalgic about the explorer, alpinist and what not. But in my opinion all you want when using a watch in the field is a functional, rugged and durable piece. Greetings and keep up the good work!

In regards to temperature effecting the battery, the ultra is supposed to handle temps as low as -20 Celsius and upwards to 55 Celsius. The flashlight function also has a strobing option. I use it all the time on my night time walks. Great video. I cannot deny a good traditional time piece either. Especially if it can last me the rest of my life lolx.

Great video, thanks

I like the Apple Ultra for what it is, a refined "tool" for recreational adventurers.

It reminds me of serious off-road vehicles. Most that buy them rarely, if ever, go off-road. Ditto with this; most that buy them won’t use 10% of the functionality.

Nice review!

Quickly for the record, the apple watch does have a Flashlight mode (max brightness screen all white) and Strobe mode (Flashing max brightness white screen)

It has a strobe light within the flashlight option in the control centre like the other models too eg series 7, 8.

Love this statement. “ Tool first, accessory second”

It appeals to me. And i probably wouldn’t use it for anything it’s was geared towards Outside working out. I dig the style. I dig the bigger screen.

Try the casio f91w, digital simplicity!

Can you use just a regular Apple Watch band and does it the watch itself come in different colors.

The ocean band has a pin going through as well, it is not held on by grooves.

Excellent review.

What is that deployment clasp you have on that FXD?? That looks amazing. I finally got mine from the AD and am TOTALLLY in love with it.

Nice review 😄 So, have you held the Apple Watch Ultra? Has it been worn on your wrist for more than 27 hours?

The strobe functionally has been built into the Apple Watch flash light feature for several years. I just confirmed this on my Series 7. The larger buttons and crown should make this much easier to operate using gloves, compared to the traditional Apple Watch.

For me, the best article about the Apple Watch ultra on the Internet so far.

WatchOS 9 Has a strobe feature under the flashlight under control center.

Have a great weekend

Congratulations on the best philosophical assessment of the Apple Watch Ultra that I've yet to view on RU-vid, especially when coming from a watch enthusiast. I agree with all your points, and even though it's not inexpensive for a disposable watch, it does I believe, offer great value overall given its materials usage and functionality. From an aesthetic point of view, I've yet to see an Apple watch that can compare to even a modestly priced mechanical watch, even when dressed up in stainless steel or gold cases, and with a nice leather or metal strap. A 'flat' 2 dimensional TV screen watch 'face' even with 'always on' features, just doesn't cut it as a dress, divers, field, chronograph, or everyday watch from a looks point of view. However there's no denying some of the usefulness of Apple Watch features as regards fitness, and particularly health aspects, with the likes of fall detection, car crash detection etc. In naming it "ultra" I do think that as a health and fitness tool, the Ultra is the ultimate Apple Watch - whilst accepting that it will never have the overall ownership appeal of a quality mechanical watch to most watch enthusiasts. I've yet to see it, as it's not yet available here, but as someone contemplating getting an Apple Watch as a fitness and health tool to wear on my wrist, along with something that fits in to the Apple eco system, and can make phone calls and check emails, text messages etc, It seems to me to be a formidable tool. And, I see no reason why the world of mechanical watches and battery powered digital watches cannot co-exist. I don't see an Apple Watch Ultra being something I would wear to a dressy occasion for example, but as I already have suitable mechanical watches for those purposes, I think an Apple Watch Ultra is a tool that will very much compliment the mechanical watches that I already own. Thanks again for a great review - very informative and helpful.

Swore off smart watches being a collector of mechanicals, but I have to admit the advert really drew me in!

Great review, you made a lot of valid points.

Thank you for doing a video on the Apple Watch. It’s just not something I would want or wear but I can see that it would appeal to others. 🥃

The Ultra is just amazing.

The flash builds in can be “stroke” mode

The eco system of 3p apps is really the use-case amplifier (and the differentiation between SUUNTO, Garmin, etc)

It's kind of a non-starter for me for a variety of reasons but I'll admit to being impressed they went this way. I concur that the siren should be louder to be functional in the wild, but gosh, I'm imagining high school students setting them off inside a bus or a train. Might make you want to do something you'll regret...

Strobes are embedded in the Apple Watch since many versions and works also in this one.

Love the review as usually! A bit off topic, forgive me if im wrong but did i notice a nato with a deployant buckle on your Tudor Pelagos FXD? Would love to know where you got the band/deployant if that is the case!

I want the watch but I don't need it. 😕Great review thank you

Waiting for mine to land (on the Alpine strap) for my hiking, cycling, it will be perfect, ant the battery life just right. No it's not to replace my proper watches, just for some uses. Great appraisal.

10:15 there is infact a strobe built in under the flashlight app. it can be solid white, strobe white, and solid red.

It would be fun if you looked over your own past designs, your life work, I would love to see!

The watch is a better looking version without question. In my opinion: the case design and build quality is closer to what I thought the first apple watch would have been. Like yourself and many of your subscribers I lean toward analog whenever possible (in timepieces, audio, and motorsport /transportation). Apple is a great company, having designed some beautiful products with a focus on interface that has changed many lives. I am sure that I would enjoy this product for a for a while, and that is the problem with any device such as this, it is disposable. If Apple really wanted to they could they could add a perpetual motion charging component to the watch to allow at least a partial or limited function once the initial charge cuts out. Nice work here!

First time in your channel and you really impressed me with your professional knowledge you are one of a kind!! And gave me a very unique opinion on this watch 🙏 I have a question if I am swimming in the pool twice a week (you know there’s chlorine) which one of the ultra band Watch or another band from Apple is fits for it? And also to prevent hand rash what kind of bands you advise to take to the Apple Watch Again thank you ❤from Israel 🇮🇱

Nice review. For longer expeditions a 200g power brick will give you weeks of recharges. Very doable in practice.

I couldn’t agree more about disposability. I got obsessed with things have mega longevity and serviceability when I got a Mercedes 240 diesel. I like the idea of purchasing something and thinking, “as long as this is maintained appropriately, it will last the rest of my life.”

for me the apple watch would be used for health monitoring, I clip on an automatic gmt watch in addition the digital as a backup in case of battery failure. it works for me.

I'm excited for mine. I'm not an extreme athlete but I do need a watch that can be bumped and wet on a daily basis. The action button is going to be incredible for work and sport.

Compare with Tag connected ? I’m not sure this is better - apart from waterproofing but then …

I wonder why this watch doesn't have a solar component to it. Not as a primary power source, but as a supplement. I would think it would help solve the issue that you address.

FXD is looking good, I am still waiting to get one at RRP Spot on as always, another well thought out and constructed review As much as i am an Apple fan boy, ive never owned the watch

My Apple Watch 6 has a strobe feature. Doesn’t the newer ones?

I can appreciate the tech and specs. But still leaves me cold cf mechanical watches, or even g shock and the like. Not only Environmental factors, but the more tools that you use, will greatly affect battery life. And the age of the product too - battery performance decreases as battery ages. I don’t know that it’s possible with a digital screen, but a solar cell would go some way to alleviating some of that, like g-shocks. Plus, the sapphscreen being flush with the bezel - so it doesn’t afford any protection to the sapphire screen being shattered.

The great reveal song for Apple Watch 8 Ultra is On The Verge by Swedish artist Skott.

Stumbled upon your channel (e.g. Algorithm), fantastic analysis.

FYI apple measure the height of the case not diagonal screen size.

There is a strobe in white light. Wish the red had one tho.

I've kept iphone charged on the continental divide trail with an ultra light solar panel for 5 months, through snow and desert and everything in between. I only wish I had the AW Ultra too for GPS Tracking and milage. I guess its time for another Thru Hike ( already have 5 , AT 2007, 2011,2017 PCT 2012 CDT 2013 ) I've had an iphone on almost every hike... hmm which trail should I take the AW Ultra on?

There actually is a flashlight, sos red light and a strobe. Even on older watches. It is weird they did not advertise it though.

The ultra is also designed to work in cold climates. The flash light can also double as a strobe watch os has been doing this.

Your video, coupled with the incoming FLOOD of reviews yet to bombard us, goes a long way to help me decide if I'll get one. By the time they are availble instore/walk-in I should know which way I am going to go. Right now I am leaning towards a yes, BUT I need more credible reviewers like yourself to help me out. Waiting on DCs, Desfit etc to post up. Good video my bro.

I agree most with the idea that SIMPLE is BETTER. Like having weather forecast with the simple press of the watch face. Like having an always present presentation of the time of the next sun set or sun rise. Like being able to see the state of the moon for photography. Like having wind speed and direction ever present on my watch face. Like being able to buy anything instantly with Apple Pay. Yes, I can't understand paying for a mechanical watch that makes all of things things so COMPLICATED. I don't care about fashion, and I don't travel for days in the wild.

I think everyone is correct in their assessment of this disposable piece of tech. I’ll be ordering one soon. Then most likely, replacing it with a newer generation a few years from now. Like everything else with a computer in it.

That’s 36hrs with every feature turned on? So if you turn some stuff off/turn the brightness down you could make it last longer. That’s what I do now.

The watch does have a strobe mode, probably implemented on the first watch.

I own an old Apple Watch. I wear it when out jogging (which is rare these days, I’ll be honest ;-)) As a lover of ‘proper’ watches, on no other occasion would I think to wear it! Especially as my biggest daily ‘expedition’ is the school run! 😆 And I’m ‘always on’ as it is with my iPhone; the analogue, mechanical & almost simple nature of a real watch is part of the attraction. Great vid, as per! 🥃

I've been a apple watch user for about 4 years I honestly loved it but just battery life couldn't hack it til I fell in love with my Garmin Fenix 7x Saphire Solar I'm never going back to apple

Can you tell me what Nato strap/clasp you have on your FXD? Looks Great!

If I was buying a watch to be on my climb of K2 this wouldn't be the watch I'd buy. All your criticisms are correct. But I'll never climb K2 and plan to buy one, probably, after I can handle one in the store. My primary issue with previous ones was the less than 24 hour battery life. But they are back ordered into late October or November.

I’m getting 2.5 days between charges. Normal use.

I like it and I'm gonna get one. One thing bothers me tho. Why doesn't anyone ever talk about the fact that after 2-3 years your Ultra will have reduced battery capacity due to the battery degrade or simply risk not turning on anymore. You either break its water resistant seal and change it (which makes it less ultra) or you simply throw it away. It's still a fashion piece more than anything imo.

Current fashion trends seem to favor smaller watches right now for males and females. But I see this watch alone revamping the large watch trend for men.

An impressive piece of design and the first smart watch I’ve ever been remotely interested in. I think the battery criticism is a little hard - with a battery pack, this could last for weeks and the reality is that most modern expeditions are reliant on electronic ancillaries such as cameras, GPSs and phones (both cell and sat). What struck me with this, is that it shows how precarious the watch industry is. We swear blind we’d never go quartz or smart, but if a killer device came along, well I’m not so sure about most people’s conviction! I would at least consider this for cross fitness, cycling and freediving, it’s a slippery slope from there!

Great video. I think Apple missed an opportunity in its focused market for this watch. Along with the “extreme adventurer” (of which I’ve never met one), the changes and improvements made to this product are ideal for those with special needs. The larger screen for those whose eyesight isn’t superb, the customizable button for health or safety functions, the larger crown for those with tactile challenges. Not saying that this needs to be advertised as a full blown prosthesis, but the uses go further than hiking up Mount Everest.

Great topic . Who’s advertising budget is bigger Apple Watch or Rolex ?

Does ultra stand for ultra huge?

Another great video. Where did you get the strap/clasp from at 8:20?

Great video, many of my sentiments are the same. However, the techy in me I find myself now wearing my Apple watch more than my Swiss timepiece. Just so much function it is the perfect extension. In terms of battery life my thought is if I were on a expedition I would carry a 20000 mah battery pack. Would not add much bulk/ weight to my pack and I would be able to charge it for 45 minutes when having a bit to eat or resting and have nearly 2 days of juice when using low power mode. Maybe eventually they will add solar to these watches.

Have you ever considered doing a review of Bremont watches?

How about heat rating. I’ve been in very hot places such as a sauna and it shuts down.

Can you tell us why you use Deployant clasps on all your watches please? A NATO strap with a Deployant clasp is a curious thing. 👍🏻

I think they need to do an aviation/pilot model.

I really like this new design. Just wish it were a little more compact (despite its use case) as even the standard 45mm Apple Watch looks huge on my wrist. Also, I think the “aircraft grade” titanium might be misleading, in that I assume it’s Grade 2 titanium. Which despite the metal’s robustness and corrosion resistance. Is very prone to scratching, more so than steel. Which means the Ultra might look very grubby very quickly! But maybe Apple has hard-coated it with something, to reduce that? I don’t know 🤷‍♂️

I was lucky enough to purchase a Sub Date two weeks ago at an AD. I love my Apple Watch but it’s so characterless. The Sub hasn’t left my wrist so I’ve decided to wear both.

The strobe is a great idea! now i have a 300M Tag heuer aquaracer....so I hope that is great for survival.

Great video, just FYI all Apple Watches have a strobe mode.

Anyone know where to purchase the “NATO” straps (with clasps) he is wearing on his Pelagos FXD?

Matches or a fire tool? Pistol or high end bow and arrow? Bottle of Evian water or purification tablets? If your outdoor pursuit lasts a day or less then this is awesome like all the other aforementioned inventions which have made outdoor pursuits all the more feasible and pleasurable. If you’re out for more than 24 hours then all the above play second fiddle to the more basic but longer lasting tools. Like a trusty mechanical field watch

I love my mechanical/automatic watches but I also really like my Apple Watch.