My Tech Gear Check-in: Apple Watch

My return to loving wearing the Apple Watch everyday, again.

I’ve always worn a watch on my left wrist. Back in high school and college, I stopped wearing one because smartphones became so popular and I always had my time on my phone. But towards the end of college, I started to think differently about having intentional tools and minimalism. I realized that having specific tools and being able to have the time always available on my wrist was important to me.

When I was younger, I was always into gadgets, so I loved wearing cool watches. But I also felt like having the time always there made me feel more grown-up and cool. Since I was introduced to watches at a young age, I didn’t have to get used to wearing one, so I naturally gravitated back to them later, even with technology advancing.

Apple introduced the first Apple Watch in 2015, and it’s been a while since then. The device has changed a lot, but it’s also stayed very similar at the same time. The Series 10 that I have doesn’t look much different from the original Apple Watch I had years ago, but it’s also improved so much.

After trying out different Casio and modded Timex watches, I eventually bought an Apple Watch SE to use for working out. After a while, I realized I liked having a smartwatch on my wrist all the time, so I ended up just wearing it mostly every day.

Sometimes I like to just wear one of my Casio watches on the weekend and try not to use my phone much. That gives me a break from the digital world. On those days, I usually spend time with my son doing some art activity, playing outside, watching something on TV, or reading on my Kindle.

Since I got the Apple Watch Series 10, I wear my watch every day at some point. Even if I take a digital break on a Sunday, I still put my Apple Watch back on when I go to bed to keep track of my sleep.

So, I got an Apple Watch Series 10 in Slate Titanium, and it’s an amazing. I had the Apple Watch SE before, and this one feels like I’ve stepped into the future. The Always-On Display is a must-have, and the double-tap feature is so convenient. Plus, the bigger display and full keyboard make it a breeze to use. And the battery life is also so much better than previous models.

I tried the Always-On Display on my Series 7 which was also titanium, but this one has a sleeker design and a shiny finish that I love. The double-tap feature is built into the UI, which makes it feel more natural.

I was torn between the Natural Titanium color and the Slate color, but I went with the Slate. I knew the Siler finish on the natural color might look better with my white gold wedding ring. But the Slate has a sleek and modern look that I really like and doesn't clash with my ring at all.

The display blends seamlessly into the casing, giving the watch a more polished and elegant appearance. And black goes with everything, so I don’t have to worry about matching my outfits.

One of my favorite features is the double-tap feature. I wake up every morning by double tapping to check my sleep stats and the weather forecast. It’s so convenient and makes my morning routine a breeze.

One of the best things about the Series 10 is the battery life. It lasts way longer than my SE, so I can wear it all day and even sleep with it on. I usually charge it right when I wake up or in the shower, and it’s fully charged by the time I head to work.

But it’s not just about the battery life. The fast charging is also amazing. I have a fast charger on my nightstand, and it only takes a few minutes to charge my watch back up. For a typical weekend day, here’s how it goes: I wake up around 7 AM, put the watch on the charger, and then I put it back on at about 10 AM. After wearing it all day and through the night, I still have 29% left the next morning. Not bad.

Now, let’s talk about the Apple Watch straps. I got a black Sports Band with the watch, and I also picked up a Milanese Loop strap. I wanted to try both of them for work or casual wear, but the Milanese Loop was way too uncomfortable and not really my style. I was hoping to get a link bracelet from Apple, but spending half of what I paid for this watch is a bit hard to justify.

After wearing the Sports Band to bed a couple of times, my wrist started to feel sweaty and uncomfortable. It wasn’t the worst experience, but I realized that if I plan to wear my Apple Watch while I sleep, I needed something more comfortable. After looking at all the Sport Loop options, I found that the Nike options were my favorite.

So, I picked up a blue Nike Sports Loop, and it’s hard to take it off! It’s so comfortable, no matter what I’m doing. When I’m sleeping, it’s so nice and unnoticeable, and during the day, it just feels so comfy on my wrist. I love the color and the design too.

Being back to a more modern Apple Watch feels great. Notifications on my wrist are more reliable, I can do more things with the larger display and double tap, and the slimmer design makes the watch feel more comfortable on my wrist.

There are rumors of a newly designed Apple Watch soon, but I’ve never had a problem with Apple’s watch design. I think the rounded square shape is the perfect fit for a smartwatch, so I’m glad I upgraded when I did. We’ll see what Apple has in store for us next, but for now, I’m absolutely thrilled with my Series 10.