How to wear the Apple Watch Ultra and not look like a tool

I’m used to finding excuses why I’m wearing a watch that serves a specific purpose really well, even though I don’t take advantage of that purpose. For example, I like wearing diving watches, but I can’t remember the last time my head was below the surface of a body of water.

It’s a situation I, and I think quite a few other people, have to contend with when deciding that the new Apple Watch Ultra is the smartwatch for them, especially if they’re at their most adventurous, one Starbucks at a time Try that side of town, just for a change. Welcome to the delicate art of wearing a tool watch without looking like a tool.

A tool watch?

In case you haven’t heard the term “tool watch” before, it is widely used in watchmaking circles, where it is used to describe a watch designed to perform a specific function, or to provide professional functions that one specific type of work or location. A dive watch must withstand the rigors of underwater use, and a pilot’s watch must have features useful to those who fly airplanes, for example.

The term is overused today and can be applied to watches that are absolutely not tool watches but rather luxury watches that place aesthetics and attractiveness above any expectation that the wearer will make regular use of their impressive functionality. What happens at this point is that you’re wearing a complex, meaningful watch with features that you end up explaining to people, who then wonder why exactly you need something like this on your wrist.

A perfect example is the Omega Seamaster Professional Diver 300M, which has a second crown of sorts at the 10 o’clock mark on the case. It’s actually a helium escape valve used to purge helium gas from inside the watch after deep sea “saturation” dives, a highly specific commercial diving practice that requires special certification and is actually quite dangerous.

At $5,400 upwards I expect almost everyone who buys the Seamaster Diver 300M will never use the valve for its intended purpose and are genuinely more interested in looking like James Bond. But at some point they explained why it’s there to someone, who then replies, “But what do you need it for? We’re in a sushi restaurant and you work for a bank.”

What does this have to do with the Apple Watch Ultra?

Wearing the Apple Watch Ultra puts you in the same situation as the James Bond wannabe. Why? For starters, Apple also announced the Apple Watch Series 8 during its Far Out event on September 7th, which offers more than enough tech, ruggedness, and security features for the average city dweller. Second, unless you’re a true adventurer, you probably won’t need all the things the Ultra can do, ever.

Which things? Apple Watch Ultra features a dive computer and depth gauge for real-time data and readings while diving, it also features advanced GPS and a new antenna design for a better signal in environments where normal GPS signals can be blocked, such as under water. B. in dense forests. There’s an 86dB siren to attract attention, dedicated straps that fit securely and easily around bulky jackets or wetsuits, a large button to mark your location on a map while hiking, and button guards around the massive new Digital Crown so you can use it with gloves and don’t worry about hitting it when mountaineering.

Get ready to explain all of this because the 49mm case ensures people will notice the Apple Watch Ultra on your wrist. It’s big because most real tool watches are always big as they have to fit a lot of tech and features inside while remaining sturdy. If you order one with the new Alpine Loop or Ocean Band bracelet, which comes in some pretty bright colors, people will really look at it and then start asking questions.

Get ready to justify your purchase

Here’s a scenario. You’ve got your new Apple Watch Ultra on your wrist and you’ve just demonstrated the siren. When the ringing in everyone’s ears has stopped, eyebrows will be furrowed and someone will say, “Why do you need this?” It’s about time you had to justify your tool watch to the incredulous crowd.

You have the choice. Option A is to make vague claims that it’s an important safety feature that comes in handy in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, and we should all be prepared for any eventuality, no matter where we live or what we do over the weekend. You don’t fool anyone, of course, and everyone will nod and slowly walk away. It’s no different than saying that the Omega Seamaster’s helium valve adds character to the design. Sure, whatever you say.

Option B is much more difficult, but it’s the way to go to avoid toolness. It’s about actually utilizing what the Apple Watch Ultra can do when you get it. if you want to buy it then use it. Don’t get it because it’s a titanium Apple Watch or because it costs quite a bit of money. It really does have a higher level of capabilities and features than the standard Apple Watch Series 8, so get out there and try out the features in the real world. hiking, diving, climbing, running, anything – Just look at what the Apple Watch Ultra can do in its favorite environments.

Many people have used fitness wearables, including the Apple Watch, to start new workout routines. There’s no reason the Apple Watch Ultra can’t motivate you to take it a step further. It could introduce you to new hobbies, new people, and lead to a healthier, more varied, and more exciting lifestyle. And when the time comes when you have to explain why you have a big, sturdy tool watch on your wrist, you actually have an answer ready that doesn’t make you look like a tool at all.

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