Apple Watch

What are your thoughts about owning an Apple Watch? Does it make sense for a busy executive?

I ordered mine within 20 minutes of it becoming available online. I have a ‘thing’ about Apple products and am usually in line outside the retail stores by 5 a.m. the day of a new release. This time I had to set my alarm for the middle of the night as they became available online only on April 24. I missed the drama of standing in line with my fellow fans but it IS easier ordering online.

Milanese Loop

I have no statistics regarding Apple Watch purchases (officials aren’t saying how many have been sold) but I sense there are folks holding back who are likely to buy one some day. I think they are reluctant to get into yet another learning curve, but that’s just my opinion.

A fellow gadget guy I had dinner with last weekend has so far resisted buying one and remains a bit skeptical. He asked a great question: ”What ONE thing do you use the most on the Apple Watch?’

I didn’t offer my real answer, but rather said:  “Texting.”

Siri on the Apple Watch is eerily accurate when responding to texts. So much so, you need to be sure your radio or GPS is turned down or you’ll be sending very strange messages.

But the real ONE thing I use the watch most for is to tell time. Not an answer the guy sporting an expensive traditional watch could relate to so I went with the answer of ‘texting’.  I haven’t worn a  wristwatch in years but relied on my smartphone to tell me the time. Watch buckles made my wrist break out or were just a hassle to take on and off, so I just used my phone to find out what time it was.  The Apple Watch Milanese Loop band is comfortable, stylish, easy to take off and on, and doesn’t make me break out. Yea!

The other advantages of the watch are becoming more and more a part of my daily life. Even the Heart Beat monitor that just seemed like a curiosity to play with until I started to feel a bit woozy the other day and noticed my resting heartbeat was quite elevated, according to the watch. This caused me to check in with my doctor a good 24-hours before I might have otherwise, and he put me on an antibiotic for an infection that could have festered had I not checked my heart rate. Who knew?

I drove a car from Chicago to Florida the recently, solo, and found a couple features come in quite handy. I raised my wrist and asked Siri how far it was to Nashville and she quickly told me ‘five hours’.

When texts came in I could easily reply by text dictation – far less distracting than having a conversation on the phone even with Bluetooth technology.

The Utility watch face I selected allows me to have several ‘complications’ (odd term) that lets me check the temperature, next item in my calendar, favorite stock, moon phase or other options.

Switching time zones happens automatically – this really comes in handy for those of us who travel.

The Apple Watch is attractive. Especially the Milanese Loop which is about $100 more than the sport watch band. Well worth the upgrade in my opinion. I’ve had waitresses, motel clerks, CEOs all admire it. I let them try it on and each and everyone says: I want one. Even a professed watch snob who had said earlier he wouldn’t wear anything but a traditional watch. After fondling mine, he says he’s going to get one.

I love my Apple Watch and I know it’s capabilities are just in their infancy.

So, does it make sense for a busy executive? Absolutely.