Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (2024)

We know what you’re thinking: Is the Apple Watch Ultra too big? It’s definitely bigger than the regular Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE 2, but does that mean there’s no way it’ll look sensible on your wrist?

Contents

  • How big is the Apple Watch Ultra?
  • Comparing the Ultra with other Apple Watches
  • Apple Watch Ultra vs. traditional watches

The only real way to know is to try one on, but if that’s not an option, or you’ve found a good deal and want to jump on it now, here’s our guide on how big (or not) the Apple Watch Ultra may look on your wrist.

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How big is the Apple Watch Ultra?

Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (1)

Before we get to some comparisons and real-world experience, let’s talk about the Apple Watch Ultra’s dimensions and how they stack up against Apple’s other current wearables.

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ModelHeightWidthDepth
Apple Watch Ultra49mm44mm14.4mm
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm45mm38mm10.7mm
Apple Watch Series 8 41mm41mm35mm10.7mm
Apple Watch SE 2 44mm44mm38mm10.7mm
Apple Watch SE 2 40mm40mm34mm10.7mm

The Apple Watch Series 7 has the same dimensions as the Series 8, while the Apple Watch Series 6, Series 5, Series 4, and the first-generation Apple Watch SE all have the same dimensions as the Apple Watch SE 2. The Apple Watch Series 3 came in either 38mm or 42mm case sizes and was considerably smaller than the models that came after it.

Comparing the Ultra with other Apple Watches

If you already own, or have previously tried on, other Apple Watch models, how does the Apple Watch Ultra compare? It’s most definitely bigger than the Series 8 and Watch SE 2, but really, “bigger” is not a very helpful or accurate description. The Apple Watch Ultra is chunkier, and it’s this that makes it visually look bigger than it actually feels on your wrist. The proportions are excellent, and because the basic shape of the normal Apple Watch has been retained, it’s comfortable, too.

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Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (2)
Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (3)
Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (4)
Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (5)

It’s not as sleek, due to the guard around the Digital Crown, and the raised bezel around the screen adds quite a lot to the height of the smartwatch. It still fits under cuffs, but you notice it’s there more than you do the 45mm Series 8 or 44mm Watch SE 2, which are the models featured in the photos above. It’s heavier than both, but it’s still under 100 grams with the band attached. If you’ve worn any traditional diver’s watch then you may find this is an acceptable weight, but if you’re coming from a fitness band, then you’ll definitely feel the additional bulk for a while.

Unsurprisingly, the largest difference is with the Apple Watch Series 3. I’m wearing the 42mm version in the photo, but it still manages to look small next to the Watch Ultra, with the case length being barely any longer than the Ultra’s button guard. If you wear a Series 3, the Apple Watch Ultra is a big step up in every conceivable way — especially if you either find the 42mm version quite large or wear the smaller 38mm model.

Apple Watch Ultra vs. traditional watches

If you own a traditional watch, you may find it easier to visualize how big the Apple Watch Ultra looks on your wrist by seeing a few examples. We’ve already put it alongside various Casio G-Shock watches here, as the Apple Watch Ultra wears similarly to many of the most popular models. But chances are if you wear a G-Shock now, the Apple Watch Ultra’s size probably isn’t a concern as you’re clearly fine with sizable wrist wear.

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Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (6)
Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (7)
Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (8)

What if you wear a Swatch? You can see it here next to a 41mm Swatch XX-Rated watch, which shows when you take in the entire 47mm lug-to-lug measurement, the Ultra doesn’t take up much more wrist space. It’s much thicker, though, as the Swatch is just under 10mm thick. If you wear a Timex, you can also see it next to a 42mm Waterbury Chronograph. Despite its 12mm thickness, it manages to sit almost as proud on your wrist as the Apple Watch Ultra.

If you wear a more modest watch, what will it be like? The Nodus Sector Dive has a 39mm case (but still a 47mm lug-to-lug) and is 12mm thick, but it manages to look quite compact on your wrist. The Tissot Tradition has a 42mm case but is a mere 7.4mm thick, so it really emphasizes the height of the Apple Watch Ultra. For reference, I’m wearing all the watches in these photos, and my wrist has a 6.5-inch circumference, so measure yours to get the best comparison.

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Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (9)
Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (10)
Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (11)
Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (12)

The takeaway here is that the Apple Watch Ultra is indeed a big watch, but it doesn’t take up much more space on your wrist compared to many other watches, whether they are new or modern Apple Watches or commonly sized traditional watches. You should instead be asking yourself if you can deal with the thickness of the Apple Watch Ultra, as it’s really here that it varies substantially from other watches. If you can, you’ll be getting one of the very best smartwatches we’ve ever tried.

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Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends (2024)

FAQs

Is the Apple Watch UItra too big? Read this before buying | Digital Trends? ›

The takeaway here is that the Apple Watch Ultra is indeed a big watch, but it doesn't take up much more space on your wrist compared to many other watches, whether they are new or modern Apple Watches or commonly sized traditional watches.

Is the Apple Watch Ultra too big? ›

A big design that doesn't feel big

The Ultra is big. Yet despite its size — at 49mm and 61.3 grams, it's larger than any other Apple Watch — it doesn't feel like a huge, chunky watch.

Who wears the Apple Watch Ultra? ›

So, if we throw out the whole “this is for adventurers” schtick, you could say the Ultra is for people who need multiday battery life — the tech nerds who love everything about their regular Apple Watch except for the fact they have to charge it daily.

Why choose the Apple Watch Ultra? ›

Built to go the distance.

Designed for every kind of outdoor adventure in and out of the water, Apple Watch is perfect for hiking, biking, running, swimming, surfing, and those occasional water balloon fights. And with Apple Watch Ultra 2, you can snorkel, scuba dive, and freedive down to 40 meters.

Has the Apple Watch Ultra been a success? ›

Apple Watch Ultra review: a big, exciting, overwhelming success. “The Apple Watch Ultra's expertly made special features give it surprisingly wide appeal, with the long battery life and characterful, luxurious design making it a fantastic choice even for those not planning any daring adventures.”

What are the disadvantages of the Apple Watch Ultra? ›

Apple Watch Ultra Has Some Drawbacks

The main drawback of the Ultra is the problem with navigation (1). To fix it, you have to install the Footpath app. “This is still a little more clunky than using navigation on Garmin, but it does help make the Apple Watch Ultra finally feel like an actual sports watch.”

Is Apple Watch Ultra good looking? ›

The Apple Watch Ultra is the first aesthetically-pleasing Apple Watch, in my book. It's bulky, sure, but, to me, it's more subdued, less try-hard, and more its own character. To me, the Apple Watch Series watches have long lived in Apple's Watch Edition shadow. Apple tried hard to make a stylish watch.

What is the lifespan of an Apple Watch Ultra? ›

While the device might keep working and can still be paired to an iPhone after Apple ends support, a lack of updates makes it a security risk. That means the end of life should really be thought of as three to five years, even if the Apple Watch is in perfect condition.

Do you shower with Apple Watch Ultra? ›

The Apple Watch Ultra is Highly Water-Resistant

The Apple support document for the Ultra states it is suitable for scuba diving to 130 feet (ca. 40 meters) “and other activities like swimming, showering, and water-skiing.” A dive computer and depth gauge are highlighted on the Apple website ad.

Can you text on an Apple Watch Ultra? ›

Create a message on Apple Watch Ultra

at the top of the screen. Tap Add Contact, tap a contact in the list of recent conversations that appears, or choose an option: Tap. to search for someone in your contacts or to dictate a phone number.

Do you need a phone if you have Apple Watch Ultra? ›

With Apple Watch Ultra and a cellular connection to the same carrier used by your iPhone, you can make calls, reply to messages, use Walkie-Talkie, stream music and podcasts, receive notifications, and more, even when you don't have your iPhone or a Wi-Fi connection.

What makes Apple Watch Ultra so expensive? ›

Pure titanium (not titanium "coated") metal is considerably more expensive and is probably one of the main reasons why the Apple Watch Ultra is so much pricier. The size of the case is also larger at 49mm (compared to 41mm-45mm for the Series 8) so it looks more substantial on your wrist.

Why is the Apple Watch Ultra discontinued? ›

​ The discontinuation is a response to a ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission, which found that Apple's blood oxygen feature infringed on the patent rights of medical technology company Masimo.

Is the Apple Ultra watch any good? ›

Verdict. The Ultra is the biggest, best and most expensive Apple Watch you can get. At its core it is a Series 8 turned up to 11, with a bigger battery, brighter screen, new sensors and an additional button, instantly making it the most capable smartwatch available for iPhones.

What is the Speciality of Apple Watch Ultra? ›

Apple Watch Ultra has a water resistance rating of 100 metres under ISO standard 22810. It may be used for recreational scuba diving (with compatible third-party app from the App Store) to 40 metres and high-speed water sports.

How tight should Apple Watch Ultra be? ›

To test whether your watch is too loose, shake your wrist and then turn your palm face up. If the back of your Apple Watch loses contact with your skin, you should tighten your watch band. If you have a Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop, the band size should be comfortable, but snug against your wrist.

Which Apple Watch Ultra band size should I get? ›

Apple Watch Ultra is also compatible with 45mm bands, but 45mm bands should only be worn for casual, everyday wear. If you like the Braided Solo Loop or Solo Loop and want to use one with Apple Watch Ultra, you might need to use a smaller size than you're used to due to the larger case size of Apple Watch Ultra.

Is it better to have a bigger Apple Watch? ›

Some women will want the bigger Apple Watch, and some men, the smaller one. Some people with small wrists will want the bigger watch and vice versa. All this to say — get the size you prefer. Try both on, and see which one better fits your wrist, style, and personality.

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