APPLE WATCH ULTRA Preview! How Does it Stack up Against the GARMIN Descent Mk2??

[@judgewudge]

I love your thoughts but you missed something big. My Apple Watch has saved my life at least once and possibly three times. The number of people who have been saved by this watch has to be in the thousands. I’m 75 and not knowing it would do so it informed me when my heart was beating under 40 beats per minute for over 10 minutes. It told me I needed to go to a hospital ER. I also have low blood oxygen so I and my doctors can monitor it. I consider the watch CHEEP LIFE INSURANCE. My life is worth the price!

[@MirceaLazar]

What about the battery? I sometimes do hikes that last more than 12 or even 14 hours. I use a fenix 5 for those situations and was planning to upgrade to 6 or 7. Could the Ultra last for a hole day of +14h of activity with tracking and maps turned on? This is the main issue I think.

[@nemesis1134]

Just coming back from a dive trip in Egypt and I love the Garmin, It was vital to have the transmitter for my tank during shipwreck diving where nothing should go wrong. Even the altimeter was useful many times including a hot air balloon flight, it's got a lot of features for different activities, but for diving I would not use anything else rn.

[@dillonleverette3710]

I love the review! ONe important caveat- You missed the boat on the Garmin Descent MK2. one of it's major selling points is that it is a "fully featured" Tech computer. It even supports CCR rebreather diving, as well as the full range of mixed gas tech diving. It's Battery life is substantially better than the apply watch too.

[@benjiebarker]

I’m getting a panerai-like leather light brown strap with butterfly clasp

[@louishurr393]

FYI. Rectangular screens are measured diagonally.

[@Hydrogen101]

I travel a lot and do Ironman training and some mountaineering. The hikes I do are definitely off grid and high elevation, so the navigation and night mode look like awesome bonuses. I do some recreational diving but not as much because I don’t own a dive computer (I have everything else but it’s old). For me, the extra button and better battery and gps has me sold.

[@SoleLo]

Good waves in SD! You'll have fun. Lots of great spots.

[@michaeldavis2524]

Love the size and color. Looks much more rugged and less wimpy!!!

[@johnnylaw348]

I like your video. One thing, your Omega has a stainless steel bracelet (not a stainless steel strap :))

[@m.syamil_KR4PU]

some people have pointed out the default diving app don't have a decompression warning. So until the other 2 3rd part apps come out, people still need their dive computer

[@frangalarza]

I scuba dive and free dive a lot! While 40m is more than enough for occasional scuba diving, it is not uncommon to go below 40m while freediving. Also, these locations tend to be remote and not entirely safe, so not having to take off your watch to charge it every day or 2 is a biggggg plus for the Garmin. But kudos to Apple for their first attempt. I think this is the end for crappy computers like the Suunto D5

[@Gmon750]

Dive instructor here. Suunto D5 is a fantastic wristwatch-style dive computer. Not sure what your beef is with it but I put it right up there with similar offerings from Garmin/Shearwater. It's a great all-around dive computer and does what it needs to do in a simple way.

[@amrsbadawi]

You almost didn't talk about the MK2

[@mobeleashdontforgetyourpho9099]

You gotta love the Ultra.

[@newchenyufengchenyufeng5535]

Garmin become more greedy these years... Finally I run in this Apple watch ultra immediately

[@jjpracticingaloha]

Still wearing the VERY first one, especially now that everyone gets jacked for their nicer watch, my IWC sits in the safe now… kinda sad

[@mensch45]

Omega SeaMaster -- awesome!!

[@full_metal2452]

Best video coverage the Ultra

[@techyjames1945]

I like it on paper, the only issue I might have is the size. Like you I am interested you n this watch based on the longer battery life and functionality. I will visiting an Apple store when it comes out to try it out.

[@JarradShaw]

I ordered it. I hike and camp. Love Garmin, but an Apple product closer to what I do. I gotta try it.

[@davidmurphy4672]

Isn't the dive computer features locked behind 80$ per year pay wall subscription?

[@calebkimm325]

I'm vein and show so I'll 100 perfect get the Apple watch ultra! What else is there! That's a real question!

[@bull5919]

It doesn’t stack up to any of garmin watches that cost the same that’s pointless to think or compare

[@tributetothebestcomedians2]

Why is this Oceanic+ App for the Apple Watch Ultra only available as a subscription type arrangement?.. The app logbook is restricted to a total of 12 dives and offers very basic dive computer functionality without air integration. The only reason I want to buy this $800 upgrade to my existing apple watch is for this dive computer capability. I only scuba dive while on vacation approx 2-3 dives per year It would be a waste of money to pay 12 months of a subscription for only 2-3 dives…I might as well buy a proper dive computer for $300-400 and own it outright, with all the dive logging capabilities included, and no subscriptions required. I won’t buy the apple ultra watch, If a subscription is required to use one of the key functions.

[@justinfuqua1075]

I just got the Samsung galaxy 5 Pro watch. You should check it out.🙂

[@tedtodorov698]

I agree the size is problematic (but I have a much smaller wrist than you). But, I'm amazed you haven't upgraded your Apple Watch 3 to a 7 (or the new one will be an 8). Always on display, better battery life, better screen, many additional health features as well as hiking features lie a good compass/altitude sensor. So if you were to avoid the Ultra due to the size, go for an Apple Watch 8

[@CHRISDITTO1]

Ive had my Ultra 4 days now, and it’s a the best watch I’ve owned. I’ve had Rolex, Seiko, citizen . Sports solar powered 200m dive watches and probably more than 20 at last count over the years. I think you can call me a watch freak!!. Myself and most people wouldn’t use 50% of it’s capability’s. Also lot’s of phones android. Recently, I’ve bought Apple 12.9 iPad Pro, iPhone 14 plus, Ultra watch and iPod pro 2. All are great Apple product’s and work good together for me. I also use them with my Dji Air2S drone 9 months old. I paid $1299 Australian and think I’ll be happy for at least 2 to 4 year’s unless Apple make a better watch!!. Maybe I’m turning into a tech junkie, Ha Ha!!. Last words, Don’t hesitate, buy Apple Ultra watch now. The size and weight, the size you get use too . I find the only time I have a problem is people ask, is that an Apple ultra watch?. Stay safe and we’ll, Chris from down under

[@1519Spring]

John - Longtime subscriber, also living in GA, of a similar age and with similar sports/travel hobbies as you. I wear a Garmin 645 as my daily, and have a Tissot for dress up, though I usually just wear the Garmin anyway. My work phone is an Apple, but my personal is an android. Personal computer is an Apple, work computer a Dell. Ecosystems all mixed up. Will probably go all one way or the other in retirement. Agree with your review and thoughts, although my wrists are at most medium and really big watches I think look goofy on me. Would love to go on an adventure with you here locally some weekend soon, fellow weekend warrior.

[@beaud9403]

I wish it had air integration :(

[@michaeldavis2524]

Allegedly third party apps will be available for air integration.

[@IEA_455]

I assumed the MM was diagonal

[@haggish7100]

Yes, and the screen only. The 45mm s7 is 50mm total diagonal and 45 mm screen

[@stephendenagy3396]

Good preview. But your caveat of not wearing it in rough settings is odd. All the competitors are as expensive or more so. So that can’t be it. It is unlikely to scratch unless the rocks are harder than sapphire ( possible in some places). As for not wearing it teaching…why not? It is a good looking and light watches blend, the majority of mechanical watches are light. I think you were grasping for negatives to create balance. To me the only factor is size. But… I also use my current Apple Titanium watch for safety (as others have said) and sleep. Unless you nail the charging discipline. You can’t be active AND wear all night on one charge. The 36 hours means the Ultra will work all day and topping it off once a day will be perfect keeping it ready for unexpected efforts. There is really nothing not to like. A daily driver that I can do health, sleep, hike, bike and sometimes forget to charge. And looks good. Perfect.

[@Moftoo]

I've found the public commentary at the release of the watch very interesting. Almost everyone - you included - seems to immediately go into what I'd call 'justification mode', whereby you give the caveat that you aren't a world renown explorer/runner/whatever but that you think it might be useful and then list off justifications for why you might be the audience for the watch. It is a strange thing to watch because we know that the vast vast majority of the people who have bought and used the regular Apple watch rarely use any of the built-in features. I'm willing to bet that less than 1% of their install base across every model of Apple watch even close their fitness rings at the default settings each day. This need for people to justify themselves is particularly odd in light of the costs elsewhere in the watch market where comparable devices are all more expensive... let's not even discuss the functionality vs cost breakdown of the Omega you showed in the video... LOL. Anyway, personally this watch seems like a no-brainer to me: I get a bigger screen, better battery life, more functionality, and better materials (titanium and sapphire crystal) for slightly more than I would have paid for a stainless steel Apple watch a little while ago? That is great. I suppose the real crux is how it compares to the competition from Garmin and others - here I think Garmin has a slight edge right now because those products connect to external sensors much more easily like power meters, oxygen tank sensors, cadence sensors, etc, etc. You can connect your Apple watch to some of these using 3rd party apps but they are junk and work poorly by-and-large. One area I'd be interested in hearing your opinion: I'm actually pretty surprised at how poorly Apple has done in integrating the data from their watch like the sleep data, exercise data, etc, this type of integration used to be their core competency and the thing I'd be interested in hearing your take on given your background is if you think the antitrust scrutiny around Apple has had downstream effects in terms of their ability to purchase/develop in these areas... for example If I were them I'd immediately be looking into buying something like Strava, but perhaps they cannot given the antitrust scrutiny? Thanks for the interesting video!

[@1519Spring]

Interesting take! I think for John (and for me) the biggest (no pun intended) factor is the size of the Ultra. I wear a Garmin 645 now, and have never (yet) worn an Apple watch.

[@RIGHTxTRIGGERx]

many people on youtube have said that this watch is made for a niche market of explorers, then go on to say that they feel like they dont do enough with their lifes, followed up by a joke thats been made a hundred times already. i preordered the apple watch ultra earlier today because its big, got a big battery, i wont have to upgrade again for another 5 years, it has upgrades that i havent had for the last 5 years and i personally love the style of it. content creators are going to do what they do, its how they stay in the game. at the end of the day we gotta decide for our selves if its worth it. but yeah im not filling any of those rings lol.

[@invictapublic7742]

Good initial review. I'm a recreational diver, climber and kite boarder using both Android and iPhone platforms. Thinking about getting an Apple watch for some time. The diving feature is a great incentive. A couple of suggestions: please discourage people from replacing their dedicated dive coms with the Apple watch... Redundancy is always necessary where possible and although apple has 'probably' tested it, nothing is more safer than having that backup dive com. I wouldn't use this as my primary. Probably just to control my iPhone for pics or video while diving (works great with a good case, lights and lenses). Also, agree with you about surfing. Wouldn't want to test this watch with a face plant or watch plant after getting some air when kite boarding. It would get knocked around pretty hard against kite/surf boards and also when diving getting in and out of the water and gearing up. Likely needs a good silicone cover and I would definitely get a screen protector for it.

[@inombo]

Battery life is terrible. Fenix 7x has 30 day battery life with smartphone mode. With solar version 90 plus days. Apple is still behind but I am happy fenix prices will fall.

[@jamessizemore1446]

Expensive!

[@RIGHTxTRIGGERx]

aye the music in the begining just aint it bro lol, good video otherwise!

[@Dontslaythybroski]

I didnt know Tesla made watches

[@williamkerry2626]

Just a heads up on the size of this watch, the concern of how big it is shouldn’t be an issue. Your Omega has a lug to lug of 50mm, the ultra should essentially be the same, but thinner side to side. That picture that you showed on the wrist, that gentleman’s wrist size appears to be approximately 7in, the average wrist size of most American men. I’m also a 7.5in wrist sized man, zero hesitation with the wearable size outside of the height of the new ultra.

[@brianlee3508]

The way apple watch is designed is akin to having a smartphone on your wrist. Ultra is perhap targetting folks who are already an smartphone addict. If i am going on adventure and badly needed smart phone detox, Garmin is the unquestionable option.

[@bjs2022]

The red mode to “prevent eye strain” is nonsense/non-science. Red light in aircraft cockpits was supposed to preserve night vision adaption but scores of years after World War II we learned that low level white light is just as effective for preserving night vision and its also safer because you can see red graphics on charts and the red markings on instruments, knobs, etc. Astronomers also thought red light was essential for preserving night-adapted vision but making the public use red filters on their flashlights is valid for star parties.

[@Alexb_1775]

I will be looking into this.

[@ChipHead0110]

As most of the fruit produce, I think it's over priced, but even if that wasn't the case (could obviously argue that the technology in it is well worth it), I believe that this might be a fruit fly. It's simply, as you stated, not really ideal for any use case. Either it's too big, too flashy, not the right style, and too expensive and, I fear, too fragile to risk damaging/losing in a practical environment. I also don't like the operating temperatures, as we normally in mid- and south- Norway have outside conditions down to -20 and also experience drops to -30. I would never wear it in winter. A watch should be made for any kind of normal abuse, as it should also be casually worn. It's nice, but I think they missed the goal on this one. Remains to be seen. That being said, I remain hopeful that we will see much more items and useful such in the wearable space. And more intelligent, AI driven, stuff too. I bought my Mi-band 4 some years ago in Ukraine and albeit I have changed rubber bands on it several times - last time being today - it still fulfills the tasks I expect it to under any conditions and because it only has basic functions the battery still lasts me weeks between charges. I didn't check if the apple watch has induction charging, but that would definitely help make this a useful and more pleasant product to use.

[@joshuamartinez970]

If it terrifies you to break it you can get insurance aka apple care+ indefinitely for $5 a month for unlimited repairs

[@ChipHead0110]

@@joshuamartinez970 as a Norwegian I am naturally resistant to using insurance. I like to live dangerous 😎😂. Of course, insurance would be a good thing, as it is an expensive thing, but seeing as I pay $15 for my home insurance, $5 for merely a watch doesn't make sense for me personally.

[@ChipHead0110]

Wow... First? That's a first.

[@cbmusgrave]

Great preview. But, you had me until you said "The Verge", which I find unfairly anti-Tesla.

[@erickortega1585]

Obviously a comparison without all the data. Pass!

[@martinspedding4210]

The big problem with all variants of the Apple watch is lack of of comparability with modern smartphones which makes it DOA.

[@VBCVeryBigChannel]

Why are you comparing a watch to a phone?... it's not dead on arrival the orders for the watch came in so much the first two days it's delayed delivery times to October already.

[@martinspedding4210]

@@VBCVeryBigChannel what I am saying you cannot set up or sync an Apple watch without an IOS device. So if you have a modern smartphone you cannot use an Apple watch which means for all Android users it is DOA

[@VBCVeryBigChannel]

@@martinspedding4210 It's not made for android users?....

[@martinspedding4210]

@@VBCVeryBigChannel well ignoring the majority of market is pretty idiotic.

[@VBCVeryBigChannel]

@@martinspedding4210 Majority of what market? Apple watches are the most popular watch in the world. The young crowd specifically buys iphones. I don't know what market it is you are referring to.

[@LarryRichelli]

No recreational diver goes to 130 feet. come on, going to 100 ft in recreational diving you would only be able to stay down 5 min. Also the Ultra is not a watch that would look good dressing up and going out....at least for me.

[@calebkimm325]

A lot of loosers, will be posing this watch. Even people who don't need to look at a watch like this! Laugh.I haven't thought of doing a single pushups in a year but I can pretend I'm fitness inclined! God stop justifying....if if if if. Some people feel there are worthless unless they own an apple product. They need to be seen in possession of made by poor yellow. Dude needs a life not an apple watch. Sad dude!

[@Matt_10203]

You sound like you’re coping hard. Let people wear what they want to wear and stop being so lame.

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