From the Forums: Apple Watch Size Comparison

Apple Watch Size ComparisonApple Watch Size on Wrist Comparison
With the Apple Watch poised to launch in April, excitement for the wrist-worn device has been building within the forums. In particular, a few users have posted discussion threads that compare the 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch based on photographer Ryan Mack's print-to-size diagrams. Both mockups are attached to a regular watchband to provide a realistic preview of how the Apple Watch could look on the wrist.

Discussion Threads

  1. "38mm Versus 42mm Photoshop + Print to Size" posted by Technodynamic
  2. "38mm vs 42mm On Wrist Comparison" posted by lupend88

The early consensus among users debating over which Apple Watch to get is largely split between the 38m and 42mm model, although many agree that they would be happy with either size. Given that the Apple Watch will be highly customizable with different sizes, editions and bands to choose from, visiting an Apple Store to test out the smartwatch on your wrist will likely be the best way to choose which one is right for you.

"If I had to pick right now, I think I'd get the 38mm," writes MacRumors forum member Technodynamic. "I just wonder if I'd rather the slightly larger screen for using the watch. Added pixels for the same image means you will see more detail on the 42mm versus the 38mm and I feel like I am missing on some clarity, but... I like the way the smaller one looks, from a jewelry perspective. First world problems."

If you are looking for an interesting weekend do-it-yourself project to take on, you can print and cut out your own Apple Watch diagrams [PDF] for size comparison. Make sure you print the diagrams at their 100% full size so that they are accurate. The width and depth of the Apple Watch diagrams are approximations based on press releases and images, while the height values have been confirmed by Apple for the two models.

Apple introduced the Apple Watch during its September 2014 media event alongside the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and Apple Pay. The smartwatch will be available in three collections for $349 and up: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition. The wearable will be available in the United States first upon launch, with a wider international rollout likely to follow in the near future.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

rickdollar Avatar
131 months ago
History suggests that people shouldn't rush out to buy the first iteration regardless.
If everyone followed that logic there would never be a second version of any product from any company. Buying a first generation product is not a marriage. If someone has the money and is interested, they should buy one. If they don't like it, they can return it. Big deal.

I bought the first gen iPod. I listened to that thing 8 hours a day at work for years. I shouldn't have bought it because it was a first gen product? That's absolutely ridiculous.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cariacou Avatar
131 months ago
Can I get the print-to-size for the Apple Car?
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
baryon Avatar
131 months ago
History suggests that people shouldn't rush out to buy the first iteration regardless.

They actually should, because then Apple will deem it a success and make a 2nd gen product for us to buy.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nookster Avatar
131 months ago
1st gen product

History suggests that people shouldn't rush out to buy the first iteration regardless.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
caligurl Avatar
131 months ago
oh dear..... seeing these pictures makes me think even the 38 is going to be GINORMOUS on my wrist! :eek:
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KylePowers Avatar
131 months ago
FWIW, the 42mm is about the size of an iPod nano. So if you wear an iPod nano watch, it's a great comparison. The Apple watch is a tad thicker, however.

I wear an iPod nano watch, but I'm unsure of which direction I'm leaning toward. Might order both and return the one I like the least. I fear availability will be scarce, so preordering is a must!

its 2015 and they still havent figured out an energy efficient way to display the time all the time? i will wait for gen 3
I'm confused. Do you look at the time without looking at the time? What does it matter if the time doesn't appear until you lift your wrist up? Don't you do that with a normal watch anyhow?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)