Apple’s Watch will be available in two different sizes — 38mm and 42mm — to accommodate different sized wrists and customer’s preference for the size of their watch. Besides physical size, there are a few differences between the two Watch models, such as the display resolution and band availability, that may influence your buying decision. Read on the find out how the two different-sized models are the same and how they differ.
Dimensions
Unlike traditional watches that are measured horizontally by their width, Apple’s Watch is measured vertically with the 38mm and 42mm size referring to the height of the device. Apple has not released exact dimension, but estimates suggest the smaller model will be 32mm wide while the larger version will be 36mm. The depth of the Watch also was not revealed, but it likely will be bulkier than a traditional watch due to the hardware Apple packed into the device.
It’s difficult to compare the rounded rectangular form factor of the Apple Watch to the round face of a tradition watch, but in general, the Watch falls within the average size of standard watches, which measures 38-42mm. It is much smaller than the popular oversized watches, which can measure over 47mm.
Compared to the original Pebble, the Watch may be on the smaller size measuring 38 x 32 mm or 42 x 36mm as compared to the 52 x 36mm of the first generation Pebble. It may even be smaller than the new Pebble Time, which measures 47 x 40mm.
Display Size and Resolution
Besides physical size, one other difference between the 38,, and the 42mm Watch is the size and resolution of the device’s display. According to Yahoo’s David Pogue, the 38mm Watch will include a 1.5-inch display while the larger 42mm version ships with a 1.7-inch. Both version offer retina resolutions, but the 42mm packs more pixels with 312 x 390 pixels as compared to the 272 x 340 resolution of the 38mm model. If you want a bigger display and more pixels, then you should purchase the 42mm model.
Weight
Again, Apple has not divulged the weight of the device, only noting that the aluminum Watch Sport will be 30 percent lighter due to the material used in its construction. Though the stainless steel Apple Watch and the gold Watch Edition will weigh significantly more than the Watch Sport, the differences between the steel and gold models of the same size will be slight. If you are in the market for a lightweight watch, go with the Watch Sport, otherwise stay with the Seel or the Gold and let another factor such as price determine which model you purchase.
Accompanying Bands
Apple is releasing a variety or straps and loops for the Apple Watch, but it appears that it may not be a one-size fits all as Apple is only advertising select bands with each model. As compiled from the Watch Gallery pages, Apple is offering the following combinations:
38 and 42mm Watch bands
- Fluoroelastomer with Stainless Steel Pin (White, Black Blue, Green, Pink, or Black)
- Fluoroelastomer with 18-Karat Rose Gold Pin (White)
- Black Leather with Stainless Steel Buckle
- Milanese Loop Stainless Steel with Magnetic Closure
- Link Bracelet with Butterfly Closure (Stainless Steel or Space Black Stainless Steel)
42mm Watch bands
- Leather Loop with Magnetic Closure (Bright Blue Leather, Light Brown Leather, or Stone Leather)
- Fluoroelastomer with 18-Karat Yellow Gold Pin (Black)
- Classic Buckle with 18-Karat Yellow Gold Buckle (Midnight Blue Leather)
38mm Watch bands
- Modern Buckle with Stainless Steel Buckle (Soft Pink Leather, Midnight Blue Leather or Brown Leather)
- Modern Buckle with 18-Karat Rose Gold Buckle (Rose Gray Leather)
- Modern Buckle with 18-Karat Yellow Gold Buckle (Bright Red Leather)
These Watch-band combinations are recommended by Apple and may change when the company finalizes the details on the Watch during its Monday press event.
Apple will reveal the launch date and final pricing of the Apple Watch at an event to be held next week. The March 9 press event will begin at 10AM PT and will be live streamed on Apple’s event web page. We also will be providing breaking coverage of the event and analysis once the event is over. Please join us on Monday for this groundbreaking event.
Also check:
➤ Apple Watch customization options — band styles, watch faces, and color choices
➤ What you need to know about Apple Watch’s hardware features
➤ Apple Watch and Watch Sport — What are the differences between Sapphire and Ion-X Glass displays?
➤ Apple Watch: The hardware innovations that make the device unique
