No, the Apple Watch Ultra is not too big

We went wrist-on with the new smartwatch and came away pleased.

Mashable SEA Sept. 9, 2022

No, the Apple Watch Ultra is not too big

Ever since I've posted a photo of the Apple Watch Ultra on my wrist, I've been getting questions from concerned smartwatch/fitness aficionados who worry that the new outdoor enthusiast smartwatch is simply too bulky.

While I cannot say whether the Ultra will comfortably fit every wrist, I can assure you Apple's new wearable is just the right size.

The thing about the Ultra is that it's a special purpose smartwatch. It's a diving computer; it's something you take on hikes, swims, kiteboarding sessions, and even Ironman competitions. It has to have a big display, a long-lasting battery, as well as a larger crown and button (that you can operate with gloves on) to be useful. So that's exactly what Apple did when it designed the Ultra.

The Ultra has a 49mm case, which is 4 millimeters bigger than the largest Apple Watch Series 8 you can get. It doesn't sound like a lot, but the case is also fatter and bulkier, and it adds up to a considerably bigger wearable.

When I tried the Ultra on my wrist, I could feel the extra heft from the added weight and, yes, it's a lot bigger than the regular Watch (the full set of tech specs is unavailable at this time, but the Ultra definitely feels heavier than the regular Watch). But that's exactly what I expected from a smartwatch like this. In fact, I'd be disappointed if the Ultra were any smaller.

I'm far from an "extreme" athlete, but I do my bit of outdoor workouts and swims, and I need a smartwatch that can withstand bumping into something, with large, legible letters on the display. Two years in, my own Apple Watch Series 6 has been used for this purpose and it's quite busted up. With a display that's slightly recessed into the case (instead of being curved down into it like the regular Watch), the Apple Watch Ultra feels like it could take a lot more punishment.

I also love the Apple Watch Ultra's new crown, the little rotary dial on the side used for tasks such as browsing through apps. Handling the regular Watch's gentle crown while running or doing an intense workout can be a daunting task. The Ultra's crown is bigger, with far deeper recesses giving you the extra grip you need when you're halfway into a long trail run.

For comparison, check out other rugged watches from companies like Garmin and Polar. Garmin's popular Fenix 7 sports watch comes in several case sizes, with the largest being 51mm. I've tried the smaller, 47mm-sized variant on my wrist, and it's roughly as bulky as the Apple Watch Ultra.

Of course, if you're intent on buying the Apple Watch Ultra for its aesthetics alone, you'd do well to try it out on your own wrist before you buy. But as far as rugged, sporty smartwatches go, the Apple Watch Ultra is just the right size.