Back in 2017 I picked up an Apple Watch Series 3, which wound up going along for the ride through several iPhone upgrades. Fast forward to 2023; the Series 3 battery was on it’s way out, animations were stuttery, and despite wearing it for the better part of 6 years, I didn’t get much use out of it beyond time telling and notifications.

As a longtime tech enthusiast I used to imagine myself using a smartwatch more in the future – especially when I was more hyped up over them in the mid-2010s. Nowadays, I look at them as more of a smartphone companion.

What sparked the idea to get this?

Having been without an Apple Watch for a few years, I was in the market for one already. Back in Mid-January I bought a Space Gray 38mm Series 2 with a dying battery, and slightly damaged the display in the process of replacing the battery.

While it still works, I started desiring something newer after seeing my partner get herself a Series 8 41mm in Starlight. I’d only get something newer if the price was right – and then I saw my carrier’s offer for the new Series 11, which seemed reasonable to me.

T-Mobile offer for Apple Watch:

• Get $300 off certain Apple watches: SE 4 44mm, S11 42/44mm
  .
• Requires: a new line on Watch Plan Plus with a qualifying plan, a monthly payment plan, and sales tax paid upon purchase. You will get up to $300 in bill credits.
• Watch Plan Plus: $15/mo
  • Apple Watch monthly: $8.34/mo
  • Total: $23.34/mo

Apple Watches printed on the inside!

Continuing the unboxing

An Obsidian Glass Stone

While I didn’t get chance to see the options in person, I chose Jet Black as it would be more subtle yet aesthetically pleasing. What surprised me, however, is how it’s sleek and shiny all-around – it’s a welcome surprise and remind me of the sleekness of the iPhone 7 in Jet Black. This looks like a piece of shiny obsidian glass stone, so I named the watch Obsidian.

Reusing an old watch band

I prefer the Milanese loops for their simplicity and design – they’re easy to adjust, remove, and put on. Never wore a sport band with any Apple Watch, even the one my Series 3 came with in 2017 is still in it’s original box. But it’s nice how the knockoff silver colored Metal watch band was able to work with my new Series 11, despite previously being on the Series 2.

While the silver color metal watch band isn’t a 1:1 fit for the watch, it snaps in, stays in place, and feels secure enough to use. Soon enough I’ll get something which matches the Jet Black.

It’s been nearly two months since I last published an article on this website, and I’ve been thinking about getting back into the swing of things. I put publishing on pause while focusing on life, but never forgot about Low End Mac. There’s a lot of catching up to do – new Tech Specs, the MacBook Neo, and other new things going on at Apple. Thank you all for taking the time out of your day to visit this website – more articles coming soon!