The Apple Watch Edition 38mm (1st Gen), launched in July 2015, stands out as a luxurious smartwatch in the Apple ecosystem. Encased in an 18-karat gold frame with a sapphire crystal glass front, this watch merges high-end design with Apple’s powerful smartwatch functionality. With features like wireless charging, a Retina OLED display, and health tracking sensors, this device remains a collector’s favorite. Although discontinued, the Apple Watch Edition 38mm still offers a unique blend of luxury and technology.
Apple Watch Edition 38mm (1st Gen) Specifications
Here is a responsive table with the complete specifications of the Apple Watch Edition 38mm (1st Gen):
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Network | No cellular connectivity |
| 2G Bands | N/A |
| GPRS | No |
| EDGE | No |
| Dimensions | 38.6 x 33.3 x 10.5 mm (1.52 x 1.31 x 0.41 in) |
| Weight | 55 g (body) |
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), Ceramic back, 18-karat yellow/rose gold frame |
| SIM | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX7, up to 1 meter and 30 minutes |
| Display Type | Retina OLED, 450 nits (peak) |
| Display Size | 1.5 inches |
| Resolution | 340 x 272 pixels (~290 ppi density) |
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass |
| 3D Touch | Yes |
| OS | watchOS 1.0, upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2 |
| Chipset | Apple S1 (28 nm) |
| CPU | 520 MHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543 |
| Internal Memory | 8GB, 512MB RAM |
| Camera | No |
| Sound | Loudspeaker, No 3.5mm jack |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | 4.0, LE |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate |
| Battery | Li-Ion 205 mAh, wireless charging |
| Colors | 18-karat Rose Gold/White, Rose Gray Buckle; 18-karat Yellow Gold/Black, Red Buckle |
| Price | About 11000 EUR |
Apple Watch Edition 38mm Review
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Edition 38mm (1st Gen) is a stunning piece of wearable technology, offering a compact design without compromising on luxury. The 18-karat yellow or rose gold frame and ceramic back give the watch a premium look and feel. Its sapphire crystal glass provides excellent scratch resistance, ensuring the display remains pristine. At 55 grams, the watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it suitable for all-day use. The IPX7 rating means it’s water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, though it’s not designed for swimming or deep-water activities.
Display Quality
The 1.5-inch Retina OLED display is crisp and vibrant, with a resolution of 340 x 272 pixels and a ~290 ppi density. The 450 nits of peak brightness ensures that the screen is readable even under direct sunlight. The watch also features 3D Touch, allowing users to interact with apps and notifications by varying pressure on the display.
Performance and OS
Powered by the Apple S1 chipset and a 520 MHz Cortex-A7 CPU, the Apple Watch Edition 38mm delivers smooth performance for basic tasks such as notifications, fitness tracking, and music playback. Although the hardware is somewhat dated, the watch runs watchOS 4.3.2, which brings modern functionality, including improved app management and performance optimizations. The 512MB RAM may seem small, but it’s sufficient for handling the watch’s operating system and apps.
Battery Life
The 205 mAh Li-Ion battery offers a decent battery life, allowing users to get through the day with moderate use. The inclusion of wireless charging makes it easy to keep the device powered up. However, if you’re actively using features such as fitness tracking or music playback, you may need to charge it by the end of the day.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Apple Watch Edition includes sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, and heart rate monitor, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious users. It tracks steps, calories burned, exercise minutes, and monitors your heart rate throughout the day. While it lacks GPS, the heart rate sensor provides accurate measurements for casual fitness tracking.
Connectivity and Features
While the watch doesn’t offer cellular connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 LE, making it easy to pair with your iPhone for notifications, calls, and media control. The NFC chip enables Apple Pay, allowing for contactless payments directly from the watch.
Storage and Compatibility
The 8GB internal storage is ample for apps, music, and other data, although it’s not expandable. The Apple Watch Edition 38mm is compatible with iPhone 5 or newer, ensuring broad accessibility for iPhone users. With watchOS updates, the device continues to receive new features and improvements, making it a useful smartwatch even in 2024.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Edition 38mm (1st Gen) is more than just a smartwatch—it’s a statement of luxury and exclusivity. With its 18-karat gold body, sapphire crystal protection, and solid performance, this watch remains a collector’s item. While it lacks some modern smartwatch features, its timeless design and compatibility with newer watchOS updates make it a solid choice for those who appreciate both fashion and function in a wearable device.
Disclaimer
We cannot guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct.
