Watch Standard 42mm

Apple presented the original Apple Watch as an exceptionally accurate timepiece, an intimate communication tool, and a groundbreaking health and fitness companion, requiring pairing with an iPhone 5 or newer for most functionality. All original Apple Watch devices are operated via a "Digital Crown" and a Retina display with "Force Touch" capability, which differentiates between light taps and firm presses for expanded navigation. Apple's estimated battery life was up to 18 hours of overall use, with specific metrics like 3 hours of talk time and 6.5 hours of audio playback. This particular 42 mm model features a 312x390 display shielded by sapphire crystal, enclosed in a 316L stainless steel case with a zirconia ceramic back. Originally, ten configurations were available, varying by case finish and band style. The lineup was updated on September 9, 2015, and March 21, 2016, with numerous band options being introduced and discontinued over time, before the entire model was retired on September 7, 2016.

The 42mm Apple Watch Series 0 received similar evaluations to its smaller counterpart, being recognized as an ambitious but flawed initial attempt at smartwatch design. Reviewers consistently highlighted the premium materials and construction quality, particularly the sapphire crystal display and stainless steel casing, but performance issues overshadowed these strengths. The larger screen size was appreciated for improved readability and interaction, yet this advantage was diminished by sluggish app performance and frequent delays in navigation. Critics noted that while the device successfully introduced innovative concepts like the Digital Crown and Force Touch, the overall user experience felt underdeveloped. The watch was deemed more suitable as a luxury accessory than a practical computing device, with many suggesting it was ahead of its time but needed significant software and hardware improvements to fulfill its potential.