In addition to the WatchOS functionality that the Series 5, I'd really like to have the Blood Oxygen and Sleep Apnoea notifications. And I'd like a really long lasting battery. Working through the list based on this criteria theres only one watch that matches, and that is the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Im not bothered about the double tap gesture support but I do want the sleep apnoea detection feature. That one feature aside the original Apple Watch Ultra is the pick of the bunch with real bargains from Apple (eligible for AppleCare) and elsewhere (Cex and Amazon).
TL:DR – The Glowtime event didnt make it easier to choose a new watch for me, it made it harder. My choice in the end might be a surprise because it was a surprise to me. I bought a second hand 'Grade A' Apple Watch Ultra 2 from CeX. It cost £555 with no strap but boxed with a USB-C watch cable and a two year guarantee, (less any vouchers from previous trade in's of which I have a few). I will likely keep it for the two years it is guaranteed for then look again and see if what are better technology improvements emerge after Glowtime. The Ultra 2 has exactly the same technology as the Ultra 2 relaunched at Glowtime. The original Ultra is a real a contender too at £589 new in box with a strap and eligible for AppleCare direct from Apple via the Apple Certified refurbished store. It has an identical case just a few software and technology differences inside. Heres the Cheapest new Apple Watch Ultra 2 I could find on Amazon UK. (22 Sep)
Contents
- A look at the pick of the Apple Watches available in late 2024
- Entry level, Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Comparing features to help decide which 'new' Apple Watch to buy based on current product features and functionality
- Apple Watch SE (Series 2)
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Comparing features to help decide which 'Apple certified refurbished, 'renewed', or 'CeX Grade A' Apple Watch to buy based on currently available products, their features and functionality
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Decision - Ultra 2
- Screenshots of setting up my Ultra 2
- First day of use
- Black versus natural titanium finish
- First month of use
The Apple Glowtime event prompted me to sell my Apple Watch Series 5 the weekend before. I got £76 for it in vouchers from CeX, which seems pretty good given it was four years old. The original matching box and boxed unopened mint strap probably helped a little. My reasoning for this action was that Apple were about to launch new watches and it was surely time for me to try to get one that had a battery that lasts more than a day and the latest functionality and either AppleCare or a guarantee. Apple would fill me with wonder at their launch event, I thought, there would be features I could not be without and the choice would be obvious. The Series 5 was a good watch in that it made me realise an Apple Watch was a useful device and not a toy, but the battery scarcely lasted my waking hours and annoyingly cut out during workout activity (don't make some sarcastic comment!). It reminded me of my early Nokia 2110 mobile phone where you had an extra battery in your pocket because it didnt last a working day. All other features being equal, it is battery life which defines the bar that any new watch has to reach for me. It must last more than a day, have all the latest functionality and be under guarantee/warranty. the trouble is that Apple's Glowtime event focused on colours, finishes and straps and to a lesser extent thin bezels and I'm not really driven by colours of finishes or straps and to an even lesser extent thin bezels. This has made it hard to decide what to do based on technology alone.
A look at the pick of the Apple Watches available in late 2024
I wonder what is going on at Apple in the Watch division. I have absolutely no inside knowledge but have been following Apple technology and using Apple products since 1984 and the Glowtime event was a curious one to me. It was a launch, sure enough, of many things, including Apple Watch, and it is about Apple Watch that I've thought the most about. I wrote up my thoughts on the whole event Glowtime – September 2024 already, but my immediate need, since I sold my watch, was to replace it. So the first thing I did was set about looking at the market, on the Apple Website, in the Certified Refurbished section, on Amazon, and at CeX. To do that I needed a comparison between the new range and the recently replaced models, which I've shared below. Its really interesting (to me).
Entry level, Apple Watch SE
First up, the Apple Watch SE (Series 2) is a really good buy. It has to be. It is the on-ramp for Apple products for new buyers. It has a lot of features, and you order it with an aluminium 44mm or 40mm case and a variety of straps from just £219 (Amazon). It has all the essentials and far more capability than the original Apple Watch. It is not the one for me however, since it doesn't have the Blood Oxygen app and Sleep Apnoea notifications.
Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10
There are lots of bargains to be found now with the Apple Watch Series 9, which until last week was the current model. The only issue for me here is battery life, which is what is pushing me towards the Ultra models. The Apple Watch Series 9 can be updated to the latest WatchOS complete with blood oxygen app and sleep apnoea detection. It is always a good plan to buy the last model just after the new model comes out with Apple products, but for me the battery rules it out.
Next the Apple Watch Series 10, launched at the Apple Glowtime event. Really this does everything I need. It has a better battery too than its predecessor, but nowhere near the capability of the battery of the Ultra and Ultra 2. Once I spec it up to a comparable level to the Ultra 2 with a titanium case it is almost the same price as an Ultra 2 at £749 (Amazon). I see what you did there Apple .
Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2
Now to the Ultra 2, and its important to underline that the only changes at the Apple Glowtime event were the new black titanium finish, and new straps. The technology is the same as the 2023 model. This watch is everything I need, with the Blood Oxygen app and Sleep Apnoea notifications along with a multi day capable battery. It reaches the bar. But it isn't new. Its been around for over a year, and is just a 'speed bump' with an S9 SiP compared to the S8 SiP from the original Ultra from 2022. It is widely available in natural titanium for example at £769 (Amazon). (9/24)
The original Ultra is outwardly identical to the Ultra 2 but it doesnt support the Sleep Apnoea notifications or double tap, I guess because of the S8 SiP. It is widely available in natural titanium for example from Music Magpie (renewed) at £499.99 (Amazon). (9/24) It is a contender for me and hundreds of pounds cheaper than the newly launched models.
Comparing features to help decide which 'new' Apple Watch to buy based on current product features and functionality
Just after a new launch can be the best time to buy a new Apple product, as it will retain its future value when you come to trade it or sell it, as well as it being under warranty and assured of software updates for the longest time. Its also the most expensive time unless you get your Apple product on finance or with a cellular plan from a mobile network operator.

Apple Watch SE (Series 2)
Apple make an entry level watch, the Apple Watch SE, which starts from £219 in the UK and has the choice of the venerable 44mm or 40mm aluminium case sizes. It sports an LTPO OLED Retina display with Up to 1,000 nits. Importantly for some this watch is not 'Always On' reminiscent of older Apple watches but is otherwise quite up to date since the entry level must be good enough to capture customers. Functionality (dependent on model and market) includes:
- High and low heart rate notifications
- Irregular rhythm notifications
- Low cardio fitness notifications
- Sleep Tracking
- Vitals app featuring heart rate, respiratory rate and sleep duration
- Cycle tracking
- Emergency SOS
- International Emergency Calling
- Fall Detection and Crash Detection
- Water resistant
- Swimproof
- GPS
- Cellular and Wi-Fi only options
- S8 SiP
- Siri
- Find iPhone
- Up to 18 hours normal use
- Low Power Mode
- Aluminium finish available in midnight, starlight and silver

Apple Watch Series 10
The new Apple Watch Series 10 launched on Monday September 9th 2024 at Apples Glowtime event starts from £399 and offers 46mm or 42mm aluminium or titanium cases. It is the start of Always-On Retina display with an LTPO3 OLED. This Wide-angle OLED is up to 2,000 nits and claimed to be up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle. Functionality (dependent on model and market and additions in bold) includes:
- ECG app
- High and low heart rate notifications
- Irregular rhythm notifications
- Low cardio fitness notifications
- Blood Oxygen app
- Sleep Tracking
- Sleep apnoea notifications
- Vitals app featuring heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration
- Temperature sensing
- Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
- Emergency SOS
- International Emergency Calling
- Fall Detection and Crash Detection
- Water resistant
- Swimproof
- Depth gauge to 6m
- Water temperature sensor
- GPS
- Cellular and Wi-Fi only options
- S10 SiP
- Double tap gesture
- Faster on-device Siri
- Precision Finding for iPhone
- Up to 18 hours normal use
- Up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode
- Faster charging (0-80% in about 30 minutes)
- Aluminium finish available in jet black, rose gold and silver
- Titanium finish available in slate, gold and natural
- Apple Watch Hermès Titanium finish available in silver

Apple Watch Ultra 2
The new Black Titanium finish Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched on Monday September 9th 2024 alongside the existing natural finish with new straps for both at Apples Glowtime event. It starts from £799 and has a 49mm titanium case. It is the same technology as the 2023 Ultra 2 model, with an optional new finish. It has an LTPO2 OLED Always-On Retina display with up to 3,000 nits. Functionality (dependent on model and market and additions in bold) includes:
- ECG app
- High and low heart rate notifications
- Irregular rhythm notifications
- Low cardio fitness notifications
- Blood Oxygen app
- Sleep Tracking
- Sleep apnoea notifications
- Vitals app featuring heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration
- Temperature sensing
- Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
- Emergency SOS
- International Emergency Calling
- Fall Detection and Crash Detection
- Siren
- Water resistant
- Swimproof
- Depth to gauge 40m
- Water temperature sensor
- High-speed water sports
- Recreational scuba to 40m
- Precision dual‑frequency GPS
- Cellular connectivity
- S9 SiP
- Double tap gesture
- Faster on-device Siri
- Precision Finding for iPhone
- Up to 36 hours normal use
- Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
- Fast charging (0-80% in about 1 hour)
- Apple Watch Hermès finish available
Comparing features to help decide which 'Apple certified refurbished, 'renewed', or 'CeX Grade A' Apple Watch to buy based on currently available products, their features and functionality
If you know me then you'll know that I think theres two ways of buying Apple products. This is the second way. Buy a refurbished, renewed or CeX Grade A last generation product just after the new model comes out and optimise your cost by taking advantage of the discount against buying the newest shiniest product. This seems to work reliably for all Apple products and especially for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 which is unchanged except for the strap and a new optional colour.

Apple Watch Series 9
The new Apple Watch Series 9 launched in September 9th 2023 from £399 and offers 45mm or 41mm aluminium or stainless steel cases. It has an LTPO OLED Always-On retina display with up to 2,000 nits. Functionality (dependent on model and market and additions in bold and deletions in strikeout) includes:
- ECG app
- High and low heart rate notifications
- Irregular rhythm notifications
- Low cardio fitness notifications
- Blood Oxygen app
- Sleep Tracking
- Sleep apnoea notifications
- Vitals app featuring heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration
- Temperature sensing
- Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
- Emergency SOS
- International Emergency Calling
- Fall Detection and Crash Detection
- Water resistant 50m
- Swimproof
- Depth gauge
- Water temperature sensor
- GPS
- Cellular and Wi-Fi only options
- S9 SiP
- Double tap gesture
- Fast on-device Siri
- Precision Finding for iPhone
- Up to 18 hours normal use
- Up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode
- Faster charging (0-80% in about 45 minutes)
- Aluminium finish available in midnight, starlight, silver, pink and (PRODUCT)RED
- Stainless Steel finish available graphite, silver and gold
- Apple Watch Hermès finish available in silver and space black

Apple Watch Ultra
The natural Titanium finish Apple Watch Ultra launched in September 2022 from £799 and has a 49mm titanium case. It has an LTPO2 OLED Always-On Retina display with up to 3,000 nits. Functionality (dependent on model and market and additions in bold and deletions in strikeout) includes:
- ECG app
- High and low heart rate notifications
- Irregular rhythm notifications
- Low cardio fitness notifications
- Blood Oxygen app
- Sleep Tracking
- Sleep apnoea notifications
- Vitals app featuring heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration
- Temperature sensing
- Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
- Emergency SOS
- International Emergency Calling
- Fall Detection and Crash Detection
- Siren
- Water resistant 100m
- Swimproof
- Depth to gauge 40m
- Water temperature sensor
- High-speed water sports
- Recreational scuba to 40m
- Precision dual‑frequency GPS
- Cellular connectivity
- S8 SiP
- Double tap gesture
- Faster on-device Siri
- Find iPhone
- Up to 36 hours normal use
- Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
- Fast charging (0-80% in about 1 hour)

Apple Watch Ultra 2
The original natural titanium finish Apple Watch Ultra 2 launched in September 2023 starts from £799 and has a 49mm titanium case. It has an LTPO2 OLED Always-On Retina display with up to 3,000 nits. Functionality (dependent on model and market and additions in bold) includes:
- ECG app
- High and low heart rate notifications
- Irregular rhythm notifications
- Low cardio fitness notifications
- Blood Oxygen app
- Sleep Tracking
- Sleep apnoea notifications
- Vitals app featuring heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration
- Temperature sensing
- Cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates
- Emergency SOS
- International Emergency Calling
- Fall Detection and Crash Detection
- Siren
- Water resistant 100m
- Swimproof
- Depth to gauge 40m
- Water temperature sensor
- High-speed water sports
- Recreational scuba to 40m
- Precision dual‑frequency GPS
- Cellular connectivity
- S9 SiP
- Double tap gesture
- Faster on-device Siri
- Precision Finding for iPhone
- Up to 36 hours normal use
- Up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
- Fast charging (0-80% in about 1 hour)
Decision - Ultra 2
I visited a CeX store that had two grade A Ultra 2 Apple Watches, so I bought the one with the newer serial number. Grade A means not a scratch on the case back and front and the display is truly mint. The watch came boxed with a USB-C Watch cable. When you buy a watch from CeX it doesnt come with a strap, they sell those separately. I didnt need one as my existing watch band , a braided Solo Loop in Inverness Green, 42mm/44mm fits. I had CeX vouchers for other traded in good in addition to my old Apple Watch Series 5 so I actually paid no money and walked out of the store with my new to me Apple Watch Ultra 2. CeX staff (Sutton) were knowledgeable and helpful, as they always are. CeX might not work for you but I far prefer selling my old technology to them and upcycling it using vouchers in person in a store than dealing with the likes of eBay.
Screenshots of setting up my Ultra 2
Setting up my new watch was easy, after pairing it with my iPhone, the setup assistant on iPhone and Apple Watch worked together to set up the watch with my Apple ID and passcode but it did restart a couple of times. I dont have a cellular plan so I didn't complete that part of setup. I'm on Three business in the UK and Smartwatch Pairing is not currently available for Business customers. Theres literally never a time when I don't have my iPhone with me though so I'm not sure I need it but I'd add it if I could.


After setup, the Ultra 2 default face is enabled, presenting real time data, the familiar fitness rings, and of course the time. Its lovely to look at. The display is gorgeously vivid and clear – finally i can read an Apple Watch face properly. The notifications work in the same way as I'm used to, but it just seems a bit more grown up than my old Series 5 Apple Watch. Once through the first run tutorial, it is just back to being a working watch on my wrist.


First day of use
It has just been a non-event really. I have a newer, better Apple Watch, it just works. My notifications work as they did before. The screen is better, and its higher quality. The WatchOS is better on the Ultra 2 and there are subtle differences. For example, theres more going on in the workout app, pauses and restarts and split times are just better! This is achieved without destroying the simplicity of the watch apps. In the evening, the ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the face to make it easier to read in the dark. It is very pleasing to my eyes. This is the best Apple Watch I've ever experienced, and remains as I keep saying, right up to date with all the latest WatchOS functionality. I'd recommend the Ultra 2 if your have the same annoyances about battery life that I do and still want all the latest features of WatchOS.
Now I've got the same technology Apple shipped on Friday 12th September but at a far better price and feel like I've parked my watch technology choices until there are substantial improevements in a couple of years


If you're on the fence about whether to so for an Apple Watch Series 10 or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 then I'd highly recommend you try both out at an Apple Store or your local mobile device store. It remains quite an individual decision but for me I think i've settled on the right device, and kind of wish I'd got an Ultra 2 earlier.
Black versus natural titanium finish
Got to try the Black finish next to my natural finish Ultra 2. I prefer the natural finish. The Black Titanium doesn't grab me at all.


Images from Apple Newsroom for personal or editorial use.
First month of use
It has just been a phenomenal decision. I was so used to not wearing my watch overnight because the battery was flat. The Ultra 2 lasts about three days, which is perfect really. I need a new strap but my old one is perfectly servicable. I bought it second hand without a strap from CeX. I found that I have a warranty still until February 2025 so if there are any gremlins they should be apparent by then. There don't seem to be any. I love the display size and brightness, and I really love the night mode - its colour is like the dashboard of one of my favourite cars and I find it very readable at night although I still need my glasses.
I think, the battery life is the single best thing, but the size of the watch and the rugged quality of it are also big wins for me.
I highly recommend it.