Apple has just announced the new Watch Series 3 with cellular. It can make and receive calls, even without the iPhone nearby, using the same number as the iPhone. You can also get messages and updates from third-party apps, as well as stream Apple Music directly through the Watch. The sad news, however, is that Series 3 with cellular will not be coming to Singapore at launch. This is likely because the Watch uses an e-SIM and not a physical SIM card, which entails working with a local telco.
Here’s a quick way to tell if a Watch comes with cellular: look for the red dot. Only Series 3 Watches with cellular have digital crowns with a red dot, the others don’t.
Unfortunately, because Singapore won’t be getting the Series 3 with cellular Watches at launch, it also means that you can’t get the stainless steel, ceramic, and Hermes editions of the new Watch either. Series 3 non-cellular models only ship in the Sport aluminum casing, and Series 2 models are being discontinued. So if you’re a Singaporean who’s always wanted a stainless steel Watch like the one pictured, you’re going to be out of luck when the new Watches ship.
Speaking of ceramic, here’s the new gray ceramic Watch Edition. At least, I hope it is, because it looked awfully similar to the space black stainless steel Watch to me. The Apple staff reassured me that this is the new Apple Watch Edition, so I’ll just have to believe her.
The gray ceramic Watch joins the original white ceramic Watch edition as the only two Watches made of the material, which is four times as hard as stainless steel.
Even though the ceramic Apple Watches are expensive, starting from US$1,299 to US$1,349, they’re not the most expensive Watches you can get. For that, you can check out the Hermès editions, which start from US$1,299 and can reach US$1,399. This one’s the new Single Tour Éperon d’Or version; the printed pattern on the handcrafted band is based on an iconic Hermès scarf.
This one’s the new Single Tour Rallye Hermès band, which is inspired by the classic Hermès driving glove.
It’s not just new Hermès bands, there’s a new Sport Loop made from breathable nylon weave.
The new Sport Loop attaches via fastener, like velco. If it’s the same nylon weave as the woven nylon strap then it should be pretty comfy - maybe even a contender for the best Apple Watch sports band.