Why I Finally Switched to Titanium: My Apple Watch Series 10 Review ⌚️🔍

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been wearing an Apple Watch daily for over a decade now!

Having first hopped on board with the launch of the original Apple Watch, I’ve closely followed each update ever since, upgrading along the way and learning the ins and outs of this powerful tool. But this year, when my friend Dan bought me the Apple Watch Series 10 for my birthday, I was especially excited to test it out. It wasn’t just any birthday gift—it was an incredibly generous one, giving me the chance to choose whichever finish I wanted!

I’m excited to share my honest review of the Apple Watch Series 10, how it’s held up during my day-to-day travels and adventures, and cover what sets this version apart from previous generations.

The Decision Process:

Stick With the Familiar or Try Something New?

When he suggested I pick out whichever watch I wanted, I found myself at a crossroads. For the past ten years, I’ve been a dedicated fan of the silver aluminum finish. It’s sleek, versatile, and has held up incredibly well through everything I’ve put it through—from backpacking through Spain to hiking in the mountains of Kosovo. But this year, Apple introduced a new jet black aluminum finish that had me seriously considering a change.

Ultimately, I decided to stick with the silver aluminum. After so many years of wearing it, it felt like an extension of me. Familiarity matters and consistency and comfort can mean the world when you’re already used to something. Plus, the silver aluminum Apple Watch has always looked sharp and performed reliably, which earned it a permanent spot on my wrist since the launch of the first generation.

I’ve owned the Series 0, Series 5, and Series 8 Apple Watch versions in the past. My Series 0 broke due to water damage, but Apple didn’t really make the Watch have substantial water resistance until the Series 3. I have never had any issues since then.

Wearing my Series 0 Apple Watch

The Screen Incident That Changed Everything

Only 13 days after I started wearing my brand new Series 10, something happened that had never happened to me in all my years of wearing an Apple Watch—I damaged the screen. It wasn’t during a strenuous hike or while biking down rugged paths, but rather from a gentle but direct head-on bump against a door knob handle while I was carrying a laundry basket. The ION X glass screen, which has withstood so much over the decade I’ve worn them, gave way under what felt like minimal force.

To say I was shocked is an understatement. I heard the pop noise as they bumped and I stood motionless. After all, my previous Apple Watches had survived countless adventures without so much as a scratch… Sure enough, the screen split right through the middle.

My immediate thought was whether Apple had changed the glass composition or if the “squircle” shape of this year’s model made it more vulnerable. Or maybe I just had a stroke of bad luck. Whatever the reason, it felt unsettling, and I knew I had to address it. Is the Series 10 really that fragile?

I went back to the Apple Store to see if they could help. I figured they might let me exchange it given it’s not even past the 14 day return period or maybe through Apple Care I could pay to replace it? Thankfully, Apple staff offered to replace it since it wasn’t even two weeks old yet. But my concern over how easily the glass cracked had me rethinking the aluminum version with ION X glass altogether. While I’d been loyal to it for a decade, this incident made me question its long-term durability.

Making the Switch to Titanium

For the first time ever, I upgraded to the titanium Apple Watch. This decision wasn’t made lightly, but trading in my older Series 8 helped offset the cost difference, making the leap to titanium feel less daunting.

At first, I was tempted to buy the gold titanium edition since all of my jewelry is gold. However, after seeing it in person, I realized the “gold” was more of a bronze or rose-gold hue, which didn’t match the true gold tone I was hoping for.

I ultimately opted for the natural titanium finish, which offered a polished and premium look that still aligned with the silver aesthetic I’d been used to.

Titanium has that subtle, sophisticated appearance that adds a sense of elegance to the watch without being too flashy. In fact, it strikes the perfect balance between durability and style, making it an excellent choice for someone who’s always on the go.

The Sapphire Crystal Screen: Pros and Cons

One of the key features that comes with the titanium Apple Watch is the sapphire crystal display, which is known for being more scratch-resistant than the ION X glass used in the aluminum models. This was a major selling point for me. After the unexpected crack on the aluminum watch, I was eager to invest in something with more durability—especially since my travels take me to all sorts of environments where a stronger screen might be necessary.

That being said, there’s a slight trade-off when it comes to the sapphire crystal. I noticed that the colors on the display sometimes appear slightly more muted and can be harder to see under direct sunlight compared to the ION X screen. However, in day-to-day use, this has proven to be a negligible issue, and the added durability more than makes up for it. Plus, the glossy finish of the sapphire crystal gives the watch a premium look that I’ve come to appreciate more over time.

The Band Swap: Styling the Series 10

The Series 10 Apple Watch Dan got me for my birthday came with the ink sport loop band, which I absolutely love. It’s comfortable, breathable, and perfect for workouts or more casual days.

Even when I switched to Titanium, I still paired it with the blue ink band. My parents wanted to get my a birthday gift to go with my Apple Watch so they ended up getting me the Slate black Milanese loop band. (Despite natural stainless steel being the “intended” pairing with the natural titanium Watch, I fell in love with the combination so much I chose to stick with it.)

Regarding the Milanese Loop band, I have to say, I’m really impressed with how sleek it looks. The slate black against the natural titanium creates a unique mix-and-match aesthetic that feels modern and stylish. Even though I did buy and consider the natural silver Milanese loop, I ultimately only kept the slate because of the contrast it provided. It gives the watch a bit of edge while still maintaining a sophisticated vibe.

Since there isn’t a plain black sport loop color option this year, I also picked up a green band as well to have another option. The green pairs beautifully with the titanium finish. Flexibility is key with the Apple Watch. I always kept the black sport loop on my aluminum watch bodies, but maybe having all of these band colors will encourage me to switch things up more frequently!

The Advantages of Traveling With an Apple Watch

After years of wearing an Apple Watch while traveling, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best tools a frequent traveler can own.

Here’s why:

1. Navigation and Directions

For those of us who love exploring new cities, the Apple Watch’s Maps app is a lifesaver. Instead of constantly pulling out your phone, you can discreetly check directions from your wrist. It even gives you gentle taps to let you know when to turn, which has been especially helpful when navigating through crowded streets or unfamiliar areas. Whether I’m walking through a bustling market in Spain or trying to find my way through a quiet alley in Bosnia, the Apple Watch keeps me on track without drawing attention.

2. Fitness Tracking

From hiking through national parks to strolling through city centers, staying active while traveling is easy with the Apple Watch’s fitness features. The Series 10 builds on its predecessors’ fitness capabilities, adding more advanced tracking for workouts, heart rate monitoring, and sleep analysis- now with sleep apnea detection. I’ve found it invaluable for keeping track of my steps, hikes, and even workouts during layovers or downtime. Staying on top of fitness goals while traveling is much easier when the watch automatically tracks all your activity.

It’s kind of interesting to have 10 years worth of daily step-count data to look back on. I like measuring my trends.

I do wish the Blood Oxygen feature wasn’t disabled due the pending lawsuit. This is the one feature I had with my Series 8 that I lost access to due to the upgrade.

3. Hands-Free Convenience

When you’re traveling, your hands are often full—whether it’s with a camera, a smartphone, or luggage. The Apple Watch allows you to stay connected without constantly having to dig through your backpack or pockets for your phone. It’s easy to take calls, send texts, or check notifications right from your wrist. This has been incredibly convenient during my solo travels, especially when I’m out exploring and don’t want to be flashing having an expensive smartphone. While the Apple Watch could also be a target for theft, if handled properly, the watch has the potential to be more discreet than using a phone.

4. Emergency Features

Safety is always a priority, especially when traveling solo. The Apple Watch Series 10’s improved SOS and emergency features offer peace of mind. The ability to quickly call emergency services or notify your emergency contacts with the press of a button can be a lifesaver in critical situations. The fall detection feature is also an excellent safeguard for those moments when you might be hiking or engaging in physical activities far from help.

A less talked about benefit to purchasing the models with GPS + cellular is that even if you never purchase a data plan or your watch, as long as you have cellular capabilities, you can always place an emergency 911 phone call with it!

5. Battery Life

The Series 10 boasts an improved battery life compared to earlier models, lasting up to 36 hours on a single charge in low power mode. This is especially important for long travel days where charging opportunities might be limited. Whether I’m flying across time zones or spending an entire day exploring a new city, I can trust that my watch will last without needing a midday charge.

I typically throw it on the charger as I get ready for bed, and by the time I’m done, it’s fully juiced up and ready for sleep tracking.

Why the Series 10 Stands Out

Having worn an Apple Watch for the past decade, I’ve experienced firsthand how each new generation improves upon the last. So, what sets the Series 10 apart from previous models?

1. Display Size and Always-On Retina Display

The Series 10 features a larger, edge-to-edge display that makes a noticeable difference in everyday use. The always-on Retina display is bright, clear, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight (despite the slight dimming I noticed with the sapphire screen). This larger display makes navigating apps and notifications more seamless, which is especially useful when I’m in transit.

2. Performance Boosts

The new chip inside the Series 10 ensures everything runs smoother and faster. I’ve noticed a clear improvement in response time when switching between apps, tracking workouts, or using features like navigation. It’s a subtle but important upgrade that makes the overall user experience feel much more refined.

3. Durability

The jump from aluminum to titanium (along with the sapphire crystal screen) has made a significant difference in durability. Traveling often puts wear and tear on any device, but the Apple Watch Series 10 feels built to withstand more. It’s comforting to know that I don’t have to worry as much about scratches or damage while on the road.

Lessons Learned: A Decade of Apple Watch Use

Reflecting on my decade of Apple Watch use, I’ve learned a few key lessons:

Durability matters more than you think. I never thought I’d damage my watch screen, but it happened. Investing in a more durable model—especially if you’re active or travel often—can be a game-changer.

Versatility is key. Having different bands to swap in and out allows you to adapt your watch to different outfits and occasions, from casual hikes to fancy dinners.

Consider your needs before purchasing. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors or traveling, the titanium case and sapphire crystal display may be worth the upgrade. If you’re more casual in your usage, the aluminum model still offers incredible value.

Think twice about AppleCare. I’m still weighing the pros and cons of getting AppleCare for my new titanium watch. On one hand, it offers peace of mind, but on the other, I’ve gone years without ever needing to file a claim. Self-insuring by saving the equivalent of those payments is an alternative option worth considering.

Final Thoughts: Is the Series 10 Worth It?

In short, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a fantastic update, especially for those who travel frequently. Its combination of sleek design, durability, and powerful features make it an ideal companion for exploring the world. Whether you’re navigating through a foreign city, tracking your fitness goals, or simply trying to stay connected on the go, the Series 10 delivers in every way.

For me, upgrading to the titanium finish with the Milanese loop band has been a refreshing change from my decade-long relationship with the silver aluminum models. It feels like an upgrade in both form and function—one that I’m excited to continue using. I have grew fond of the brighter screen.

If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading, I’d say the Series 10 is absolutely worth considering. It offers everything I’ve loved about previous models, with added durability and performance that make it even more suited for life on the road. Plus, with new finishes like the jet black aluminum, there’s a option for everyone.

If you are also an Apple Watch wearer, what are your thoughts on the Series 10? Let us know in the comments!

Finally, I want to give another huge shoutout and thank you to my buddy Dan for the new watch that made this review possible. Your friendship and support of this blog over the years is greatly appreciated. It’s always fun keeping up with the latest tech news and your friendship is truly something I value in my life! 🙌🏼

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