The Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) was released in April 2015 as part of the first generation of Apple’s smartwatch lineup. It offered users a larger display and enhanced battery capacity compared to its smaller 38mm counterpart, making it an appealing choice for those who wanted more screen real estate. With its premium build quality, featuring a stainless steel frame and Sapphire crystal glass, the Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) stood out as a stylish and functional wearable.
While this model has since been discontinued, it marked a significant step in the evolution of wearable technology. Offering a Retina OLED display, fitness tracking features, and the ability to connect with iPhones, it became a popular choice among early adopters of smartwatches. In this article, we will explore the full specifications of the Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen), including camera, design, display, performance, battery, and durability.
Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) Full Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 2015 |
| Weight | 50g |
| Dimensions | 42 x 35.9 x 10.5 mm (1.65 x 1.41 x 0.41 in) |
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| OS | watchOS 1.0 (upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2) |
| Chipset | Apple S1 (28 nm) |
| CPU | 520 MHz Cortex-A7 |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX543 |
| Storage | 8GB internal, 512MB RAM |
| SIM | No |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| Display Type | Retina OLED, 450 nits (peak) |
| Display Size | 1.65 inches |
| Display Resolution | 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density) |
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion 250 mAh (0.94 Wh), non-removable |
| Charging | Wireless |
| Compatibility | Compatible with Apple iPhone 5 or newer |
| Price | About 700 EUR |
Camera
The Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) does not come with a camera. Similar to other models in the first generation of Apple Watches, this design choice was made to focus on its core functionalities, such as fitness tracking, notifications, and iPhone connectivity. The watch serves as a companion device, rather than a tool for capturing photos or videos, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize performance over multimedia features.
Design and Display
The Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) features a larger, 1.65-inch Retina OLED display, offering a sharp resolution of 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi). The display is protected by Sapphire crystal glass, providing scratch resistance and durability. This larger screen provides more space for reading notifications and interacting with apps, making it a more comfortable experience for those who found the 38mm model too small.
In terms of design, the Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) has a premium build, with a stainless steel frame and ceramic/sapphire crystal back. It’s available in a variety of colors, including Stainless Steel/Red, White, Brown/Black, Blue/Marine Blue Buckle, and several leather and Milanese Loop options. The stylish design ensures that the watch can be worn both casually and formally, making it a versatile accessory for all occasions.
Performance
Powered by the Apple S1 chip with a 520 MHz Cortex-A7 CPU and PowerVR SGX543 GPU, the Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) offers reliable performance for tasks such as fitness tracking, notifications, and app usage. With 512MB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, it is able to handle most basic tasks with ease. While it may not be as fast as newer models, it remains functional for users looking for essential smartwatch capabilities.
The watch runs on watchOS 1.0, which is upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2, providing access to a wide range of features and apps. Though not as feature-rich or fast as the latest Apple Watch models, the Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) still provides a smooth experience for its users.
Battery and Charging
The Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) features a 250mAh battery, which offers up to 18 hours of usage on a single charge. This is typical for smartwatches of its era, and while users will need to charge it daily, the battery life is sufficient for most daily tasks. The watch supports wireless charging, providing a convenient and cable-free recharging experience. Charging the device overnight is recommended for users who rely on it throughout the day.
Durability
The Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) comes with an IPX7 water resistance rating, allowing it to withstand submersion up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for everyday activities such as washing hands or sweating during workouts, though it is not designed for swimming or prolonged exposure to water.
The stainless steel frame and Sapphire crystal glass provide added durability, making the Apple Watch 42mm (1st Gen) resistant to scratches and minor drops. While not as rugged as sport-focused wearables, this model offers excellent durability for daily wear and light to moderate physical activities.
