The Apple Watch Edition 42mm (1st Gen), released in July 2015, is a luxury smartwatch that blends high-end craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. As the most premium model in the first-generation Apple Watch lineup, the Edition 42mm features an 18-karat gold frame, making it one of the most exclusive wearable devices available at the time. Designed for those who wanted not only functionality but also elegance, the Apple Watch Edition 42mm was a status symbol in the wearable tech market.
This model features a large 1.65-inch Retina OLED display, a powerful Apple S1 chip, and a range of sensors for fitness tracking, such as an accelerometer, heart rate monitor, and gyro. Additionally, its stylish design, with a ceramic back and Sapphire crystal front, ensures that the watch is both beautiful and durable. In this article, we will go over the full specifications of the Apple Watch Edition 42mm (1st Gen), including camera, design, display, performance, battery, and durability.
Apple Watch Edition 42mm (1st Gen) Full Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 2015 |
| Weight | 69g |
| Dimensions | 42 x 35.9 x 10.5 mm (1.65 x 1.41 x 0.41 in) |
| Build | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic back, 18-karat yellow/rose gold 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 13,000 EUR |
Camera
The Apple Watch Edition 42mm (1st Gen) does not feature a camera. Similar to the other first-generation Apple Watches, this model prioritizes its fitness and communication capabilities over media creation. The absence of a camera was a design choice, as the Apple Watch was intended to serve as a companion device to the iPhone, providing notifications, fitness tracking, and other features without the need for a built-in camera.
Design and Display
The Apple Watch Edition 42mm (1st Gen) is a luxurious wearable, featuring an 18-karat yellow or rose gold frame, adding a premium feel that sets it apart from the more affordable models in the lineup. The design includes a ceramic back and a Sapphire crystal front, offering durability and scratch resistance.
The 1.65-inch Retina OLED display provides vibrant colors and a high resolution of 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi), delivering sharp visuals that are easy to read in various lighting conditions. With a peak brightness of 450 nits, the display remains clear even in bright environments. The 3D Touch display enhances the user experience by allowing users to press the screen for additional options, making interactions with the watch more intuitive.
Performance
Powered by the Apple S1 chip, the Apple Watch Edition 42mm (1st Gen) delivers solid performance for a first-generation smartwatch. The 520 MHz Cortex-A7 CPU and PowerVR SGX543 GPU provide smooth handling of tasks like fitness tracking, notifications, and app interactions. The 512MB RAM ensures efficient multitasking, allowing users to manage multiple apps and functions at once.
Running on watchOS 1.0 (upgradable to watchOS 4.3.2), the device provides access to a variety of apps and features. Though the processing power of the S1 chip is less than that of newer models, it remains functional for users who need basic smartwatch capabilities and a premium design.
Battery and Charging
The Apple Watch Edition 42mm (1st Gen) features a 250mAh battery, which provides up to 18 hours of usage on a single charge. This battery life is typical for smartwatches of its time, but users will need to charge the device daily, especially if they use it for continuous fitness tracking or notifications. The device supports wireless charging, making the recharging process more convenient by eliminating the need for physical connectors. Users can easily place the watch on a magnetic charging pad to power it up.
Durability
The Apple Watch Edition 42mm (1st Gen) offers water resistance with an IPX7 rating, allowing it to withstand submersion up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes. This makes it suitable for daily wear, including light workouts, rain, or washing hands. However, it is not intended for swimming or submerging in deeper water.
The luxurious 18-karat gold frame, combined with the Sapphire crystal glass, ensures durability while maintaining a premium look. This watch can withstand minor drops and scratches, but it is not as rugged as sport-oriented smartwatches. It is, however, built to last under normal, everyday usage.
