Apple Watch Series 10 hands-on: The perfect case and band combo if you want to look ‘old money’

The Apple Watch Series 10 dropped and was announced at the Sept. 9 “Glowtime” event on Monday — and I got a chance to explore the new wearable in all of its titanium glory.

The Apple Watch, quiet as its kept, has become more of a fashion statement for some consumers who couldn’t care less about heart-rate monitoring and “closing their rings.” From the case finish to the band type, the stylish Apple Watch combos are endless.

However, I’m convinced that, after having a hands-on experience with the Apple Watch Series 10 in person, I’ve discovered the nirvana of band-and-case combos, particularly for those who want to look more opulent and sophisticated.

Apple Watch Series 10 hands-on

Taking a page out of the iPhone 15 series’ playbook, the Apple Watch Series 10 debuted in three new Titanium finishes:

• Natural Titanium

• Gold Titanium

• Slate Titanium

You can also grab three colors in a less-expensive aluminum finish that comes in Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black, but why be Adam Sandler when you can be Victoria Beckham?

Gold Titanium finish with Link Bracelet
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

When I saw that Gold Titanium case, man, I was salivating. It’s arguably the most stunning finish on an Apple Watch Series 10.

However, I didn’t love the Link Bracelet it was paired with. It was unintuitive to unclasp and clip together. (If I purchased this, I’d likely have to ask my partner to help me remove it or put it on.) Plus, it didn’t appear to have any micro-adjustment capabilities, so it didn’t fit very well.

Apple Watch Series 10 with Link Bracelet
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

But then I saw the Milanese Loop on another Apple Watch Series 10. It captures some of that sophisticated feel of the Link Bracelet, but it’s still easy to put on and take off. It’s the best of both worlds.

Look at that Milanese Loop.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As such, Gold Titanium Apple Watch Series 10 + Milanese Loop is the winning combo. I’m telling you.

New speakers

I didn’t get to test this unfortunately, but I’m most excited about the Apple Watch Series 10 featuring speakers. In other words, you’ll have the ability to listen to podcasts and jam out to tunes directly from your wrist.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It was as if Apple was listening to me complain about my Apple Watch Series 9. I can’t tell you how often I wished that my Apple Watch Series 9 could play some of my favorite jams while going for a jog.

Chances are high that the speakers will likely sound tinny, but I’m OK with that. The trade-off is worth it for the convenience of playing audio on a wrist-bound wearable.

Is Apple Watch Series 10 worth it?

The Apple Watch Series 10 also reportedly features fast charging (80% in 30 minutes), brighter display from more angles, and a new sleep apnea monitor. Interestingly, the new sleep apnea sensor will also be available on the previous-gen Apple Watch Series 9 and the current-gen Apple Watch Ultra 2.

But the one thing I didn’t hear from Apple is longer battery life. Similar to the Watch Series 9, the Watch Series 10 will have an 18-hour runtime. As such, I wasn’t prompted to upgrade. (One thing I don’t love about my Watch Series 9 is the fact that I need to charge it too often.)

However, that new speaker feature is calling my name. And if you’re fashion-focused, I’m telling you that the Gold Titanium-and-Milanese-Loop combo screams old money.

But if none of these are particularly compelling to you, feel free to wait until Apple Watch Series 11.