The Apple Watch Ultra stands out for its robust design, a significant departure from the sleekness of previous Apple Watches. Engineered for durability, this smartwatch mirrors features typically found in traditional dive and adventure watches. With a large, grooved crown for easy adjustments and protective crown guards, the Ultra emphasizes functionality while sporting impressive dimensions. 
At 49mm, it’s the largest Apple replica Watch to date, designed for clear visibility in challenging environments and increased durability. However, the bigger size might compromise wearability for some. Just like dive and sports watches, the Ultra makes a bold statement on the wrist. Whether this appeals to you depends on personal style and wrist size.
To put this into perspective, the 49mm case is slightly longer than two US quarters placed end-to-end, which measure 48.52mm. But numbers alone don’t capture how a watch feels when worn. Let’s compare the Apple Watch Ultra’s dimensions with some well-known watches to help gauge its fit.
How Does the Apple Watch Ultra Compare to Other Watches?
For those familiar with the Rolex Submariner, the current version has a lug-to-lug measurement of 47.6mm. Though this is only a 1.4mm difference, even small variations in size can have a noticeable impact on wrist presence. Despite its prominent size, the Submariner is known for wearing comfortably, but the Ultra, being slightly larger, will offer a different experience.
Consider also the G-Shock GWM5610, which measures 46.7mm, or the slightly larger “CasiOak” GAB2100 at 48.5mm. While these watches are smaller than the Apple Watch Ultra, the difference in size is small, yet noticeable in their overall wrist feel. Watches like the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, measuring 47.3mm, also fall into this comparison group but are still smaller than the Ultra.
One thing to remember is that Apple’s measurement of 49mm refers solely to the case itself, excluding the strap attachments. Depending on the strap type, this could make the Ultra appear even larger on the wrist.
How Should a Watch Fit?
While style preferences play a role in choosing a watch, practicality is important too. If the case extends beyond the width of your wrist, the watch may be too large. Many watch brands only provide the width, but Apple includes the case length, which gives a more accurate indication of how the watch will fit. 
Thickness Matters Too
In addition to its 49mm case length, the Apple Watch Ultra is 44mm wide and 14.4mm thick. Thickness is critical in determining comfort and wearability. While some brands can balance larger dimensions by keeping watches thin, added thickness can make them feel bulky.
The Rolex Submariner is only 12mm thick, and even the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, with its chronograph function, is 13.25mm. The Ultra, at 14.4mm, is thicker than these and bulkier than G-Shock models like the GWM5610 (12.7mm) and the CasiOak GAB2100 (11.9mm). This added thickness gives the Apple Watch Ultra a solid wrist presence, but it may not suit everyone’s preference for slim, unobtrusive watches.