Apple Watch Edition in Ceramic: Return of an Iconic Design with Series 5
The Apple Watch Series 5 brings back the ceramic case in the Edition line after a year's absence. Ceramic was missing from the Series 4, so this is the first opportunity to get it with the redesign that debuted last year. The new look is striking and elegant, which is why we took a closer look.
Ceramic and Titanium Options
With the Series 5, in addition to aluminum and stainless steel, you can choose from titanium and ceramic. Titanium comes in two brushed finishes: silver and space black. Ceramic returns in white, as we knew it from the Series 2 and Series 3. The gray ceramic that was available with the Series 3 is no longer offered.
Both ceramic and titanium models belong to the Edition collection, but with the Series 5, the packaging has changed. In the box, you'll find a Sport Band, similar to the Hermès models, but the magnetic charger and the special book about the material, which were part of earlier generations, are missing. The magnetic charging stand, priced at $79, can be purchased separately.
Packaging and Accessories
The packaging is the same as for the Series 4. The main box includes a Sport Band in both sizes (S/M and M/L), even though the information on the box lists only one. Under the main box is the band you choose at purchase. The Apple Watch Edition can be bought with the Sport Loop, Leather Loop, Milanese Loop, Link Bracelet, or Sport Bands.
A paper sleeve wraps the entire set and is similar to the Series 4, just with smaller color variations.
Design and Details
The ceramic version of the Series 5 differs from the Series 3 ceramic. The back cover has been all-ceramic since the Series 4, and this continues with the Series 5. This creates a strong contrast with the white ceramic surface.
The Digital Crown has a new look. The original ceramic had a black cap in a white crown, and the second version had a red one. The new version, which has the electrical heart sensor for ECG, features a subtle black cap with a red ring.
New Sport Loop colors have been added, including the two-tone Anchor Gray variant you see in the photo.
Special Sport Band and Prices
The ceramic Edition still includes a special Sport Band with a ceramic pin that is not sold separately. It was originally in Cloud, but with the Series 3, Apple added a Soft White version.
The Apple Watch Edition in ceramic is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, ranging from $1,299 to $1,749 depending on the band choice. Other Series 5 case materials start at $399. Larger displays and cellular versions cost more, but the features are the same.
The ceramic Edition thus remains the most striking and most expensive version of the Series 5, even with less luxurious packaging.