Given the sleek, immaculate construction that is often heralded as the epitome of industrial design, Apple and their products, more often than not, are considered status symbols, just as Macs long dominated the impression that it is the tech du jour for creatives — albeit being a strong all-rounder for different use cases. However, a status symbol alone is not quite sufficient to gain the Apple Watch its cult-following. With the recent release of the Series 11, Ultra 3 and SE 3 — each bringing improved features and wellness tracking — the Apple Watch, in all its iterations, has found its way into our day-to-day lives. For instance, the Series 11 boasts longer battery life and more durable cover glass; the Ultra 3 now features a larger display, while the SE 3 offers fast charging and an Always-On display. Men’s Folio speaks to power users across the wellness and lifestyle space in ways the Apple Watch has played a role in work, life and everything in between.
Mirko Febbrile
For most, Apple Watch began as a fitness tracking device. “It was a performance tool to track my heart rate, rest intervals and recovery,” says Somma and Fico chef, Mirko Febbrile. The rings help keep him on track, even on long service days. Initially meant as a tool to motivate presenter and nutritionist Charlotte Mei to achieve her fitness goals, it soon grew into a trusty companion that her keeps overall wellness and schedule in check. “It’s practically my personal assistant! I get to monitor my fitness progress, review my sleep patterns through the Sleep Score feature and get plenty of tasks done via Siri — I constantly use it to set reminders, call others and check what’s coming up on my calendar without needing to pick up my phone. It keeps my hands and mind free,” she explains.
Jasper Tan
As an avid cyclist, filmmaker and producer, Jasper Tan likes using his Apple Watch Ultra 3 to track important cycling metrics, like power. “Sometimes on shorter rides or commutes, I find myself heading out without a bike computer, and I’m never afraid of forgetting to charge my Watch. Additionally, the full-screen navigation allows me to get to where I need to be without pulling out my phone or relying solely on my headphones.” Runna is one of pilates instructor and content creator Eugena Bay’s favourite apps, allowing her to keep track of her half-marathon prep. Being able to create custom workouts directly on the Watch has given Mirko access to convenient presets for strength, mobility and conditioning exercises without his phone.
Charlotte Mei
Being constantly bombarded by lithe, muscular figures on social media, embarking on a wellness journey can feel overwhelming. “The Apple Watch is a great entry point because it meets you where you are. Instead of tracking everything at once, you can start with what makes the most sense for you — whether it’s your steps, water intake or sleep,” explains Charlotte. Once those activities form a pattern, it becomes easier to build small habits that stick, especially when the sense of progress turns into motivation. By tracking and reviewing the training load on the Vitals app, Jasper was able to have a better gauge of his health. “Upon a bad case of stomach flu, I had thought I could get back on the bike after two days — but the elevated points detected on my Vitals app became a sign for me to just wait and see. It progressed into a flu and a fever after,” he recounts.
As recovery is just as important as training the body, the Apple Watch can create a clear picture of how much one has rested, versus how much they believe they have. “I look at my sleep consistency, resting heart rate and even oxygen levels to understand how my body reacts to long weeks. If my recovery metrics drop for a few nights, I’ll respond with lighter training sessions and try to delegate my work,” says Mirko. Working in a physically demanding industry, the data collected by his Apple Watch serves as a form of self-awareness, creating a feedback loop that helps him maintain his performance, creatively and physically. Wellness also comes in the form of being more mindful of how time is being used. For Charlotte, this means entering a flow state without distractions, thanks to the different Focus modes. “I used to doomscroll before going to bed, and it never felt good. When I realised I could use my Apple Watch in nightstand mode and have it function as an alarm clock, I stopped bringing my phone into the bedroom,” she explains, as to how she stays in control of her tech, instead of the other way around.
Another reason for the Apple Watch’s appeal is its productivity capabilities and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. “Whether it is developing a dish on the iPad, creating a presentation or jotting down notes, these tasks flow through my Apple Watch instantly. It becomes like a silent sous-chef that keeps me organised while I’m focused on my craft,” explains Mirko. He gets to run multiple timers, monitor messages from the team and receive supplier updates without having to pull out his phone in the middle of service. “If I sketch an idea on Procreate or jot something down on Notability, the Watch reminds me about them later, so ideas don’t get lost in the rush.” The Walkie-Talkie function and translation capabilities make communication instantaneous and convenient as he juggles between Somma Restaurant and Bar Somma, both situated on different floors at New Bahru. To run BE. Studios, the integration of devices allows Eugena to switch playlists during class and keep track of her calendar with ease. When it comes to content creation, Jasper finds the new Notes app to be helpful for small scripts and keeping track of his shotlist; while the Flashlight feature makes for a good soft light for the face in the dark. Additionally, the Remote function becomes heavily utilised by creators like Jasper and Eugena to shoot themselves on the iPhone’s native Camera app.
Eugena Bey
Both form and function, the Apple Watch offers a customisable user experience with personalised watch faces and straps that fit every dynamic lifestyle. Mirko opts for a custom watch face that displays his timers and temperature alerts at a glance, while Eugena personalises her watch face and straps to match her style. “The Milanese Loop is great for going out, but on a day-to-day basis, I enjoy the Sport Band a lot more. I do like to change it up according to my nails,” she adds. A major feature cherished is Apple Pay on the Watch, allowing them to make purchases without the need to rummage for their phone or wallet. “Talking to Siri through my Watch makes me feel like I’m living out my Kim Possible dreams!” Charlotte laughs.
In its clean, blank design, it is clear that the enduring appeal of the Apple Watch is forged beyond being a mere status symbol. As it seamlessly adapts to different lifestyles, every user experience is tailored according to their priorities and wellness goals. During a time when the fitness culture may seem performative, the device pushes back by creating a personalised experience. “You get to select the intensity, and even if you’re feeling a little bit low energy, you still get to see it as progress for the day. It’s a lot more holistic than just the blind need to achieve a certain goal,” explains Eugena.
As we constantly fight for time in the busy lives we lead, perhaps the most important bit is finding ways to live well and more mindfully — to use our time wisely. And sometimes, all it takes is a Watch.
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