Apple Magnetic Watch Charger - purchased on impulse and proving why we shouldn’t be allowed alone inside of the gorgeous 蔦屋家電 (Tsutaya Electronics) complex in Futagotamagawa.

The most attractive feature of the dock is its low profile and understated appearance.  The low disc shape reduces vertical tension in comparison to taller docks, and the overall profile quietly recedes into the background without visually intruding into minimalist desktop settings.

We like, too, that it doesn’t look “incomplete” when the watch is not mounted - most others docks tend to look empty sans watch.


Watches equipped with bands that unbuckle completely can be laid fully flat on the magnetic charging surface, whereas those which cannot be fully opened are accommodated by swinging up the centre charge port - mounted on a sturdy hinge - and placing the entire watch sideways upon the charger.  

(This method also enables Nightstand Mode available from Watch OS 2 enabling the watch to tell time even when not actively worn.)

At $79 USD/12,000JPY this is one of the more expensive docks on the market, although it also includes a 2 metre Lightning cable enabling greater flexibility in placement, as well as freeing up the magnetic charger included as a pack in with the watch itself.
  Most other docks, by comparison, usually require you to supply your own cable (normally around $29 USD for a comparable 2 metre length)

For many, it’s hard to justify the idea of a dock for a watch - conceptually speaking, watches don’t even fall into the bucket of things that need to be docked.

Whilst not offering anything compelling enough to sway the opinion of those who feels this way, Apple’s official offering stands as one the better-resolved choices options in the burgeoning this burgeoning category and will appeal to those who appreciate its simple lines and understated design and don’t mind paying a premium for it..