I'm not a smartwatch person, and I gave up on them three years ago for one simple reason: I didn't want unsolicited notifications on my wrist. Over the years, I've only worn a smartwatch to review it or check out new features. However, I returned to the Apple Watch with its latest iteration -- Series 10, in Jet Black -- two months ago, and I don't mind having it on my wrist daily anymore.

Also: Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Series 9: Should you upgrade to the latest model?

It turns out Apple has resolved most of my Apple Watch annoyances, both hardware and software, over the years. Plus, three years changed a lot of things in life, and tracking health data outweighs the inconvenience of unsolicited notifications (which can be turned off) now.

Sure, I can choose one of the more affordable options, but I trust the Apple Watch more for its track record of saving lives through irregular heartbeats, and alerts that matter. Just to be clear, I'm not using it as a medical device substitute. Instead, it's a nice-to-have, but also a reliable companion for health tracking. 

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After wearing theApple Watch Series 10 for over a month, I can safely say that it is the first smartwatch I actually want to wear daily. Here's why.

1. Stylish and versatile

The Apple Watch Series 10 in Jet Black looks gorgeous and feels comfortable on the wrist, despite being bigger at 45mm. It doesn't feel too big, and it is light enough to not bother me unless I'm really sweaty. I wear it to sleep, and it doesn't cause any inconvenience.

Also: I was on the fence with the Apple Watch 10, but these 3 features changed my mind

I've worn it with different straps and found that it can be styled as an elegant watch with a Titanium band, as well as a casual watch with a Nomad Sport band. I would never replace my Seiko dress watch with a smartwatch, but the Jet Black colorway looks amazing. It can be a good substitute for business meetings when you're on a trip, and you don't want to carry multiple watches.

The versatility and stylish form are in part also thanks to the screen. The Apple Watch Series 10 features an LTPO 3 OLED display that can go down to a 1Hz refresh rate. It might not seem like a big deal, but this enables the seconds hand in always-on mode -- and I'm of the opinion that a watch should always display the time. This makes it closer to a traditional watch without losing efficiency.

Also: 3 reasons why Apple Watch's popularity is dropping and what's taking its place

Moreover, the OLED screen has better viewing angles and looks brighter than the Series 9, though it goes up to the same 2,000 nits of brightness outdoors. I'm coming from a Series 8, and the difference in interacting with apps, viewing messages, maps, etc., is better, and more convenient on the new product.

2. More functional with fewer compromises

When choosing a new smartwatch, you get a choice between something that lasts long (like Amazfit, Garmin) or a true smartwatch with a better OS, but one-day battery life (like the Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, or the Apple Watch). The OnePlus Watch 2 is the best combination of efficiency and functions, but the design isn't for everyone.

Also: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Should you upgrade to the latest model?

Apple's Watch Series 10 adds features like faster charging, automatic sleep detection (also available on predecessors with WatchOS 11), sleep apnea detection, and new fitness tools. There is an improvement in battery life too, compared to the Series 8. It now easily lasts more than a day.

I use my Apple Watch to track sleep, remind me about medicines through Medications, and log general health data. I've previously written about how essential automatic sleep detection is for the chronically ill community.

Also: This WatchOS 11 feature fixed my biggest pain point with the Apple Watch

To reiterate, as someone struggling with chronic pain attacks, I have a poor sleep schedule. There is no routine, so Apple's previous mechanism of adding a Sleep routine on iPhone to track it failed miserably. But WatchOS 11 does so automatically, and this data helps me plan my day better. If it tells me I've had a rough night with little deep sleep, I can mentally prepare myself for the day, and inform my colleagues about a potential delay in work.

The Health app shows a decent graph for sleep, which informs you about sleep cycles, as well as naps. I wish it tracked naps better. The Apple Watch Series 10 can register 30-minute or longer naps, but in the past month, it has failed to register my 40-minute-plus naps twice. That's one tracking feature I'd like to see improve this year with WatchOS 12.

Also: Your next Apple Watch or smart ring could have a feature that transforms healthcare

WatchOS 11 also lets you pause your rings if you need to take a break or have a sick day, and set different targets for each day. It's a welcome change because I can't work out every day, given my unreliable routine. Double Tap is another feature that I've been using to interact with the watch, mostly for receiving calls and controlling music playback. That reminds me -- voice isolation on calls is fantastic!

3. Faster charging with the right accessories

The best part about returning to my Apple Watch has been the charging situation. My Watch SE or Series 8 didn't last more than a day, and didn't leave enough room for sleep tracking. By contrast, my Series 10 lasts up to one and a half or two days. But it charges faster, so I don't need to leave it on the puck overnight. And I've invested in more accessories, which have added to my satisfaction with the Apple Watch Series 10.

I haven't placed it on the puck in a long time. I have the 2nd-genNomad Stand One Max 3-in-1 charger on my bedside, and I carry the Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch when on the move.

Also: Apple Watch Series 10 gains sleep apnea detection - and it could save your life

I wear my watch overnight for sleep tracking, and put it on the Stand One Max after I wake up. My watch is charged to 100% by the time I get ready for the day. It works through the night (sleep tracking requires at least 30% charge, and it reminds you to charge if needed) easily -- maybe because I don't track workouts every day.

I didn't use to travel with an Apple Watch because I didn't want to carry an extra wire with a puck -- that's an accessory to an accessory, which is an inconvenience when you want to keep your travel gear to a minimum. I've shifted to the Nomad Universal Cable for Apple Watch, which has a built-in Apple Watch puck on a USB-C to USB-C cable. It is more convenient, as it lets me charge my iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously.

Also: Your Apple Watch is getting an upgrade -- here are the best features in WatchOS 11

I didn't think I would be in for a pleasant surprise when I first returned to my Apple Watch Series 10. The Apple smartwatches are no longer a not-so-good-looking phone accessory that needs to be charged every night. The latest iteration is stylish and versatile with the right set of bands, features an excellent display, and adds convenience features like automatic sleep tracking, voice isolation for calls, etc. 

I'm not a smartwatch person, but I would gladly wear the Apple Watch Series 10. It is almost everything I always wanted from the most reliable smartwatch series on the market.

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