I agreewith
@flvy that it's a really personal choice. For some people it'll work out well, for others, not so much.
I really wanted an Apple Watch, but ended up not getting one because it didn't fulfill two of my big requirements...
1. I track steps for work (have been using a FitBit Charge to do this)...they have a program where if we track a certain number of steps each month, we get a big break on our health insurance premiums. They accept a few devices for step tracking, but the Apple Watch isn't one of them. When I was running I'd wear both my FitBit Charge and Garmin Forerunner 220, which was annoying, so I was really hoping to get one device that could be both GPS and step tracker
2. I wanted the watch to have stand-alone GPS usage, and with Apple Watch I'd need my phone (which you said you're okay with)
Later on I learned that the Apple Watch isn't water resistant...also a con as I know I'd constantly fear ruining it.
EDIT: This is wrong, it's water resistant but not water PROOF.
Yesterday I received a Garmin vivoactive in the mail. This is Garmin's version of a smartwatch, and I bought it because...
1. My employer has it on the list of compatible step tracking devices
2. It has stand-along GPS...which is HUGE for me
3. It's water-resistant, so I know I can sweat or take it out for a run in the rain and it'll be okay
4. What made me finally decide to pull the trigger after thinking about it for weeks...I got the watch for $149 (regular price $249)
Unexpected bonus: I was able to download a Homer Simpson watch face.
I've only been wearing the watch since last night, and it's pretty lightweight and comfortable so far. It gives me all of my phone notifications (one just popped up from eBay): text notifications, email, phone calls, etc. I'm taking it out for an outdoor run on Friday and it it works well then, I'll be very pleased with it.