Apple Watch Case Unboxing Experience (Catalyst & Muvit)

Catalyst Apple Watch Ultra-Thin Waterproof Case & Muvit Apple Watch Case

[Latest Update]

Thanks to Men’s Game for providing the Apple Watch Series 4 case for testing.

As a clumsy person with OCD, using a delicate product like the Apple Watch is very troublesome; due to my clumsiness, it’s easy to accidentally bump it, and with OCD, any scratches make me very uncomfortable. So, I immediately applied a full-coverage screen protector to prevent accidents.

But actually, just applying a full-coverage screen protector is not enough. The watch itself is curved, and the edges of the protector are fragile, easily chipping if the frame is accidentally rubbed:

Full-coverage screen protector chipping without a case

I am already on my third full-coverage screen protector; although the watch screen itself is undamaged, it still hurts. Perfect fit + no impact on touch + thin + high transparency + no edge lifting = very expensive ($990/piece). The money spent on protectors is almost enough to upgrade to the stainless steel version. Therefore, the Apple Watch case is very important to me, as it enhances the protection of the frame and reduces the risk of damage from bumps.

This article will unbox two Apple Watch cases and compare their experiences, functionality, appearance, and suitable scenarios. Let’s get started!

Left: Muvit Case / Right: Catalyst Case (with strap)

p.s. My watch model is: Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS + Cellular), 44mm Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band

Catalyst Apple Watch Ultra-Thin Waterproof Case (with strap)

This case features an integrated design with a strap, providing comprehensive protection from wear to impact and water resistance.

Unboxing and Usage:

Front of the box

100 meters waterproof / 360° full protection / 2 meters drop protection

Back of the box

IP-68 waterproof rating, each product tested at a depth of 100 meters, U.S. military-grade impact protection, direct screen operation, original sound quality for calls, can charge through the case, can detect heart rate through the case.

IP-68 ( Wiki ):

6 - Completely dustproof, no dust can enter, completely prevents contact.

8 - Immersion in water beyond 1m.

Contents

In addition to the Catalyst Apple Watch case (with a model inside), it comes with a small screwdriver for easy installation.

Protective Case (Including Strap) Body

Protective Case (Including Strap) Body Back

Comparison with Original Sport Band (L) (Left: Catalyst/Right: Original)

Fixed Ring Buckle

The length is similar to the original sport band (L) but with denser holes, allowing for a more adjustable fit to the wrist size; the fixed ring has a buckle to ensure it does not fall off during intense exercise.

Installation:

We need to disassemble the Catalyst case first, then place the Apple Watch body inside and reassemble it.

First, unscrew the back screws

After removing the screws, hold the strap with both hands and use your thumbs to push the case body outwards.

Disassemble all parts

$Exploded View (Taken from [Official Website](https://www.catalystlifestyle.com/){:target="_blank"})$

Exploded View (Taken from Official Website)

Remove the Apple Watch body from the existing sport band

Flip to the back and press the rectangular buckle with your fingernail, then push left or right!

Place the Apple Watch body into the waterproof case

When installing, make sure the waterproof case is properly fitted without wrinkles to avoid affecting waterproof performance.

Put on the protective case top cover

Similarly, ensure there are no wrinkles to avoid affecting waterproof performance.

Reattach the strap body and screw it back

Snap back the body and screw it back ( Please do not over-tighten the screws! )

Testing:

Charging can be directly attached:

Test result: No problem, does not affect charging speed.

Heart Rate:

Left: With Case/Right: Bare Device

Test result: No problem, does not affect heart rate detection.

Display:

Apple Watch 4 full-screen display is unobstructed, no problem ✅

Digital Crown

Can be used normally ✅

Sound Reception Impact:

No significant differences ✅

Appearance:

Due to my large hands, I originally bought the largest 44mm version of the watch. After adding the protective case, it looks even more rugged and grand.

Thoughts:

This watch strap truly provides 360° comprehensive protection and enhances its waterproof function to adapt to more challenging environments.

The strap is made of skin-friendly material, making it feel no different from the original sports strap. However, the adjustment part of the strap has denser holes, allowing for a more suitable size (the original strap either felt too loose or too tight for me). The buckle on the fixing ring also gives me more peace of mind as someone with OCD!

The overall appearance is wild and rugged, making it perfect for outdoor activities, hiking, rock climbing, and diving. These are also the scenarios where this strap can provide the maximum protective effect!

Remember to bring sunglasses next time, the sun is super bright

Catalyst family photo ( AirPods case )

Muvit Apple Watch Protective Case

The second product I tried is the Muvit Apple Watch Protective Case. Compared to the professional protection of Catalyst, this one is simpler and more convenient, suitable for various daily life scenarios. Despite this, Muvit still passed the U.S. military standard MIL-STD 810G 3-meter drop test, ensuring safety and protection!