Apple Watch Case Unboxing Experience (Catalyst & Muvit)
Catalyst Apple Watch Ultra-Thin Waterproof Case & Muvit Apple Watch Protective Cover
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Thanks to Men’s Game 玩物誌 for providing the Apple Watch Series 4 protective case for testing.
As a clumsy person with OCD, using a delicate product like the Apple Watch is very frustrating; being clumsy makes it easy to accidentally bump it, and OCD means scratches are very upsetting. So, I immediately applied a full-coverage screen protector to prevent accidents.
But actually, just using a full-coverage screen protector is not enough. The watch has a curved surface, and the edges of the protector are fragile, easily chipping if the watch’s bezel accidentally scrapes against something:
Full-coverage screen protector edge cracking without a protective case
I have already replaced the full-coverage screen protector three times; although the watch screen itself remains undamaged, it still hurts my heart. Perfect fit + no impact on touch + thin + high transparency + no lifting edges = very expensive ($990 each). The money spent on screen protectors is almost enough for me to upgrade to the stainless steel version. Therefore, an Apple Watch case is very important to me, as it can strengthen the protection of the watch’s edges and reduce damage from impacts.
This article unboxes two Apple Watch protective cases and compares their experience, functionality, appearance, and suitable scenarios. Let’s get started!
Left: Muvit Protective Case / Right: Catalyst Protective 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 the strap included, providing comprehensive protection from wearing comfort to shock and water resistance.
Unboxing and Usage:
Front of the box
100 meters waterproof / 360° all-around protection / 2 meters drop shockproof
Back of the box
IP-68 waterproof rating, each product tested at a depth of 100 meters, US military-grade impact protection, full touchscreen operation, original call quality, charging through the case, and heart rate detection through the case.
IP-68 ( Wiki ):
6 - Completely dustproof, no dust can enter, fully prevents contact.
8 - Immersed in water deeper than 1m.
Contents
Besides the Catalyst Apple Watch case itself (with a dummy model inside), it comes with a small screwdriver for easy installation.
Protective Case (Including Strap) Body
Back of the protective case (including the watch band) body
Comparison with Original Sport Band (L) (Left: Catalyst / Right: Original)
Fixed Ring Latch
Compared to the original sport band (L), it has a similar length but more holes, allowing for a better fit to wrist size; the clasp on the loop ensures it won’t come loose during intense activities.
Installation:
We need to first disassemble the Catalyst case, then place the Apple Watch body inside before reassembling it.
- First, unscrew the screws on the back of the watch
- After removing the screws, hold the watchband with both hands and use your thumbs to push the watch case outward.
- Disassemble all parts
Exploded view (from the official website)
- Remove the Apple Watch body from the current sport band
Flip it over, press the rectangular latch at the bottom with your fingernail, then push it left or right!
- Insert the Apple Watch body into the waterproof case
When installing, make sure the waterproof case is properly fitted without wrinkles to maintain its waterproof function.
- Attach the top case of the protective shell
Make sure there are no wrinkles to avoid affecting the waterproofing.
- Reattach the watch strap and tighten the screws
Snap it back onto the main body and tighten the screws (please do not overtighten the screws!)
Test:
- Charging can be done via direct attachment:
Test result: No issues, does not affect charging speed.
- Heart Rate:
Left: With case / Right: Naked device
Test result: No issues, does not affect heart rate monitoring.
- Display:
Apple Watch 4 Full-Screen Coverage, No Obstruction, No Problem ✅
- Digital Crown
Works perfectly✅
- Audio Impact:
No significant difference✅
- Appearance:
Because I have rough hands, I originally bought the largest 44mm version of the watch. After adding the protective case, it looks even more rugged and bold.
Thoughts:
This watch band truly provides 360° full protection and enhances its waterproof capability to suit harsher environments.
The strap uses the same skin-friendly material, feeling no different from the original Apple Sport Band. However, the adjustment holes are more closely spaced, allowing for a more precise fit (with the original band, I was stuck between a hole that was too loose and one that was too tight). The locking clasp on the keeper also gives me, a perfectionist, extra peace of mind!
The overall look is rugged and wild, perfectly matching outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, and diving. This is exactly the scenario where this strap provides the greatest protection!
Next time, remember to bring sunglasses; the sun is very strong.
Group photo of the Catalyst family ( AirPods case )
Muvit Apple Watch Case
The second case tested is the Muvit Apple Watch case. Compared to Catalyst’s professional protection, this one is simpler and more convenient, suitable for various daily life scenarios. That said, Muvit still passes the US military MIL-STD 810G 3-meter drop test, ensuring reliable protection!
Unboxing and Usage:
Front of the box
Two different colored cases: Left - Black / Right - Light Purple
US Military Standard MIL-STD 810G 3-meter drop test, ultra-lightweight 2.3g
Back of the box
Dual-layer protection, silicone shock-absorbing layer, polycarbonate cushioning system, protective screen bezel
Contents
Protective case body, black/light purple
Installation:
- Installation is very simple. First, remove the Apple Watch body from the current sport band.
Flip it over, press the rectangular latch at the bottom with your fingernail, then push it left or right!
- Place the Apple Watch “face down” into the protective case
- Reattach the watch band to complete!
Completed:
Black Version
Light Purple Version
Try-on, left: black / right: light purple
Test:
Digital Crown:
Functions normally ✅. Other features like audio recording, heart rate, display, etc., are unaffected since this is only a frame protector, so no special testing was done!
Thoughts:
The most satisfying aspect of using this case is that I can easily and quickly switch watch bands according to different life scenarios (suit: leather band, daily: sport band). It’s easy to install and remove, and offers enough protection for all daily situations (doing housework, cleaning, moving things). Currently, I use this case for everyday life.
Paired with leather straps
Summary:
It took over four months from receiving the samples to completing this review. During this time, I moved (sorry for the messy photos), participated in a triathlon (10KM running + 40KM cycling), and went diving in Malaysia. These two protective cases have accompanied me through mountains and seas, running, jumping, and more. The full-coverage screen protectors remain flawless!
Remember how many screen protectors I replaced? The answer is 3 protectors in 3 months. On average, each one got chipped within a month for some unknown reason, and each costs $990 Orz.
I can only say, I wish I had found this sooner. If I had known about protective cases, I wouldn’t have wasted extra money!
Both Catalyst and Muvit solved my problem of screen protector edges constantly chipping. If you don’t use a screen protector, you should definitely get a case to protect the screen edges, or else a cracked screen will hurt even more.
For choice recommendations: if you often engage in intense activities (rock climbing, diving) or manual labor, Catalyst is the safer option; if you are a regular office worker, occasionally run or exercise, and like to change watch bands based on your mood, Muvit is sufficient!
Here is a simple comparison table for your reference:
Purchase Decision:
Chat:
From the first full unboxing to after three months of use, it’s been almost a year wearing the Apple Watch S4. Usage hasn’t changed much; third-party apps are still rare. The most used features remain Apple Pay, unlocking my Mac, and checking notifications. The Apple Watch has truly become part of my daily life, and I’ve grown accustomed to its convenience.
by the way, let’s look forward to Watch OS 6 together :)
In the past six months, I have been more diligent in using Apple Watch’s fitness features to track running and cycling time, routes, and heart rate. Beyond just recording, the awards give you goals and a sense of achievement. Competing with friends or sharing results on social media makes exercising fun, which helps maintain consistency!
Medals, Competitions, Workout Routes, Workout Status
Thanks to Men’s Game 玩物誌 for providing the Apple Watch Series 4 protective case for testing.
Further Reading
[Latest Update]
-
Apple Watch Series 6 Unboxing & Two-Year Usage Experience »> Click Here
-
Apple Watch Official Stainless Steel Milanese Loop Unboxing » Click Here
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