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The 16 Best Apple Watch Faces (+ How to Change Them)

There is no single best Apple Watch face for everyone: the right choice depends on whether you want complications, another time zone, activity progress, or a particular style. Compare 16 options and learn how to add, customize, switch, reorder, remove, and share faces.
Estimate6–8 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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There is no objectively ranked “best” Apple Watch face: the right choice depends on whether you want a dense dashboard, a second time zone, activity progress, or a particular visual style. This guide matches 16 faces to common needs and explains how to add, customize, switch, organize, and remove them.

Apple’s face catalog and available features vary by watch model, software version, country, and region. If a face or option is missing, check the Face Gallery on your own device.

How to choose an Apple Watch face

Start with what you want to see at a glance. Complications are information or shortcuts placed on a face; the available positions and options depend on the design. The recommendations below are editorial matches to use cases, not Apple rankings or results of comparative testing.

Face Best suited to Documented feature
Infograph A dense dashboard Up to eight rich, full-color complications and subdials
Modular Glanceable information Six complication slots
Modular Duo Larger complication tiles Up to three complications, including two large rectangular options
Modular Ultra Apple Watch Ultra owners Seven complication positions and edge information such as depth or elevation
GMT Tracking another time zone Inner local-time dial and outer 24-hour dial
Activity Analog Activity progress with an analog clock Activity progress over an analog clock
Activity Digital Activity progress with digital time Digital time paired with Activity progress
Chronograph Pro Chronograph-style timing Selectable chronograph scales
California A traditional numeral dial Mix of Roman and Arabic numerals, with customizable dial and numeral options
Metropolitan Type-led styling Adjustable appearance
Typograph Custom numeral styles Custom fonts and numeral styles
Photos A personal image Can use a chosen photo
Astronomy Space visualization Earth, Moon, or solar-system visualization
Solar Graph Following the Sun’s position Location- and time-dependent solar display, with sunrise and sunset controls
Wayfinder Ultra outdoor use Compass-oriented bezel and Night Mode
Artist A changing visual design Design changes algorithmically when tapped

These are examples from Apple’s face guide, not a universal ranking. Apple documents the face features and availability caveats in its Apple Watch faces and their features guide.

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#1 Best Overall
Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant
  • A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
  • KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
  • GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
  • SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
  • A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.

16 Apple Watch faces for different needs

1. Infograph — for a dense dashboard

Infograph supports up to eight rich, full-color complications and subdials. It suits readers who want several pieces of glanceable information in one place; whether its density feels readable is a personal judgment.

2. Modular — for glanceable information

Modular has six complication slots. Choose it when you want an information-forward layout and several shortcuts or details on the face.

3. Modular Duo — for larger complication tiles

Modular Duo supports up to three complications, including two large rectangular options. Apple lists it as unavailable on Apple Watch SE, so check the Face Gallery for your model.

4. Modular Ultra — for Apple Watch Ultra owners

Modular Ultra has seven complication positions and can show edge information such as depth or elevation. It is associated with Apple Watch Ultra models; confirm availability on your watch.

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5. GMT — for a second time zone

GMT pairs an inner local-time dial with an outer 24-hour dial. It is a useful option when you want to keep another time zone in view.

Rank #2
Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant
  • A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
  • KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
  • GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
  • SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
  • A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.

6. Activity Analog — for activity progress on an analog clock

Activity Analog overlays Activity progress on an analog clock. Apple describes stacked rings and subdial presentation options for this face.

7. Activity Digital — for activity progress with digital time

Activity Digital pairs digital time with Activity progress. It is an alternative to Activity Analog if you prefer a digital time display.

8. Chronograph Pro — for chronograph-style timing

Chronograph Pro offers selectable chronograph scales. Choose it for that timing-focused dial style rather than assuming it replaces a particular third-party timing app.

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9. California — for a traditional numeral dial

California uses a mix of Roman and Arabic numerals and offers customizable dial and numeral options. The combination is a traditional styling choice.

10. Metropolitan — for type-led styling

Metropolitan centers its look on adjustable typography. It is a style choice rather than a documented winner for readability or performance.

Rank #3
Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant
  • GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
  • A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
  • KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
  • WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
  • GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*

11. Typograph — for custom numeral styles

Typograph focuses on custom fonts and numeral styles. Preview its options on your own watch to decide whether the design suits your preferences.

12. Photos — for a personal image

Photos can use a chosen image for a personal appearance. Check the available controls in Face Gallery, since options can depend on the watch and software version.

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13. Astronomy — for a space visualization

Astronomy presents an Earth, Moon, or solar-system visualization. It is suited to readers who want a space-themed display rather than a general-purpose dashboard.

14. Solar Graph — for the Sun’s position

Solar Graph provides a location- and time-dependent display of the Sun’s position, with controls for sunrise and sunset. Check the face on your device for its available options.

15. Wayfinder — for outdoor use on supported models

Wayfinder has a compass-oriented bezel and Night Mode and is associated with Ultra models. Coordinate-related availability can vary by region, so verify the options on your watch.

Rank #4
Apple Watch SE 3 [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - S/M. Fitness and Sleep Trackers, Heart Rate Monitor, Always-On Display, Water Resistant
  • GET SMARTER HEALTH INSIGHTS—Apple Watch SE 3 is an advanced health tracker that helps you better understand your body. The smartwatch sends alerts for an irregular heart rhythm, or an unusually high or low heart rate.* You can view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app,* track your sleep score, and get sleep apnea notifications.*
  • A GREAT FITNESS TRACKER—SE 3 can track your workouts in a healthy number of ways—from running and strength training to simply achieving your 10K steps a day. With real-time metrics and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone,* you’ll hit your goals like never before.
  • KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—SE 3 is a smartwatch that can detect a hard fall or severe car crash and automatically help connect you to emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
  • WOMEN’S HEALTH INSIGHTS—SE 3 has advanced sensors that track your wrist temperature while you sleep. With this smartwatch, you can log your periods and symptoms, get period predictions, and get notified of cycle deviations.*
  • GREAT BATTERY LIFE AND FASTER CHARGING—Enjoy a smartwatch with all-day, 18-hour battery life* from sunup to sundown. Then charge up to twice as fast as SE 2* and get up to 8 hours of battery in just 15 minutes.*

16. Artist — for a changing visual design

Artist changes its design algorithmically when tapped, according to Apple’s face description. It is an aesthetic option, not a data-dense dashboard.

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How to add and customize a face on iPhone

Apple says Face Gallery in the Watch app is the easiest way to browse available faces, customize one, and add it to your collection. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and tap Face Gallery.
  2. Choose a category or browse the available faces. Depending on the app, you may be able to tap See All Watch Faces.
  3. Select a face and tap Get, if shown, then choose its available options.
  4. Adjust its features, such as color or style. To set a complication, tap its position and select an option; choose Off if you want that position empty.
  5. Tap Add to Watch. The face joins your collection and becomes the current face.

See Apple’s instructions for changing Apple Watch faces for the current workflow.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to add or switch faces on Apple Watch

You can add a face from the watch itself, then switch among saved faces:

  1. With the current face showing, touch and hold the display.
  2. Swipe left to the end of the face collection and tap Add.
  3. Browse the faces, tap Get beside the one you want, then tap Add.
  4. To switch later, touch and hold the current face, swipe to a saved face, and tap it.

You can optionally enable Settings > Clock > Swipe to Switch Watch Face to switch by swiping across the face.

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Best Value
Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant
  • A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
  • KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
  • GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
  • SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
  • A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.

How to reorder or remove saved faces

On iPhone, open Apple Watch app > My Watch > My Faces, tap Edit, and drag a face to reorder it. To remove one on the watch, touch and hold the current face, swipe to the face you want to remove, swipe up, and tap Remove. You can add a face again later.

Can you share an Apple Watch face?

Yes. Apple supports sharing faces from the Apple Watch app. Recipients can receive a face in Messages, Mail, or through an online link and tap Add. A shared face may include a third-party complication; the recipient can download its app or continue without that complication. Apple’s face-sharing documentation says recipients need an Apple Watch with watchOS 7 or later.

Why can’t I find a particular Apple Watch face?

Apple says face availability can vary by software version, watch model, country, and region. For example, Modular Duo is unavailable on Apple Watch SE, and Modular Ultra is associated with Apple Watch Ultra models. Update watchOS if appropriate, then check Face Gallery on your own watch for the faces and options supported there.

FAQ

Which Apple Watch face shows the most complications?

Apple documents Infograph as supporting up to eight rich, full-color complications and subdials. Modular has six complication slots, while Modular Ultra has seven complication positions.

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How do I change my Apple Watch face?

Touch and hold the current face, swipe to a saved face, and tap it. To add a new one, swipe left to the end of the collection, tap Add, choose a face, and add it.

Can I use the same face on every Apple Watch model?

No. Apple says availability can differ by model, software version, country, and region. Check Face Gallery on your watch for the supported faces and options.

What happens if a shared face uses an app I don’t have?

Apple says a recipient can download the app that provides a third-party complication or continue without that complication.

Sources

Face features and availability: Apple Watch faces and their features. Face procedures: Change Apple Watch faces. Sharing: Share Apple Watch faces.

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