Apple’s late ’90s design era refuses to stay in the past, and a new Apple Watch concept inspired by the iMac G3 shows why that era still has a hold on fans. The concept, developed by Saffy Creatives, imagines what Apple’s smartwatch might look like if it were modeled directly after the transparent, candy-colored computers that characterized the late 1990s and early 2000s.
This is a fan-made design, not an official product, but the level of detail makes it easy to see why it’s getting attention. By blending the modern wearable with a bold piece of Apple’s past, the Apple Watch G3 concept shows how powerful nostalgic design can be, especially for fans who remember unboxing their first see-through Mac.
A detailed review, not just a color swap
Instead of metal or matte finishes, the watch case is covered in transparent plastic and resembles the original iMac G3. The case looks more chunky and playful than the slim, minimalist look of current Apple Watches.
There’s a classic rainbow Apple logo on the front. The bezel is clean and rounded, with the focus being on the clear case and the color underneath. The concept is shown in several hues inspired by the original iMac G3 range, along with colors that remind us of early iBook laptops.
Each version combines the translucent case with matching clear straps, extending the plastic aesthetic beyond the watch case itself. Although the overall shape still resembles a modern Apple Watch, the materials and finishes give it a very different personality that feels more playful than elegant.
The appeal is purely visual, fueling a growing appetite for retro-style technology at a time when many devices are looking increasingly similar. It also reflects moments when Apple has flirted with playful design, from testing pink and yellow AirPods prototypes to unexpected nostalgia hits like the $230 iPhone sock.
Even quirky accessories like the Grip-style MagSafe stand serve as a reminder that some of Apple’s most famous products were defined by their looks, not just their performance.
