Apple Watch is only what it is because Apple shut off the ability for anyone else to have that level of integration. Hope the EU forces them to open it up.
This is just patently false. There might be a few things that Apple shuts off (though none are coming to mind, I had a Pebble for years and it worked perfectly), the truth is the competition isn't playing in the same league, mainly due to the chips/OS available. On top of that the Android Wear products I've seen don't hold a candle to the Apple Watch in terms of looks or capabilities.
Not only that but Apple commits to their products. Apple Watch v1 was pretty meh, but they kept at it, iterating year after year, until I finally pulled the trigger on one because it had the functionality that I was looking for.
All the other companies are constantly rebuilding their products from scratch, or dropping them entirely. Apple sets a vision and just continually works toward executing on that vision with small advances every year. That’s why users love them.
I felt the same way with the Samsung watch. v1/v2 was pretty meh, but they kept at it, iterating year after year, until I finally pulled the trigger on one because it had the functionality and design that I was looking for. I was specifically keeping away from squarish smartwatches because I didn't want a watch that screamed "smartwatch" and wanted a rounded design, which I find more aesthetically pleasing.
You nailed it. They are focused and relentless - something to admire in a world where companies are usually super reactive and don't have confidence in their vision.