Alu vs SS?

[jakja83]

I am looking into getting a Watch. I was considering getting a 6 Aluminium and then add a screen protector to avoid scratches, but I can get 20% off so I thought about stretching for the Solid steel/graphite version.

Is it so that it has sapphire glass that does not scratch on it? Is it a lot heavier? Other cons?

 

[bricktop_at]

It's about 10 grams heavier if I remember that correctly and that's practically unnoticeable on the wrist. I went from Alu to SS earlier this year and never looked back.
The overall feel is a lot better, plus as you already mentioned, it has a sapphire crystal that isn't easy to scratch at all - unless you deliberately want to.
If you enjoy nice things and don't mind the higher price, the SS is the way to go if you ask me.

Those are mine, to show what you're missing out on, when you go Alu :-D

And that's an Ex

 

[Apple_Robert]

Stainless steel is very nice if you can afford it. Putting a screen protector on the aluminum would work fine as well and be a lot cheaper.

 

[mj_]

It's about 10 grams heavier if I remember that correctly and that's practically unnoticeable on the wrist.

I don't think I would necessarily agree with that statement. I've had an SS S0 and now an aluminum S3 and the difference on the wrist is like night and day. Mind you the SS S0 wasn't uncomfortable or annoying by any means, just definitely more noticeable.

 

[bricktop_at]

I don't think I would necessarily agree with that statement.

No worries, just stated my personal experience and to me the "weight" isn't noticable, but that surely also might depend on the type of strap you use ...

 

[jakja83]

I like fabric loops.

S6 Cellular Alu costs 499 with discount here, S6SS 670. Not a big deal.

I want Sapphire, but also hate too heavy clocks. I am also thinking resale value should the 7 be awesome.

I am coming from Casio F-91W weighing 21 grams.

 

[jz0309]

sapphire is definetly better than the ion-x, but it can also scratch ... I had some scratches but they were only noticeable when holding the watch at a certain angle, did not bother me day-to-day use.
Resale value for SS sucks, go search for it and you will find out

 

[cambookpro]

I went from an aluminium Series 4 to a graphite SS Series 6. Honestly don’t think it’s worth the extra money. You can see micro-scratches more easily on the polished surface, it seems to always have fingerprints on, and although the sapphire is undeniably a big advantage, it is a bit harder to see in bright light than the Ion-X. I think I’d really like the titanium best, but it’s a little expensive!

 

[bricktop_at]

I am also thinking resale value should the 7 be awesome.

If that matters to you, than you should probably get an Alu Watch. Resale value for the SS is not really great.

Anyway, I never looked back after switching from the S4/S6 Alu to an S6 SSG and now also an S4 SBSS.

 

[macsound1]

My experience and what I've heard from friends as well is that they prefer the Aluminium to the Stainless Steel because of the weight and scratches specifically.
Over time the SS looks more worn.
Especially for people who don't usually wear watches or are trying to convince themselves to wear the apple watch everyday, the weight is totally noticeable and a big deterant.
Ion X vs Saphire hasn't made any difference personally, but I work at a desk and don't often scratch anything.

 

[bricktop_at]

Over time the SS looks more worn.

That I can’t confirm. Both my S4 and S6 still look like new.

 

[MacManiac76]

After finally getting a Gold SS Series 6 after having an aluminum S0, S2 & S4 I could never go back to the scratch magnet ION-X glass. The sapphire glass is definitely worth the extra cost in my case. My Apple Watches have always been used and abused in everyday use. I can't even count the many times the SS watch hit on something and there are still no scratches on it. The ION-X glass would have many scratches big and small on the screen without a doubt under the same usage. The weight difference is not even noticeable anymore after wearing it daily since I got it. I plan on keeping the SS watch for at least two years whereas I would always upgrade every year before with the aluminum just to start over with a new scratch-less screen. This makes up the cost difference for me. I will never put a screen protector or case on my Apple Watches. I prefer not to hide the beauty of the watch.

 

[akash.nu]

I’ve been on the aluminium S4 since the launch until now and just use a screen protector from Amazon. There’s literally not a single scratch on it. Although it depends on your lifestyle but I take it everywhere I go, including gym and cycling etc.

 

[TTTedP]

After finally getting a Gold SS Series 6 after having an aluminum S0, S2 & S4 I could never go back to the scratch magnet ION-X glass. The sapphire glass is definitely worth the extra cost in my case.

I can 2nd this. I only bought aluminum versions over the years. My AW2 I wore daily for a year and held up really well. The last two, AW4 and AW6 the screens scratched super easily. In fact, my AW6 cracked from a simple drop on the floor. Plus the screen protector options now kinda suck (where did the glass ones go?).

I am not sold on ION-X and upgraded to a SS AW6. It's nice but almost too nice. Feels weird wearing it when out in the woods. I'm really hopeful for the rumored rugged sport version.

 

[Howard2k]

You can almost buy two Aluminium watches for the price of one SS. You'd end up paying more for the two, but then at least you have some flexibility and a backup watch. As soon as one scratches that can become the "beater".

 

[jakja83]

You can almost buy two Aluminium watches for the price of one SS. You'd end up paying more for the two, but then at least you have some flexibility and a backup watch. As soon as one scratches that can become the "beater".

Not really, at least not in europe. 499 for the 44 Cell Alu S6 - 670 for the SS S6.

I want cellular as I want to leave my phone at home and on my workdesk as much as possible. Tired of carrying the thing. I love minimalism.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Do not buy a watch for resale value. You might as well throw money out the car window while you drive down the street.

Buy a watch that you can readily afford. If you have to entertain resale in order to get a watch, you are buying over your means, in my opinion.

I wear a cover on my series 6 while at work and it has keep it nice and clean. The tempered glass protector only cost me $10 off Amazon.

Misxi 2 Pack Hard PC Case with Tempered Glass Screen Protector Compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 SE Series 5 Series 4 40mm - Transparent

Misxi PC hard transparent case compatible with watch series 6 SE series 5 & series 4 40mm. Application Compatible model: Compatible with apple watch series 6/5/4/SE 40mm including (Also compatible with new apple watch SE2 40mm). High quality With updated technology, Misxi PC cases with built-in H...

www.amazon.com

 

[Howard2k]

Not really, at least not in europe. 499 for the 44 Cell Alu S6 - 670 for the SS S6.

I want cellular as I want to leave my phone at home and on my workdesk as much as possible. Tired of carrying the thing. I love minimalism.

The SS only comes in cellular? If that's the case then you're right, my comparison was not as reasonable as I'd thought.

 

[SisterBlue22]

I have an aluminum Series 6, a stainless steel Series 5, and a ceramic Series 5, and I rotate between the three watches daily. Yes, the ceramic and SS watches are slightly heavier, but it's nothing I notice at all in daily wear. My aluminum watch is space grey, which I don't find to have too much of a different look from the dark SS, but to me, the difference between the silver aluminum and the silver SS is night and day. The SS is so shiny, I have no issues with scratches or fingerprints on the SS, and if I did, they can be polished out. To me, the silver aluminum looks more casual while the silver SS looks more dressy. That said, from more than a few feet away, it's tough to tell one from the other.

 

[jakja83]

Do not buy a watch for resale value. You might as well throw money out the car window while you drive down the street.

Buy a watch that you can readily afford. If you have to entertain resale in order to get a watch, you are buying over your means, in my opinion.

I wear a cover on my series 6 while at work and it has keep it nice and clean. The tempered glass protector only cost me $10 off Amazon.

Misxi 2 Pack Hard PC Case with Tempered Glass Screen Protector Compatible with Apple Watch Series 6 SE Series 5 Series 4 40mm - Transparent

Misxi PC hard transparent case compatible with watch series 6 SE series 5 & series 4 40mm. Application Compatible model: Compatible with apple watch series 6/5/4/SE 40mm including (Also compatible with new apple watch SE2 40mm). High quality With updated technology, Misxi PC cases with built-in H...

www.amazon.com

I just like to not lose money. Could buy any watch without worry.

🙂

 

[bricktop_at]

I just like to not lose money. Could buy any watch without worry.

🙂

Then how about a used one? That way the previous owner has taken the hit for you ;-)

... oops, forgot the 20% you mentioned

 

[Apple_Robert]

I just like to not lose money. Could buy any watch without worry.

🙂

If you resell, you will lose money on either model, although it will be a lot more with the ss. Buy what you want and don't worry about it. This kind of decision shouldn't be hard. Otherwise, you will drive yourself nuts with second guessing.

 

[Howard2k]

The SS only comes in cellular? If that's the case then you're right, my comparison was not as reasonable as I'd thought.

I configured a black leather band with band with 40mm screen and either SS silver or Alu silver, both with cellular. The difference was less than I thought - $719 vs $989. (All CAD). $270 difference.

$270 is not a lot of money. But 38%….

 

[Mistborn15]

SS is better than alu but not some premium material like Apple want us to believe. Putting a screen protector makes the watch a bit ugly. If you are worried about scratches, Aluminium + apple care plus would still be cheaper than SS and while SS is better, it is not 'price difference' better

 

[KennyJr]

I have a series 5 stainless with a wood and stainless link bracelet for Apple Watches from Jord. It actually looks like a really nice Apple Watch that compares well with a really nice Swiss watch. The downside - it was expensive thus it's too hard to justify trading up to the latest model every year. This causes real pain and suffering for an early adapter like me. Furthermore, when you do trade to the latest model, vanity won't allow you to go back to Aluminum, thus the cost thing just spirals all that much more. As far as the weight of the watch is concerned, I really never noticed the difference, but then again, I'm a pretty big guy.

So if practicality is your thing, definitely go with the Aluminum. And if you're going to allow it to lead a hard life, get a screen protector. I've had several Apple Watches, most were Aluminum starting with series 00 in 2015, and I never suffered scratches on any of them.