Aluminium silver version looks like a cheap toy?

[TJ82]

So got my aluminium AW today and initially thought it was cool. Few hours later I'm thinking it looks like a cheap toy. I have a black silicon sports band on it at the moment (came with fog grey, but I'm selling that on).

Any band that makes the aluminium silver version posher looking? I have tried a replica black leather band from Amazon today too (did look a bit better). Returning it as it's feels like junk strap, will get a decent leather one instead once I get some colour ideas.

Going through pictures again now it's obvious that the stainless steel version looks like a proper watch. Funny how I didn't pick up on that before. Maybe if I get the right strap on this I'll feel happier with it.

 

[Jessem1133]

Completely agreed. It’s tough to make that model look like it’s worth the $400 you pay.

 

[ericg301]

pics?

 

[Mabus51]

Yeah there is no way of making the aluminum version look or feel like a classy watch. Main reason I buy the stainless version as I work in the business world. However there isn’t much reason to get the stainless either outside of preference. It has no value like a real Watch and in 2 years it’s junk. The battery isn’t easily replaceable nor are the internal guts. So in 2 years you end up tossing the thing in the trash and buying the latest version. Which gives the aluminum version a reason to consider.

 

[ideal.dreams]

Yeah there is no way of making the aluminum version look or feel like a classy watch. Main reason I buy the stainless version as I work in the business world. However there isn’t much reason to get the stainless either outside of preference. It has no value like a real Watch and in 2 years it’s junk. The battery isn’t easily replaceable nor are the internal guts. So in 2 years you end up tossing the thing in the trash and buying the latest version. Which gives the aluminum version a reason to consider.

As someone who also works in the business world, I have no problem dressing up my space gray aluminum Apple Watch with the stainless steel link bracelet. No sense in paying the extra money for stainless steel for me when the tech is outdated the following year. The bands, however, I have no problem with since they outlive the watch.

 

[Frankfurt]

This maybe true for the silver aluminum version. The Space Grey looks great. Below it is paired with my SB link bracelet that I purchased with my SBSS S0 watch. There is no way you could casually spot any difference to the SS version.
Given the horrific resale value of any AW (but particularly the SS and Edition versions), it really makes not much sense to "invest" in the higher end models. But YMMV.

 

[TJ82]

Yeah I just had a look on eBay at the stainless steel prices for the series 2. Shocking how fast they lost value.

Part of me is thinking to hang on to this aluminium effort for 6 months, eBay it, then buy a second hand S3 stainless steel.

Just need to find a strap that poshes this up in the meantime. I think black isn't working, the contrast just makes it look worse.

Edit: space grey aluminium works actually. Looks posh enough to be passable!

 

[Bob190]

Not much into aesthetics, but I like my Series 2 aluminum with the Nike Anthracite band. I think you have to look at the Apple Watch, and really all smart watches, as something other than a conventional watch which for the most part were fashion accessories that had only one other primary function ..

I have had the stainless steel version, and as others have mentioned, it really isn't worth the extra cost since it will be obsolete in a year or two. Plus its a lot heavier than the aluminum which makes it less ideal for running.

I currently have a Series 3 Nike Space Gray, and a Series 2 Silver Aluminum and wear both to work with the Nike bands.

 

[TJ82]

Pic of toy watch as requested

[doublepost=1507310833][/doublepost]Fine, if it can't be poshed up a bit, then I'll try and make it look sporty at least.. Maybe grab a nike band? Dark grey perhaps? The light grey it came with was too light for me.

Think is, I have another silver one coming tomorrow (38mm) for the missus' birthday, was going to stick a fuchsia classic buckle strap on it. Thought that would look class, but now I'm thinking it'll look weak.

 

[python0704]

Pic of toy watch as requested

View attachment 723967
[doublepost=1507310833][/doublepost]Fine, if it can't be poshed up a bit, then I'll try and make it look sporty at least.. Maybe grab a nike band? Dark grey perhaps? The light grey it came with was too light for me.

Think is, I have another silver one coming tomorrow (38mm) for the missus' birthday, was going to stick a fuchsia classic buckle strap on it. Thought that would look class, but now I'm thinking it'll look weak.

I bought series 0 silver aluminum when it released and returned it because it was slow and silver aluminum just didn't look good (like toy indeed). So later I just went with space grey aluminum for series 2 and now series 3 nike. Both looked better with black bands and I feel more comfortable wearing them with short sleeves.

 

[TravisPNW]

This maybe true for the silver aluminum version. The Space Grey looks great. Below it is paired with my SB link bracelet that I purchased with my SBSS S0 watch. There is no way you could casually spot any difference to the SS version.
Given the horrific resale value of any AW (but particularly the SS and Edition versions), it really makes not much sense to "invest" in the higher end models. But YMMV.

Glad to hear that... my space gray Nike watch will be here Monday. I chose it over the silver aluminum because it looked better... and yeah, it made no sense to me to spend more on a higher end model.

 

[naturalstar]

This is kind of my own struggle as well. I wear various watches and even my most casual watches (with leather bands) have nice finishes. I also tend to wear bracelets with my watches.

To get a dressier look, I feel like I could pull the aluminum finish off with the silver stainless steel bands that have a more brushed finish (not so polished) or with the leather bands. I’ve seen some nice options on Amazon, but nothing purchased just yet. I’m hesitant though because the more I try the silver aluminum on, the more I feel like it’s missing something... not quite another cheap fitness watch, but not something I see myself wearing beyond fitness, if that makes sense.

Sure, the Apple Watch has more functionality beyond fitness, but if this watch is going to catapult to become my primary use watch over my current watches, then it needs to be on par in look and feel with my other watches.

So, I put a 38mm SS on order and I’m buying a case to put around it only for when I’m doing workouts, running, etc. This way, I protect the watch while using it for fitness, not caring what it looks like during sweat sessions. Yet, I know I’ll still wear the watch if I skip/miss workout days, for work, out to dinner, etc.

I’m curious to see dressed up silver aluminum options though.

 

[ak_ree]

I am going back and forth on which one to get. I love the way SS looks with bands and there’s a particular cuff I want and the SS looks amazing with it... however I don’t want to purchase the SS simply for a cuff. My main use will be fitness (running, strength training, yoga, and water aerobics) and the aluminum Nike is what I should get based off how I will use it. It’s so hard because I love the look of the SS but I don’t think it will be practical or cost efficient for what I plan on using the watch for not to mention the longer wait time for SS. I haven’t ordered yet because I can’t decide which one I want and everyday I change my mind 100 times. I did have the series 1 gold aluminum and only wore the sports band and it never clashed with my clothing (I usually wear jeans and a top to work but can wear pretty much anything).

 

[bruinsrme]

I am going back and forth on which one to get. I love the way SS looks with bands and there’s a particular cuff I want and the SS looks amazing with it... however I don’t want to purchase the SS simply for a cuff. My main use will be fitness (running, strength training, yoga, and water aerobics) and the aluminum Nike is what I should get based off how I will use it. It’s so hard because I love the look of the SS but I don’t think it will be practical or cost efficient for what I plan on using the watch for not to mention the longer wait time for SS. I haven’t ordered yet because I can’t decide which one I want and everyday I change my mind 100 times. I did have the series 1 gold aluminum and only wore the sports band and it never clashed with my clothing (I usually wear jeans and a top to work but can wear pretty much anything).

I went back and forth between silver SBSS and SS so I compromised and went ceramic

 

[norbinhouston]

I think because the silver is so common and mostly just painted plastic. So its hard not to see the AW in silver and not associate that color for painted plastic.

 

[naturalstar]

I am going back and forth on which one to get. I love the way SS looks with bands and there’s a particular cuff I want and the SS looks amazing with it... however I don’t want to purchase the SS simply for a cuff. My main use will be fitness (running, strength training, yoga, and water aerobics) and the aluminum Nike is what I should get based off how I will use it. It’s so hard because I love the look of the SS but I don’t think it will be practical or cost efficient for what I plan on using the watch for not to mention the longer wait time for SS. I haven’t ordered yet because I can’t decide which one I want and everyday I change my mind 100 times. I did have the series 1 gold aluminum and only wore the sports band and it never clashed with my clothing (I usually wear jeans and a top to work but can wear pretty much anything).

I’m right there with you. I went ahead and placed an order but it’s not shipping for 3-4 weeks on the SS, so if I decide to flip back to the silver aluminum, I can still cancel. The Nike watches are available still in my area, at least for now.
[doublepost=1507313438][/doublepost]

Pic of toy watch as requested

View attachment 723967
[doublepost=1507310833][/doublepost]Fine, if it can't be poshed up a bit, then I'll try and make it look sporty at least.. Maybe grab a nike band? Dark grey perhaps? The light grey it came with was too light for me.

Think is, I have another silver one coming tomorrow (38mm) for the missus' birthday, was going to stick a fuchsia classic buckle strap on it. Thought that would look class, but now I'm thinking it'll look weak.

Your problem is the Apple sports bands. They are not for dressing up anything, IMO. My personal bonus is that they are also unflattering on my wrist. I would not wear them for everyday use. The Nike bands or even the velcro sports loops would be better if you want to stay in the same category, but a nice brushed stainless steel band would probably do the trick for dressing up. Leather bands are always an option. The Milanese loop band may work as well.

 

[TJ82]

Yeah I think I'll grab a bunch of replica milanese and leather bands on Amazon, see what works, then get the nicest one from Apple.

I do need a decent sports band though, I'm on the indoor trainer every day..

 

[rillrill]

I was like you fellas with an aluminum watch and then I switched the steel. There is no comparison. If you want a more “watch” look I’d spend the extra $$ for the SS. It’s like an extra 200 if yr coming from a cellular watch. Also, people forget it has a sapphire screen. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve bumped my old SS watch into a wall or something and it came out fine. The sport - one light smack into a brick wall and it had a visible scratch. So SS for me - though the smarter thing to do is wait 6-10 months for a used one.

 

[K Anderson]

I think because the silver is so common and mostly just painted plastic. So its hard not to see the AW in silver and not associate that color for painted plastic.

I thought about getting the silver but I had never seen one in person and could not find a clear enough picture of one so i went with the space grey.
Is the silver an applied finish over the aluminum or is it just straight aluminum?

 

[Sgt93]

You don't buy Apple products as an investment, you buy them to use; they are tech, not gold. Every post I see with someone talking about having no resale makes me laugh. It's a damn smartwatch; buy what you want and remember it won't be worth a crap in a few years. This is the tech industry. With that being said, I love my SS AW3. In a few years, I will give it to my son, and buy the next one, that is the cycle. I appreciate the sapphire glass as I don't like looking through scratches, and the fact that it doesn't look like a cheap 5 cent toy.

 

[bruinsrme]

I’m right there with you. I went ahead and placed an order but it’s not shipping for 3-4 weeks on the SS, so if I decide to flip back to the silver aluminum, I can still cancel. The Nike watches are available still in my area, at least for now.
[doublepost=1507313438][/doublepost]

Your problem is the Apple sports bands. They are not for dressing up anything, IMO. My personal bonus is that they are also unflattering on my wrist. I would not wear them for everyday use. The Nike bands or even the velcro sports loops would be better if you want to stay in the same category, but a nice brushed stainless steel band would probably do the trick for dressing up. Leather bands are always an option. The Milanese loop band may work as well.

I have seen plenty of people in dress clothes with sports bands and they look fine. I have worn a number of sports bands with my ceramic while in a suit and tie.
The most unflattering watch is the silver. the flat lack luster appearance cheapens the look.
The gold offers enough contrasting color to make it fashionable.
The silver is just bland.

 

[deadworlds]

I’m wondering if the size of the watch on your wrist is making it look like a toy. I can’t tell I’m the picture, but usually if the watch is better than your wrist then it tends to look like a toy. Maybe consider the 38mm version.

 

[Mabus51]

This maybe true for the silver aluminum version. The Space Grey looks great. Below it is paired with my SB link bracelet that I purchased with my SBSS S0 watch. There is no way you could casually spot any difference to the SS version.
Given the horrific resale value of any AW (but particularly the SS and Edition versions), it really makes not much sense to "invest" in the higher end models. But YMMV.

You can easily spot the difference. Aluminum models are matte.

 

[576316]

Had an SS S0 since launch day, and my Nike+ silver arrived today. The SS is just too expensive for it to be justifiable, especially as the resell value is next to nil which I'm now finding. I use it as a fitness tracker first and foremost so I'm not interested in the 'classy' look anymore. Plus my SS looked far worse than my SO's Sport Watch did after a year, covered in scratches and visibly dulled - a metal polish will help, but it'll never look brand new again. I went with silver over SG but SG doesn't go with many of the bands. I don't think it looks like a toy, I think it just looks like a fitness tracker. It's not trying to be something that it's not (SS, ceramic). That said, spend your money how you want.

 

[ryanasimov]

I had (still have, actually; I use it now for sleep monitoring) a Space Gray aluminum S0 since launch day in 2015. Never had an issue with durability for the nearly 900 days I've worn it. But I just received my S3 Silver Nike+ aluminum yesterday that I chose primarily for the ability to use a wider variety of bands. I've had great results with the replica Milanese, brushed stainless link, and multiple leather bands in different colors that I bought through Amazon.
The Space Gray has been a wonderful watch for nearly 2.5 years, but anything other than dark gray or black bands didn't look good to me for a non-exercise setting.
(photo attached is from my S0 I received on 4/24/15)