I've got metal polish cloths for my Stainless Steel and, although it definitely alleviates the problem, it's most definitely still dulled.
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Aluminum > Stainless Steel
- Thread starter BigAppleNYC123
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I've got metal polish cloths for my Stainless Steel and, although it definitely alleviates the problem, it's most definitely still dulled.
I do. SS feels like a elegant watch and aluminum feels like more of a toy. Don’t get me wrong I love the aluminum due to me being a runner but SS has the more classier look.
Aluminum as a material is cheaper you don’t see them making coke cans out of steel.
with that logic, ceramic would feel like toy and feel cheaper since it is lighter than SS, if you didn't know the price of the watches.
I originally bought a Series 0 space grey aluminum, and now my teenage son has it. The screen and case look like new. The only place with obvious wear is the sensor disk on bottom.
A year ago on launch day, I got a S2 gold aluminum, and the screen and case still look like new. (I'm probably going to wait for S4 to upgrade again.)
I'm not sure what you folks are doing with your aluminum watches. I understand if you have a physical job that lends itself to frequently banging the Watch against things. I have a desk job, and my everyday outdoor activities (running and cycling) have little risk of Watch damage.
This is my take too. It's a tool for my convenience, and, more importantly, it's essentially disposable. In two years I will be ready for an upgrade. So I can't see paying the premium for something that will be left behind relatively quickly. I've also noticed that other people pay very little attention to your watch material, or band, or face, or whatever. If anyone acknowledges it at all, it's usually, "Oh, cool, is that an Apple Watch? How do you like it?" Others are not as observant of what's on your wrist as you are. And, if might be a bit blasphemous here, I still think the Apple Watch looks a little silly, kind of toy-like, with it's current thickness. So to me, it also seems silly to fret over whether the toy/tool is shiny or matte.
I actually do disagree. Many people strongly dislike the look of the ceramic, even though it's considered the most premium model. I think it comes down to the finish, a black aluminum model would be great and the one I'd personally buy. Although I don't think anything will ever beat the stainless steel in looks and versatility.
I hit the gym hard for almost two hours every single day. I have SS and don’t feel any less “appropriate”.
Yet nearly every other can in the grocery store is steel... and a lot more material by weight for the size of the can. Plus the lining of course. Even juice cans. Yet carbonated (pressurized) beverage cans are aluminum...
Not sure "cost" is necessarily the deciding factor on which material is used... I'd suggest material properties come into play.
Cost is associated with materials. Because you have the cost of what it takes to manufacture the 316 L stainless steel process and from a molding as well. But then you have to factor in Apples inflated prices as well, which is also large part of it.
I was talking about wesselya's referencing beverage cans as "proof" of the cost of Al vs steel.
Context is important in a discussion.
In terms of SS vs Al for the watches... now you're moving into the territory of pricing strategies for highly differentiated goods -- which is a situation where materials cost is effectively irrelevant (unless it makes the item unprofitable). Pricing in this case is far more about what the customers are willing to pay for aesthetic and other aspects than it is about the bill-of-materials.
Translation: SS watches are priced where they are because Apple believes enough people will pay the premium for the SS. Which material costs more than the other is irrelevant to this.
Not really an issue with something as small as a wrist watch.
Personal preference.
Cars are not made from stainless, not since the DeLorean anyway, which was very expensive due to this. Steel manufacturing costs depend on the alloy used, the yield and the ore prices. Aluminium is easily recycled, easier than steel, so is -generally- cheaper to source. Alu is cheaper to work with too due to temperatures required and generally the processes required to shape and harden it, again it depends on which steel you're using and how many processes you're going through.
Why?
If you’ve not worn both (aluminum vs SS)... there is a difference. You can chalk this up to personal preference.
SS uses sapphire glass vs Ion for aluminum. Sapphire doesn’t let as much light thru.
No. They're just fine scratches from ordinary wear and tear, evenly distributed. They don't affect function, and you can't see them when the watch is on your wrist (obviously). I can't see any scratches on the back of mine (S2, one year old), but my son leaves his watch lying around more (and a year older).
I think the S2 all had ceramic backs so it probably wouldn't have scratched simply from charging.
I posted this over at the ceramic AW threat, but as I am coming from two generations of silver stainless steel Applw Watches, I think some parts on why I now switched from SS to ceramic also fit here:
Warning: long post.
Here is my take on the Series 3 Edition ceramic in grey:
I have been a watch fan for a long while and have over the years invested in watches from Jaeger Le Coultre, Rolex and Breitling. Before Apple came out with the Apple Watch, I was a very happy owner of a Rolex Explorer II with a white face. I loved the utility of the Rolex and at the time the substantial weight of this large 42mm metal watch with its metal bracelet.
So when the Apple Watch was announced I wanted to have something in that direction and went for the silver stainless steel with the silver Apple link band. I really like the similarities ito of weight and the good look for work dress as well as sports.
When the Series 2 came out, I just upgraded to the new stainless steel and kept the band. I also originally eyed the White ceramic when it was announced, but felt it was too flashy for my use in the office. At the time I really got into minimalism and essentialism and got rid of a LOT OF stuff in my life. This included selling all my Swiss watches, which I did not use any more, as I preferred my Apple watch as my daily driver. I love the idea of „one device to rule them all“.
Fast forward another Apple season and I „had to“ make a choice on series 3. I was hoping for a new color option for the ceramic model and maybe even a new material like titanium or carbon. So the grey ceramic looked interesting. But I had huge doubts that it might look too dull or not dressy enough vs. the steel model I got used to. I also like the new Hermes deployment buckle in dark brown Ebene and thought that is the perfect choice: get the Hermes which also includes the orange sport band and get a new link band in silver as my original one looked quite used after two years. So three bands which allow flexibility from dressy (Hermes Ebene) to Rolex-sporty (link) to pure sports (orange sport band). That is what I ordered with a 3 weeks wait on the Hermes. Buyers remorse set in imidiately and I was wondering if the various band changes in the future (I do sports at least every 2nd day) will be the exact opposite to my new love of minimalism. I also had a chance to see the watch live in an Apple store in London during a trip and did not like how the leather band connects with the watch.
That was the moment where all became „ceramic clear“ for me: go with the edition, as it will be the most minimalistic execution while also being the highest quality construction. It will also not scratch so easily as the steel version, where both precious models I owned have very light but visible scratches on the steel. For my regular running (100-150km per month) it would also be lighter and more comfortable to wear than running with the link steel version like I did over the past two years. So I cancelled my Hermes, sent back the Apple link bracelet which had already arrived and bought (at a premium) the edition in grey through ebay, as I did not like to wait till end of October.
It arrived quickly and I could not be happier. Here is why: I love the stealth luxury aspect of this model. I know about all the craftmanship that went into the ceramic casing and I know about the price, but the watch is not showing this of to others like an expensive Swiss watch tends to do. I love how comfortable it wears and that it will look pristine in the months to come, as it does not scratch easily. I especially like the light weight of the package, which is funny as I was always so happy how heavy my Rolex Explorer II felt. People change I guess ;-)
While the steel version interprets what Rolex and Omega have established on Swiss tool watches, the ceramic edition reminds me of the Swiss Richard Mille watches that Rafael Nadal and other top atheletes wear. They are out of this world ito of price (up to 750k USD), but are the lightest weight complication watches and use cutting edge material combination to achieve this. Even the rubber bands and how they connect look similar to Apple Watch (see the comparison picture I did). Maybe that is where Jony Ive got his idea for the red dot from, too ;-) Any Swiss watch aficionado will probably hate me for this comparison, but as my first two generations of steel apple watches were my equivalent to a tool watch Rolex, my new grey ceramic edition is my equivalent to a Richard Mille. And while the Richard Milles are way more extravagant, they also are only recognized by watch experts. Just like the ceramic is only recognized by people like us here on this threat. So one watch to rule them all and that for now is the ceramic grey Apple watch edition for me. Until next year that is.
Warning: long post.
Here is my take on the Series 3 Edition ceramic in grey:
I have been a watch fan for a long while and have over the years invested in watches from Jaeger Le Coultre, Rolex and Breitling. Before Apple came out with the Apple Watch, I was a very happy owner of a Rolex Explorer II with a white face. I loved the utility of the Rolex and at the time the substantial weight of this large 42mm metal watch with its metal bracelet.
So when the Apple Watch was announced I wanted to have something in that direction and went for the silver stainless steel with the silver Apple link band. I really like the similarities ito of weight and the good look for work dress as well as sports.
When the Series 2 came out, I just upgraded to the new stainless steel and kept the band. I also originally eyed the White ceramic when it was announced, but felt it was too flashy for my use in the office. At the time I really got into minimalism and essentialism and got rid of a LOT OF stuff in my life. This included selling all my Swiss watches, which I did not use any more, as I preferred my Apple watch as my daily driver. I love the idea of „one device to rule them all“.
Fast forward another Apple season and I „had to“ make a choice on series 3. I was hoping for a new color option for the ceramic model and maybe even a new material like titanium or carbon. So the grey ceramic looked interesting. But I had huge doubts that it might look too dull or not dressy enough vs. the steel model I got used to. I also like the new Hermes deployment buckle in dark brown Ebene and thought that is the perfect choice: get the Hermes which also includes the orange sport band and get a new link band in silver as my original one looked quite used after two years. So three bands which allow flexibility from dressy (Hermes Ebene) to Rolex-sporty (link) to pure sports (orange sport band). That is what I ordered with a 3 weeks wait on the Hermes. Buyers remorse set in imidiately and I was wondering if the various band changes in the future (I do sports at least every 2nd day) will be the exact opposite to my new love of minimalism. I also had a chance to see the watch live in an Apple store in London during a trip and did not like how the leather band connects with the watch.
That was the moment where all became „ceramic clear“ for me: go with the edition, as it will be the most minimalistic execution while also being the highest quality construction. It will also not scratch so easily as the steel version, where both precious models I owned have very light but visible scratches on the steel. For my regular running (100-150km per month) it would also be lighter and more comfortable to wear than running with the link steel version like I did over the past two years. So I cancelled my Hermes, sent back the Apple link bracelet which had already arrived and bought (at a premium) the edition in grey through ebay, as I did not like to wait till end of October.
It arrived quickly and I could not be happier. Here is why: I love the stealth luxury aspect of this model. I know about all the craftmanship that went into the ceramic casing and I know about the price, but the watch is not showing this of to others like an expensive Swiss watch tends to do. I love how comfortable it wears and that it will look pristine in the months to come, as it does not scratch easily. I especially like the light weight of the package, which is funny as I was always so happy how heavy my Rolex Explorer II felt. People change I guess ;-)
While the steel version interprets what Rolex and Omega have established on Swiss tool watches, the ceramic edition reminds me of the Swiss Richard Mille watches that Rafael Nadal and other top atheletes wear. They are out of this world ito of price (up to 750k USD), but are the lightest weight complication watches and use cutting edge material combination to achieve this. Even the rubber bands and how they connect look similar to Apple Watch (see the comparison picture I did). Maybe that is where Jony Ive got his idea for the red dot from, too ;-) Any Swiss watch aficionado will probably hate me for this comparison, but as my first two generations of steel apple watches were my equivalent to a tool watch Rolex, my new grey ceramic edition is my equivalent to a Richard Mille. And while the Richard Milles are way more extravagant, they also are only recognized by watch experts. Just like the ceramic is only recognized by people like us here on this threat. So one watch to rule them all and that for now is the ceramic grey Apple watch edition for me. Until next year that is.
I say SBSS. I'm an electrician. So, attics, crawlspaces, bumps on brick walls and working with sharp tools are a daily norm. I use mine at work everyday and it looks fantastic. I wouldn't trust an aliminum one for my construction, crossfit and active everyday life.
My SBSS Series 2 has 0 scratches.
My SBSS Series 2 has 0 scratches.
Having owned SS, Space Black SS and Space Grey aluminum, and being a marathoner who also wears a Garmin for running, I'm opting for Space Grey again. Like the Garmin fenix line, the SS are just too heavy as running watches.
That being said, the SB SS is my favorite looking of the three.
That being said, the SB SS is my favorite looking of the three.
I'm really frustrated about the whole Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum decision, I got a Series 0 when it came out in Stainless Steel mainly because I had some scratched glass PTSD from an Armani watch I owned before that. I love it, but it's super slow, and I really want all the new features of the new one but I can't afford to go SS this time.
I prefer SS over Aluminum all the way, I like it's weight, I love that it can be casual or elegant whenever you want it to be, I also own several stainless steel bands which would look odd if I went with the aluminum one.
But I can't afford it. I've been thinking about either getting a used Series 2 in SS or just going rogue and getting a 42mm Black Aluminum one and I'll keep my 38mm Series 0 for more formal occasions.
I prefer SS over Aluminum all the way, I like it's weight, I love that it can be casual or elegant whenever you want it to be, I also own several stainless steel bands which would look odd if I went with the aluminum one.
But I can't afford it. I've been thinking about either getting a used Series 2 in SS or just going rogue and getting a 42mm Black Aluminum one and I'll keep my 38mm Series 0 for more formal occasions.
- In the end this is a personal choice and a matter of how much cash you can afford to burn. I own the SS S0 with link bracelet that cost insane $1,100 at the time but it is a beautiful combination.
- It is likely that you will want to upgrade every 2-3 years. The S3 in SBSS will put you back another $700, basically you are paying the amount of an iPhone every two years for the AW
- I decided this go around to choose the SP Alum LTE and pair it with the link bracelet which looks great and gives that bracelet another 2-3 years of use (I am sure with a form factor change all these bracelets are toast)
- The SP goes for $500. The difference pays 2 years of LTE or AirPods.
If you look, there are a lot of good sale prices on used Series 2 Apple Watches tlikely only excellent condition. You should be able to find one without having any issues being the market is saturated with stainless Series 2 right now. If you do look for a used stainless Series 2, try to aim for one that has AppleCare attached with it. That way it covers you if you have any issues.
I skipped page 2, but maybe I outta go back? I enjoyed 1 and 2.
Would Sapphire be better for a clutz whom hasn't worn a "heavy" watch...ever remain scratch free if the user bangs into walls whilst walking out doorways? Because the Ion-X has 6 dings in 10 days.
...asking for a friend...