Another SBSS Durability and Versatility Thread?

[Robdmb]

I've been debating Series 4 SS or SBSS. Have a S0 SS now that has held up well - certainly some scratches but nothing i consider bad. Been impressed with how its withstood everyday wear over the last 3+ years.

Now that Series 4 is out i'm debating a change to the SBSS (i like how the screen blends in) but my only concern is whether I will get a big scratch that will show the regular stainless underneath and be obvious thereafter. Has anyone experienced this or is it a moot point? For example, if i'm hiking or outdoors and scratch it against a rock or something will that go through the coating?

Lastly, for the last 3 years I have only had the black sport band with my SS watch and will probably primarily use a black sport band again. However, I may be interested in a leather band to dress up with suits. How does the SBSS look with leather or with suits? I certainly am not looking to collect tons of bands so am not overly concerned with versatility but maybe one or two options would be nice.

Thanks!

 

[vmflapem]

I owned both SS and SBSS and personally I think SS looks better with suits because it actually looks like a watch. But SBSS with suits is not a bad combo at all. I'm not sure about the scratch, but my theory is that if you ever scratch your SBSS deep enough to peel off the coating, it's going to look ugly af on your SS apple watch as well. Besides, I've never heard of anyone who actually went through coating. I'd say the only downside of SBSS is the lack of band choices but I honestly don't think this is an issue unless you change your band everyday... Most people will end up wearing just 1 or 2 bands anyway. This time I pre-ordered SBSS because I always end up using the sports band (honestly it's the most comfy band). I'm currently considering SB link bracelet which looks great with the SBSS AW.
The only reason I had SS AW was because people were recommending it (mainly because of the variety of band selection) but I honestly personally like the SBSS better. My advise is they're all nice (same) quality watches so go with whatever your heart tells you and don't let other people make that judgment for you cuz you're the one who's going to be wearing it.

 

[Robdmb]

Thanks, I was thinking a SBSS with a leather band (they have some with black hardware) may still look sharp with suits even. It is kind of nice how the screen just blends into the bezel on the SBSS.

 

[Fynd]

You really, really don't have to worry about it. The only thing that will cause an issue for you would be an issue with the SS as well, and that would be some sort of heavy gouge. In the event that doesn't happen, the SBSS will look pristine for the duration you own it. The SS will look pristine when it's new, and after a fresh polish, but otherwise always a bit scuffed up.

I'd recommend a nicer band, the SBSS with black band is very plain considering the display is off most of the time. That's one of the combos that the SS just looks much nicer with IMO, as the silver/black adds a nice contrast.

 

[canyonblue737]

I've had the SBSS S3 for almost 10 months and worn it 24/7. Banged it into concrete, brick and metal. It looks like it just came out of the box, totally flawless.

 

[dtlee1974]

I've had the SBSS S3 for almost 10 months and worn it 24/7. Banged it into concrete, brick and metal. It looks like it just came out of the box, totally flawless.

Yeah, as I posted in another thread I've banged the hell out of my SBSS S0 for over three years and it looks good as new. It has contacted metal, brick, cinder blocks, solvent, etc. a lot and has no issues. I screwed up and ordered an aluminium but I'm going to return it for an SBSS as soon as I can find one in stock. I plan to keep it for at least 3-4 years so the extra cost isn't that bad amortized over that time frame.

 

[Robdmb]

Decision is getting tougher - everyone is swaying me toward the SBSS instead of the SS now.

 

[Elektrofone]

Currently have a SB, used to have SS. The SB shows scratches much less. I guess it goes with less bands, but I'm more of a darker color person myself.

Can't wait for my SBSS with Milanese Series 4.

 

[danmart]

I’ve worn Space Black since the original launch and my S0 is currently being worn by my dad after I upgraded to the S3 SB last year.

Now, neither of us are manual workers but the watch has been worn every day for three years and it looks perfect to the naked eye. Only under close examination are minor scrstches visible.

Concerns over the durability of the finish are unwarranted in my experience. Whether it looks good or bad with a specific strap is a matter of personal choice. I mostly use a charcoal leather loop at the moment, and have worn the SB Milanese and Link, plus the black Sport Band in the past.

My job involves wearing a suit much of the time and I have never been concerned that the SB watch was in any way ‘inappropriate’ for that. For more formal occasions I would just wear the Milanese, now.

 

[44267547]

Decision is getting tougher - everyone is swaying me toward the SBSS instead of the SS now.

If you’re concerned about scratches and scuff‘s, and you really want the best protection, that would be the space black stainless steel watch due to the DLC. If that’s not a concern for you too, and you want complete versatility with pairing bands, then opt for the regular stainless.