The S4 was my first AW and I bought the SS. I really like it but felt like it was too precious and overkill for the gym and bought a Nike S4 GPS in SG. I find I like the SG almost as much as the SS and going forward I might just get both the SG and Silver aluminum for the price of one SS. I haven't activated the LTE so I don't need that. I really like the SS but I don't know that I like it so much that I can't deal with the aluminum. I find the aluminum to be pretty durable for my needs. However I do like the SS for dressier situations.
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Apple Watch 4 stainless or Not
- Thread starter Tarheel5
- Start date
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Several people here are referencing a YouTube video made by a guy "testing" an AW. He's got some neat devices too. "Send me stuff", it says in "about" on YouTube. He may be trained on how to use these tools and conduct testing. Or not. No statement about qualifications. All we know is what he says: he enjoys this kind of thing, gets paid for it. And he likes to fix things. No problem, that's fine.
On the other hand, there is a larger organization has been professionally testing things since 1936. They seem to know what they're doing too. They follow consistent and established testing protocols, and employ engineers and other experts. While they're not perfect, they do enjoy a pretty good reputation for unbiased work.
Here's what they said after scientifically testing the AW sapphire and glass watches:
"So how did Apple's watches fare? The sapphire crystal performed as expected, which is to say very well. It survived a 9-rated pick from our kit. The Apple Watch Sport (aluminum) made it up to a 7-rated pick without damage, but was scratched by an 8-rated pick."
That's from Consumer Reports.
Nothing against Henry and other folks making YouTube video's. Maybe just me, but I put a lot more stock in what CR has to say, especially on things that are not subjective, and have been determined by using scientifically valid protocols.
Another factor to consider when balancing POV's on this topic is the FTC. While I'm sure Apple like many manufactures get away with some things, and might sometimes imply things that may be a stretch, they do so at a risk. If they are found to be advertising falsely, misleading consumers, or outright lying, they might be caught and prosecuted. Even being subject to investigation can cause significant damage to their "good will", which has a value. Good will for Apple has a high value; damaged can cost millions if not billions in revenue.
Many have discussed this topic, and one thing that seems to account for many of the scratches on AW sapphire is the AR coating. Just as with traditional watches with AR coatings, the coating can scratch. There are reports that Apple's specific coating may degrade over time. Some people have reported their "scratches" disappear after the whole coating wears off.
Comparing "scratches" on an AW, with an AR coating, to a watch with no AR coating, is misleading. AR scratches on traditional watches also don't look nice either. Many traditional watch owners prefer non AR coated watches for this reason, even though it makes the watch harder to read in bright sunlight and other lighting conditions.
Another thing that may cause "scratches" is micro-cracks. Some people report this. A possible cause is pressing too hard on the screen to use the pressure sensitive features. If the sapphire is very thin, which may be required to allow touch sensitivity, this could be a root cause. Sapphire, while very hard, is also brittle. It has little to no flex. Real watches used for professional diving most often use plexiglass rather than sapphire because sapphire can shatter, especially under pressure ... as in diving... from a modest hit. Most Seiko divers still use Hardex, their proprietary plexiglass.
It is highly unlikely that Apple is either outright lying, or using "inferior" sapphire. The risk is simply not worth any cost savings.
The most likely explanation is that the vast majority of "scratches" on AW sapphire are not on the sapphire, but in the AR coating. That may not help much: they're noticeable, especially to the wearer. So they are equally disappointing as a real scratch: they cannot be buffed or polished out.
I don't see any vast Apple conspiracy.
On the other hand, there is a larger organization has been professionally testing things since 1936. They seem to know what they're doing too. They follow consistent and established testing protocols, and employ engineers and other experts. While they're not perfect, they do enjoy a pretty good reputation for unbiased work.
Here's what they said after scientifically testing the AW sapphire and glass watches:
"So how did Apple's watches fare? The sapphire crystal performed as expected, which is to say very well. It survived a 9-rated pick from our kit. The Apple Watch Sport (aluminum) made it up to a 7-rated pick without damage, but was scratched by an 8-rated pick."
That's from Consumer Reports.
Nothing against Henry and other folks making YouTube video's. Maybe just me, but I put a lot more stock in what CR has to say, especially on things that are not subjective, and have been determined by using scientifically valid protocols.
Another factor to consider when balancing POV's on this topic is the FTC. While I'm sure Apple like many manufactures get away with some things, and might sometimes imply things that may be a stretch, they do so at a risk. If they are found to be advertising falsely, misleading consumers, or outright lying, they might be caught and prosecuted. Even being subject to investigation can cause significant damage to their "good will", which has a value. Good will for Apple has a high value; damaged can cost millions if not billions in revenue.
Many have discussed this topic, and one thing that seems to account for many of the scratches on AW sapphire is the AR coating. Just as with traditional watches with AR coatings, the coating can scratch. There are reports that Apple's specific coating may degrade over time. Some people have reported their "scratches" disappear after the whole coating wears off.
Comparing "scratches" on an AW, with an AR coating, to a watch with no AR coating, is misleading. AR scratches on traditional watches also don't look nice either. Many traditional watch owners prefer non AR coated watches for this reason, even though it makes the watch harder to read in bright sunlight and other lighting conditions.
Another thing that may cause "scratches" is micro-cracks. Some people report this. A possible cause is pressing too hard on the screen to use the pressure sensitive features. If the sapphire is very thin, which may be required to allow touch sensitivity, this could be a root cause. Sapphire, while very hard, is also brittle. It has little to no flex. Real watches used for professional diving most often use plexiglass rather than sapphire because sapphire can shatter, especially under pressure ... as in diving... from a modest hit. Most Seiko divers still use Hardex, their proprietary plexiglass.
It is highly unlikely that Apple is either outright lying, or using "inferior" sapphire. The risk is simply not worth any cost savings.
The most likely explanation is that the vast majority of "scratches" on AW sapphire are not on the sapphire, but in the AR coating. That may not help much: they're noticeable, especially to the wearer. So they are equally disappointing as a real scratch: they cannot be buffed or polished out.
I don't see any vast Apple conspiracy.
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I have found this out still supposed to be better than the aluminum one. I do like the weight. I like heavier watches but not sure if its worth the extra coin.
My first watch was Soace Gray Aluminum. It got beat up so fast. I skipped series 2. I bought a Stainless Steel Series 3 for the LTE connection and better durability. I loved it, but didn’t love the white band. I bought a few other bands but really enjoyed the versatility of the rubber sport strap so I used it the most.
I finally decided to pop for a series 4 and went with SB SS in a 44MM. $800 the thing cost with tax. I listed my Series 3 for sale and the best offer I could get was $270...despite paying $649 less than a year ago.
That was frustrating, but the SS held up so much better than the Aluminum that I’ll continue to keep buying SS...I just need to keep them longer.
I finally decided to pop for a series 4 and went with SB SS in a 44MM. $800 the thing cost with tax. I listed my Series 3 for sale and the best offer I could get was $270...despite paying $649 less than a year ago.
That was frustrating, but the SS held up so much better than the Aluminum that I’ll continue to keep buying SS...I just need to keep them longer.
$270 sounds like an extremely fair offer considering B&Hphoto is selling the series 3 SB SS 42mm for $349 brand new. $379 with the Milanese loop included.
Having had both, it comes down to use and what’s it worth to you.. The SS looks and feels so much better than the Aluminum IMO. The more scratch-resistant screen is a much better quality display. But.. be ready to toss $$ out the door as you will take a hit on selling it if you upgrade with any frequency. The SS is approaching $800 out the door and if you decide to sell be at/under $600 range immediately.
If you want an AW for function the Aluminum is fine.. but, to me, the SS version is in a league of its own. It’s not going from a 7 to a 9. It’s going from a 7 to an 11 on quality/look/feel.
WTS, if I were to buy an AW today I am not sure which one I would get. It’s hard to spend almost double for the SS.
If you want an AW for function the Aluminum is fine.. but, to me, the SS version is in a league of its own. It’s not going from a 7 to a 9. It’s going from a 7 to an 11 on quality/look/feel.
WTS, if I were to buy an AW today I am not sure which one I would get. It’s hard to spend almost double for the SS.
I bought the Space Black Stainless and I’m going to return and get the regular Stainless. The Space Black already got knick in it and it’s a different color there. Looks bad. I don’t mind knicks, but when it’s a different color underneath it looks bad.
Aluminum for me because I prefer the lighter weight for running/working out. Also, the depreciation on the SS models is brutal.
‘You get what you pay for’. And that’s exactly what the stainless Apple Watch delivers with the Apple OEM link bracelet. Some can justify the price, I can understand for those who can’t afford/care to spend that type of money, but you’re right, it really is a unique combination that holds a class of its own. I personally pair the black stainless steel link bracelet with the silver stainless Apple Watch, I like the contrast in itself.
It also lasts. I purchased my Link Bracelet in early 2016 for my original Apple Watch. It's followed me to my Series 2 and then to my Series 4. A careful refinishing with a green scotch bite pad once in a while, followed by 10 minutes in the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, and it's like new again. I have not been gentle with it either, wearing it pretty much all the time even when doing heavy chores around the house.
I went with the S4 Silver Aluminum. $700+ is too much for my blood for stainless.
I was not after jewelry or a fashion statement ... just needed a watch that could assist me with notifications as I may not always have the iPhone and/or depending on the pocket feel the vibrations from my phone.
This was also my first Apple Watch and hence I wanted to make sure I really liked it and used it first.
I was not after jewelry or a fashion statement ... just needed a watch that could assist me with notifications as I may not always have the iPhone and/or depending on the pocket feel the vibrations from my phone.
This was also my first Apple Watch and hence I wanted to make sure I really liked it and used it first.
This afternoon I went in and exchanged my SB SS for the regular SS. The SB - I liked the band being black, but that’s easy to fix and I didn’t like that the black seemed to chip easy. My S3 Stainless has some little scuffs and what not after a year, but it looked right and just added character. After 10 days the SB has 2 pretty good divots in it, and where the divot was it was a lighter color. Very disappointing, and very happy to be back to the regular Stainless.
I do have the aluminum with ionic glass. Doesn't take much to scratch unfortunately. My next watch when this one starts having issues will be the stainless steel with knock-off sapphire... like you mentioned, better than the alternative.
With BH photo selling a series 3 42mm stainless for $349. Even adding a $349 Apple link bracelet is cheaper than a stock stainless series 4. I’m really considering doing that. I’m a watch guy so for me the materials and quality are first and foremost as the regular aluminum just feels too light and cheap for how much the damn thing costs.
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This is what I have done. I returned my sg 42mm and ordered the SSSB series 3 from B&H. It might be free shipping for you but I live in Hawaii so it costs me another $25-$60 depending on what options you choose. I don't mind waiting longer so I went the cheaper route for shipping.
Overall I believe I made the right decision, I just need to order a crown sticker to cover that red dot
What do you guys and gals do to your watches to scratch them up ?
I travel to industrial areas all over the world (shipyards, power plants, oil and gas facilities, and metal refineries) and I’m sitting here looking at my aluminum space gray, angling it bright light, looking for scratches, and can’t find any. I’ve smacked it against metal door frames, set off the fall detection (
) and not a scratch to be found.
It’s the same thing with my eye phone. I have it in a Magpul case when working and an Apple leather one when not. No screen protector. I kept a 6+ for just over three years. When I traded it in for the 8+, the lady said it looked brand new.
That being said, I don’t see the Apple Watch as a heirloom item to be passed down generation to generation. It will eventually become useless, so I always choose the aluminum space gray. With the S4, I got the Nike version on release day. I like the sport loop that it came with. I have several different bands from older Apple watches, but I’ve never had the desire to swap out the sport loop. It breathes and I like the way it feels. YMMV.
I travel to industrial areas all over the world (shipyards, power plants, oil and gas facilities, and metal refineries) and I’m sitting here looking at my aluminum space gray, angling it bright light, looking for scratches, and can’t find any. I’ve smacked it against metal door frames, set off the fall detection (
) and not a scratch to be found. It’s the same thing with my eye phone. I have it in a Magpul case when working and an Apple leather one when not. No screen protector. I kept a 6+ for just over three years. When I traded it in for the 8+, the lady said it looked brand new.
That being said, I don’t see the Apple Watch as a heirloom item to be passed down generation to generation. It will eventually become useless, so I always choose the aluminum space gray. With the S4, I got the Nike version on release day. I like the sport loop that it came with. I have several different bands from older Apple watches, but I’ve never had the desire to swap out the sport loop. It breathes and I like the way it feels. YMMV.
Stainless Steel only for me. Had a silver Stainless Steel Series 0 that I held on to until my current black Stainless Steel Series 4. I plan to hold on to my S4 for years, as well, and I prefer the look and scratch protection of the stainless and sapphire glass.
If I swapped annually, I would go with Aluminum
If I swapped annually, I would go with Aluminum
Stainless all the way. Honestly once you use it, the aluminium ones feel like a toy. Stainless is also insanely durable. I had my S2 for 15 months and god knows how many times I bumped that thing on a table or wherever. Not a single scratch on the screen and only micro abrasions on the body.
I do not regret getting the SD series 4. Has been a great watch. I am looking to get a good leather strap for it
I have always had stainless or Ceramic but went for SS SB this time as there was no ceramic option. Its great and no matter how many times I have bashed it, it is still in mint condition.
Unless a new material comes out for AW5, I will go for SS SB again next time
Unless a new material comes out for AW5, I will go for SS SB again next time
I put a sizable nick in the finish on the SBSS S4 in the first week I had it, so I went and swapped it for the traditional stainless (like I had before) and it’s been as solid and durable as my SS S3 was. It does develop a nice patina over time.