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Apple Watch Space Gray or Stainless Steel?

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boombox15

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jun 17, 2013
272
22
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
I am thinking about buying an Apple Watch (42mm for sure) but I am stuck between two choices. My first choice is the Space Gray Sport. I love the look of the space gray and I think it would look great with other bands. The second choice is the stainless steel with the black sport band. The only thing that is preventing me from deciding is the ION-X Glass vs the Sapphire display. I don't want to get one with glass that breaks easily but I don't know how strong the ion-x glass is.

Thoughts?
 
Have you tried both on? For me, I do not like the feeling of being weighed down by a heavy watch ... so I am quite happy with my space gray sport. It's low key and looks great ... again, personal opinions!
 
I have not had a chance to try them on. I don't live near a store. Is the ion-x glass durable enough to not require a screen protector? Also, I am not a fan about how easily the stainless steel scratches
 
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boombox15 said:
I have not had a chance to try them on. I don't live near a store. Is the ion-x glass durable enough to not require a screen protector? Also, I am not a fan about how easily the stainless steel scratches
Click to expand...

Stainless Steel is more scratch resistant than anodized aluminum and if you do manage to put a scratch on Stainless it is really hard to see.

If you're dead set on Aluminum, Space Grey is probably the worst color to get because scratch the surface on a Space Grey case then the Aluminum underneath shines bright reminding you "Damn!!! Should have got Stainless Steel". Remember ScratchGate with the Space Grey iPhone 5.

iphone-5-scratchgate_scuffgate.jpeg


As for Ion-X vs Saphire Scratch Resistance



BUT HOLD ON!!!

Ion-X vs Saphire Impact Resistance


The above test are pretty extreme but for my money and everyday use without any type of protection, Stainless wins Hands Down.
 
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Have had the Space Grey for nearly two months now. No scratches. I did get a screen protector for it, but that's brcause I'm rather clumsy, and it gives me peace of mind to have screen protectors on my devices. If you use the iPhone without a screen protector, well, the glass on the Sport watch is basically the same type of glass.
 
Go with the SS as it is more durable and I have seen many posts here where users have moved from the Sport to the SS and been very happy. The choice is yours, both are very nice.
 
I think if you are asking yourself whether you should get a SGS over a SS then get the SS. If in doubt buy the Stainless Steel.
I've had both and I ended up with the SS. I do agree that the SGS outdoor visibility is better than the SS though.
 
Definitely get the steel. It looks more premium and actually looks like a watch. The sports just feels like a gadget. Plus the steel matches really well with metal bands, 6 months in when you decide to get that milanese loop, the steel is the one that will complement it the best.
 
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xraytech said:
Stainless Steel is more scratch resistant than anodized aluminum and if you do manage to put a scratch on Stainless it is really hard to see.

If you're dead set on Aluminum, Space Grey is probably the worst color to get because scratch the surface on a Space Grey case then the Aluminum underneath shines bright reminding you "Damn!!! Should have got Stainless Steel". Remember ScratchGate with the Space Grey iPhone 5.

iphone-5-scratchgate_scuffgate.jpeg


As for Ion-X vs Saphire Scratch Resistance



BUT HOLD ON!!!

Ion-X vs Saphire Impact Resistance


The above test are pretty extreme but for my money and everyday use without any type of protection, Stainless wins Hands Down.
Click to expand...


Has there been any documented proof that the space gray will scratch as easily as the iPhone 5 did? You'd think Apple would learn from that experience.
 
I had a Space Grey Sport, Upgraded to Stainless Steel with Sport Band, then bought an Aftermarket Milanese Loop, and will probably end up with Apple Care+ again (had it on the sport).

So, my all in went from
432 + 55 for apple care .. would have bought a band too so +162= 649 (tax included)
to
652 + 162 + 65 = 879 (tax included) Assuming I buy AC+ again.. currently i'm invest 814.. still a lot.

I love the watch and I just didn't feel like the space grey looked a whole lot like a watch, and the SS looks and does feel much better.

Weather it's nearly 230 better is up to the buyer. I'm not stressing about it and i felt like treating myself. love it :)
 
Fattytail said:
Has there been any documented proof that the space gray will scratch as easily as the iPhone 5 did? You'd think Apple would learn from that experience.
Click to expand...

I keep saying this -- I have Space Grey Sport, two months, no scratches. And you are right that it's a very different finish than the one on the 5S.
 
I originally bought a Sport but upgraded to the stainless steel. The Sport was okay but it just didn't give me the wow factor I was looking for plus it felt bulky on my wrist. I have the stainless steel with the stainless strap and it just has a classier look and is more versatile, especially in a professional work environment. I thought about going with black but opted for the more classic look. It's really all about your personal preferences coupled with budgetary considerations.
 
What's with your handle if you hate aluminum so much??

Sport gray looks great, so does stainless.

I much prefer the sport's weight for, you know, sports, but I don't mind a heavier watch. For me, my traditional mechanical time pieces fill this void well.

Very tough anodizing- no scratches in the aluminum despite numerous collisions with walls, etc. (I've owned my watch for exactly two months now.)

I would be surprised if the Sport's anodizing wasn't both harder and thicker than that of the iPhone 5!

Aluminum213 said:
Do you care about how it looks? Then get stainless steel
Click to expand...
 
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starbot said:
What's with your handle if you hate aluminum so much??

Sport gray looks great, so does stainless.

I much prefer the sport's weight for, you know, sports, but I don't mind a heavier watch. For me, my traditional mechanical time pieces fill this void well.

Very tough anodizing- no scratches in the aluminum despite numerous collisions with walls, etc. (I've owned my watch for exactly two months now.)

I would be surprised if the Sport's anodizing wasn't both harder and thicker than that of the iPhone 5!
Click to expand...

my iPhone, iPad, iMac and macbook are all aluminum and I love it :)

I've run 10k races with my SS Watch and it doesn't bother me 1%, like most watches, the weight is NULL after a few minutes of wearing it, it's not even considered a slightly heavy watch in the watch world.

Wear your watch everyday? then it makes sense to be able to have something that can fit any occasion, hence the watch band switching and the sport model looks terrible with leather and steel bands. Sport looks like a gadget/toy with not versatility
 
Agreed on all points (except I think the blue leather loop does look great on the SG).

That being said, I don't think the AW SS can substitute for a proper round analog watch in many, dressier situations. I still wear my other watches ~3 days a week, but if it's your only watch, SS may make more sense.

The 200$ premium is a lot IMHO.

Aluminum213 said:
my iPhone, iPad, iMac and macbook are all aluminum and I love it :)

I've run 10k races with my SS Watch and it doesn't bother me 1%, like most watches, the weight is NULL after a few minutes of wearing it, it's not even considered a slightly heavy watch in the watch world.

Wear your watch everyday? then it makes sense to be able to have something that can fit any occasion, hence the watch band switching and the sport model looks terrible with leather and steel bands. Sport looks like a gadget/toy with not versatility
Click to expand...
 
Update: Ordered the Stainless Steel Apple Watch 42mm with a black sport band last night. I was given an estimated delivery date of July 16-20, however, it is going to be delivered on July 6. Apple really needs to change their dates online.
 
boombox15 said:
Update: Ordered the Stainless Steel Apple Watch 42mm with a black sport band last night. I was given an estimated delivery date of July 16-20, however, it is going to be delivered on July 6. Apple really needs to change their dates online.
Click to expand...
This has been the trend for shipment dates; Apple's estimated delivery is a worst case date. Enjoy your watch!
 
boombox15 said:
Update: Ordered the Stainless Steel Apple Watch 42mm with a black sport band last night. I was given an estimated delivery date of July 16-20, however, it is going to be delivered on July 6. Apple really needs to change their dates online.
Click to expand...
I think they overestimate shipping to cover for any issues that may happen (so you can't question ship time unless it's past July 20th). I'd be happy with faster ship date, rather than the other way around.

Congrats on your Apple Watch! I went with Sport/aluminium, but it's all personal choice. I prefer the light weight and style of Sport (no mirror finish).
 
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