Are we crazy upgrading Series 5 to Series 6?

[MrJandali]

The motivation is the $250 trade-in I get each year on the old stainless steel watch. I end up paying just under $550 for a new SS watch yearly.

Sorry, but allow me to ask you a question. Why don´t you just sell instead of trade-in? You will get so much more money then and the upgrade will be much less expensive. What do you say?

 

[Neodym]

Sorry, but allow me to ask you a question. Why don´t you just sell instead of trade-in? You will get so much more money then and the upgrade will be much less expensive. What do you say?

Some people simply like to avoid the hassle of having to investigate a proper asking price, making a sales presentation to lure customers, dealing with potential customers on the usual platforms asking questions, trying to (aggressively) negotiate, not showing up without giving note, trying to talk you into some fraud, claiming they did not get your package or that it was damaged.

That were only a few valid reasons - I’m sure there are more for not wanting to sell privately. As always, of course, YMMV.

 

[MrJandali]

Ok... Understand that.

I´ve postet my S5 SS today on Ebay and it was sold after 5 hours for 480€. (est. 560 USD) It took me est. 45m to create the listing with 12 pictures. (shot on XS Max) Fees est. 15€ / 20 USD. Shipping with DHL ist quick, easy and safe. My issue rate selling stuff is about 2-3% estimated. Up to now any issue could be solved sooner or later. (I´m on Ebay since 1999 with 5000+ positive feedback points.)

But why did it sell so quickly? Because that´s a very very nice price... Lowest point right now those sell around 450€.

Yes, it´s right. Many things can happen. If one is not used to that, it might be painful. But the difference might be worth it? Just a suggestion.

Thank you!

 

[mj_]

The selling experience on eBay very much depends on the country you’re in. I‘ve sold stuff on eBay in Europe and in the US and I can assure you that those two experiences are not comparable at all. Although it’s been a while since I moved back to the US and I’ve heard that things have gotten much worse in Europe, too. Too many scammers, too many people who outbid everybody then try to negotiate the price down by threatening the seller with negative feedback with no way of retaliation (sellers can’t even give neutral feedback anymore, only positive). Not worth the hassle, which is why many choose either trade-ins or neighborhood buy & sell groups.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

The selling experience on eBay very much depends on the country you’re in. I‘ve sold stuff on eBay in Europe and in the US and I can assure you that those two experiences are not comparable at all. Although it’s been a while since I moved back to the US and I’ve heard that things have gotten much worse in Europe, too. Too many scammers, too many people who outbid everybody then try to negotiate the price down by threatening the seller with negative feedback with no way of retaliation (sellers can’t even give neutral feedback anymore, only positive). Not worth the hassle, which is why many choose either trade-ins or neighborhood buy & sell groups.

If someone tries to blackmail you with negative feedback, this can be forwarded to eBay. I try not to use eBay for selling as if things go wrong it’s a lengthy process.

 

[44267547]

Sorry, but allow me to ask you a question. Why don´t you just sell instead of trade-in? You will get so much more money then and the upgrade will be much less expensive. What do you say?

Because we’re living in different times. Trading-in is so much more convenient and a quicker, safer experience than selling out right. Selling out right poses a risk of fraud, hassling from Hagler‘s, public meet ups with unknown buyers, Ect.

if I had the opportunity of trading in versus selling out right and it meant the difference of $40 as a loss by trading in, I would gladly trade in my Apple Watch, just because I don’t have the time to deal with people who think they can outsmart (Which they can’t) by haggling. Let alone, eBay is a trash bin full of fraud that I also won’t waste my time on.

 

[schlupps]

reading this thread, i am somewhat reconsidering my decision to trigger a trade-in (for the first time) some days ago.

 

[ssledoux]

Hmmm, I've got the Apple Watch 3, and have been tempted each year to upgrade. I think that the most useful feature since the 3 is the always-on display, but I never got round to upgrading. Now the 6 is here, I'm tempted, but I'm also thinking that the 7 could bring about a big design upgrade. Like, no bezel, microLED and/or slimmer body. I suppose there's also that thinking of "What will next year bring, and should I hold out one more year?", but having said that:

What will next year bring, and should I hold out one more year? 😆

To me the best feature since the 3 was the change in screen size. It made a big difference in ease of use of the watch for me. AOD is nice too for sure.

 

[Coltaine]

I also upgraded from a Titanium AW Series 5 to a Titanium AW Series 6 - and I will probably upgrade again next year.
To me it is worth it, but I don't need a justification, I just want to.
Me (and my family, wife and daughter) are in the lucky situation (and I really mean it, I feel grateful for it) that we can afford these kinds of things. I just love Apple tech and I love owning the latest & greatest.
Maybe this stems from my childhood days, when I grew up in modest circumstances and we simply couldn't afford many things. But through hard work and persistency, I am now in a situation, where 800 or 1000 Euros for an AW every year don't make that much of a difference.
The old Watches (or other Apple products for that matter) are either traded in with Apple or passed on to members of the extended family (whom I charge the price, a potential Apple trade-in would have earned me, if they insist on paying me something). I do not want to go through the hassle of selling it and dealing with all kinds of weird buyers out there.

As a matter of fact, the AW Series 6 provides me with a (in my opinion) noticeably faster user experience, somewhat longer battery life, the oxygen sensor, improved heart rate measurement (since I am much into fitness and sports) and a slightly better AOD. To me worthwhile, if incremental, updates.

So as long as you can afford it an feel like it, why not upgrade? Any reason is a good reason. Even no reason at all.

 

[Deliro]

Wow. 250 on a SS that goes for over 800 new. That’s a hefty yearly expense and depreciation. My wife sold her series 5 aluminum for 300 just 6 weeks ago. Why not go private ? Yes the ease of Apple trade in but they sure do fleece you.

But back to the question. I wouldn’t say crazy I would say extremely wasteful. You will not see any improvements to your day to day experience. Really my advice on upgrading is only if there’s a new killer feature to make it worthwhile. There is nothing significant about a 5 to 6 jump

Of course if money is zero concern here and you got it to blow, by all means do it if that brings you happiness.

I’ll keep my current watch until something big is added or Apple stops supporting it with software upgrades. I went from a 0 to my current. It was a significant user experience bump but the 0 was still doing fine.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I also upgraded from a Titanium AW Series 5 to a Titanium AW Series 6 - and I will probably upgrade again next year.
To me it is worth it, but I don't need a justification, I just want to.
Me (and my family, wife and daughter) are in the lucky situation (and I really mean it, I feel grateful for it) that we can afford these kinds of things. I just love Apple tech and I love owning the latest & greatest.
Maybe this stems from my childhood days, when I grew up in modest circumstances and we simply couldn't afford many things. But through hard work and persistency, I am now in a situation, where 800 or 1000 Euros for an AW every year don't make that much of a difference.
The old Watches (or other Apple products for that matter) are either traded in with Apple or passed on to members of the extended family (whom I charge the price, a potential Apple trade-in would have earned me, if they insist on paying me something). I do not want to go through the hassle of selling it and dealing with all kinds of weird buyers out there.

As a matter of fact, the AW Series 6 provides me with a (in my opinion) noticeably faster user experience, somewhat longer battery life, the oxygen sensor, improved heart rate measurement (since I am much into fitness and sports) and a slightly better AOD. To me worthwhile, if incremental, updates.

So as long as you can afford it an feel like it, why not upgrade? Any reason is a good reason. Even no reason at all.

I could afford it too as I’m in a lucky position just like yourself financially. I don’t see the point though and on that basis I get no enjoyment from such minor incremental updates. Nobody has a clue that I’m wearing an S5 rather than an S6 either as physically they look the same and have an identical user experience. They are even as quick as each other since the introduction of WatchOS7. I suppose that’s my enjoyment, knowing I can keep a watch 3 years knowing it’s good for that. We’re all different.

 

[ParagJain]

That's the kind of answer I was hoping to read to talk me off the ledge in canceling the order.

Buying an $800 SS watch every year, to most people, would seem insane. Standard watches are kept in the family for a lifetime.

I go with Stainless Steel because they are more durable. I really knock my watch around and I have never gotten nicks on the body or scratches on the glass.

The $250 trade-in is a big incentive because it brings the price of the watch down to just under $550.





Same for me. Just harder this year as it doesn't even seem we are getting improved battery life with the Series 6 over 5.

Since you've mentioned you buy watch every year; Need to ask - the money you've spent on this tech gadget, you could have ended up buying yourself a nice Rolex. Rolex would last you a lifetime and mind you, A Rolex is Rolex in every country .. Apple Watch is just a technology gimmick in many countries.

just my 0.02$ ..

 

[Neodym]

Since you've mentioned you buy watch every year; Need to ask - the money you've spent on this tech gadget, you could have ended up buying yourself a nice Rolex. Rolex would last you a lifetime and mind you, A Rolex is Rolex in every country .. Apple Watch is just a technology gimmick in many countries.

just my 0.02$ ..

That’s missing the point, though. A Rolex (or Patek Philippe, Citizen, Omega and many other traditional brands) is more or less only a timepiece with a few perks such as date, moon phase etc., whereas the Apple Watch is a full fledged Computer-on-the-wrist with a much broader functionality.

People who argue that traditional watches keep their value over decades, often overlook the difference between both product types.

A century ago, having a pocket watch was the hottest sh*t and one would display wealth and status by owning one. They were considered an investment and heirloom. Then they got out of fashion and eventually no one was interested anymore.

Something similar will happen to traditional (expensive) wrist watches. They are out-developed and not the technological marvels anymore that they used to be.

 

[ParagJain]

That’s missing the point, though. A Rolex (or Patek Philippe, Citizen, Omega and many other traditional brands) is more or less only a timepiece with a few perks such as date, moon phase etc., whereas the Apple Watch is a full fledged Computer-on-the-wrist with a much broader functionality.

People who argue that traditional watches keep their value over decades, often overlook the difference between both product types.

A century ago, having a pocket watch was the hottest sh*t and one would display wealth and status by owning one. They were considered an investment and heirloom. Then they got out of fashion and eventually no one was interested anymore.

Something similar will happen to traditional (expensive) wrist watches. They are out-developed and not the technological marvels anymore that they used to be.

Fair enough. It’s good to have different perspectives.

 

[44267547]

Since you've mentioned you buy watch every year; Need to ask - the money you've spent on this tech gadget, you could have ended up buying yourself a nice Rolex. Rolex would last you a lifetime and mind you, A Rolex is Rolex in every country .. Apple Watch is just a technology gimmick in many countries.

just my 0.02$ ..

A Rolex and Apple Watch are not mutually exclusive. We’re talking about historical time piece versus a piece of silicon tech. I’d Say like 99% of consumers will never own a Rolex in their lifetime (And maybe they don’t care to), where as the Apple Watch is far more affordable and sought after because of how dynamic it is with health tracking and communication.

Quite a few members even in this very Apple Watch forum own both mechanical watches and an Apple Watch, because they both have completely different purposes, where a mechanical time piece is more of something that will be handed down and carry heritage.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

That’s missing the point, though. A Rolex (or Patek Philippe, Citizen, Omega and many other traditional brands) is more or less only a timepiece with a few perks such as date, moon phase etc., whereas the Apple Watch is a full fledged Computer-on-the-wrist with a much broader functionality.

People who argue that traditional watches keep their value over decades, often overlook the difference between both product types.

A century ago, having a pocket watch was the hottest sh*t and one would display wealth and status by owning one. They were considered an investment and heirloom. Then they got out of fashion and eventually no one was interested anymore.

Something similar will happen to traditional (expensive) wrist watches. They are out-developed and not the technological marvels anymore that they used to be.

You are right that they are two different things. A traditional watch is a piece of jewellery that provides decades of enjoyment whereas an AW is a throwaway gadget in many senses. If I wear a traditional watch people tend to say ‘oh that’s a nice watch’ and if I wear my AW it goes relatively unnoticed. I think we are at the point now where the AW is widely used and is no longer a new thing, much like the iPhone.

The stainless AW is the worst model for depreciation and that’s something anybody should factor in if they are planning to get rid of it after a year. Bizarrely the aluminium, Hermes and Ceramic models retain a good percentage of their value, however at the end of the day they all have the same functionality.

 

[MrJandali]

Because we’re living in different times. Trading-in is so much more convenient and a quicker, safer experience than selling out right. Selling out right poses a risk of fraud, hassling from Hagler‘s, public meet ups with unknown buyers, Ect.

if I had the opportunity of trading in versus selling out right and it meant the difference of $40 as a loss by trading in, I would gladly trade in my Apple Watch, just because I don’t have the time to deal with people who think they can outsmart (Which they can’t) by haggling. Let alone, eBay is a trash bin full of fraud that I also won’t waste my time on.

Well, understandable.

Anyway, what I was talking about was an est. difference of 250$ for a watch Apple offers 250$ for trading-in. Not 40$ but 6x as much. I think that´s a huge difference.

In Germany Apple offers 190€ max. for a S5. Selling for 450€ is just a pleasure for a mint S5 SS. The Watch might sell within minutes on weekend and be payed instantly in advance in most cases.

Anyway.

The selling experience on eBay very much depends on the country you’re in. I‘ve sold stuff on eBay in Europe and in the US and I can assure you that those two experiences are not comparable at all. Although it’s been a while since I moved back to the US and I’ve heard that things have gotten much worse in Europe, too. Too many scammers, too many people who outbid everybody then try to negotiate the price down by threatening the seller with negative feedback with no way of retaliation (sellers can’t even give neutral feedback anymore, only positive). Not worth the hassle, which is why many choose either trade-ins or neighborhood buy & sell groups.

Ok, if you say so, doesn´t surprise me that eBay is different in the US compared to EU. Anyway I´m talking about "buy-it-now" listings, not auctions. Auctions are something completely different compared to buy-it-now offers. The result is a matter of luck and there might be such issues as you say. Buy-it-now has a pay-it-now option which also works nicely, as long as there is no price suggestion. Don´t know if this is so on US-eBay, too.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Well, understandable.

Anyway, what I was talking about was an est. difference of 250$ for a watch Apple offers 250$ for trading-in. Not 40$ but 6x as much. I think that´s a huge difference.

In Germany Apple offers 190€ max. for a S5. Selling for 450€ is just a pleasure for a mint S5 SS. The Watch might sell within minutes on weekend and be payed instantly in advance in most cases.

Anyway.

I’d much rather sell privately too as it’s quick and convenient. I’d rather deal face to face with a buyer but I live in a less dangerous area than some. Apple offer about £100 less than what a watch can be sold privately for here and that is just far too much to lose IMO. I sold an iPhone through Facebook on Saturday within an hour of putting it up for sale. I didn’t even have to leave my house.

 

[deeddawg]

The selling experience on eBay very much depends on the country you’re in. I‘ve sold stuff on eBay in Europe and in the US and I can assure you that those two experiences are not comparable at all. Although it’s been a while since I moved back to the US and I’ve heard that things have gotten much worse in Europe, too. Too many scammers, too many people who outbid everybody then try to negotiate the price down by threatening the seller with negative feedback with no way of retaliation (sellers can’t even give neutral feedback anymore, only positive). Not worth the hassle, which is why many choose either trade-ins or neighborhood buy & sell groups.

This is why I use Swappa.com -- none of the ebay BS. So far.

 

[Neodym]

You are right that they are two different things. A traditional watch is a piece of jewellery that provides decades of enjoyment whereas an AW is a throwaway gadget in many senses. If I wear a traditional watch people tend to say ‘oh that’s a nice watch’ and if I wear my AW it goes relatively unnoticed.

My impression is that showing off has become less popular recently. And I never heard anyone commenting about a watch (nor did I do it myself) - though I’m no measure by any means.

Personally I find more enjoyment in modern and continuously improving tech, rather than in always-the-same, limited tech of the past, no matter the brand.

I would also not use the term „gadget“ for something as sophisticated as the Apple Watch. Tech evolves fast and I find that more interesting than having some piece of Jewelry on my wrist.

But again, that’s only me and YMMV.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

My impression is that showing off has become less popular recently. And I never heard anyone commenting about a watch (nor did I do it myself) - though I’m no measure by any means.

Personally I find more enjoyment in modern and continuously improving tech, rather than in always-the-same, limited tech of the past, no matter the brand.

I would also not use the term „gadget“ for something as sophisticated as the Apple Watch. Tech evolves fast and I find that more interesting than having some piece of Jewelry on my wrist.

But again, that’s only me and YMMV.

I’ve never worn a watch to show off and it’s always been about personal enjoyment over anything else. I have found since smart watches have become so popular, people often notice a nice traditional watch though.

I enjoy my Apple Watch for what it is, a rather anonymous screen on my wrist because of what it can do. I enjoy a proper watch more though as I’ve grown up appreciating nice watches. I wouldn’t wear an AW with a suit for instance as I think it looks tacky but that’s just my own personal perception. There will always be a place in the market for both.

 

[Coltaine]

I could afford it too as I’m in a lucky position just like yourself financially. I don’t see the point though and on that basis I get no enjoyment from such minor incremental updates. Nobody has a clue that I’m wearing an S5 rather than an S6 either as physically they look the same and have an identical user experience. They are even as quick as each other since the introduction of WatchOS7. I suppose that’s my enjoyment, knowing I can keep a watch 3 years knowing it’s good for that. We’re all different.

Fair point and absolutely understandable. I just love the new tech and the additional features it brings. I would not do it, however, if I had to throw the old watch into the trashcan. But for the most part other people get a few more years of enjoyment out of it. So I am fine with that. But as you say: we are all different. 🤗

 

[MrJandali]

So what can you do with a 1st Gen Watch today, yet? Not so much. It got simply too slow. Show time with complications. Calendar. Moon and Sun. Not sure. At least things not using BT or Wlan. What about the battery? Batteries can be renewed so easily and cheap on regular watches. If Apple would like to last the Watches longer they should think about it and find a "fix". Implement a way being able to use the watch in 20, 30 plus years, yet. Not matter what will happen. That would change it. Some kind of an "independent everlasting mode" that can be activated and will offer a regular non-tech watch experience with things you can do without being dependent on anything.

What do you think?

 

[cdcastillo]

I have done a stainless steel Apple Watch upgrade every single year. I swore last year I wouldn't, but the "always-on" feature of the Series 5 really intrigued me.

And I instinctively pulled the trigger and bought the Series 6 this year and I am sitting here questioning myself....WHY?

The motivation is the $250 trade-in I get each year on the old stainless steel watch. I end up paying just under $550 for a new SS watch yearly.

But, should that $250 really be an incentive to spend the $550 for a watch with only a marginal improvement?

Apple didn't even talk about improved battery life, though the new chip inside the watch is supposed to make it more energy-efficient.

Just wondering if anyone else is as careless as I am this year going from a 5 to a 6 series.

I still have time to cancel my order.

I do something similar, but instead of getting an trade-in incentive, I sell the previous watch and upgrade. I also always choose the aluminum watch, since I'll be trading it next year, and the only difference is the aesthetic of it. I end up spending about 250 bucks each year for the new top of the line (I mean, cell+gps, not the aluminum) watch.

 

[Deliro]

This is why I use Swappa.com -- none of the ebay BS. So far.

I only use OfferUp and only local in cash. Sure it may take a little longer and I get lowball offers 90% of the time. But I won’t touch eBay especially when people want to pay with PayPal. PayPal will reverse transactions pretty simply. I’ve sold my Mac and numerous iPhones in person.