AW Aluminum vs SS/Iox-X vs Sapphire Crystal

[lifereinspired]

Hi,

I have my first Apple Watch on order but I'm second guessing my choice. I'm concerned about the Ion-X Glass - specific, how easy it is to scratch it.

I've seen that the Sapphire Crystal (SC) likely will shatter more if dropped (though this doesn't guarantee survival of an Ion-X AW that's dropped), so that is a concern about the SC face.

So, here are my questions:

1) How many of your have suffered a drop of their AW. Which glass did it have and did it survive?

2) How many of you have scratched the face of your AW - and which glass did it have. It seems fairly common that the Ion-X scratches extremely easily.

3) Will the Stainless Steel or Titanium retain more value when selling or will I lose the extra I put into it?

4) I've read that the SC affects the display negatively due to it's much higher reflectivity. In bright light, it washes out more. For anyone who's have the SS or both SS and Alum, have you noticed this?

5) Has anyone w/ SC face had issues with chipping? The scratch resistance is incredible but I wonder about chipping.

6) Having Apple Care+, maybe I'm better off dealing with a drop (which should be covered, w/ the deductible payment) vs multiple scratches on the Ion-X (which I'm guessing they won't cover, right, as it's considered "normal wear & tear"). Thoughts?

7) Anyone used a screen protector and has it helped?

8) I'm a little worried about a case/screen protector as some Redditors have published phots of the case itself causing scratches to the watch and face. I always use cases/screen protectors on my phones because my health issues cause me to drop them some. However, a watch isn't the same since it's strapped to one's wrist. I mostly worry about scratching or chipping while going by a wall, door jamb, etc. I think the Solo Loop might help me drop it less since I won't be fiddling with a watch clasp while the AW isn't yet attached to my wrist (I would think one of the most vulnerable moments).

9) What's the difference in the PVD Gold coating vs the DLC Graphite coating on the SS models of the S6. I've heard that either of these is much more scratch resistance vs the silver SS.

10) Does the PVD Gold SS show fingerprints as much as the DLC Graphite SS? I've seen some photos of fingerprints on the previous Space Black SS & it did show quite a bit. Curious if Gold shows as much.

Since this is my first Apple Watch, I don't yet know how often I'll be upgrading but spending more now is a consideration. I don't particularly want to lose the value of the extra spent on a SS or Titanium when I go to sell it later on. I don't know if innovation is coming to somewhat of a plateau, given that the AW is just so good. Since I do have some health issues, I suppose if a must have feature (especially health feature) is offered, I might upgrade after a year but I'd probably keep it for two years, maybe more? I am planning to have the Apple Care+ Plan since a replacement screen is so much $$$.

Thanks so much for any advice. I'll add any info shared to my Apple Watch Comparison Chart that I shared last week. I've made several updates and I'll upload the new version soon. I want to include any info from this post, too.

 

[bluegt]

Hey, I'll share my thoughts to help you with your decision:
1) Never dropped it - I've heard of it happening in rare cases but for most people it's attached securely to your wrist. I have nearly dropped it while changing straps or knocking it while it is charging...
2) Banged multiple SC and Ion-X models into things - only once have I gotten a very minor scratch on an Ion-X screen. I forgot it was there after a few days.
3) Based on private market resale value, after 1 year Aluminium loses 30% of the original value, Steel loses 35% and Titanium loses 40%
4) SC is more reflective (I can use it like a dark mirror...) and possibly a bit crisper as a result, but I honestly don't find any difference in day-to-day use. Both screens are great. People who spend a lot of time outdoors may have a different view on this.
5) I've never chipped a SC model - per 2)
6) AC+ Accidental Damage should cover everything (note, you need to pay an additional fee if its accidental damage)
7) I've used many types of screen protectors, typically I try them for a few months then take them off. It impacts the feel of the screen and they tend to peel after some time if you are active with the watch. There is a very long thread about this in the the AW Accessories forum.
8) I've seen a lot of rough looking Aluminium models that were kept in cases. What happens is dirt gets trapped between the watch and the case and causes damage. There are cases where this won't happen - I suggest doing some research on the AW Accessories forum. I don't use any cases, never had an issue
9) DLC is a stronger form of PVD coating. They are both more scratch resistant than the silver SS. However, if a silver SS gets scratched, you can use a polishing close to rub it off. If a Graphite DLC gets scratched (still possible, even with DLC), it's permanent.
10) Can't comment directly on Gold, but generally all the glossy surface SS models will show fingerprints. A quick wipe with a small microfiber cloth (or cotton t-shirt) and it's as good as new (remember most of the time your fingers will be touching the screen and crown, and not the side casing)

My suggestion is to go to a store and try them on, decide based on what you feel best about. Some people like the premium feel of Titanium, some people want the classic look of silver SS, some people want the hardest metal of Graphite DLC SS, some people want the lightest and get Aluminium.

Importantly, consider what kind of strap you want to use... for example: it can look odd to use a leather strap with silver lugs/connector with a watch case that is not matching. Many have commented on fewer strap choices with the Space Black/Blue AWs. (like screen protectors and cases, there are lot of diverging opinions on this)

I upgrade every year so generally prefer Aluminium with AC+ - this approach retains the most resale value, doesn't break the bank so I can upgrade every year and AC+ gives me piece of mind in case of damage. That said, this year I got the SS model because I wanted a different look.

 

[glenthompson]

I prefer the aluminum model due to weight. My series 1 has one small scratch in the glass. After a year+ my refurb S4 is still pristine. I don’t like screen protectors or cases. I’m fairly rough on stuff rarely taking my watch off while working on stuff.

 

[tednol]

Having worn an Ion-X version of the S3 for one year, and the Ion-X version of the S4 for two years, both developed very slight scratches to the screen. I emphasise slight. They were not visible from front on, I would pretty much have to switch off the screen and tilt the device to be able to see them. They didn't impact my usage or enjoyment of the device at all.

My version of normal usage was to wear the watch pretty much 24/7. I don't have a manual job, but I'd wear it for sports and random DIY things round the home, and pretty much lived my life without being conscious that I had something on my wrist that I needed to protect.

You'll hear from people who have Ion-X watches they've worn for 2 years that look flawless, and I absolutely believe them. But normal usage, and the accommodations people build into their lives for their watches, vary.

I've never dropped an Apple Watch, perhaps because all the straps I've ever used have been loops of one form or another. I don't think I've ever dropped any watch though...

Re screen protectors, I've always had a tempered glass one on my phone. I've never looked at them for my watch for a similar reason I've never looked at cases. In my head watches are more of an extension of myself than a device like my phone, and I can't imagine a case or a protector that wouldn't, to me at least, detract from the look of the watch.

 

[deeddawg]

Hi,

I have my first Apple Watch on order but I'm second guessing my choice. I'm concerned about the Ion-X Glass - specific, how easy it is to scratch it.

I've seen that the Sapphire Crystal (SC) likely will shatter more if dropped (though this doesn't guarantee survival of an Ion-X AW that's dropped), so that is a concern about the SC face.

So, here are my questions:

1) How many of your have suffered a drop of their AW. Which glass did it have and did it survive?

2) How many of you have scratched the face of your AW - and which glass did it have. It seems fairly common that the Ion-X scratches extremely easily.

3) Will the Stainless Steel or Titanium retain more value when selling or will I lose the extra I put into it?

4) I've read that the SC affects the display negatively due to it's much higher reflectivity. In bright light, it washes out more. For anyone who's have the SS or both SS and Alum, have you noticed this?

5) Has anyone w/ SC face had issues with chipping? The scratch resistance is incredible but I wonder about chipping.

6) Having Apple Care+, maybe I'm better off dealing with a drop (which should be covered, w/ the deductible payment) vs multiple scratches on the Ion-X (which I'm guessing they won't cover, right, as it's considered "normal wear & tear"). Thoughts?

7) Anyone used a screen protector and has it helped?

8) I'm a little worried about a case/screen protector as some Redditors have published phots of the case itself causing scratches to the watch and face. I always use cases/screen protectors on my phones because my health issues cause me to drop them some. However, a watch isn't the same since it's strapped to one's wrist. I mostly worry about scratching or chipping while going by a wall, door jamb, etc. I think the Solo Loop might help me drop it less since I won't be fiddling with a watch clasp while the AW isn't yet attached to my wrist (I would think one of the most vulnerable moments).

9) What's the difference in the PVD Gold coating vs the DLC Graphite coating on the SS models of the S6. I've heard that either of these is much more scratch resistance vs the silver SS.

10) Does the PVD Gold SS show fingerprints as much as the DLC Graphite SS? I've seen some photos of fingerprints on the previous Space Black SS & it did show quite a bit. Curious if Gold shows as much.

Since this is my first Apple Watch, I don't yet know how often I'll be upgrading but spending more now is a consideration. I don't particularly want to lose the value of the extra spent on a SS or Titanium when I go to sell it later on. I don't know if innovation is coming to somewhat of a plateau, given that the AW is just so good. Since I do have some health issues, I suppose if a must have feature (especially health feature) is offered, I might upgrade after a year but I'd probably keep it for two years, maybe more? I am planning to have the Apple Care+ Plan since a replacement screen is so much $$$.

Thanks so much for any advice. I'll add any info shared to my Apple Watch Comparison Chart that I shared last week. I've made several updates and I'll upload the new version soon. I want to include any info from this post, too.

For background, I've owned Aluminum S2, Aluminum S3, SBSS S4, SBSS S5, and now SBTi S6.

#1 - can't recall ever dropping, but it may have happened. None of my watches ever had screen damage that I remember, beyond mild scuffing at the rounded edge of the ionx glass.

#2 - see above - haven't scratched a display that I recall

#3 - SS or Ti will have a slightly higher private resale value than aluminum, but only a small fraction of the upfront price differential. Best to view the initial price as a Sunk Cost right from the beginning -- and then any later upgrade decisions are made from the cost-delta of whatever the current watch resale is vs the new watch price.

#4 - yes, sapphire crystal is slightly more reflective and slightly less transmissive (dimmer) than ionX. Hasn't been an issue for me, and I run outdoors. S5 AOD was a bit tough to read in at an angle in full sunlight wearing sunglasses (polarized vs regular making no difference), especially if screen smudged. No issues seeing the active screen though. Haven't had my S6 long enough to really get a sense of the AOD since it was cloudy/rainy yesterday.

#5 - haven't seen any chips

#6 - read the fine print. cosmetic damage isn't covered by AC+ last I remember. Nor is intentional damage covered. Strictly speaking, smashing the watch with a hammer and claiming it as accidental damage would be fraudulent IMHO even if not strictly fraud by legal definition. (no pedants please, you know what I mean).

#7 - on my aluminum watches I'd use a TPU watch cover when doing home DIY projects. It helped. It was also ugly as crap and not anything I'd use on a regular basis.

#7a - my aluminum watches were damaged on the casing just in everyday usage with accidental whacks against door frames etc. Never a screen issue that I recall beyond slight scuffing. zero screen damage on the sapphire watches

#8 - makes sense. trap some grit and keep rubbing it back and forth and you'll have damaged your watch with what was supposed to protect it.

#9 DLC = diamond-like carbon - very tough. PVD - Physical Vapor Deposition - a process not a coating, so any toughness depends on the coating applied via PVD. DLC is a form of PVD - difference being what's getting deposited. See:

Physical vapor deposition - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Diamond-like carbon - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

#10 - don't know.

 

[bhferguson]

I can’t answer all of your questions, but I will share my experience.

I had the SS series 0 until the series 5 came out. I replaced it with an aluminum series 4, mostly due to cost, but also didn’t feel I needed the cellular option that is now standard on the SS model.

My SS didn’t have a single scratch on the screen. Not a single blemish. Three months in on my Series 4 and the scratches were all over the place. Now, I will say I am a pretty active outdoorsman, and I wear my watch non-stop. The glass has taken a beating, to the point where I have decided to go back to the SS for Series 6.

Just my experience, but I feel the Saphire is far superior to the Ion glass.

 

[44267547]

No -TLDR- version available?

Anyways, just speaking from experience, the Ion-X Glass It’s completely inferior to the sapphire display. However, I generally don’t think consumers care about minuscule scratches on a watch display. If you opt for the sport model aluminum and you’re obviously very concerned about scratches, I would highly suggest a screen protector off Amazon for like $7.00 for a (2) pack.

The 7000 series aluminum is very good, but keep in mind, if it is damaged by impact, it’s permanent, especially for chips. Where as the stainless, it actually gives the watch character and scratches can be removed with a polishing cloth.

 

[canyonblue737]

1) How many of your have suffered a drop of their AW. Which glass did it have and did it survive?

I've only had 1 or 2 drops of the watches in 5 years of use and nothing shattered. I'm careful putting them on and off and once on obviously they shouldn't be falling off. I don't think this is near the same risk as an iPhone which you are constantly handholding. Use good judgement and falls shouldn't be an issue.

2) How many of you have scratched the face of your AW - and which glass did it have. It seems fairly common that the Ion-X scratches extremely easily.

I've had sapphire the entire time. Never, ever scratched even banging it in sharp edged metal or stone. It's why I paid more frankly. But this year I moved to an aluminum ionX screen to see how it is for a year. I fully expect scuffs now but hopefully only minor, as I was used to with older non-smartwatch glass faced watches. My teen daughter's ionX apple watch face that is 1.5 years old only shows barely noticeable marks if tilted in the light, it isn't ugly or anything and not noticeable to others on the wrist.

3) Will the Stainless Steel or Titanium retain more value when selling or will I lose the extra I put into it?

You lose extra! BIG TIME. The AW loses value far more than any other Apple device. The best at retaining their value are the cheapest, my older SBSS AW4 only was worth $30 more than an aluminum AW4 after only 1 year despite costing me $300+ more! This is resale prices to Apple and you can do better on sites like eBay but the more expensive watches plummet far faster than the cheap ones there too. Major downside to the expensive models if you intend to resell them.

4) I've read that the SC affects the display negatively due to it's much higher reflectivity. In bright light, it washes out more. For anyone who's have the SS or both SS and Alum, have you noticed this?

I've had them both now, I'm sure its "true" but its so subtle I can't notice it, although I haven't tried side by side. Both are very bright and you'd love either. It is NOT worth deciding on glass vs. sapphire just on the idea sapphire is somehow going to be dimmer or washed out.

5) Has anyone w/ SC face had issues with chipping? The scratch resistance is incredible but I wonder about chipping.

Never. I heard the SC might be equal or even slightly more likely to shatter than glass but honestly its a subtle difference and scratches are far, far, far bigger and more likely issue. If price is no object and a "perfect" screen is what you want for your watch then sapphire is the better choice hands down even if the shatter resistance is in theory slightly less.

6) Having Apple Care+, maybe I'm better off dealing with a drop (which should be covered, w/ the deductible payment) vs multiple scratches on the Ion-X (which I'm guessing they won't cover, right, as it's considered "normal wear & tear"). Thoughts?

Probably. I haven't used AC+ on my watches ever, never had a shatter or damage in 5 years of 24/7 use.

7) Anyone used a screen protector and has it helped?

I won't put a screen protector on a watch, to me it looks beyond absurd. I'm sure it would help the glass models with scratches but again, I'd rather have a scratch than a screen protector when it comes to watch.

8) I'm a little worried about a case/screen protector as some Redditors have published phots of the case itself causing scratches to the watch and face. I always use cases/screen protectors on my phones because my health issues cause me to drop them some. However, a watch isn't the same since it's strapped to one's wrist. I mostly worry about scratching or chipping while going by a wall, door jamb, etc. I think the Solo Loop might help me drop it less since I won't be fiddling with a watch clasp while the AW isn't yet attached to my wrist (I would think one of the most vulnerable moments).

On your own here, the scratches are likely to come with walls, door jambs etc. like you said, I think the risk of dropping taking it on or off once or twice a day is fairly minimal if you use the least bit of care. I've probably totally jinxed myself.

9) What's the difference in the PVD Gold coating vs the DLC Graphite coating on the SS models of the S6. I've heard that either of these is much more scratch resistance vs the silver SS.

DLC Graphite and DLC SBSS coating is nearly scratch proof. By far the most damage resistant coating Apple Watches have and my SBSS looks essentially new after 2 years of constant wear. The PVD coating does help reduce scratches but not nearly to the extent of the DLC coating. Silver SS scratches while breathing on it as you rest it on a bed of feathers... lol! That said Silver SS is the one material I think looks good scratched up over time, like a patina. You can also easily polish it out, something you can't do with the DLC and PVD coated models. You'll just need to do it daily the way Silver SS collects scratches.

10) Does the PVD Gold SS show fingerprints as much as the DLC Graphite SS? I've seen some photos of fingerprints on the previous Space Black SS & it did show quite a bit. Curious if Gold shows as much.

Both show finger prints, I'd imagine it might be easier to see on the gold but in general the casing is so thin vs. the screen you don't notice smudges much, it's just hard to see the case much in the first place.

Expand the above. Replies in bold. I've owned SS AW0, SBSS AW3, SBSS AW4, SG AW6.

 

[odonnelly99]

Hi,

I have my first Apple Watch on order but I'm second guessing my choice. I'm concerned about the Ion-X Glass - specific, how easy it is to scratch it.

I've seen that the Sapphire Crystal (SC) likely will shatter more if dropped (though this doesn't guarantee survival of an Ion-X AW that's dropped), so that is a concern about the SC face.

So, here are my questions:

1) How many of your have suffered a drop of their AW. Which glass did it have and did it survive?

2) How many of you have scratched the face of your AW - and which glass did it have. It seems fairly common that the Ion-X scratches extremely easily.

3) Will the Stainless Steel or Titanium retain more value when selling or will I lose the extra I put into it?

4) I've read that the SC affects the display negatively due to it's much higher reflectivity. In bright light, it washes out more. For anyone who's have the SS or both SS and Alum, have you noticed this?

5) Has anyone w/ SC face had issues with chipping? The scratch resistance is incredible but I wonder about chipping.

6) Having Apple Care+, maybe I'm better off dealing with a drop (which should be covered, w/ the deductible payment) vs multiple scratches on the Ion-X (which I'm guessing they won't cover, right, as it's considered "normal wear & tear"). Thoughts?

7) Anyone used a screen protector and has it helped?

8) I'm a little worried about a case/screen protector as some Redditors have published phots of the case itself causing scratches to the watch and face. I always use cases/screen protectors on my phones because my health issues cause me to drop them some. However, a watch isn't the same since it's strapped to one's wrist. I mostly worry about scratching or chipping while going by a wall, door jamb, etc. I think the Solo Loop might help me drop it less since I won't be fiddling with a watch clasp while the AW isn't yet attached to my wrist (I would think one of the most vulnerable moments).

9) What's the difference in the PVD Gold coating vs the DLC Graphite coating on the SS models of the S6. I've heard that either of these is much more scratch resistance vs the silver SS.

10) Does the PVD Gold SS show fingerprints as much as the DLC Graphite SS? I've seen some photos of fingerprints on the previous Space Black SS & it did show quite a bit. Curious if Gold shows as much.

Since this is my first Apple Watch, I don't yet know how often I'll be upgrading but spending more now is a consideration. I don't particularly want to lose the value of the extra spent on a SS or Titanium when I go to sell it later on. I don't know if innovation is coming to somewhat of a plateau, given that the AW is just so good. Since I do have some health issues, I suppose if a must have feature (especially health feature) is offered, I might upgrade after a year but I'd probably keep it for two years, maybe more? I am planning to have the Apple Care+ Plan since a replacement screen is so much $$$.

Thanks so much for any advice. I'll add any info shared to my Apple Watch Comparison Chart that I shared last week. I've made several updates and I'll upload the new version soon. I want to include any info from this post, too.

1. Right now, I have the Series 5 Stainless Steel Gold model. I’ve dropped it a few times — usually while changing bands — and banged it off walls, car doors, desks, all kinds of ****. It’s fine. The same went for my my previous stainless steel models. No issues. I had an aluminum one for a bit, and I don’t remember it getting dinged up.

2. No scratches.

3. Don’t bother factoring resale value into the cost of an Apple Watch. Buy the watch you like, in the color you like, and enjoy it. Go on eBay, Swappa, and Facebook market place and look at used Apple Watch prices. Now take those prices and lower them by around 30%, and that’s what it should sell for. Maybe. And take into account how much time you’ll spend responding to messages like, “will you do $150” when your asking price is $300. Or people saying, “will you do it for 275?” and you begrudgingly say yes, then that buyer disappears.

My best advice is buy the watch through your carrier, so when you’re ready to get rid of it, you can just trade it towards a new one. You might lose out on a few bucks instead of selling it, but how much is your time worth? Or would you rather your carrier send you the new watch and a box for the old one to mail back, and that’s that.

4. I’ve noticed this — slightly. In real world use, it doesn’t make a damn difference.

5. No chipping. Ever. I’m not really even sure what you mean by chipping...like the edges of the screen?

6. No one can answer this question. Depends on the scratch, depends on the store, depends on the apple employee you get, depends on if you’re being kind and polite and not stomping your feet, etc.

Look. If you can afford it, and you like the available colors, just get the stainless model. Most of the nicer bands don’t look right on aluminum watches. If you’re worried it might be too heavy, get the titanium.

7. I don’t use a screen protector. On anything. I especially wouldn‘t use one on a stainless steel model. And for the love of god, unless you’re working with heavy machinery during the day, don’t put a case on it 😂

8. If you get a stainless steel model, or titanium, I doubt you’ll damage the screen. You’re overthinking this.

9. That’s something that’s too long for me to type out, and is easily found on google. I’ll just say that my “only PVC” gold Apple Watch is doing great. And if you get the regular silver stainless, you can polish out any scratches you may get.

10. Not really. Seriously, there’s not that much surface area that is actually the gold, silver, graphite part of the watch. You’ll be looking at the screen most of the time — the sides don’t have any complications, lol. And you can always just wipe it off with the bottom of your shirt if you see any smudges.

Again, you’re really overthinking things. If you have the funds, and you want one, go grab one! You can always return it if you hate it. I think you get 14 days at most places.



Go! Go buy a watch! Set it up. Make some watch faces. Send some texts with your finger writing out messages. This is supposed to be fun, not stressful! So have some fun with it. Then post some photos on here of what you bought!

 

[bhferguson]

I agree with the above poster - you are totally overthinking this. Had a SS for nearly five years, not a single scratch. Dropped it, banged it on doors, never broke. Had aluminum for a year and it is riddled with scratches. Get what you can afford and enjoy it. Don’t worry about resale. Just enjoy the purchase.

 

[DontGetTheCheese]

I'm not gonna answer all of that, but I'll do a couple.

I picked up a SS this time around and there are no problems with reflections. It is, I think a bit worse than the Ion-X but mostly it's no different. It's nothing like a sapphire Fenix vs their Gorilla glass.

So, these are made up numbers, but probably OK enough for this, but if you spend $500 vs $750 and both drop 50% you lose more because you spent more. With the AW, not only do you lose the above but you'll probably get bigger depreciation on a SS than a aluminum, something like 45% to 55%/60%. These watches are disposable, you buy the SS because you like the looks or something about it, not it's resale.

I've never scratched an Apple Watch so nothing else to add.

 

[Smartwatchlover]

On my third AW aluminum now: in 4 years of daily use, I never ever had a single scratch or mark in any of them.

Going to the beach, running, swimming, working out, never a single scratch.

Maybe I’m just more careful than the average user, but we should de-mystify the alleged weakness of those screens.

 

[nordique]

Having owned both

the sapphire crystal display can still look brand new over time whereas the ion x glass is like an iPhone in that it *can* pick up scratches easier if you don’t take care of it

both are good watches. If you’re more of a gym person or frequently upgrade I’d go with the aluminum as it’s lighter and nicks will happen when you work out, or you won’t lose as much value when re-selling as in my experience people who buy used Apple watches tend to want cheaper prices and not the high end models

If you don’t frequently upgrade I’d go with the stainless steel (any colour) as it can still look brand new after years. The screen is not true sapphire, it’s a crystal variant, but it still holds up much better for scratches and the steel has a nice coating of coloured or can be polished to look new if silver.

 

[solrunner]

I didn't like all the scratches all over my 2-year old S4 aluminum ion-x glass screen. So I got the S6 stainless steel sapphire. No scratches so far ~6 weeks in.