I’m one of the forum members who originally posted about the marks on this thread here. Luckily I’d ordered 2 AWU’s (Green Alpine Loop & Midnight Ocean). The one I wanted to keep was the Alpine Loop but the AWU case has these same marks, I tried everything to clean it but they would come off. I then decided to return the AWU Alpine and keep the Midnight Ocean which is spotless.
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Black marks appearing in Ultra antenna
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It is probably when it dries after cleaning with something wet, looking similar again.
Anyway, does the material itself feels something solid that it will not peel off with fingernail or similar? I'm more worried that than the slight marks that this obviously porous material seems to get easily.
Feels and looks smooth and now after my preliminary cleaning it’s invisible from a normal viewing distance. Looks good.
OK. So the material itself is not soft silicone caulking type of material that could be peeled off easily? I guess that is the only thing would worry me regarding material durability.
These aren’t marks on the outside, I think they’re inside which is why they don’t rub off. It’s not a durability issue but I’m just curious what’s causing it, as I believe it’s under the surface of the band so likely due to how it’s assembled (glue or some such).
I don’t believe it’s anything to worry about.
I don’t believe it’s anything to worry about.
It honestly looks like NOTHING physical on the band it’s just a discoloration as if there was a spot of oil on the band or something. It looks good now. Let’s see if it comes back.
That still looks pretty bad to me. Did you engage in some crazy activity or did the band just randomly starting showing these marks on it?
Since it can be seen only at high magnification I don't think your precious is in any danger. But just to be on the safe side you should keep her in the custom padded safety case at all times, available from Apple for $99.
Yeah, I definitely wouldn’t want to be doing any kind of activity with that thing. You might scratch it.
I think Apple should’ve released a dress watch in addition to this model for people who wanted something expensive, but didn’t really need rugged. Maybe a little bit more attention to detail on how it’s assembled without any imperfections but no need for all the extra GPS antennas and stuff.
It’s funny that the watch Apple markets as rugged has some questionable design decisions. My SS watches are basically indescribable (S 0 through 7 and 1 ceramic). Never had any marks, major scratches, etc. Personally I love the dirty GPS/cellular band look on a $800 watch from people basically walking around their homes all weekend 😂
well the thin strip that had the spots looks nearly perfect in the 2 pics I posted after the first one? I mean you can sorta detect a spot on the far left, but again these are macro photography images, to my eye they are essentially invisible unless you are closely inspecting where to look. I am REALLY OCD and this doesn't bother me at this point.
also, no I have had the watch out of the box 24 hours now and did one spin workout with it and that's it. no shower with it, just lounging around the house until I shot these pics in the car and later in the stands of an NFL football game lol.
I’m just judging on the photo you posted. To my eyes it looks pretty bad, but as long as you are happy that’s all that matters.
I 100% rubbed off nearly all the marks with spit and a t-shirt so at least some part of them must be on the outside of the strip. I don't pretend to know what the heck it was, it looked like a stain but was subtle.
Smack the screen against a rock and then let me know how it works. No seriously don’t do that because I don’t want to see a good Apple Watch damaged. The YouTube videos drive me crazy as it is. Sure there’s always questionable design decisions but the screen and crown on the Ultra are better protected. I’m sure someone will destroy it though. I don’t mean with a hammer but just rough outdoor use.
The problem is Apple didn’t release any kind of higher end watch this year so everyone who wants an expensive model has to buy this crazy Ultra that’s likely not suited for them. There’s no way I’m spending $800 on it because it just looks way too big and I’m not doing anything that needs that level of ruggedness.
For folks who got used to being able to buy Apple Watches with Titanium or Ceramic over the years the lack of the option has to be a disappointment. The reality is Apple sold very few of those models because many people struggled to see the value in paying so much more for something that inherently had the same functions and nearly the same look as models that were much, much cheaper. I think with Ultra they hope to find a sweet spot of offering a more expensive model that also does more things and has a different form factor, to go along with the premium materials to justify its purchase. For those just looking for sapphire and a more sophisticated look stainless remains available on the regular watch as a middle ground.
Considering the number of "normal" aluminum or steel owners who seem to have bought the Ultra right off the bat perhaps this will be a winning strategy, but clearly if it isn't they will change again... Apple has made clear that products must stand on their merits or they won't hesitate to change or even eliminate them.
My first Apple Watch was the aluminum S4 Wi-Fi that I went to the stainless steel S6 and now back to aluminum S8 Wi-Fi. I still have all three and I wear them for different purposes.
I can’t see stainless steel being luxury. Even before smart watches stainless steel was just your one step above Timex watches. Titanium would feel more of that luxury market or at least starting.
Right now this is how I see the Apple Watch lineup
The SE is for people just getting their first Apple Watch or buying it for your kids and older parents.
The aluminum WiFi model for most people who just want the cheapest Apple Watch with all the features.
The stainless steel Apple Watch for people who perhaps get some deal from their carrier with payment plans. Even though it’s more expensive you don’t have to come up with the $400.
Then of course you have the Ultra where perhaps some carriers might be giving deals, but the price just makes it unacceptable for most people so it does stand out from the common Apple Watch. The problem with it is I think it’s size just makes it a bit too much for most people. You see pictures of people like iJustine wearing one and it looks like they have a smartphone strapped to their wrist. I have a feeling some are buying it for the novelty but once that wears off, there’s going to be serious buyers remorse.
I’m not sure how I feel about the more expensive luxury style Apple Watches like the edition, but there has to be a market for them. As someone who likes the latest features on their Apple Watch I have a hard time buying the more expensive models because there’s not much trade-in or reuse potential so I feel like it’s just trash and I wasted not just money but resources from the environment. Maybe if there was a way Apple could upgrade the components I would be interested.
Hrmm weird. I don’t have any marks on mine.
I’ve never owned an alum Apple Watch. I don’t even think they should offer one they just seem to soft. That’s just my opinion. I think they are overpriced as hell but the stainless and Ti are worth it just so you don’t have to buy protection.
The idea that you’d have to put a screen protector and a case surround in the watch is weird to me.
To be honest they should use the crystal on the “cheap” Apple Watches too. They are still hundreds of dollars.
I’ve never owned an alum Apple Watch. I don’t even think they should offer one they just seem to soft. That’s just my opinion. I think they are overpriced as hell but the stainless and Ti are worth it just so you don’t have to buy protection.
The idea that you’d have to put a screen protector and a case surround in the watch is weird to me.
To be honest they should use the crystal on the “cheap” Apple Watches too. They are still hundreds of dollars.
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To be fair I had aluminum Apple Watches for 2 total years out of the 7 years I have worn them, and the bodies remained scratch free and the screens acquired only the lightest scuffs, visible only in bright sunlight looking for them, and only when the screen was black, not lit. They were not as robust as my stainless models with sapphire for sure but they are more than sturdy enough for most and for most worth saving the money if it was any sort of concern.
This looks like the grout between my bathroom tiles. It gets dirty too when pee gets on it.
..have you been peeing on your watch? 😂
..have you been peeing on your watch? 😂
On mine, no. It’s under the surface it seems. Which was what made me wonder what causes it.