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Can't decide - Titanium or SB Stainless Steel?

R

rMBP2013

macrumors regular
Original poster
Oct 22, 2013
168
86
Sydney
I simply love the look of SB SS, but I also appreciate the titanium AW and what it offers.

I like the heft of stainless steel, but titanium would be better when I'm working out.

Anyone had the same dilemma as me?

Any pros/cons?

Titanium is slightly more expensive but that's not a deal-breaker.
 
Cyberpower678 said:
Titanium looks better than SS in my opinion. Sturdier too.
Click to expand...

Sturdier? I’m not sure about that. But if we’re talking against the actual resilience in terms of what titanium offers, it’s lighter, but I’d wager the stainless steel casing on the Apple Watch is plenty ‘sturdy’ as well. I mea, we’re comparing watch cases, not
knife blades.
 
Relentless Power said:
Sturdier? I’m not sure about that. But if we’re talking against the actual resilience in terms of what titanium offers, it’s lighter, but I’d wager the stainless steel casing on the Apple Watch is plenty ‘sturdy’ as well. I mea, we’re comparing watch cases, not
knife blades.
Click to expand...

Titanium is generally the hardest metal. It’s why it’s used for space shuttles. Unlike my SS, my titanium has taken so much abuse and doesn’t have a single scratch. My SS scratches very easily.
 
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Cyberpower678 said:
Titanium is generally the hardest metal. It’s why it’s used for space shuttles. Unlike my SS, my titanium has taken so much abuse and doesn’t have a single scratch. My SS scratches very easily.
Click to expand...

Sure, I wasn’t contesting the durability of titanium in general for case-usage like space shuttles, I was comparing in terms of an Apple Watch casing, which I wager the stainless is plenty sturdy, just as the titanium is, they just have different properties in terms of weight/scratch resistance/etc.
 
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rMBP2013 said:
I simply love the look of SB SS, but I also appreciate the titanium AW and what it offers.

I like the heft of stainless steel, but titanium would be better when I'm working out.

Anyone had the same dilemma as me?

Any pros/cons?

Titanium is slightly more expensive but that's not a deal-breaker.
Click to expand...
I was in your position so I bought an S5 SBSS and a natural Titanium and kept both though I realize this isn’t an option for everyone. Now that I have both I can easily say I would get the Titanium. The weight difference is minuscule between the two. Both Ti are beautiful but, I favor the natural Ti as to me, the SB Ti looks too much like the aluminum watch.
[automerge]1576446759[/automerge]
Cyberpower678 said:
Titanium is generally the hardest metal. It’s why it’s used for space shuttles. Unlike my SS, my titanium has taken so much abuse and doesn’t have a single scratch. My SS scratches very easily.
Click to expand...
SBSS is almost impervious to scratches. The SS scratches but, can be buffed.
 
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rMBP2013 said:
I simply love the look of SB SS, but I also appreciate the titanium AW and what it offers.

I like the heft of stainless steel, but titanium would be better when I'm working out.

Anyone had the same dilemma as me?

Any pros/cons?

Titanium is slightly more expensive but that's not a deal-breaker.
Click to expand...

I had SBSS for last two iterations. I went to SBTi this round. Couldn’t be happier. Lighter weight and I love how color tone changes depending on lighting.
 
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I’ve had a series 2 sbss for the last three years. It still looks and works great. I was ready to upgrade to the series 5 for better performance and new features. I really wanted something different than I had, so I went with the sb titanium. I am very happy with my choice, the titanium looks awesome! I would definitely recommend it.
 
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rMBP2013 said:
I simply love the look of SB SS, but I also appreciate the titanium AW and what it offers.

I like the heft of stainless steel, but titanium would be better when I'm working out.

Anyone had the same dilemma as me?

Any pros/cons?

Titanium is slightly more expensive but that's not a deal-breaker.
Click to expand...
I love my Apple Watch, but it is a device going to be replaced in very few years, so in my opinion it is better to pay for it the lower price you can.
 
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FlyingDutch said:
I love my Apple Watch, but it is a device going to be replaced in very few years, so in my opinion it is better to pay for it the lower price you can.
Click to expand...

I do sometimes struggle with this.

On one hand, getting the base aluminum model makes the most sense. I don't need LTE (cellular) so why go with stainless steel or titanium when I'm never going to use the LTE functionality? But then I realize, a few hundred dollars won't move the needle too much financially: it's just couple of hundred and means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

On the other hand, both the SS and Ti models come with the crystal sapphire glass which is more scratch resistant. And aluminum just looks so... bland.

And then I did some Math:
SG aluminum with Milanese Loop costs $629 (in Canada).
SB Stainless Steel with the same loop is $1,049 (in Canada).
SB Titanium with the same loop is $1,169 (in Canada).

So it's $420 to jump from aluminum to stainless steel. Or $540 to get to Titanium. Plus tax, of course.

Unfortunately, the resale value isn't that high for either the SS or the Ti model, which makes it that much more difficult to swallow the extra price.

For those that did so (went with either SS or Ti), what were you justification(s)?
 
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Otflyer said:
I was in your position so I bought an S5 SBSS and a natural Titanium and kept both though I realize this isn’t an option for everyone. Now that I have both I can easily say I would get the Titanium. The weight difference is minuscule between the two. Both Ti are beautiful but, I favor the natural Ti as to me, the SB Ti looks too much like the aluminum watch.
[automerge]1576446759[/automerge]

SBSS is almost impervious to scratches. The SS scratches but, can be buffed.
Click to expand...

That’s the whole point. I don’t want it have to buff my watch every week.
 
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rMBP2013 said:
I do sometimes struggle with this.

On one hand, getting the base aluminum model makes the most sense. I don't need LTE (cellular) so why go with stainless steel or titanium when I'm never going to use the LTE functionality? But then I realize, a few hundred dollars won't move the needle too much financially: it's just couple of hundred and means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

On the other hand, both the SS and Ti models come with the crystal sapphire glass which is more scratch resistant. And aluminum just looks so... bland.

And then I did some Math:
SG aluminum with Milanese Loop costs $629 (in Canada).
SB Stainless Steel with the same loop is $1,049 (in Canada).
SB Titanium with the same loop is $1,169 (in Canada).

So it's $420 to jump from aluminum to stainless steel. Or $540 to get to Titanium. Plus tax, of course.

Unfortunately, the resale value isn't that high for either the SS or the Ti model, which makes it that much more difficult to swallow the extra price.

For those that did so (went with either SS or Ti), what were you justification(s)?
Click to expand...

I upgraded from series 0. I won’t likely upgrade until 4 or 5 years from now. I also have a parrot that really likes to bite at everything including my watch. He’s having a tough time with the new one. Also looks really good and cellular is useful for when I’m swimming.
 
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I got a Ti today to replace my Hermes S4 and I have to say I’m more delighted with the Ti than the Hermes. I love the colour and brushed look and the grey included band is a lovely combo, in some way’s its a shame they make you add another strap at point of purchase as the included grey sport band is perfect as it is. Also the Hermes looks like any other AW if you don’t have one of the Hermes faces on, the Ti stands out as being unique and different, that‘s really nice too.

I have a stainless link bracelet and while I’ve only had a quick look I’d say that the appearance of the ‘brushed stainless‘ with the brushed Ti watch head is actually a better match than the link bracelet with the polished stainless of my Hermes.

I’d say don’t hesitate on the Ti, I’m super pleased :)
 
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rMBP2013 said:
I do sometimes struggle with this.

On one hand, getting the base aluminum model makes the most sense. I don't need LTE (cellular) so why go with stainless steel or titanium when I'm never going to use the LTE functionality? But then I realize, a few hundred dollars won't move the needle too much financially: it's just couple of hundred and means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

On the other hand, both the SS and Ti models come with the crystal sapphire glass which is more scratch resistant. And aluminum just looks so... bland.

And then I did some Math:
SG aluminum with Milanese Loop costs $629 (in Canada).
SB Stainless Steel with the same loop is $1,049 (in Canada).
SB Titanium with the same loop is $1,169 (in Canada).

So it's $420 to jump from aluminum to stainless steel. Or $540 to get to Titanium. Plus tax, of course.

Unfortunately, the resale value isn't that high for either the SS or the Ti model, which makes it that much more difficult to swallow the extra price.

For those that did so (went with either SS or Ti), what were you justification(s)?
Click to expand...
One of the main reasons for my decision to go with the titanium was the sapphire crystal. I wear my watch All the time, whether I’m working on my car or working in the yard, and I need something that will not scratch. I’ve had good luck with my space black stainless steel so I wanted to go with the sapphire crystal again. Not to mention the titanium looks great! I know it would’ve bothered me if I would’ve went with the aluminum, so I just spent the extra money upfront now. In my opinion it was well worth it. Good luck!
 
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Cyberpower678 said:
That’s the whole point. I don’t want it have to buff my watch every week.
Click to expand...
I didn’t buff mine at all. I think the micro scratches that accumulate over time add natural patina.
[automerge]1576634338[/automerge]
rMBP2013 said:
I do sometimes struggle with this.

On one hand, getting the base aluminum model makes the most sense. I don't need LTE (cellular) so why go with stainless steel or titanium when I'm never going to use the LTE functionality? But then I realize, a few hundred dollars won't move the needle too much financially: it's just couple of hundred and means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

On the other hand, both the SS and Ti models come with the crystal sapphire glass which is more scratch resistant. And aluminum just looks so... bland.

And then I did some Math:
SG aluminum with Milanese Loop costs $629 (in Canada).
SB Stainless Steel with the same loop is $1,049 (in Canada).
SB Titanium with the same loop is $1,169 (in Canada).

So it's $420 to jump from aluminum to stainless steel. Or $540 to get to Titanium. Plus tax, of course.

Unfortunately, the resale value isn't that high for either the SS or the Ti model, which makes it that much more difficult to swallow the extra price.

For those that did so (went with either SS or Ti), what were you justification(s)?
Click to expand...
I went with natural Ti because, I buy what I want and can afford and don’t worry what the future may bring.
 
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Cyberpower678 said:
I upgraded from series 0. I won’t likely upgrade until 4 or 5 years from now. I also have a parrot that really likes to bite at everything including my watch. He’s having a tough time with the new one. Also looks really good and cellular is useful for when I’m swimming.
Click to expand...
5 years ? With that battery ?
 
Plett said:
I have usually updated before it became an issue, but am curious as well, will Apple or third party replace batteries in the AW?
Click to expand...

There are third party repair stores who will replace Apple Watch batteries. The concern being, using shoddy lack-there-of quality parts and properly re-sealing the Apple Watch to maintain the water resistance rating.

I’d rather have Apple service my Watch, but that’s a ‘to each their own’.
 
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FlyingDutch said:
I love my Apple Watch, but it is a device going to be replaced in very few years, so in my opinion it is better to pay for it the lower price you can.
Click to expand...

I went from Series 0 SS to Series 4 SBSS so for me and I expect to get at least another three years out of my S4 so for me the higher price is worth it based on longevity.


FlyingDutch said:
5 years ? With that battery ?
Click to expand...

My Series 0 battery was still giving me all-day (12+ hours) of performance when I bought my S4. Main reason I went to the S4 was the larger display (and to a lesser extent continuing OS updates).
 
Just circling back to this, I decided to go with the SBSS model with the milanese loop and couple of other sports bands for when i'm working out.

I liked the titanium a lot, but at the end decided that I prefer the stainless steel a bit more as it felt more premium to me (likely due to the heft).

Given that it's my first AW, I'm so excited about it. I hope it lasts me 3 years.
 
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