First time Apple Watch buyer needs a little help

[richard13]

Hey folks! After years of ignoring this product, with the release of the Series 5, I now think it could not just be cool but really help me out regarding health and fitness (and also to tell time). Anyway, I would like to go with a cellular model even if I don't activate just for safety reasons. I have narrowed it down to a few candidates but would love to get existing and ongoing Apple Watch consumers opinions to help me make a final decision. Not sure if SS is too much for a first watch. I do think that Titanium and Ceramic are overpriced so they are eliminated from consideration.

I'm planning to get one of the following:

Silver Aluminum GPS+Cellular 44mm: I like this one because it's simple, clean cut and lightweight. I really like how the silver aluminum looks but I am concerned how soft this metal is and potential for scratches, dings, dents, etc.

Silver Stainless Steel 44mm: I like this one because it has the classic SS look and weight. I hope the harder metal and Sapphire crystal will keep scratches on the body and face to a minimum. I also think this would be better for dual purpose (fitness + semi-formal).

Gold Stainless Steel 44mm: I really like this one for its unique and refined looks. Same plusses as the Silver SS version. The only problem I really have with this is that it seems pretty blingy and doesn't look like actual gold (it's more like polished bronze).

Would love to hear from you. Thanks for your help!

 

[throAU]

As someone who jumped in with the s2 my suggestion:

Go for the aluminium (at least for your first one). They're "hard wearing enough" and much cheaper. See if you like it first! You may or may not get any benefit from the watch, and if you don't you've wasted less money with the aluminium.

Both my S2 and S4 (both aluminium) are pretty much scuff free, and the S2 took a few knocks from walls, etc. as i hadn't worn a watch in 20 years when i bought that. The stainless isn't immune to scuffs either. A co-worker has a stainless, and his is a lot more beat up than mine.

If you find you like the Apple Watch, i'd consider the stainless next time you upgrade. Or don't. I went with Aluminium again with my S4, because they're literally almost half the price of stainless and it means i can upgrade twice as often for the same cost. So far, every new version has brought significant improvements.

 

[Strangedream]

If you can afford a temporary dip in your account I would say get all three, alternate between them for 2 weeks and return the two that makes you least happy.

If your resources are tighter I would say try them all carefully at the store if you can and see which one you like best there. Alternatively, if you really like the look of SS and don't care about AOD you can get a second hand S4 or maybe a new one from Best Buy.

Personally I would not even consider the aluminum, I understand its benefits and low price point but it looks too gadget-y for a regular watch IMHO. I reckon, others will like it more than I do. The GSS is pretty muted and looks very close to the SS under certain lighting.

 

[matrix07]

Starts with aluminum and if you find it very useful to you upgrade to SS in the next 3 years.

 

[QCassidy352]

I’ve only ever had aluminum, and I’ve yet to get a mark on one of them. I think that fear is overstated.

 

[Lyn2012]

Having not worn a watch for twenty years I bought a SG Aluminium S5. I really wanted the gold SS, but after trying it on, especially paired with Milanese loop, I found it too heavy on my wrist. To be honest, I would like the titanium, although the price is ridiculous, I could nearly buy a new MBA! At the moment I’m happy with the aluminium version. I couldn’t care about what other people think so that aspect doesn’t bother me - in fact where I live, I’ve yet to see another AW, plenty of cheap versions (Fitbit etc) though.

 

[supertomtom]

I had Stainless Steel (Series 0) and Gold SS (Series 4). I love the Gold SS. It’s a very classy copper gold and is not blingy at all IMO. I actually find the stainless steel to be shinier and eye-catching than the Gold, which I think is more subdued.

One additional benefit of the Gold is the PVC coating. My Stainless Steel had many micro scratches after a year of use, whereas the Gold is still in great condition. Having said that I don’t really mind the micro scratches.

As for aluminium, it really depends on your lifestyle. I had it briefly but I live near the beach and it’s just not a great fit. One brief trip to the beach and I already had a small scratch on the Ion-X Glass. I returned it within 14 days.

 

[Ifti]

Having not worn a watch for twenty years I bought a SG Aluminium S5.

Slight deviation from the thread, but how did you find this?? I'm in the same situation - am interested in the AW, although not sure how I will take to it having not worn a watch for many years!

 

[russell_314]

Slight deviation from the thread, but how did you find this?? I'm in the same situation - am interested in the AW, although not sure how I will take to it having not worn a watch for many years!

Other than the rare occasion I've never worn a watch in decades. Mostly because I don't like the weight. I bought my 40mm aluminum S4 about a year ago and other than a few days I forgot it at home I’ve worn it since.

 

[Lyn2012]

Slight deviation from the thread, but how did you find this?? I'm in the same situation - am interested in the AW, although not sure how I will take to it having not worn a watch for many years!

I usually forget to put it on - have to leave it on visual display to remember! Once I’m wearing it, it’s fine, although I don’t feel I HAVE to have it on. I spend a lot of time at home which usually means I don’t wear it. I’ve never been one for needing to know the exact time, but do like the novelty factor and have found it useful to check messages and take calls while out instead of frantically looking for my phone. Due to multiple health issues, I don’t use it for workouts/exercise though.

 

[richard13]

Thank you all so much for your responses!

Funny, I almost forgot I originally planned on getting the least expensive model so I could try it out. But then as I learned the options and styles I started wanting other things. And before I knew it I was at $800+.

I might add that I too have not worn a wristwatch on a regular basis in a very long time. After all, I usually have a phone in my pocket.

I'm going to think this over a little more. Then I'll go back to the Apple Store and try on each of the contenders (I only tried one last time) and see what will work best for me.

I'll update the thread when I have a final decision.

 

[staggerlee41]

Just a couple of points to add. I've mentioned this numerous times but the stigma associated with traditional watches and their wear during more formal functions goes out the window with Apple Watch and smart watches in general. I attend conferences & other company functions, and frequently see various VP's and Presidents wearing the lowly Aluminum models with sport loops in dress attire. There are also other types of smart watches as well being worn at these events. Granted I'm not talking black tie affair, but still business casual to business proper attire. If you feel like you need to dress Apple Watch up a bit add a leather or metal band and you'll be fine.

Regarding the traditional stainless model, the cases, just like any other stainless watch will get micro scratches but you can use a Cape Cod cloth on them to polish them. I'm not sure of the impact on any of the other stainless finishes but I personally would not try it. Stainless does have the more scratch resistant screen if that's important to you.

I've used Space Gray Aluminum since 2017 and am in agreement with @QCassidy352, fear of scratching them is overstated. I have nary a mark on my S2's case. Now I did add an S4 but again, not a mark on the cases.

For piece of mind, I have used film screen protectors and I know that's a polarizing topic for some. For me it works, both of the faces look the way they did when I first received them and I don't notice a difference when using them. I have a watch on my wrist unless I'm in the shower.

I opted for aluminum because I wasn't sure how much I'd wear it or if I'd like it. I don't regret that choice. I truly would love to own a stainless model, the technology is "obsolete" by the time the next version comes out so I can't justify the purchase until the watch matures to the point where upgrades year over year aren't as significant. I believe we're several years out from that.

Looking forward to your follow up!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

As others have said, the concerns about the aluminium watches picking up scratches are mistaken. It's no less hard wearing than the Stainless Steel.

I got the series 0 in aluminium as I wasn't sure if a smart watch was for me. My initial plan was that if I decided I liked it, I'd buy the stainless steel model when I wanted an upgrade.

I am v active, and not careful with my watches. I wore it every day and for everything. It had no noticeable marks after 2-3 years of use (I upgraded to series 3 Christmas 17). When the time for the upgrade came, I bought aluminium again.

My first aluminium Apple watch was the silver one. I bought a milanese loop for it to dress it up for work. Multiple Apple watch owners thought it was the stainless steel model because of the strap.

The thing to focus on is that the functionality of the watch is the same whichever price you pay, whichever outer casing you have.

I would also like to echo another's point as to the 'prestige' or 'status' of Apple watches. I've also seen them worn by top end professionals at prestigious events, with the sports strap. It's a different class of watch from a traditional watch. For these people if they were going to have a traditional watch, they'd have a Rolex Submariner, or a Piaget, but the Apple watch is a v different proposition and has equal appeal.

Watches are a very personal choice, and you should definitely buy something you're going to enjoy wearing. I'd recommend the aluminium models. If you want to dress it up a bit for more formal occasions, get a milanese loop. Most Apple watch owners can't tell the difference (let alone non-Apple watch owners).

 

[TrueBlou]

I started out with a SS for the Gen 0, but was given a S3 Aluminium free from my healthcare provider. Since then, I’ve only bought the Aluminium. I had thought it would be prone to scratches or damage (an issue with me). But I was very, very wrong.

My S3, S4 and S5 have picked up no damage to speak of. The screens have remained scratch-free entirely and the casings have nothing but the most minute of micro-scratches which you really have to try hard to even see. (S5 has no marks at all yet).

So while I do like the look of the SS, I doubt I’ll buy anything but Aluminium and as an added bonus for me at least, it’s a bit lighter.

I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them to anyone.

 

[rumz]

I've only bought the (Space Black) stainless steel models. Initially it was based on preference for looks-- but it's worked out well as I do prefer the additional weight, and the glass is more robust on the non-aluminum models. (My brother got an aluminum space gray series 2 the same time as me, and midway through the year he accidentally dropped his watch on the pavement at a swimming pool and cracked his screen in half. To this day he is limping along with a screen where only half of it works. The irony is that he didn't trust that it was indeed waterproof so he was taking it off at the pool... only to actually completely compromise not just the screen but the waterproofness of the device).

So-- if you go aluminum, consider Applecare. Not saying it's a must, but consider it. (I think he may have just been super unlucky-- I would hope the aluminum watch could withstand a minor fall like that.)

 

[TrueBlou]

I've only bought the (Space Black) stainless steel models. Initially it was based on preference for looks-- but it's worked out well as I do prefer the additional weight, and the glass is more robust on the non-aluminum models. (My brother got an aluminum space gray series 2 the same time as me, and midway through the year he accidentally dropped his watch on the pavement at a swimming pool and cracked his screen in half. To this day he is limping along with a screen where only half of it works. The irony is that he didn't trust that it was indeed waterproof so he was taking it off at the pool... only to actually completely compromise not just the screen but the waterproofness of the device).

So-- if you go aluminum, consider Applecare. Not saying it's a must, but consider it. (I think he may have just been super unlucky-- I would hope the aluminum watch could withstand a minor fall like that.)

I’d agree with the AppleCare, I’d say it’s a must have - just in case, better to have than not.
Shame for your brother, but accidents happen, which is where the AppleCare comes in. Though a drop onto concrete could be just as fatal for the Sapphire of the SS AW. While sapphire is indeed more scratch resistant than Ion-X (though not by as much as you might think) it is more brittle, so could theoretically break easier in a drop.

Though I have to say, I dropped my SS AW a couple of times and the sapphire survived completely intact and un damaged.

The same however can also be said of my aluminium watches, which combined have been dropped, or bashed against things far more than my SS, and they also survived perfectly. It’s just the luck of the draw in the end.

One last comparison I’ve noticed between them. I do find the Ion-X Glass makes the screen easier to read in bright daylight than the sapphire on my SS. But that’s hardly a big deal.

Oh, actually, this is the last thing. I bloody hate the Ion-X nonsense. We all know it’s just Gorilla Glass, no different than an iPhone. So there’s a good way to get an idea of the robustness, just look at the state of your iPhone. And chances are the watch will fare better as it’s on your wrist, less likely to pick up scratches (not in pockets or bags) and often protected by clothes.

I honestly thought having normal glass would be an issue for me. But I was wrong.

 

[Itinj24]

It’s a watch, not an aircraft or a motorcycle. No need to take baby steps. SS all the way. If you find you don’t like it, you got 14 days...

 

[Oldmanmac]

No mention of GPS/Cellular.
*AND*, I just read that AC+ can be extended after 2 years on a monthly basis!

 

[staggerlee41]

I also agree that AppleCare is a must. Not only for piece of mind should you happen to need repairs to the screen but we had a situation with one of the WatchOS 5 updates bricking watches. Apple eventually pulled the update but if memory serves me correct, those with AppleCare were able to secure expedited replacements.

 

[richard13]

I need to interject here... why would AppleCare be a must? For the silver 44mm aluminum cellular model (the cheapest of my options), it would be $79 right off the bat, plus a $69 charge if I invoke it. So basically $150 for an incident.

The only time I have ever bought AppleCare was for my original iMac and that turned out to be a complete waste of money. Why would it be different here? I'm not trying to be a smarty. I just don't understand why buying insurance for something that should just work is worth it. Thanks.

 

[throAU]

I would not say AppleCare is a must, just be aware that if you don't have it, pretty much any repair to the watch is almost the cost of a new one.

Me? I'd just run the gauntlet. Buy Aluminium - if you break it, you've got 1 replacement worth of money up your sleeve from not going SS.

 

[edhchoe]

aluminum for light weight is what I recommend.

 

[iCorz87]

I started out with the alumnium series 3, used that before upgrading to series 5 but going with the SS version this time around for these reasons

-looks more like a watch
-screen more resistant to scratches
-dont feel the need to upgrade yearly so thought I'd spend a bit more money
-felt I would be able to have the best of both worlds with the SS and it be a dressy watch but also casual

at first I could notice the weight difference but not so much now, I also did go down to the 40mm from the 42mm series 3.

My job is quite physical so for my piece of mind I do use a screen protector but I dont have any scratches on the case, for me I did find the aluminium body was more susceptible to scratches

 

[richard13]

Hey folks!

Hopefully you haven't lost interest in this thread...

I went back to the Apple Store this past Saturday and looked at everything. I still liked the Silver Aluminum but have to admit that I really liked the Silver SS option as well. Gold SS was still in the running. So I went home to crunch the numbers. In the end I decided that this was going to be my first Apple Watch and shouldn't go too crazy. If I follow my iPhone schedule I'll probably replace it in a few years anyway. I ordered the AW5 in Silver Aluminum with the white sport band. I also thought that since this is my first AW and do occasionally bump into things and have friendly dogs attack me on occasion 😊 I should opt for AppleCare+. This was a big step for me since I NEVER buy warranties but I figured that since this device will be out in the open (not always home or in my pocket) I should try to protect it as I really didn't want to pay full price for a potential replacement!

Delivery is scheduled for Friday. I have high hopes that this watch is all that I hoped for but feel good that I didn't spend top dollar if it isn't.

Thank you all so much for your good advice here!

 

[throAU]

Slight deviation from the thread, but how did you find this?? I'm in the same situation - am interested in the AW, although not sure how I will take to it having not worn a watch for many years!

A bit late, but if you go for an aluminium, buy the velcro sport band and not the plastic one. The plastic bands are less comfortable, and mine did give be a bit of a skin irritation, starting about 6 months in.

The fabric is more comfortable, more adjustable, etc. for the same price. I got the plastic band with my S2 and the fabric/velcro with the S4. The fabric is just way, way nicer to wear.

That said i also have a space black milanese loop that pairs well with the space grey aluminium.