For SS owners: would you rather buy a new SS every 2 years or buy a new aluminum AW every year?

[Luba]

Assuming a new AW comes out every year like the iPhone, which is a big assumption as I can't envision what other features can be put in the AW after Apple comes out with a cellular AW. Anyway, I can't see myself buying a new SS AW every year . . . too expensive. But I can myself buying the aluminum AW every year. I definitely prefer the SS though.

If there's a new AW this year I don't know if I'll skip the upgrade and wait until the next one or get the aluminum version or really splurge and get another SS. I had the SS AW0, but I felt AW2 was a big improvement so I went ahead and got the SS AW2 with no regrets.

 

[44267547]

Assuming a new AW comes out every year like the iPhone, which is a big assumption as I can't envision what other features can be put in the AW after Apple comes out with a cellular AW. Anyway, I can't see myself buying a new SS AW every year . . . too expensive. But I can myself buying the aluminum AW every year. I definitely prefer the SS though.

If there's a new AW this year I don't know if I'll skip the upgrade and wait until the next one or get the aluminum version or really splurge and get another SS. I had the SS AW0, but I felt AW2 was a big improvement so I went ahead and got the SS AW2 with no regrets.

Regardless of the stainless or aluminum model, for me to purchase an Apple Watch every year would have to have enough of an improvement or enhanced capabilities for me to want to do so. For example, if glucose monitoring was an option Apple provided for a future Apple Watch released in the stainless model, then yes, I would purchase another stainless model. But if a Series 3 Watch that is suspected to launch in September has minor improvements or nothing appealing To me, I won't upgrade.

Either way, I find the stainless model more fitting for me as I really appreciate the Sapphire display and shine with how the stainless looks over the aluminum.

 

[Mikael H]

Assuming a new AW comes out every year like the iPhone, which is a big assumption as I can't envision what other features can be put in the AW after Apple comes out with a cellular AW. Anyway, I can't see myself buying a new SS AW every year . . . too expensive. But I can myself buying the aluminum AW every year. I definitely prefer the SS though.

If there's a new AW this year I don't know if I'll skip the upgrade and wait until the next one or get the aluminum version or really splurge and get another SS. I had the SS AW0, but I felt AW2 was a big improvement so I went ahead and got the SS AW2 with no regrets.

I bolded your last statement, which is the relevant one here. If the added or improved functionality is important enough to you, you probably will spend the money.
That said, I personally feel it's a bit wasteful to purchase each new generation of tech. I will probably get an SS or SB watch when the time comes to upgrade my S0 Sports watch, but that will be with the intent to keep the watch for as long as it is practically useful. The main drawbacks of my current watch are the non-sapphire display, which has attracted quite a lot of scratches by now, and the lacking water protection - I have been used to rarely removing my watches during a normal day, and it will be nice to be able to return to that habit once the time comes.

 

[xDKP]

Regardless of the stainless or aluminum model, for me to purchase an Apple Watch every year would have to have enough of an improvement or enhanced capabilities for me to want to do so. For example, if glucose monitoring was an option Apple provided for a future Apple Watch released in the stainless model, then yes, I would purchase another stainless model. But if a Series 3 Watch that is suspected to launch in September has minor improvements or nothing appealing To me, I won't upgrade.

Either way, I find the stainless model more fitting for me as I really appreciate the Sapphire display and shine with how the stainless looks over the aluminum.

Fully agree - it’s all about the improved tech and not about a timeframe for me. I will never get the aluminium version as I think the steel looks way better and more like a real Watch (wear mine all day, every day and ofte with my work attire which is suits and dress shirts)

So if tech and the update is enough yes

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

Assuming a new AW comes out every year like the iPhone, which is a big assumption as I can't envision what other features can be put in the AW after Apple comes out with a cellular AW. Anyway, I can't see myself buying a new SS AW every year . . . too expensive. But I can myself buying the aluminum AW every year. I definitely prefer the SS though.

If there's a new AW this year I don't know if I'll skip the upgrade and wait until the next one or get the aluminum version or really splurge and get another SS. I had the SS AW0, but I felt AW2 was a big improvement so I went ahead and got the SS AW2 with no regrets.

If money wasn't an issue, obviously SS every 2 years. That SS shine under the sun, it has a classier look than the Aluminium

 

[OriginalAppleGuy]

Given I used to do my iPhone's every two years I'll consider doing the same with the watch. Annual updates don't tend to be enough to justify replacement. Especially since the watch now has Apple supported water resistance and GPS. I don't care to have cellular capability on my wrist. Hope they don't force that option to have GPS in the future.

 

[jhfenton]

Money's not an issue, but I will only and always get the aluminum. It's an electronic device, whose raison d'être is as a fitness device. The aluminum is lighter and equally functional and better suited to wearing during exercise. I prefer to have a variety of colorful bands to a single attractive, but heavy stainless link band that I'd want to swap out during exercise anyway.

 

[44267547]

Money's not an issue, but I will only and always get the aluminum. It's an electronic device, whose raison d'être is as a fitness device. The aluminum is lighter and equally functional and better suited to wearing during exercise. I prefer to have a variety of colorful bands to a single attractive, but heavy stainless link band that I'd want to swap out during exercise anyway.

Agreed. The aluminum would be the likely choice for most because of it being lightweight And its entry level price point. It's excellent for fitness as well for obvious reasons. But the stainless was my upgrade from my aluminum when I first owned it. The band pairing and sapphire display are the main reasons. And I have the stainless link and black link band, which are very nice.

 

[perezr10]

If I had to choose, I’d much rather have a stainless steel watch every two years rather than getting the aluminum every year. Mainly because I think the aluminum is ugly and I hate scratches. Scratches on my iPhone screen drive me crazy and the fact that I can have a watch where that is not a concern is amazing to me. I’d pay another $100 for my iPhone if I could get a sapphire screen that won’t scratch. I never worry about breaking my screen but scratches do happen.

Or buy both and use the SS for work and the aluminum for working out. To me the aluminum watch is the equivalent of sweat pants, it’s comfy but not what I want to wear to the office.

Also, I don’t think the Apple Watch is the kind of device that many will want to upgrade every year. I think there will be major upgrades every two or even three years.

 

[rdy0329]

For a beggar who is choosy like me, I'll just wait for the 3rd iteration from my last one and go SS.

1. ROI is better as you get the most use from your current device.
2. Not as bad for your wallet as Aluminum yearly OR SS every other year.
3. As someone who raised the "electronics" concern, I feel this would be a sweet spot for upgrading and its a hell of an update IMO + software support is still there by year 3.

PS. I might get series 3 though since its been more than 2 years since S0 launched (my current device).

 

[BarracksSi]

For the moment, I'll disregard the release schedule, AND I'll disregard how often I would purchase a new AW.

I've really liked having the nicer feel and finish of my SS model. It's more comparable to my other watches than the aluminum model would have been. The sapphire display and ceramic caseback are both pristine, and the steel case itself looks great, too.

I bought it with the intention of having it look nice on any strap or bracelet I might choose later. I got mine on the black Sport band and planned to eventually add Classic leather straps (one black, one brown) and the Link bracelet. I don't think the aluminum case looks good with anything besides the Sport band and the woven nylon straps.

However, I haven't bought any other straps yet. I've been going with the Sport band for nearly two years, and I can't find a justifiable reason to use anything else. It's comfortable, it's easy to put on, adjust, and take off, and it's durable -- it looks nearly the same today as it did when it was new.

If I bought a new one TODAY, I'd get the Series 2, primarily for its revised construction.

But if they take the Series 2's construction methods and use it in an aluminum case... yeah, my choice would become more difficult.

 

[xDKP]

...and I can't find a justifiable reason to use anything else.

I would say looks and the massive difference it makes to the appearance of the watch is the sole reason the straps I have is one of the best features of the watch to me...

Just the difference between my SS watch with black sport, blue nylon, saddle brown leather or the link bracelet is amazing... Makes it perfect to balance the look between blue shirts and suit, jeans and t-shirt or any other part of my wardrobe - amazing difference

 

[44267547]

I would say looks and the massive difference it makes to the appearance of the watch is the sole reason the straps I have is one of the best features of the watch to me...

Just the difference between my SS watch with black sport, blue nylon, saddle brown leather or the link bracelet is amazing... Makes it perfect to balance the look between blue shirts and suit, jeans and t-shirt or any other part of my wardrobe - amazing difference

I know the Apple Watch is observed as a niche product by some, but Apple executed the band changing Perfectly and it's simplicity That follows changing the bands is seamless. It's effortless and never gets stale to me.

 

[AndrewR23]

I had the series 0 SS

Series 2 Alum and series 2 SS now. I would never use Alum again. (IMO) its cheap and too light. I like my watch heavy which is why I use SS + LB.

 

[Luba]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will stick with SS because I like the looks of SS better than aluminum. Plus, probably no need to upgrade every year as Apple might not have a new AW every year like the iPhone and each update probably not big enough difference.

I never seriously considered the link bracelet. I should check that out in an Apple Store. I have a black Milanese that looks better IMO than SS Milanese on my SS. I'll probably go SS link bracelet with SS. Do you think SB link bracelet would ever go with the SS??

 

[AndrewR23]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will stick with SS because I like the looks of SS better than aluminum. Plus, probably no need to upgrade every year as Apple might not have a new AW every year like the iPhone and each update probably not big enough difference.

I never seriously considered the link bracelet. I should check that out in an Apple Store. I have a black Milanese that looks better IMO than SS Milanese on my SS. I'll probably go SS link bracelet with SS. Do you think SB link bracelet would ever go with the SS??

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/a-thing-of-beauty-space-black-link-on-ss-regular-aw.1901262/

 

[Rok73]

I feel so free to post although I own a Sport Watch. A new watch once a year is a bit over the top. Really.

 

[ajm222]

Thanks for all the feedback. I will stick with SS because I like the looks of SS better than aluminum. Plus, probably no need to upgrade every year as Apple might not have a new AW every year like the iPhone and each update probably not big enough difference.

I never seriously considered the link bracelet. I should check that out in an Apple Store. I have a black Milanese that looks better IMO than SS Milanese on my SS. I'll probably go SS link bracelet with SS. Do you think SB link bracelet would ever go with the SS??

Do you have the genuine Apple black Milanese? If so, any issues with it scratching the ceramic back?

I paid enough for my SS watch that I don't expect to be buying another one for quite some time, if at all. At least three years. And at that point I am expecting I may tire of the AW and either stop wearing a watch or move to a nice mechanical. That said, if they keep pushing things and adding really useful technology to the AW and more customization options, there's a chance I may want to upgrade in a few years. At the moment, though I enjoy it, I don't find the AW indispensable. Not useful enough for me to feel like I have to continue owning one after this one.

 

[GizmoDVD]

I've felt zero reasons to upgrade my launch day SS model. I only ever use it for Notifications, Text, Weather.

 

[44267547]

I feel so free to post although I own a Sport Watch. A new watch once a year is a bit over the top. Really.

For most, it would be. Because of the price point and if the physical form factor remains the same with minor improvements, that won't justify the price tag for most to spend or upgrade to an accessory to the iPhone. Most consumers who already own the Apple Watch will be looking for what changes were made to justify the ungrade, unless its a first time Apple Watch Buyer.

 

[Luba]

Do you have the genuine Apple black Milanese? If so, any issues with it scratching the ceramic back?

I paid enough for my SS watch that I don't expect to be buying another one for quite some time, if at all. At least three years. And at that point I am expecting I may tire of the AW and either stop wearing a watch or move to a nice mechanical. That said, if they keep pushing things and adding really useful technology to the AW and more customization options, there's a chance I may want to upgrade in a few years. At the moment, though I enjoy it, I don't find the AW indispensable. Not useful enough for me to feel like I have to continue owning one after this one.

I haven't noticed the ceramic back scratched by the Apple black Milanese yet.

 

[Luba]

I haven't noticed the ceramic back scratched by the Apple black Milanese yet.

I didn't look close enough. I was very careful as I read about the black Milanese scratching the ceramic back. I was even thinking of returning it as I felt the stress of needing to be very careful. Well, even being very careful there are numerous scratches on the ceramic back! Luckily the ceramic back is dome-shaped so most of the scratches are on the top of the dome and the bottom. The scratches got close to sensors, but didn't scratch over the sensors. I'm not concerned with scratches on the ceramic back as you can hardly see them and it's hidden underneath the AW, but I'm concerned scratches over the sensor would affect the sensor. I'm going to return the black Milanese unfortunately. Unfortunately, because it looked good and one I have has a particularly strong magnet. I've noticed that there's a variation in magnetic strength in the Milanese bands.

 

[ajm222]

I didn't look close enough. I was very careful as I read about the black Milanese scratching the ceramic back. I was even thinking of returning it as I felt the stress of needing to be very careful. Well, even being very careful there are numerous scratches on the ceramic back! Luckily the ceramic back is dome-shaped so most of the scratches are on the top of the dome and the bottom. The scratches got close to sensors, but didn't scratch over the sensors. I'm not concerned with scratches on the ceramic back as you can hardly see them and it's hidden underneath the AW, but I'm concerned scratches over the sensor would affect the sensor. I'm going to return the black Milanese unfortunately. Unfortunately, because it looked good and one I have has a particularly strong magnet. I've noticed that there's a variation in magnetic strength in the Milanese bands.

Very sorry to hear that

 

[Luba]

Very sorry to hear that

Yeah. and I looked again actually the scratches did encroach a little bit over two of the sensors. At the Apple Store after returning the black Milanese. I looked at the SS link bracelet with SS AW and I liked the look, but it's $450! I also looked at the ceramic back of the demo SS AW at the Apple Store--no scratches. A demo AW that's probably roughly handled had no scratches on the ceramic back! A must conclude my scratches came from the black Milanese which only came in contact lightly. The magnet of the Milanese was drawn to the SS and I wasn't able to put hand in between the Milanese and the ceramic back. I'm a shocked that simple contact caused scratches. Isn't ceramic supposed to a hard material, not as hard as sapphire, but hard enough to resist scratches?!? Not against DLC coating.

 

[ajm222]

Yeah. and I looked again actually the scratches did encroach a little bit over two of the sensors. At the Apple Store after returning the black Milanese. I looked at the SS link bracelet with SS AW and I liked the look, but it's $450! I also looked at the ceramic back of the demo SS AW at the Apple Store--no scratches. A demo AW that's probably roughly handled had no scratches on the ceramic back! A must conclude my scratches came from the black Milanese which only came in contact lightly. The magnet of the Milanese was drawn to the SS and I wasn't able to put hand in between the Milanese and the ceramic back. I'm a shocked that simple contact caused scratches. Isn't ceramic supposed to a hard material, not as hard as sapphire, but hard enough to resist scratches?!? Not against DLC coating.

yeah, that DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating is exceptionally hard - harder than the zirconia dioxide or whatever ceramic formulation they use for the back. i'm still shocked i have a scratch on the back of mine as well, and i don't even have the black bracelet. but you're not alone. a number of people have reported the same thing. i don't think the small scratches over the sensors will cause any problems at all. i think it's like a camera lense - you can scratch a camera lense a lot and it won't impact the image at all. and the way the sensors work doesn't require a ton of perfection to be accurate I don't think. still, it's a shame because as you said the back of the watch is magnetic and pulls the bracelet towards it. i have the SS Milanese and it's often getting stuck to the back of my watch. i wonder if Apple is aware of the black bracelet's ability to scratch the ceramic and if they intend to do anything about it.