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

[576316]

Still got my launch day SS 42. Will probably upgrade to aluminium Series 3 if and when that's launched. I've enjoyed having the SS, and it does provide a nice style, but I can't justify the premium price and I only use it for fitness anyway. Although the sapphire display is practically untouchable, you'd be very hard pushed to cause any damage. Although I did manage to put two deep scratches in it a long time ago, no idea how...but I think it might just be damage to the coating and not the sapphire itself. Apart from that, the screen is in a brand new state.

 

[douglasf13]

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.

Oh man, I bought some bands, including the link bracelet, when I bought my SS Watch nearly two years ago, and I rarely wear anything other than the black Sport band. It's just so functional, and it has become social acceptable to wear even high-end watches with rubber these days at most events, so it still works for everything.

I honestly don't think I'll even bother with an AW3, since my AW0 still does a good job for the reasons I purchased it...unless they make a brushed steel model. That would tempt me for simply aesthetic reasons.

 

[mentaluproar]

, 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.

I’m holding out for glucose monitoring too. Still, I would get the aluminum. I think stainless steel looks too “loud” if that makes any sense.

I wonder how glucose monitoring on an Apple Watch would eating habits in the US.

 

[Ixidor]

The Apple Watch is as much a fashion item as it is an electronic gadget. Regardless of whether it has a limited life span (it is an electronic gadget afterall), the fact that you wear it means you have to at least be okay with the design. Even if it offered cutting edge tech, it's likely that you won't wear it if you find that it looks horrendous.

Naturally, cost can also be a factor. But since the more expensive models of Apple Watches function exactly the same as the cheaper ones (of the same series), the "fashion factor" then dictates how much you are willing to spend on an SS model and/or the bands.

I have an SS series 2, and I'd be tempted to upgrade if one of two things happen: (1) the design changes and I like it or (2) the design stays the same but Apple crams a lot of new useful features into it.

 

[satchmo]

Still got my launch day SS 42. Will probably upgrade to aluminium Series 3 if and when that's launched. I've enjoyed having the SS, and it does provide a nice style, but I can't justify the premium price and I only use it for fitness anyway. Although the sapphire display is practically untouchable, you'd be very hard pushed to cause any damage. Although I did manage to put two deep scratches in it a long time ago, no idea how...but I think it might just be damage to the coating and not the sapphire itself. Apart from that, the screen is in a brand new state.

I agree. While you can use a sport band on the SS, go aluminum if your primary use is for fitness.

 

[warburg]

Everyone seems to be assuming that the Series 3 AW will have aluminum and steel versions and will externally be identical to the series 0-2. Has this actually been determined?

 

[44267547]

Everyone seems to be assuming that the Series 3 AW will have aluminum and steel versions and will externally be identical to the series 0-2. Has this actually been determined?

It has not been determined. It's simply speculation. But why wouldn't Apple offer a Series 3 in stainless steel or aluminum? Perhaps they could offer an additional casing option, but I would highly likely believe that those two casing options will return.

It was also rumored today that a Series 3 Apple Watch may see a redesign, but then later debunked that that rumor may be false indicated in an update in the article.

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-feature-all-new-form-factor-updated.2060105/

 

[Cashmonee]

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

This nails it. The SS just feels more like a really nice watch. Not knocking the aluminum really, but it is a far cry from the SS with milanese loop or a leather band. Honestly, the bigger issue for me is the matte finish, it just doesn't have the right look for a watch.

 

[thedoc46]

I'm on a launch day SS, which i'll keep until they come out with an always on display OMLED like they have on the S8's and LG G6's. Doesn't need to show everything, but i find it frustrating to raise my wrist and it not always be on.

 

[WarHeadz]

This nails it. The SS just feels more like a really nice watch. Not knocking the aluminum really, but it is a far cry from the SS with milanese loop or a leather band. Honestly, the bigger issue for me is the matte finish, it just doesn't have the right look for a watch.

Agreed 100%

I have the original SS watch and will upgrade when the S3 comes out.

I'm sorry but the aluminum looks like crap. And you're right, the main issue is the matte finish. It makes it look like a toy. I bought the aluminum originally and after a few months sold it and upgraded to stainless. Best decision ever.

To me, the stainless version feels and looks like a real watch/piece of jewelry.

 

[swarlos]

After owning a Space Black SS for the last 18 months there’s no way for me that I could go back to Aluminum. I stared out with the Space Gray Sport watch with the original launch back in April 2015 and I loved it but after getting the Space Black. Yeah I just couldn’t do it.

 

[44267547]

After owning a Space Black SS for the last 18 months there’s no way for me that I could go back to Aluminum. I stared out with the Space Gray Sport watch with the original launch back in April 2015 and I loved it but after getting the Space Black. Yeah I just couldn’t do it.

The biggest issue I had with the aluminum Apple Watch, was it's just far too light for my liking. It almost made it feel like a cheap toy because of how light it was. Even though it's not cheap, it's just how I projected it when I wore it when I owned the sport model. But I agree, that the black stainless is far superior in terms of appeal and build quality with the Diamond like Carbon coating durability.

 

[swarlos]

The biggest issue I had with the aluminum Apple Watch, was it's just far too light for my liking. It almost made it feel like a cheap toy because of how light it was. Even though it's not cheap, it's just how I projected it when I wore it when I owned the sport model. But I agree, that the black stainless is far superior in terms of appeal and build quality with the Diamond like Carbon coating durability.

Yeah I felt the same way. It just felt way to light and like you said kind of had a cheap feel to it. The Space Gray color mitigated that some but the silver aluminum just looks horrible.

 

[satchmo]

Yeah I felt the same way. It just felt way to light and like you said kind of had a cheap feel to it. The Space Gray color mitigated that some but the silver aluminum just looks horrible.

I felt the same way about the silver aluminum at launch. Less so now, but yes the look might not 'date' well 5 years from now. That said, compared to the Space Grey, it has a bit more 'life' to it, and matching a band to it, is much easier. Probably partly why the SS is so desirable.

As someone else mentioned, a brushed steel finish would be a welcome option for the Apple watch 3.

 

[redman042]

Stainless, upgraded every two years (or longer).

I briefly owned an aluminum one when the watch first launched. I quickly returned it for SS and never looked back. I just enjoy looking at and wearing the shiny stainless watch so much more. And it's much more durable, so I don't have to worry when I bump it into a door knob that I'm going to damage it.

I did upgrade from the original to the Series 2 as soon as the Series 2 launched, but that's because the original watch CPU was just too slow. I've had the Series 2 for a while now, and never want for speed. Sure it could be a little faster, but lag is not on my mind anymore like it was on the original one.

So most likely I will not upgrade it for another year or two.

 

[44267547]

I felt the same way about the silver aluminum at launch. Less so now, but yes the look might not 'date' well 5 years from now. That said, compared to the Space Grey, it has a bit more 'life' to it, and matching a band to it, is much easier. Probably partly why the SS is so desirable.

As someone else mentioned, a brushed steel finish would be a welcome option for the Apple watch 3.

I think it's the aesthetic appeal with high shine with stainless model and the when you wear it with the added weight, it feels more like a Watch.

And yes, a brushed stainless steel space grey Apple Watch would be a casing refresh.

 

[Neodym]

I don't care for technical updates or casing materials. Gimme a new color option in Vantablack and I'll order on day one! (Demo clip, Promo video with more demos & behind the scenes info).