Having A Legitimate (1st World) Crisis

[UltimateSyn]

So before all the reviews came out I was dead set on the Space Black 42mm SS w/ Link Bracelet. It's the most beautiful and I have a lot of faith in this product and a 0% APR credit card for the next 15 months so it was a no brainer.

After these reviews and reassessing my finances I'm fairly positive I don't want to buy the top of the line steel model when the second generation will likely be much, much better, as 99% of Apple products are. Investing $1100 in this product no longer makes sense to me.

I have absolutely no idea which one to buy. My first reaction was to go down to the Sport model, and get the Space Grey 42mm, but that doesn't quite have the elegant beauty of the stainless steel case. So I could get the 42mm SS with Classic Buckle (or Black Leather Loop). But then I'll get the scratches that will be common on SS without the DLC coating. And I'm spending $700. But that's a happy medium between $400 and $1100.

I have an exam tonight, no time to worry about these things... But alas, I am worrying.

 

[profmjh]

So before all the reviews came out I was dead set on the Space Black 42mm SS w/ Link Bracelet. It's the most beautiful and I have a lot of faith in this product and a 0% APR credit card for the next 15 months so it was a no brainer.

After these reviews and reassessing my finances I'm fairly positive I don't want to buy the top of the line steel model when the second generation will likely be much, much better, as 99% of Apple products are. Investing $1100 in this product no longer makes sense to me.

I have absolutely no idea which one to buy. My first reaction was to go down to the Sport model, and get the Space Grey 42mm, but that doesn't quite have the elegant beauty of the stainless steel case. So I could get the 42mm SS with Modern Buckle (or Black Leather Loop). But then I'll get the scratches that will be common on SS without the DLC coating. And I'm spending $700. But that's a happy medium between $400 and $1100.

I have an exam tonight, no time to worry about these things... But alas, I am worrying.

As you and I have the same Apple devices, I'm sympathetic to your plight!

I think you have to go for a happy medium. As others have said, no point buying something you don't love, or at least like. Who knows when the allegedly much better Apple Watch 2 will come out. In the meantime what are you going to wear? Something you don't really like?

 

[cmChimera]

So before all the reviews came out I was dead set on the Space Black 42mm SS w/ Link Bracelet. It's the most beautiful and I have a lot of faith in this product and a 0% APR credit card for the next 15 months so it was a no brainer.

After these reviews and reassessing my finances I'm fairly positive I don't want to buy the top of the line steel model when the second generation will likely be much, much better, as 99% of Apple products are. Investing $1100 in this product no longer makes sense to me.

I have absolutely no idea which one to buy. My first reaction was to go down to the Sport model, and get the Space Grey 42mm, but that doesn't quite have the elegant beauty of the stainless steel case. So I could get the 42mm SS with Modern Buckle (or Black Leather Loop). But then I'll get the scratches that will be common on SS without the DLC coating. And I'm spending $700. But that's a happy medium between $400 and $1100.

I have an exam tonight, no time to worry about these things... But alas, I am worrying.

I feel like if you're spending a lot of money anyway, just get the Space Black you were originally intending to buy. Yes it's expensive, yes it's a first gen product. However you'll enjoy it more if you get the one you want, and if you want to upgrade to the second gen, just sell your first gen. Just my two cents.

 

[tagy]

So before all the reviews came out I was dead set on the Space Black 42mm SS w/ Link Bracelet. It's the most beautiful and I have a lot of faith in this product and a 0% APR credit card for the next 15 months so it was a no brainer.

Buying a $1000+ watch on a credit card does not sound like a no brainer to me.

Obviously if you can easily afford it and are just spreading the cost interest free then ok, but if not like I say not a no brainer to me.

 

[capitanbuzo]

If the only way you can buy it is by financing it, you probably shouldn't buy it. If you are financing it to get a higher ROI with the unused funds, then it makes sense but I doubt that's the case.

 

[cambookpro]

If the only way you can buy it is by financing it, you probably shouldn't buy it. If you are financing it to get a higher ROI with the unused funds, then it makes sense but I doubt that's the case.

I think financing it with 0% APR makes perfect sense, no? Presuming you're earning interest on your savings, it effectively makes it cheaper.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Buying a $1000+ watch on a credit card does not sound like a no brainer to me.

Obviously if you can easily afford it and are just spreading the cost interest free then ok, but if not like I say not a no brainer to me.

I could buy it outright but buying it with my credit card gets me an additional year of warranty, and I get to spread the cost out over the next year.

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I feel like if you're spending a lot of money anyway, just get the Space Black you were originally intending to buy. Yes it's expensive, yes it's a first gen product. However you'll enjoy it more if you get the one you want, and if you want to upgrade to the second gen, just sell your first gen. Just my two cents.

This is extremely valid.... Hmmmm...

Though I know you're bias since you're getting the same one!

 

[gcooldude86]

So before all the reviews came out I was dead set on the Space Black 42mm SS w/ Link Bracelet. It's the most beautiful and I have a lot of faith in this product and a 0% APR credit card for the next 15 months so it was a no brainer.

After these reviews and reassessing my finances I'm fairly positive I don't want to buy the top of the line steel model when the second generation will likely be much, much better, as 99% of Apple products are. Investing $1100 in this product no longer makes sense to me.

I have absolutely no idea which one to buy. My first reaction was to go down to the Sport model, and get the Space Grey 42mm, but that doesn't quite have the elegant beauty of the stainless steel case. So I could get the 42mm SS with Modern Buckle (or Black Leather Loop). But then I'll get the scratches that will be common on SS without the DLC coating. And I'm spending $700. But that's a happy medium between $400 and $1100.

I have an exam tonight, no time to worry about these things... But alas, I am worrying.

You can only get the modern buckle on the 38mm SS

 

[VFC]

So before all the reviews came out I was dead set on the Space Black 42mm SS w/ Link Bracelet. It's the most beautiful and I have a lot of faith in this product and a 0% APR credit card for the next 15 months so it was a no brainer.

After these reviews and reassessing my finances I'm fairly positive I don't want to buy the top of the line steel model when the second generation will likely be much, much better, as 99% of Apple products are. Investing $1100 in this product no longer makes sense to me.

I have absolutely no idea which one to buy. My first reaction was to go down to the Sport model, and get the Space Grey 42mm, but that doesn't quite have the elegant beauty of the stainless steel case. So I could get the 42mm SS with Modern Buckle (or Black Leather Loop). But then I'll get the scratches that will be common on SS without the DLC coating. And I'm spending $700. But that's a happy medium between $400 and $1100.

I have an exam tonight, no time to worry about these things... But alas, I am worrying.

Waste the $1,100 now buying the top of line SS; that will help justify spending another $1,100 in a few months on the vastly improved Gen 2 model. The Gen 2 purchase will give you closure on the mistake you made buying the expensive Gen 1.

 

[ditzy]

I was having a similar dilemma myself, but got over it by remembering that I would be wearing the watch. As it is on me I want it to look as good as possible.

 

[capitanbuzo]

I think financing it with 0% APR makes perfect sense, no? Presuming you're earning interest on your savings, it effectively makes it cheaper.

Aka why I said if you are doing something with the funds you are using to pay down the debt. General rule, though, is that this typically doesn't happen. People buy with 0% offers and don't pay in time, bringing the accumulated interest due and at 16-25%, that's pretty hefty.

 

[UltimateSyn]

You can only get the modern buckle on the 38mm SS

Very true I meant to say Classic Buckle

 

[ninethirty]

This.. why on earth people spend money they don't have is beyond me.

Buying a $1000+ watch on a credit card does not sound like a no brainer to me.

Obviously if you can easily afford it and are just spreading the cost interest free then ok, but if not like I say not a no brainer to me.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Waste the $1,100 now buying the top of line SS; that will help justify spending another $1,100 in a few months on the vastly improved Gen 2 model. The Gen 2 purchase will give you closure on the mistake you made buying the expensive Gen 1.

Ah, yes, perfect!

In all seriousness though I'm concerned about the resale value retention of the SS Black vs the Alu Space Grey. What are anyone's thoughts on this?

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This.. why on earth people spend money they don't have is beyond me.

If you had the ability to read you would've noticed I said that I could buy it outright but there are advantages of buying it on a credit card. Forgot to mention the 2% cash back.

 

[cambookpro]

Ah, yes, perfect!

In all seriousness though I'm concerned about the resale value retention of the SS Black vs the Alu Space Grey. What are anyone's thoughts on this?

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If you had the ability to read you would've noticed I said that I could buy it outright but there are advantages of buying it on a credit card. Forgot to mention the 2% cash back.

In percentage terms, I'm almost certain the Sport will hold its value best. With every other Apple product, the low end model always retains most of its value. Probably because someone looking to buy second hand is looking for more of a bargain.

 

[profmjh]

there are advantages of buying it on a credit card. Forgot to mention the 2% cash back.

In the UK you also get significant extra consumer rights if you pay by credit card.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I know that none of us have any way of knowing this, but do you guys predict that Apple will keep the same band connector for a generation or two, or change it up every time?

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In percentage terms, I'm almost certain the Sport will hold its value best. With every other Apple product, the low end model always retains most of its value. Probably because someone looking to buy second hand is looking for more of a bargain.

I figured this would be the case.

I'd also be looking at lower durability if the anodized coating scratches off, and scratches on the Ion-X screen. Win some, lose some...

 

[bunnicula]

In the UK you also get significant extra consumer rights if you pay by credit card.

It's the same in the U.S.

Everyone is buying by CC or Apple gift card if they're preordering online anyway.

We just have people on here that like to remind other people that they think they cannot afford Apple goods unless they buy with cash.

Dunno why. I just let other people manage (or mismanage) their own finances.

----------

So before all the reviews came out I was dead set on the Space Black 42mm SS w/ Link Bracelet. It's the most beautiful and I have a lot of faith in this product and a 0% APR credit card for the next 15 months so it was a no brainer.

After these reviews and reassessing my finances I'm fairly positive I don't want to buy the top of the line steel model when the second generation will likely be much, much better, as 99% of Apple products are. Investing $1100 in this product no longer makes sense to me.

I have absolutely no idea which one to buy. My first reaction was to go down to the Sport model, and get the Space Grey 42mm, but that doesn't quite have the elegant beauty of the stainless steel case. So I could get the 42mm SS with Classic Buckle (or Black Leather Loop). But then I'll get the scratches that will be common on SS without the DLC coating. And I'm spending $700. But that's a happy medium between $400 and $1100.

I have an exam tonight, no time to worry about these things... But alas, I am worrying.

Buy the one you like best and don't worry about gen 2. What if it doesn't come out until 2 years from now?

There's only a 400-dollar difference in the two models. In 15-month 0% financing terms, that's just under 27 dollars a month. If you want to think of it that way, do you feel like 27 more dollars a month is too much to pay for a watch you really like vs one you're settling for?

I realize you may buy this watch now and pay it off in a few months, but that's one perspective.

 

[cambookpro]

I figured this would be the case.

I'd also be looking at lower durability if the anodized coating scratches off, and scratches on the Ion-X screen. Win some, lose some...

I am slightly concerned about the Ion-X screen, but I think the aluminium will actually stand up better to day to day use. The stainless steel shows light scratches quite easily, whereas I think the aluminium (especially the silver) would hide it.

It's the same in the U.S.

Everyone is buying by CC or Apple gift card if they're preordering online anyway.

We just have people on here that like to remind other people that they think they cannot afford Apple goods unless they buy with cash.

Dunno why. I just let other people manage (or mismanage) their own finances.

Not necessarily - I'll be using a debit card.

 

[Exile714]

So $400 is something you are willing to pay for the FUNCTION of the Apple Watch. That's how you should have looked at it before, that's how you should look at it now. The Sport does what the SS does.

You pay $200 more for the SS. What do you pay for? You pay for the LOOK. That's the same now as it was a week ago. If $200 was worth the LOOK before, why not pay that much now?

You pay $100-400 more for the STRAP/BAND. Those function like LOOK, but you can use them for Gen2, Gen3 etc.

Personally, I just don't understand the whole "I don't want to invest in the SS model because of the reviews" mentality. The SS watch was never about functionality, it was an upgraded look. That hasn't changed at all. If it was worthwhile to spend $200 for a shiny watch case as opposed to a matte one last week, why not now? If you're really concerned with the reviews, there's really only one logical conclusion: DON'T GET THE WATCH. Or, just wait. But downgrading the look of the device because you plan to spend more on Gen2 doesn't make logical sense.

 

[cmChimera]

I know that none of us have any way of knowing this, but do you guys predict that Apple will keep the same band connector for a generation or two, or change it up every time?

I think it's a pretty safe bet that the band connector will stick around for at least a couple of generations.

This is extremely valid.... Hmmmm...

Though I know you're bias since you're getting the same one!

Haha yep very true.

 

[durangojim]

why not order both, then go to the Apple Store in the next week and try on both. Then cancel the order for which ever you didn't like.

 

[KauaiBruce]

So $400 is something you are willing to pay for the FUNCTION of the Apple Watch. That's how you should have looked at it before, that's how you should look at it now. The Sport does what the SS does.

You pay $200 more for the SS. What do you pay for? You pay for the LOOK. That's the same now as it was a week ago. If $200 was worth the LOOK before, why not pay that much now?

You pay $100-400 more for the STRAP/BAND. Those function like LOOK, but you can use them for Gen2, Gen3 etc.

Personally, I just don't understand the whole "I don't want to invest in the SS model because of the reviews" mentality. The SS watch was never about functionality, it was an upgraded look. That hasn't changed at all. If it was worthwhile to spend $200 for a shiny watch case as opposed to a matte one last week, why not now? If you're really concerned with the reviews, there's really only one logical conclusion: DON'T GET THE WATCH. Or, just wait. But downgrading the look of the device because you plan to spend more on Gen2 doesn't make logical sense.

I actually agree with you. Anyone on the fence should wait until they are out in the world and NOT be clogging up the order process tonight. The reviews just got ME more excited. I am still paying $999 for mine tonight unless there is too long a wait for the Link band. And THAT is only because I am going out of the country two weeks after the watches are shipping. Since I want a sports band anyway also I will get SS with sports band if they are shipping two weeks earlier.

 

[ricktat]

The more money you spend, the more money you will lose.

Buying a 128 GB doesn't net $200 resale over a 16 GB. It nets less than $100.

But if a 16 GB iPhone would make you miserable like me... you opt to spend more.

In this case though... for $700 over the sport... you will be luck to see a return of $200 of the $700.

 

[KPOM]

The more money you spend, the more money you will lose.

Buying a 128 GB doesn't net $200 resale over a 16 GB. It nets less than $100.

But if a 16 GB iPhone would make you miserable like me... you opt to spend more.

In this case though... for $700 over the sport... you will be luck to see a return of $200 of the $700.

This. If you intend to sell the product at the next generation, it's best to get the cheapest version now. It's the same with MacBooks. No one will care whether it's the 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz version next year when the Skylake version is out that is significantly faster than both of them.

In any case, it's somewhat different with the Watch. Assuming Apple leaves the connector the same, someone looking at a Milanese Loop, leather, or stainless steel link band can splurge now and just get the Stainless Steel with Sport Band in 2016 for $600 (and maybe get $250-$275 for selling the old watch body). However, the Space Black stainless steel is a bit more complicated, as its sold only with the link band today. Perhaps Apple will sell it with the Sport band or a matching leather band next year, but we don't know that. So if you are getting the space black stainless steel you potentially could be left having to spend $1100 again next year, and likely take a big hit on the 2015 model.