How does the aluminium models hold up after a year or so?

[Gibson88]

Just wondering on this, especially the glass. About to pick up a watch but I’m unsure if I should get the Space Grey or pay the extra for the SS. I’m just worried about the glass scratching when you put your hand in pockets etc.

Many pictures would be great also.

Thanks.

 

[Closingracer]

Mines still looks brand new and I have far from babied it

 

[Moriend87]

I have a few dings on mine in 6 months but I’m really hard on it. I work outside every day.

 

[Juicy Box]

Mines still looks brand new and I have far from babied it

How long have you had it?

 

[Closingracer]

How long have you had it?

A year. Got it around this time

 

[Bryan Bowler]

I owned a Series 0 for 2.5 years and Series 3 for 2 years. My Series 5 arrived last night. All of my Apple Watches have been Aluminum.

I have worn my Apple Watch for approximately 4,300 miles of trail running. I have worn my Apple Watch on over 1,200 skydives. I also have worn my Apple Watch the entire time while doing my real job, which is traveling over 140 days a year filming and creating adventure sports productions.

I am aware of where my wrist is and I am relatively careful, but in all of the above over 4.5 years, I have never developed a scratch on the Ion glass. I did just develop the first tiny little nick in the aluminum casing on my Series 3 about a month ago. I was reaching into the engine cowling on an airplane in the backcountry and I accidentally touched something hot and had to quickly jerk my hand to the side.

The aluminum watch has been very durable for me.

 

[Renho]

Just get like 3 boxes of these. And you will be fine with the aluminum

 

[PatrickNSF]

The aluminum watch has been very durable for me.

This is a helpful post. I went from S4 SB (which I bought refurbished) to a S5 Nike (Space Grey). It feels fine, though I definitely notice the better build quality of the Space Black

I have trouble justifying another Space Black because I’m certain I’ll upgrade to S6 if it has native sleep tracking.

(As an aside, what app do you use for trail running?)

 

[xraydoc]

My space gray S3 after nearly two years was (is) in excellent condition.

 

[44267547]

Just wondering on this, especially the glass. About to pick up a watch but I’m unsure if I should get the Space Grey or pay the extra for the SS. I’m just worried about the glass scratching when you put your hand in pockets

If you’re worried about the ion-X glass scratching, then either opt for a screen protector or upgrade to the Sapphire. For me, I don’t care for screen protectors, and I think they’re shotty looking. I prefer the stainless model with the sapphire, _zero_ scratches to date.

 

[akash.nu]

I’ve been on the  Watch 4 since the launch and haven’t had a single scratch / ding or anything for that matter. Although I work in a traditional office setup but I wear it to the gym regularly and also go on mountain climbing/ hiking etc without any issues.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Never had a problem with the aluminium in 3+ years. Nice weight, nice quality and sensible price.

No point paying double for a watch to look pristine as it’s retired to a drawer after 3 years of use. Go aluminium, you won’t regret it.

 

[entropi]

My spacegrey series 0 from oct 2015 still looks like new.

 

[BillGates1969]

Had 4 SS (S0, S2, S3, S5) and 1 Aluminium model (S4).

ALL of them have been in great condition after the year (well S5 is new lol), but the only one with minor (and I mean really minor) nicks was the Aluminium S4. I could only see them if I looked for them. Annoyed me, but no one else would notice - so much so I sold it to a mate to replace his S2, and he was shocked how pristine it was compared to his that was all scratched up.

I don't baby them (no protectors etc), but am aware of my wrist and if I am gardening or doing DIY, I put on a sweat band over the watch to protect it.

Choice is yours, I personally prefer the SS, but if you are upgrading every year, it gets a bit expensive.

Whatever one you get...enjoy

 

[breezyf808]

I too was paranoid when I got my s4 aluminum. My wife’s s2 is horrendous after the 2nd year.
Thats why I waited til my screen protector got delivered before I even opened the box, which was about 3-days.
I had plastic screen protector on for the first 6.5 months then it peeled off, second one didn’t even last 1 day for a reason and now I’m “naked” for the past several months and don’t even see a scratch on glass or body.
Mind you I work in a warehouse where I bang lots of metal shelves and wooden pallets, even go into freezer -20 degrees and it holds up fine in there.
So now I’m not worried about it.