How long do film protectors last?

[Gibson88]

I’m considering buying an Apple Watch today, I just want the standard model as I don’t need cellular.

The only thing that’s bothering me is protecting the screen, I don’t want a big bulky case so it’s left me with the only option of a screen protector.

The dry apply film ones seem most suited to me, LK etc.

I know they’re plastic and won’t last forever but I don’t want to be changing them every few weeks.

Can someone with experience of using them tell me how they hold up after time?

 

[Howard2k]

Sometimes a single day, other times up to 4 weeks.

I used them for the first year of ownership and my screen was pristine. Into my second year (3 months in) I've been going without screen protectors and so far still pristine.

 

[LaurenS89]

I bought my first ever Apple Watch (series 7 41mm) in December last year. I put a screen protector on it the first day I got it, and I still have got the same protector on today,(nearly 6 months) and it has weathered really well. No peeling at the corners, I have scratched it a few times, but the marks seem to disappear after a day or two, and I wash my watch under the tap at least once a week, to give it a clean and no water has gotten under the screen protector yet. I have been really impressed. I have got a Mediadevil screen protector. https://mediadevil.com/collections/...es/products/apple-watch-41mm-screen-protector

 

[Dino F]

I wouldn't bother with one if I am completely honest - they all look pretty dire on the curved face of the watch and they will ALL inevitable start to peel around the corners.

I have had my S4 Watch since it came out - never used a protector and not a single scratch on the face (I wear it every day).

Nobody would install a screen protector on a non smart watch so why do this on an Apple Watch???

 

[axantas]

...
Nobody would install a screen protector on a non smart watch so why do this on an Apple Watch???

I do not understand it either, but coming from heavily protected iPhones, it is kind of logic. I usually never answer threads of this kind. There are people who like to wrap their gadgets. They may do that - the wraps are available.

It is a different thinking compared to owners of a (for example) Rolex, who lives with their owners and gets scracthes, because a Rolex with a bumper does not look like a Rolex.

It is that way, and it is ok - I am not forced to do it the same way, others are free to do it their way.

 

[BigBlur]

It really varies. I use the ones from LK since they have a lot of good reviews and can hardly tell it’s on there. (I have to look real closely to see if it’s still there.) The first one lasted me about a month, and the second one lasted me five months. I’m now on my third one (from a pack of six) after seven months of owning my S7. Everyone’s experience is different, but they should last at least more than a few weeks.

 

[bricktop_at]

Nobody would install a screen protector on a non smart watch so why do this on an Apple Watch???

I always think the same… why would somebody do that? I have to say that I also don’t use screen protectors on my phone, so maybe I‘m just different?

 

[Howard2k]

There are screen protectors available for non-Apple watches. Including even Rolex's.

Very obviously some people DO install screen protectors on their Rolexes and other watches. I don't use any but the market is there, whether I participate in it or not.

 

[axantas]

There are screen protectors available for non-Apple watches. Including even Rolex's.

Very obviously some people DO install screen protectors on their Rolexes and other watches. I don't use any but the market is there, whether I participate in it or not.

I have learned something new. Google was my friend. Ok. They do it on Rolexes.
... a screen protector on a Rolex.

 

[iStorm]

I love these types of threads where everyone has to chime in how they do the opposite, or don't understand why someone would want to do something...

To answer the OP's question, mine (LK) have lasted me several months in my experience. I don't think you'll be disappointed with them or other similar kinds.

I've had my S7 since October and I'm not even halfway through my pack of six yet, so a $9 purchase that'll last me over a year is pretty darn good. I'm usually not bothered by scratches and wasn't planning on getting anything when I got my watch, but figured I'd try these out anyway since I've been hearing so much about them...and actually ended up liked them. I view this more as insurance for added protection. It looks good (can't see it), feels good, and is cheap...so why not keep using them?

 

[bricktop_at]

I love these types of threads where everyone has to chime in how they do the opposite, or don't understand why someone would want to do something...

Hey it’s the internet… it is supposed to be like that

 

[jav6454]

I wouldn't bother with one if I am completely honest - they all look pretty dire on the curved face of the watch and they will ALL inevitable start to peel around the corners.

I have had my S4 Watch since it came out - never used a protector and not a single scratch on the face (I wear it every day).

Nobody would install a screen protector on a non smart watch so why do this on an Apple Watch???

Same here. S4 since launch day and never a protector.

 

[Gibson88]

I love these types of threads where everyone has to chime in how they do the opposite, or don't understand why someone would want to do something...

To answer the OP's question, mine (LK) have lasted me several months in my experience. I don't think you'll be disappointed with them or other similar kinds.

I've had my S7 since October and I'm not even halfway through my pack of six yet, so a $9 purchase that'll last me over a year is pretty darn good. I'm usually not bothered by scratches and wasn't planning on getting anything when I got my watch, but figured I'd try these out anyway since I've been hearing so much about them...and actually ended up liked them. I view this more as insurance for added protection. It looks good (can't see it), feels good, and is cheap...so why not keep using them?

How long would you say a single one lasts before starting to come away at the corners?

 

[iStorm]

How long would you say a single one lasts before starting to come away at the corners?

They've lasted about 3-4 months each for me. They didn't start coming away at the corners though. First replacement was due to it getting snagged on rough burlap-like furniture; second replacement was due to me hitting/scraping the side of a counter top. If it weren't for these incidents, perhaps I'd still be on the first one. Could be why LaurenS89's is still going strong.

The corners/edges on the S7 don't have as sharp of a curve compared to the older models, so I don't think lifting is really much of a concern as it once was. I think it depends more on the usage and what you subject it to. FWIW, I'd say I wear my watch about 20-22 hours a day. It's pretty much only off when I'm showering and when it's charging. I thought I'd have problems with it sticking to sheets/blankets and lifting off while sleeping, but haven't so far. Then again, everyone's experience will be different.

 

[robotica]

I use the pzoz ones which I really like. Had a couple last for several months. They don't last forever but they are cheap and are completely invisible and offer just enough protection for my needs. There are some crap quality ones and took me a good while to find these ones which cover the full face (S5).

 

[HDFan]

Depends on the watch you purchase. If you get the stainless steel or above you get sapphire glass which is quite difficult to scratch. I am hitting things all the time with my SS and have never had a single scratch in 7 years over 7 different SS watches. A screen protector for me has no value. Just extra expense and bother with no actual benefit.

 

[Ifti]

Never used one with my S5 - was always fine - no scratches when I sold it!

Purchased 2 S7 watches in January of this year.

Applied a screen protector one to my S7 - just a cheap set I picked up from Amazon.
I've had the same one applied since then - still can hardly see its even on there! Perfect!

On the other hand, the one applied to my daughters has started to show a little bubble on one side. May replace it soon with another from the package.

In essence, I've probably added more confusion to the OP's question! lol

 

[shinigamii]

I’m considering buying an Apple Watch today, I just want the standard model as I don’t need cellular.

The only thing that’s bothering me is protecting the screen, I don’t want a big bulky case so it’s left me with the only option of a screen protector.

The dry apply film ones seem most suited to me, LK etc.

I know they’re plastic and won’t last forever but I don’t want to be changing them every few weeks.

Can someone with experience of using them tell me how they hold up after time?

Yeah, film screen guard are more than enough to save the watch screen from bumps and scratches, I recommend Gadgetshieldz screen guard which is actually pretty good in my experience! I'm using this on my Series 7 for more than 6 months and also on my old watch for a year. There are no damage to the watch and the scratches on the protector also healed as it is a self-healing protector which is mentioned on their website! This one suits your preference as you don't have to change it frequently!

 

[jav6454]

Yeah, film protectors are more than enough to save the watch screen from bumps and scratches, I recommend Gadgetshieldz screen guard which is actually pretty good in my experience! I'm using this on my Series 7 for more than 6 months and also on my old watch for a year. There are no damage to the watch and the scratches on the protector also healed as it is a self-healing protector which is mentioned on their website! This one suits your preference as you don't have to change it frequently!

protectors on the watch are unneeded in my view. I have used my S4 since launch and I don't see any scratches and it has been worn without any protection to the display.

 

[jz0309]

screen protectors - naysayers stay out

 

[kb87]

I use a film one and you can barely tell it’s there, and it lasted for ages. That was until my toddler figured out it was on and now I’m replacing it weekly because she likes to pick at it 🥲

 

[glitterli]

I prefer the water application screen protectors and use ones by ScreenKnight on my Apple Watch SE.

The first screen protector I used lasted on my watch for 9 months before starting to lift up at the edges. I do have a Otterbox bumper case too, so that probably kept it in place longer.