How would you spend my money?

[boss.king]

I plan to upgrade my almost 4-year-old Apple Watch Series 3 before I leave the States next year (they're super expensive where I'm headed) and I'm torn on what to get next. I'm weighing up the stainless steel Series 6 for the durability and scratch resistance (I use a screen protector on my 3, this would mean I wouldn't have to use/replace those) and an aluminium Series 7 (which I'd likely use with an LK screen protector). I plan on keeping this watch for another 3-4 years before upgrading again.

I'm usually pretty good at making up my mind about this sort of thing, and I know no one here will fully know how I use my watch etc, so I'm asking you how you would spend my money instead. Would you go for the newest thing out there or get a more premium finish on last year's model? Votes are appreciated, explanations of why you picked what you did even more so. Help me, MacRumors members, you're my only hope.

 

[bricktop_at]

Having owned Alu and now 3 stainless models and one Ti… I‘d go for steel anytime, plus the S7 isn’t that much of an upgrade IMHO

 

[Howard2k]

You also need to factor in the cost of a gym membership for the extra weight of the SS.

I'd go with the S7 in Aluminium. Brand new with a full warranty, and the latest tech. Unless I was pretty sure it would be a relatively hostile environment, in which case I might go for the harder wearing SS.

 

[mavis]

Having owned Alu and now 3 stainless models and one Ti… I‘d go for steel anytime, plus the S7 isn’t that much of an upgrade IMHO

Same. After four SS models and one Ti, I wouldn't want to mess with screen protectors, and the peace of mind with that sapphire display is reason enough to get the SS. Plus, SS (and to a much lesser degree, natural Ti) is so shiny ... looks more like a traditional higher-end timepiece.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

I'd go with the Aluminum S7. I had the SS Series 0, replaced it with Aluminum Series 4. I do not use screen protectors.

The polished SS shows more scratches than the hard-anodized Aluminum. It seems that matte finish of the aluminum is good camouflage. However, there's also the fact that the thicker S0 has a lot more exposed metal, so there's more room for scratching. There are only one or two small marks on my Aluminum.

As to the display? Yes, the S0 sapphire crystal looks pristine, but the S4 ion-X glass isn't that far behind - one significant fine scratch and some scuff marks, all of which are most likely in the oleophobic coating rather than the glass itself. There are no deep scratches. None of these marks are apparent unless you look for them.

Overall, my experience with the S4 has me convinced that my next Watch will also be aluminum - the higher price for SS/sapphire doesn't seem worthwhile for something I'll be replacing after another 3-4 years.

Meantime, if you buy a used Watch you're (most likely) getting a used battery. If you'll be living somewhere that Apple service is difficult to get, an extra year or more of battery life may be a significant consideration.

 

[Itinj24]

This thread is probably gonna result in a stale mate. The camp that swears by sapphire glass and durability of SS/Ti and the camp that only buys Al because it’s an expendable product. After owning one Al model (my first which was the S4), I’ll never go back (to Al, that is). I’m in the former camp but I’m gonna go against the grain here and say that the latest and greatest trumps all. The keyboard is excellent and the new screen size is too. I’d get a new S7 in Al and try to take really good care of it. Perhaps case and screen protector (which I’m not a huge fan of but doable). If you sneeze on that IonX screen, it scratches. Whether it’s the oleophobic coating or the actual screen, makes no difference. A visible scratch that can’t be removed is a scratch.

 

[nburwell]

Me personally, I'm not a fan of buying a used Apple Watch (that's just me, of course). So I would go with the new Series 7.

 

[boss.king]

This thread is probably gonna result in a stale mate. The camp that swears by sapphire glass and durability of SS/Ti and the camp that only buys Al because it’s an expendable product. After owning one Al model (my first which was the S4), I’ll never go back (to Al, that is). I’m in the former camp but I’m gonna go against the grain here and say that the latest and greatest trumps all. The keyboard is excellent and the new screen size is too. I’d get a new S7 in Al and try to take really good care of it. Perhaps case and screen protector (which I’m not a huge fan of but doable). If you sneeze on that IonX screen, it scratches. Whether it’s the oleophobic coating or the actual screen, makes no difference. A visible scratch that can’t be removed is a scratch.

Yup, that seems to be the way it's going. The aluminium S7 is winning but just barely. I probably should have expected this.

I really wish Apple would just use the sapphire crystal across the lines because the ion X glass is literally my only complaint with the aluminium watches (and maybe the weird colours this year, but even that I can live with).

Hopefully some more people weigh in with a significant tie-break.

 

[fwmireault]

If you plan to keep the Watch for 3-4 years, I’d go with the stainless steel over the aluminium, because of its increased durability. I find aluminium to be a great option for someone that upgrade frequently

 

[Night Spring]

I'm voting aluminum, just because I always buy aluminum, and OP asked what *I* would do. I also think if you are planning to keep this for several years, it's better to go with the latest tech.

 

[boss.king]

Looks like the S7 is picking up momentum.

 

[MacDevil7334]

You’re never going to get a clear answer because people value different things when making a purchase. That’s especially true for something as personal as a watch. For me, the models without a sapphire crystal are non-starters. So I would vote for the S6. But that is based on me placing a higher value on material quality over having the latest model. That might not be what is most important to you.

Your decision is pretty simple: would you rather have a more durable casing or a larger screen (and the extra watch faces that go with it)? The chip and sensors are the same between the two models so they should both receive equal watchOS support in the future. So, pick the one you like better and go with it!

 

[boss.king]

You’re never going to get a clear answer because people value different things when making a purchase. That’s especially true for something as personal as a watch. For me, the models without a sapphire crystal are non-starters. So I would vote for the S6. But that is based on me placing a higher value on material quality over having the latest model. That might not be what is most important to you.

Your decision is pretty simple: would you rather have a more durable casing or a larger screen (and the extra watch faces that go with it)? The chip and sensors are the same between the two models so they should both receive equal watchOS support in the future. So, pick the one you like better and go with it!

That's fair, but that's kind of the point of this. I can't decide whether I'd prefer the larger display or the more durable casing, I see the value of both and I flip-flop between the two, so I'm looking to the wider group for their general input and thought process. Obviously the final decision is still mine to make, but seeing the reasoning behind peoples choices will hopefully point out things that maybe I didn't consider.

I do appreciate the input though.

 

[hagjohn]

7 because it is newer tech.

 

[You’re not me]

How would I spend your money? Recklessly

 

[haruhiko]

Why not both
SS S7

(That’s how I would spend your money, but you may spend it another way)

 

[boss.king]

Why not both
SS S7

(That’s how I would spend your money, but you may spend it another way)

Haha, believe me, if that was an option I could justify then this post wouldn't exist. I just can't bring myself to spend as much on a watch as I just did on a phone.

 

[now i see it]

Best long term purchase is buy a popular item of almost anything real cheap in bulk quantities on AliExpress or DHGate then resell them piece by piece for a small profit on eBay.

 

[boss.king]

Best long term purchase is buy a popular item of almost anything real cheap in bulk quantities on AliExpress or DHGate then resell them piece by piece for a small profit on eBay.

And dropshipping relates to this thread how exactly?

 

[Natzoo]

My s0 was SS but my s4 is aluminum, I think the aluminum is great. But I do wish I got the SS because it looks nicer but I dont think its $300 more nicer.

 

[haruhiko]

The SS doesn’t just look nicer, the screen material is much better too but it depends how do you value it. Of course if you reduce everything to a number then buying the aluminium is the best, since it’s cheaper, simple math. (Or not buying, so the expenditure is zero)

 

[faraine]

I wouldn't buy a used watch because of the battery... You can't change it and you don't know the charging habits of the previous owner.
Do you plan to sleep with your watch to monitor your sleep? If you do I would consider the AW7 because of the fast charging. To me this a big plus, 20 minutes charging when I get ready in the morning and I have enough juice until I get home at the end of the day.
The display of the 7 is also larger.

Fast charging and bigger screen are the big differences between 6 and 7.

 

[boss.king]

Wow, since I last checked in the Series 7 has really taken the lead. A lot of good points have been made for both sides, and ironically a lot of the arguments for the series 7 actually have me leaning closer to the SS Series 6. Ultimately, I would like to at least try the Series 7 on in store (if my local stores ever actually get them in stock) but unless I'm blown away when I put it on, I'll probably just look for the best condition Series 6 I can find.

Thank you all for your opinions and votes, they are all appreciated and very helpful (except for the dropshipping guy).

 

[Night Spring]

Wow, since I last checked in the Series 7 has really taken the lead. A lot of good points have been made for both sides, and ironically a lot of the arguments for the series 7 actually have me leaning closer to the SS Series 6. Ultimately, I would like to at least try the Series 7 on in store (if my local stores ever actually get them in stock) but unless I'm blown away when I put it on, I'll probably just look for the best condition Series 6 I can find.

Stores usually have watches to try on even if they don't have them in stock to sell. I'd call your nearby store(s) and ask what models they have for try-on.

 

[boss.king]

Stores usually have watches to try on even if they don't have them in stock to sell. I'd call your nearby store(s) and ask what models they have for try-on.

I have and they don't. I don't have an Apple Store nearby, the best I have access to is a BestBuy and they said they're currently fully out of stock (as of Tuesday). I'll try again in a week or so when people start returning their black Friday impulse buys.