How would you spend my money?

[Night Spring]

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.

That's too bad you don't have an Apple Store nearby. I'm lucky I have several stores in easy travel distance.

To be perfectly honest, I personally aren't blown away by the S7 I've seen. I know the screen is bigger, but it doesn't strike me as being that much bigger -- I can't tell the difference with my S6 unless I hold them side by side. I decided to stick to the pattern I have going of upgrading every other year.

 

[saudor]

I think the bigger issue is the battery. considering they need to be charged daily, that’s 365 cycles for a one year old watch. Maybe more if used heavily.

not sure how many cycles these things handle but given the average Li battery of this size is 500 to maintain 80% (capacity plummets once it goes below 80), you could be getting a half dead watch at best.

 

[boss.king]

I think the bigger issue is the battery. considering they need to be charged daily, that’s 365 cycles for a one year old watch. Maybe more if used heavily.

not sure how many cycles these things handle but given the average Li battery of this size is 500 to maintain 80% (capacity plummets once it goes below 80), you could be getting a half dead watch at best.

For what it’s worth, my Series 3 is still at 100% battery health in its 4th year of use and lasts over a day, even with podcast playback, notifications, and workout tracking. Maybe that’s an anomaly, but I don’t know that the batteries are as frail as they’re made out to be.

 

[saudor]

For what it’s worth, my Series 3 is still at 100% battery health in its 4th year of use and lasts over a day, even with podcast playback, notifications, and workout tracking. Maybe that’s an anomaly, but I don’t know that the batteries are as frail as they’re made out to be.

Yeah there’s a lot of factors that come into play and how it’s treated. My 5S capacity died at around 400 charges (bought this used) but my 8+ (Bought new) is still at 82% after 800 charges and counting. That being said, 100% capacity after 4 years does sound a bit odd though

 

[bradbomb]

If you had said new SS Series 6, I'd go SS all the way. I bought a new SS Series 5 well just this past March or April when the newest model was the 6. I've always had SS and love the durability over what I have seen with friend's watches. I also workout and do crossfit with mine and have definitely banged the screen on the weight racks with no damage. However, I don't buy used tech. I'll buy refurb, but used has too many questions that can get you stuck once you buy.

 

[boss.king]

If you had said new SS Series 6, I'd go SS all the way. I bought a new SS Series 5 well just this past March or April when the newest model was the 6. I've always had SS and love the durability over what I have seen with friend's watches. I also workout and do crossfit with mine and have definitely banged the screen on the weight racks with no damage. However, I don't buy used tech. I'll buy refurb, but used has too many questions that can get you stuck once you buy.

That’s fair. Personally, I have no issue buying used tech, I’ve been doing it for years and never had a lemon yet (although I’m sure it’ll happen at some point), but I can totally understand why people have reservations about it.

The purpose of looking for used is to keep the price down around the 400 mark, as that’s roughly what I feel comfortable allocating to a watch. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for deals in new or refurb ones though, I’m not against it.

 

[bradbomb]

That’s fair. Personally, I have no issue buying used tech, I’ve been doing it for years and never had a lemon yet (although I’m sure it’ll happen at some point), but I can totally understand why people have reservations about it.

The purpose of looking for used is to keep the price down around the 400 mark, as that’s roughly what I feel comfortable allocating to a watch. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for deals in new or refurb ones though, I’m not against it.

In the past, I would have less issues, but with the fact that you sometimes cannot verify that the product isn't still tied to another account (iCloud Activation Lock), you might get something and then be stuck with something locked and unusable and no way to get it to work. I have read too many sketchy or horror stories on this forum where someone bought a phone and have no way to use it and Apple has no recourse without the original owner's fixing it.

 

[boss.king]

In the past, I would have less issues, but with the fact that you sometimes cannot verify that the product isn't still tied to another account (iCloud Activation Lock), you might get something and then be stuck with something locked and unusable and no way to get it to work. I have read too many sketchy or horror stories on this forum where someone bought a phone and have no way to use it and Apple has no recourse without the original owner's fixing it.

I get around that by buying from platforms with good buyer protection (Swappa, eBay) or buying the item in person. It's a lot easier than you think to safely buy used as long as you use common sense.

 

[hmorneau]

SS. If the battery dies, pay $80 to replace, and you get a new watch.

I just went SS S5 to SS S7 and I miss my S5. On the S7 more buttons and stuff are on the edge of the display and I miss press more often than on the S5 (not easy to press precisely on the curve of the display). Maybe it's just me, need to get used to it I guess. But S5 or S6 SS would be my choice before alu S7.

 

[mk313]

It's gonna be a close call either way. Personally I'm persuaded by the used vs new battery argument, but then again, I've had great luck with Aluminum models myself, so maybe i'm just biased that way.

Since you're going to be using it for 3-4 years, I think today (2021) would I rather have a 3 year old Aluminum Model 4 or a 4 year old SS Model 3. As much as the Model 3 was my favorite watch ever, I think the Series 4 is much more usable this many years later. While it's not an exact comparison, there are already features that are Series 7 specific and I would expect that number to grow over the next 4 years.

 

[boss.king]

SS. If the battery dies, pay $80 to replace, and you get a new watch.

I just went SS S5 to SS S7 and I miss my S5. On the S7 more buttons and stuff are on the edge of the display and I miss press more often than on the S5 (not easy to press precisely on the curve of the display). Maybe it's just me, need to get used to it I guess. But S5 or S6 SS would be my choice before alu S7.

That was my thinking as well. I've seen a bunch of watches at 89% health, but also a few that are still at 100%. I'm sure if I got a good deal on a used watch an did the battery replacement I could probably still end up paying less than the Series 7.

It's gonna be a close call either way. Personally I'm persuaded by the used vs new battery argument, but then again, I've had great luck with Aluminum models myself, so maybe i'm just biased that way.

Since you're going to be using it for 3-4 years, I think today (2021) would I rather have a 3 year old Aluminum Model 4 or a 4 year old SS Model 3. As much as the Model 3 was my favorite watch ever, I think the Series 4 is much more usable this many years later. While it's not an exact comparison, there are already features that are Series 7 specific and I would expect that number to grow over the next 4 years.

I'm not as concerned by the battery thing. I'd either find one at ~100% health or a really worn out battery that I could get placed for $80 through Apple. The update longevity is probably my biggest concern but I do feel like the Series 3 was a major turning point, after which watches seem to hold up much better over time. The new features thing is a bit of a toss-up as Apple rarely brings new features to older watches because they are mostly tied to hardware, but I guess there's just a higher chance of missing out on more things with older hardware.

Quite honestly, if I wasn't leaving the country I'd probably just hang onto my Series 3 until it stopped working, but since tech is so much cheaper in the US, I figure I might as well upgrade while I can.

 

[GrandeLatte]

If I were you, I'd pick the SS series 6. In all honesty, there's not much difference between the Series 6 and the 7. I own both. Aluminum 6 (to see if I even like wearing AW), and Hermes SS 7 because I like it so much, I wanted the premium look.

Man, the first thing I noticed is the glass. Sapphire screen and the stainless steel (which you can buff out minor scratches), are the first things to stand out. It really makes the watch look a lot more premium and pleasurable to wear.

Plus, there's not that much difference in terms of technology between the 6 and the 7. I'd go for SS 6. That's how I'd spend the money.

Or if you're leaving the country for good. Get the Series 7 in SS. Just do it. It'll always remind you of your days spent in the US. A parting gift for yourself.

 

[mk313]

Grande brings up a good point. If you’re buying a used as 6, I’d make sure it’s a good deal. If you factor in $90 for a new battery, it might make sense to buy the ss 7 new. You’d get the new battery and also the extra year of warranty.

 

[boss.king]

Grande brings up a good point. If you’re buying a used as 6, I’d make sure it’s a good deal. If you factor in $90 for a new battery, it might make sense to buy the ss 7 new. You’d get the new battery and also the extra year of warranty.

An extra 80 or 90 bucks to replace the battery is pretty different to the jump up to a new SS S7 though (I’m not sure if you meant to say aluminium). There’s no scenario in which I’m paying full retail price for a SS version, I just don’t feel good about spending that much on a watch.

 

[mk313]

I have no idea how much a used ss 6 goes for. I was thinking if it’s $150 or so less than a new 7, then you factor in the new battery, it might be worth it to bl get the new ss 7. But like I said, I have no idea what the actual difference is, and I’d have gone for the aluminum anyways.

 

[boss.king]

I have no idea how much a used ss 6 goes for. I was thinking if it’s $150 or so less than a new 7, then you factor in the new battery, it might be worth it to bl get the new ss 7. But like I said, I have no idea what the actual difference is, and I’d have gone for the aluminum anyways.

All good. Currently I’m seeing used SS S6s for 350-450.

 

[mk313]

Nice!

 

[perezr10]

I’d much rather have a stainless steel of the previous version than the current aluminum. And that goes for any previous year as well.

You shoulda limited the poll to people who have owned both the SS and aluminum. Because of course aluminum watch owners are the majority. Most of them have never owned SS and would vote for the aluminum.

 

[ericwn]

Having had both steel and aluminum, I’d pick the latest Alu over anything used.

 

[hmorneau]

Having had both steel and aluminum, I’d pick the latest Alu over anything used.

Can you say why? (other than cost)

 

[ericwn]

Can you say why? (other than cost)

Comfort is the same if not a tad nicer with a lighter feel. Durability in my experience is fine on the aluminum too, at least this far. Upgrade cost is lower when I want to get the next model. Not a fan of stainless steel with a black display bezel in an always on screen setup. Not a fan of buying used wearables.

That’s my reasoning for the moment. YMMV

Forgot to mention I like a slightly bigger screen.

 

[perezr10]

Comfort is the same if not a tad nicer with a lighter feel. Durability in my experience is fine on the aluminum too, at least this far. Upgrade cost is lower when I want to get the next model. Not a fan of stainless steel with a black display bezel in an always on screen setup. Not a fan of buying used wearables.

That’s my reasoning for the moment. YMMV

Forgot to mention I like a slightly bigger screen.

Upgrade cost is actually the same or better for the used SS. If he buys a used Series 6 SS for $400 he can sell it next year for $300 and get a used SS Series 7 for $400. If he buys a new aluminum for $430 he's probably gonna lose more than $100.

I can understand wanting new, but your upgrade cost is probably higher.

 

[throAU]

We've had 4 aluminium watches in the household with no screen damage over a period of 5 years.

Buy aluminium, get an extra year of support from Apple; the s6 will be dropped at least a year before the s7.

 

[Night Spring]

We've had 4 aluminium watches in the household with no screen damage over a period of 5 years.

Buy aluminium, get an extra year of support from Apple; the s6 will be dropped at least a year before the s7.

Yeah, we should keep in mind the likely extra year of OS upgrade. The feature differences between S6 and S7 may not be that big now, but once it gets to the point where S7 gets an OS upgrade but the S6 doesn't, you are going to feel the difference.

I also can't remember if OP has ever had an aluminum watch. If not, why not take advantage of the holiday return policy, buy a new aluminum S7, use it and see how it feels? Then you can make a truly informed decision on whether the extra price for the steel (whether in form of more $ or less software support + less warranty support) is worth it.

 

[polyphenol]

Have been pondering which way to go - whether to get one at all and, if I do, which one.

For me, the extra screen area/size is a major factor. My eyes aren't bad, short-sighted rather than anything else, but as I have aged, it takes longer to see clearly when I wake up. The 45mm S7 would be so much better from that point of view, it is a no-contest. If not essential now, it could become so over the next few years I expect to keep one.

(Have checked out all models over the years in shops. And am convinced that this is a rational decision.)