I've tried the Sport, but really love the SS version. Need to wait a bit as $599 for the 42 SS SB is a bit much for me at the moment. 
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I went to the apple store yesterday and saw something interesting.
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I know what you mean, I'm very happy with the sport but then I see the SS model and my heart just aches. I think though big picture, I'm content with the space grey because I believe that while the SS is so much better looking, it will be a scratch magnet.I've tried the Sport, but really love the SS version. Need to wait a bit as $599 for the 42 SS SB is a bit much for me at the moment.
I just picked up the space gray yesterday, so I have 14 days to change my mind but overall, I like how the watch feels on my wrist, how light it is, and I feel its a bit more durable in the sense that it should show scratches (that's my hope at least)
I've tried the Sport, but really love the SS version. Need to wait a bit as $599 for the 42 SS SB is a bit much for me at the moment.
IMO, it's better to just wait for the SS if you can afford it, I think it looks much better then the sport and I still feel besides the sport band none of the other bands look good with the sport watch
It's interesting to me how personal preferences differ. For my partner's birthday, our bosses gifted him an SS watch with the link band. After dithering for a bit, my partner exchanged it for a space grey sport, and got a classic buckle band to go with it. He just felt the stainless steel was too shiny and didn't feel like "him."
I also have the space grey sport, and wouldn't exchange it for a SS even if someone paid me money for it. Well, maybe if I could turn around and go exchange it back for a space grey sport and pocket the difference, lol. The point is, we both prefer the look of the space grey sport a whole lot more than the SS. And I've had mine since early May, and not a visible scratch on the watch case yet.
But whichever version you settle on, hope you enjoy the watch.
I gotta say it's a nice feature to be able to set reminders via the watch...I was out exercising today and had my Bluetooth earbuds in and my iPhone was in my backpack, I remembered something I needed to do later so I set the reminder via the watch...never having to stop to take my phone out to make the reminder!!!!
Don't get me wrong, the space gray is great, its a nice looking watch, but something about the SS really draws me in. As a runner, I felt that watch was too heavy and I'd probably get used to the weight, its mass seemed to cause the watch to move around more on wrist. Also as I mentioned, I didn't want to deal with the scratches on the SS which will invariably occur, no matter how careful I am.
Biggest plus of SS over Sports is the Sapphire screen. Lots of people are getting scratches on their screens with the Sport, and many are wearing screen protectors which is ridiculous for a watch IMO. I am yet to see anyone complain their Sapphire screen is scratched from regular daily use.
If you can already afford the watch, the extra $200 isn't THAT big a deal for scratch-proofing.
Plus, there's the aesthetic difference and if you're in the camp that thinks SS looks much better (as am I) then that makes it that much better of a value. Especially when you consider that the stainless steel look goes well with more band options than space gray, you're just getting a more "compatible" product.
If you can already afford the watch, the extra $200 isn't THAT big a deal for scratch-proofing.
Plus, there's the aesthetic difference and if you're in the camp that thinks SS looks much better (as am I) then that makes it that much better of a value. Especially when you consider that the stainless steel look goes well with more band options than space gray, you're just getting a more "compatible" product.
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But screen protectors cost at most $30, and some can be had for less than $5. So if scratch proofing is your only goal, then paying $200 is ridiculous, IMO. And why is a screen protector ridiculous on a watch? In fact, if I had the option to put a screen protector on a regular watch, I believe I would. I always used to end up with scratched glass on my watches, and I hated that.
This was my thinking, I really like the scratch resistance properties that the sapphire brings, but the price was a huge issue. The funny thing it, if I opted for the Apple watch ovre the sport, I would have gained scratch resistance on the watch face, but lost scratch resistance on the watch body, i.e., SS is a scratch magnet.
Instead, I'll be opting for a screen protector to increase the durability of my sport watch.
The other benefits the sport watch has, is the fact the ion glass produces a richer more vibrant display because its less reflective as sapphire, and it seems its less prone to shattering then the sapphire is
Personally, I hate screen protectors. I use one on my iPhone 6 Plus because it scratched a bit already and I didn't wanna make it worse. I would have gladly paid an extra $200 to be able to use it "naked". Same for the watch. Having something on top of the screen just doesn't look/feel as good. Especially around the edges as the curved screen won't allow for a really "perfect" fit.
But the way I saw it was for $200 I get:
1. Scratch proofing. Already discussed.
2. Compatibility with more bands. I tried the Milanese loop with the Sports models and it didn't look good. Was better with the "silver" sports model than the space gray (which was just a terrible looking combo) but still not as good as stainless steel. The SS Apple watch goes with everything. Literally every band on the market looks great with it.
3. Overall looks more stylish/classy. I attended a wedding and I must say that compared to all the watches people wore (as fashion accessories) mine looked the best (I wore the Milanese loop for it). If it was the sports model, the not so shiny aluminum would have looked more like a gadget than a fashion accessory. It is good to be able to wear a smart watch AND compete on looks/fashion at the same time.
As for the scratches on the body, I don't have any yet, though granted its only been a few weeks. But from what I hear, I can pay a Jeweler or even get a DIY kit and remove the scratches. So every now and then I could make it look new again if I want.
The aluminum watches cannot be "buffed" or otherwise fixed, so any scratches and dings you do end up getting are on there forever. And Aluminum does wear/scratch/ding. I know because my iPhone also had some from when I used to use it naked.
I'd imagine being exposed all the time its a matter of time before you brush it on a wall or some furniture or something else and end up with something.
But the way I saw it was for $200 I get:
1. Scratch proofing. Already discussed.
2. Compatibility with more bands. I tried the Milanese loop with the Sports models and it didn't look good. Was better with the "silver" sports model than the space gray (which was just a terrible looking combo) but still not as good as stainless steel. The SS Apple watch goes with everything. Literally every band on the market looks great with it.
3. Overall looks more stylish/classy. I attended a wedding and I must say that compared to all the watches people wore (as fashion accessories) mine looked the best (I wore the Milanese loop for it). If it was the sports model, the not so shiny aluminum would have looked more like a gadget than a fashion accessory. It is good to be able to wear a smart watch AND compete on looks/fashion at the same time.
As for the scratches on the body, I don't have any yet, though granted its only been a few weeks. But from what I hear, I can pay a Jeweler or even get a DIY kit and remove the scratches. So every now and then I could make it look new again if I want.
The aluminum watches cannot be "buffed" or otherwise fixed, so any scratches and dings you do end up getting are on there forever. And Aluminum does wear/scratch/ding. I know because my iPhone also had some from when I used to use it naked.
I'd imagine being exposed all the time its a matter of time before you brush it on a wall or some furniture or something else and end up with something.
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Sure, if ALL those things are important to you, then yes, $200 extra is worth it. I was just saying that I wouldn't pay $200 more for screen protection ONLY.
Thought I'd observe whilst my kids were at the apple summer camp this morning, and there was a steady stream of interest at the try on tables and what I'd guess at a 50/50 take up on purchasing.
I was more struck that every apple employee had one. Contrast this to one of the London stores where I didn't see any of the staff with one on.
I was more struck that every apple employee had one. Contrast this to one of the London stores where I didn't see any of the staff with one on.
Why?
I mean if its not noticeable and it further protects the glass why is it ridiculous?
if cruise ship you mean a380 , heathrow , sure
not many cruise ships docking into london.
I think its ridiculous concept for people who have always owned watches, for people who have owned apple products, I think it makes sense to them.
Screen protectors are very much IT centric concept. I understand why people would rush out and get them for an apple watch.
if cruise ship you mean a380 , heathrow , sure
not many cruise ships docking into london.
It's still a ship... that can cruise in the air.
Every time I've been into an Apple Store since the watch appeared (several London stores), I've seen lots on the wrists of staff but generally not much activity at the watch table.
Having just come back from Venice, I'm enjoying the notion of London as full of day trippers from cruise ships!
Sport is more premium. Has the more impact resistant glass. Has the lighter weight aluminum body.
Nobody in this generation wants to be walking around with a steel boat anchor on their wrist.
bonus! it's also less expensive!
The issue of SS scratching is overrated. I have my SS for over a month and I can barely be bothered over some micro scratches on the side. You have to be an OCD to let the scratches bother you. I couldn't be happier I chose the SS over Sport. It just look so much better for all occasions.
I think they're quite noticeable and ruin a bit of the aesthetic. Especially since Apple is making curved screens so protectors can't cover them completely.
Also, if you get one that isn't glass, it changes the way it feels and its not for the better.
I use a protector on my iPhone 6 Plus (as I got a scratch on its glass) and while I got used to it, I don't like it. I would've gladly paid a little more not to deal with it. I'm glad that I don't have to deal with this on the Watch.
To restart this topic , how is the situation now , and when you think we can buy Apple Watches with watchOs 2?
I bought my Apple Watch Sport last weekend, and while the watches weren't flying off of the shelves, there were still plenty of customers gathered around the display and trying on different models. Same goes for when I was in Chicago and tried the Apple Watch Sport on. There were quite a few people looking at the display case (I would've purchased the watch there, but the 10.25% sales tax kind of killed it for me so I since I live close to DE I bought it when I got home).