I went to the apple store yesterday and saw something interesting.

[richpjr]

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!

It's more premium? How so? I don't know what generation you are referring to, but some people prefer the look and durability of the SS and sapphire over aluminum and glass.

I'm sure Apple sells more Sports than SS because of price, just like more people buy Toyota than Lexus cars.

 

[Nell]

I prefer the sport because to me the stainless steel version looks too slick and corporate; I get why others prefer that look though. It's all down to personal taste, that's kind of the point of multiple versions and different straps, surely? Those who choose the stainless steel version pay a premium to get it so I find the description of the sport as "more premium" quite odd.

 

[Menel]

It's more premium? How so? I don't know what generation you are referring to, but some people prefer the look and durability of the SS and sapphire over aluminum and glass.

I'm sure Apple sells more Sports than SS because of price, just like more people buy Toyota than Lexus cars.

If you want utility and durability. You buy a Toyota taco/hilux.
You want people to look at you and go ohhh, sure, get a Lexus car.

Likewise. You want utility in an active life and durability. Thats lightweight aluminum and impact resistant ion strengthened glass. The sport model.

You want ppl to go ohhhh look how fancy. Im sorry you had to cheap out on the SS and couldn't get the gold.

 

[FrisbeeK9]

It's more premium? How so? I don't know what generation you are referring to, but some people prefer the look and durability of the SS and sapphire over aluminum and glass.

I'm sure Apple sells more Sports than SS because of price, just like more people buy Toyota than Lexus cars.

I wore a Space Gray sport then returned it to purchase SS. Heavier and really way too shiny. I returned it to get the space Gray. I did notice the increase in weight vs. The sport. It was also like I was over dressed when I was casual. Don't get me wrong SS is an awesome watch just not for my style. I would t see exercising in the SS.

 

[maflynn]

Sport is more premium.

bonus! it's also less expensive!

I wouldn't go that far. I think the price increase for the SS version of a gen 1 product is so too high, and people feel the sport is good enough. I agree, it is good enough.

I tried both on and I agree the SS is heavier, though I wouldn't quantify it as an anchor. I opted for the sport for the ion glass for two reasons, Im outside quite a bit and I need to see my watch, and I'd opt for shatter resistant over scratch resistant. I can add screen protector and increase that scratch resistance pretty easily as well.

 

[richpjr]

If you want utility and durability. You buy a Toyota taco/hilux.
You want people to look at you and go ohhh, sure, get a Lexus car.

Likewise. You want utility in an active life and durability. Thats lightweight aluminum and impact resistant ion strengthened glass. The sport model.

You want ppl to go ohhhh look how fancy. Im sorry you had to cheap out on the SS and couldn't get the gold.

People have different tastes and some people prefer the look of the SS and are willing to pay more for it. No different than buying an upgraded band for your sport model. Not sure what that has to do with showing off. I guess maybe some people are desperate to make a statement, or avoid making a statement. IMO, that is a big waste of time or a sign of a very insecure person. If someone wanted to make a statement with a watch, they'd buy a Rolex or other high end watch.

Also, while ion glass may be more shatter resistant, it's not as scratch resistant and SS is much more durable than aluminum is. Why one would be more conducive to an active lifestyle is another strange conclusion.

 

[richpjr]

I wore a Space Gray sport then returned it to purchase SS. Heavier and really way too shiny. I returned it to get the space Gray. I did notice the increase in weight vs. The sport. It was also like I was over dressed when I was casual. Don't get me wrong SS is an awesome watch just not for my style. I would t see exercising in the SS.

People have different preferences which Apple is accommodating with the various models. Just out of curiosity, why couldn't you see exercising in a SS watch?

 

[zetaplus93]

I wore a Space Gray sport then returned it to purchase SS. Heavier and really way too shiny. I returned it to get the space Gray. I did notice the increase in weight vs. The sport. It was also like I was over dressed when I was casual. Don't get me wrong SS is an awesome watch just not for my style. I would t see exercising in the SS.

It's surprising to hear people talk about the SS being boat anchors. They're in for a shock if they ever wear heavier dive watches like the Rolex DSSD, which weighs in at 212g vs AW's ~100g with the link bracelet.

I wear the SS on black rubber all the time when exercising. Its shininess is not noticeable in the gym or outdoors when you've got a rubber strap on.

 

[zetaplus93]

If you want utility and durability. You buy a Toyota taco/hilux.
You want people to look at you and go ohhh, sure, get a Lexus car.

Personally I'd get the Lexus for the upgraded interiors, not for the "woo look at me" factor.

Likewise. You want utility in an active life and durability. Thats lightweight aluminum and impact resistant ion strengthened glass. The sport model.

You want ppl to go ohhhh look how fancy. Im sorry you had to cheap out on the SS and couldn't get the gold.

Not sure I'd say the SS is fancy. Gold would be, but SS? It's nicer, sure, but far from fancy...

And in terms of weight, alum (25g) and SS (40g) are pretty close... you feel the difference only if you try them on one after the other. In everyday use, there really isn't a difference. Your body gets used to it and the weight is negligible.

 

[Menel]

Personally I'd get the Lexus for the upgraded interiors, not for the "woo look at me" factor.



Not sure I'd say the SS is fancy. Gold would be, but SS? It's nicer, sure, but far from fancy...

And in terms of weight, alum (25g) and SS (40g) are pretty close... you feel the difference only if you try them on one after the other. In everyday use, there really isn't a difference. Your body gets used to it and the weight is negligible.

25g to 40g is 60% heavier... 60% increase does not fit 'pretty close'

 

[BarracksSi]

My SS is still lighter than my Seiko mechanical diver…

 

[richpjr]

25g to 40g is 60% heavier... 60% increase does not fit 'pretty close'

15g is pretty close to me. If you are happy with the sport, that's great but it sure seems like you are fishing for things to rationalize your decision.

 

[BlueMoon63]

15g is pretty close to me. If you are happy with the sport, that's great but it sure seems like you are fishing for things to rationalize your decision.

Yea, I will never understand this heavy notion of SS over Sport. The 60% rationale is silly really and I am not picking on the person who gave that info. 25 grams is less than one ounce. Seriously, less than one ounce! It's a waste of time to say it was the weight that was a reason. Lol

It's like saying you got married and didn't want to wear a wedding ring because it weights .8 ounces. Think your wife will tolerate that answer?

 

[sean000]

Yea, I will never understand this heavy notion of SS over Sport. The 60% rationale is silly really and I am not picking on the person who gave that info. 25 grams is less than one ounce. Seriously, less than one ounce! It's a waste of time to say it was the weight that was a reason. Lol

It's like saying you got married and didn't want to wear a wedding ring because it weights .8 ounces. Think your wife will tolerate that answer?

I have a platinum wedding band that is one surprisingly heavy ring! Still... it's just a ring, so I quickly got used to it. Yes when I compared the 38mm SS in the Apple Store with the 38mm Sport I purchased, the SS model felt heavier... but mostly just when I held it in my hand. Once strapped to the wrist the difference in weight was less noticeable, and I'm sure would disappear completely after it has been worn for a day.

On the other hand I can understand how the lighter watch might appeal to somebody who isn't used to wearing a watch. Even though they would get used to either model, at first the lighter Sport may seem more comfortable... and first impressions matter a lot when making that purchasing decision. Some have also said they can't see the SS being worn for exercise. I'm not sure why it would make a difference as long as the watch strap is properly adjusted. I sometimes wear my 38mm Sport a little loose. Not so loose that it spins around, but when I'm on my bicycle the vibration from the road can make it ride down my wrist to the base of my hand. When this happens it will sometimes have trouble measuring my pulse. This happens even with my lightweight Sport model, but fortunately there is an easy solution: I snug it up for exercise. Doesn't have to be uncomfortably tight... just snug.

I was very tempted to buy the SS. I'm not a fan of gold, so in my opinion the SS Apple Watch is the best looking smart watch on the planet... and I think the Sport is the second best looking smartwatch on the planet. I decided to go with the Sport because I liked the look of it almost as much, and because it was more affordable. At the time I could not rationalize spending so much more for the SS model, but now I believe that I could. If you wear something every day for 15 to 18 hours a day, it's okay to splurge if you can afford it. So I may sell my Sport at some point and buy the SS. Then again I might not. I have a third party brown leather strap, and a knock-off black leather loop, and both look fantastic on the silver aluminum Sport in my opinion. But if I were buying it all over again, and my wife said it was okay, I'd buy the 38mm SS

Sean

 

[zetaplus93]

25g to 40g is 60% heavier... 60% increase does not fit 'pretty close'

As others have said, 15g is pretty negligible in everyday use.

But hey, if the weight reduction is important to you, more power to you.

 

[BlueMoon63]

I have a platinum wedding band that is one surprisingly heavy ring! Still... it's just a ring, so I quickly got used to it. Yes when I compared the 38mm SS in the Apple Store with the 38mm Sport I purchased, the SS model felt heavier... but mostly just when I held it in my hand. Once strapped to the wrist the difference in weight was less noticeable, and I'm sure would disappear completely after it has been worn for a day.

On the other hand I can understand how the lighter watch might appeal to somebody who isn't used to wearing a watch. Even though they would get used to either model, at first the lighter Sport may seem more comfortable... and first impressions matter a lot when making that purchasing decision. Some have also said they can't see the SS being worn for exercise. I'm not sure why it would make a difference as long as the watch strap is properly adjusted. I sometimes wear my 38mm Sport a little loose. Not so loose that it spins around, but when I'm on my bicycle the vibration from the road can make it ride down my wrist to the base of my hand. When this happens it will sometimes have trouble measuring my pulse. This happens even with my lightweight Sport model, but fortunately there is an easy solution: I snug it up for exercise. Doesn't have to be uncomfortably tight... just snug.

I was very tempted to buy the SS. I'm not a fan of gold, so in my opinion the SS Apple Watch is the best looking smart watch on the planet... and I think the Sport is the second best looking smartwatch on the planet. I decided to go with the Sport because I liked the look of it almost as much, and because it was more affordable. At the time I could not rationalize spending so much more for the SS model, but now I believe that I could. If you wear something every day for 15 to 18 hours a day, it's okay to splurge if you can afford it. So I may sell my Sport at some point and buy the SS. Then again I might not. I have a third party brown leather strap, and a knock-off black leather loop, and both look fantastic on the silver aluminum Sport in my opinion. But if I were buying it all over again, and my wife said it was okay, I'd buy the 38mm SS

Sean

I hope no one thought my comment was in any way meant to discourage people about the sport. I actually like the space gray sport. I just wanted to stop the 60% heavier or 15g heavier. It sounds so much heavier. maybe people can say "I went with the sport because it was .8 ounces lighter. ;-) doesn't have the same tone. Lol

I am sure anyone can feel the difference holding in a hand and maybe even in the wrist if you are new to watches. I've worn watches my whole life so the SS just felt perfect and even lighter and smaller than all my watches and I have 6. Mostly Seiko's but a few others.

Completely agree with you when you splurge on something you wear every day and all day and don't have to take off to put on a $200 Fitbit or $100 Up. I can workout and get all the stats I want and then with me and th watch all sweaty, take a shower and both me and the watch are spotless and then put on the link band and suit and look professional. It's the only smart watch the looks professional and not gigantic.

I now use the watch for about 90% of my day to day usage only using the iPhone for web browsing and words with friends. I use Siri all the time on the watch for everything and she is perfect and understanding me and i don't have to wait. Just raise wrist say command lower wrist and it is done in the background.