Is It Worth Buying a Titanium Apple Watch?

[MacRumors]

The Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 11 are available with both aluminum and titanium case options, so which should you choose?

The aluminum Apple Watch starts at $399. With the Series 11, finishes include Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black. It features Ion-X glass, which, while highly durable, is more susceptible to scratches than the crystal used on the titanium Apple Watch. The aluminum models are also lighter than the titanium ones.

On the other hand, the titanium Apple Watch starts at $699. Finishes include Natural, Space Black, and Gold, and there are designer Apple Watch Hermès options too. It features sapphire front glass, which is highly resistant to scratches. Titanium is a much harder, more durable material than aluminum. Over time, its finish tends to develop a uniform patina rather than obvious scratches, maintaining a premium appearance longer.

The Space Gray, Silver, and Rose Gold aluminum Apple Watches have a blasted, matte finish. The Jet Black aluminum and all three titanium Apple Watches have a high-gloss polished finish.

The aluminum Apple Watches pair well with rubber and woven bands for a less formal look, while the titanium models pair well with more premium bands such as Apple's Link Bracelet or Milanese Loop. As such, the aluminum Apple Watch leans into a casual, sporty look, while the titanium model is more akin to traditional watches and provides a more luxurious aesthetic.

The titanium model is more versatile and durable, but considerably more expensive. Internally, the titanium and aluminum versions of the Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 11 are the same. They share the same chips, sensors, displays, and battery life. Every health and fitness feature is present across both casing options.

Most customers will not be able to justify the extra $300 to get a titanium Apple Watch, but for a limited minority, it will be worth it for the added durability and more premium aesthetic.

The titanium models start at just $100 less than the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which is worth bearing in mind if that device might be more appealing to you. That being said, most titanium Apple Watch customers will buy the device because of its premium aesthetic, rather than the more aggressive and functional look of the Apple Watch Ultra.

Article Link: Is It Worth Buying a Titanium Apple Watch?

 

[austinmm6]

No.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

If you're the type to keep your watch for 2-3 years then yes absolutely. The increased durability is well worth the extra spend - I've never had a sapphire screen scratch or crack.

 

[seek3r]

Bought mine mostly for the crystal, I do like the look of the titanium but it wasnt my primary reason. I’ve definitely avoided some scratches that would have probably nicked on my old cell but aluminum model 6. That said my 6 didnt get horrifically scratched up, just more than the zero scratches on my 10 (so far at least 🤞) so… whether that’s worth nearly doubling the price from the base… guess it depends on the person

Worth noting that the titanium comes with cell, the base aluminum doesnt. The price difference is a bit less if you use cell on your watch like I do, and a little easier to justify for me personally at least since half or more of the total cost of the watch over time is going to be the cell service anyway.

 

[adamjackson]

I bought every Apple Watch until Series 6 in Space Black Stainless Steel. I owned the first one in 2014 and was an annual upgrader. Then I moved to Black titanium Edition (regret not getting the ceramic back when that was available).

Then I went Ultra and Ultra 2.

I used to say that the DLC coated Crystal display were worth the premium for the materials but now, I honestly wouldn't recommend the extra money. It's not just that you're paying way more for an identical functional model but Apple Watch resale value is total crap. If you buy a $399 watch versus a $999 watch, the same two will get you $100 in trade-in a year later. It's just not worth it. If you run the watch into the ground over 5+ years after a battery replacement, maybe you'll enjoy the nicer materials.

I buy the ultra because resale is higher than even the titanium models on pure percentage depreciation. When you replace your devices every year, you sometimes make choices based on percentage hit or at least I do.

 

[techspin]

Considering how quickly the little batteries degrade, I usually get the AL. Ti is tempting though. Give us a smaller ultra. My lil wrists can’t handle the current size.

 

[nxt3]

Considering how quickly the little batteries degrade, I usually get the AL. Ti is tempting though. Give us a smaller ultra. My lil wrists can’t handle the current size.

Agreed, a smaller Ultra would be the best.

 

[btmo77]

I bought it because I want a nicer watch than the base model and Apple *still* doesn't make an Ultra model for people with smaller wrists.

 

[Black Magic]

I buy the more durable watch at the time of purchase. I keep my Apple Watches 3-5 years and make sure I get my money's worth. Aluminum watches are not durable and are an eye sore especially when folks throw cases on them.

 

[Entilzha]

Yes. It was worth it to get the stainless steel models for the sapphire display alone, and the same remains true for the titanium models.

The only caveat is if you’re someone who feels the knee-jerk urge to upgrade every year or two. If that’s the case, stick with the aluminum unless you’re an Ultra person, obviously! You probably won’t have it long enough to worry about the display getting too banged up in that case…

 

[gaximus]

Yes, but only because of the sapphire screen. I bought an aluminum watch one time, it lasted not even a month before the screen got so scratched it was unusable. Since then, I only buy the Apple Watches with sapphire screens. I only have to update once every 5 years, where I upgrade my iPhone every year.

 

[EugW]

The sapphire and stainless steel of my Watch Series 5 held up VERY well, much better than the durability of the glass and aluminum models are reported to be. However, given the cost premium, unless you need cellular, it may make more sense value-wise to just get the glass and aluminum model and upgrade every couple of years... unless you're like @gaximus who destroys his glass Watch in a month.

For the titanium, I'd probably get the natural because it would hide scuffs the best, but how well do the other colours hold up?

 

[hovscorpion12]

Aside from the sapphire glass, the titanium body is more luxurious and fits better with outfit styles.

 

[ELman]

I just ordered my first Titanium. I usually get the aluminum but wanted to try something different. Hoping to get the new ultra next year and I'll keep Titanium for times the Ultra is too big for long sleeved dress shirts.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Eh, I guess. I don't care for shiny watches, but to each their own. The better glass is definitely more durable, and my previous aluminum's screen looked like Freddy Krueger had his way with it, but I just don't care for the titanium's look.

 

[CarterBro]

I love my series 7 titanium. I had the battery replaced last year so I think I got a new one but regardless the wear and tear is so light on these. I was always scratching my aluminum ones (series 2 and 4) glass and sides and I didn't want the extra weight of the steel--plus I don't like the shiny and don't like black. Throw in I want a small screen and it's perfect me for me. I'm glad Apple hasn't gotten rid of it. I might consider upgrading next year as by then the battery will have started its decline. 5 years for about $800 ($700 + 1 battery) is roughly the same as getting a new aluminum one every 2 or 3 years.

 

[Ear Booker]

The first watch we bought was my wife's Series 7; it's aluminum and has had a good sized gouge in the screen for a long time. The next year, we bought my Series 8 in stainless steel and the display barely has a single blemish; maybe only a few tiny scratches on the far corners but not in the middle or as noticeable as my wife's. Her's is long overdue for a battery replacement and the health on mine is at 81%; my plan is to replace the batteries in both (paid for by Apple Care+, which I would subsequently then finally cancel) and then keep them for another 3 or so years.

Appearance-wise, I like my stainless steel and would go with titanium if I were to upgrade. It looks much sharper, and can be dressed up or down by changing bands depending on what I'm wearing it to. I can use a link bracelet or Milanese loop for formal occasions, leather link for a somewhat more casual but refined look (last I saw Amazon was still carrying them; I bought up a few extras after Apple discontinued them), and a sport band for yard work, exercising, swimming, etc.

 

[jdavid_rp]

If you're the type to keep your watch for 2-3 years then yes absolutely. The increased durability is well worth the extra spend - I've never had a sapphire screen scratch or crack.

Well, depends on what you do with your wrist. I have my S6 red edition since launch and it just has a small dent and some discolouration in the crown.
Also no matter if you spend $400 or $800, the battery degrades at the same speed. Better to spend $400 and in 2-3 years trade it in and get a new one.

 

[switz]

Have an early Ultra 2 with a no restrictions O2 program. Battery is down to 89% which is still adequate.

 

[jukeboxaddict]

i miss the silver stainless steel option since you could just buff out any light scratches and get the thing looking pristine every few months.

 

[stocklen]

The Titanium is a no brainer frankly.

Its far from an aesthetic choice - its demonstrably far more durable including the sapphire screen.

I see so many 'normal' Apple Watches with scratches and damage that for me the additional money for the Titanium model is money well spent especially considering that the watches just arent upgraded sufficiently enough yearly to justify the change more than every 2-3 years minimum anyway.

Just look at the almost laughable 'upgrade' the series 11 was this year - a watch can easily last you several years without the need to upgrade so often.

The only thing I would say is that the price increase for the Titanium model is way too much considering the small amount of material used in the body and screen - perhaps another £100 for the upgrade but no more.

 

[CWallace]

All of my Apple Watches have been Stainless Steel models and when it comes time to replace my Series 8, I will be getting a Titanium watch. That I keep each watch on average of four years also amortizes out the extra cost.

 

[macmac30]

I used to buy titanium Apple Watch models. A couple years ago, I tried the aluminum and have never looked back. I didn't like the extra bulk/weight of titanium. The aluminum models are light!

 

[dannyyankou]

If money is not an issue, the titanium is absolutely worth it.

I’ve had both stainless steel and aluminum. The aluminum scratched too easily.

 

[MN7119]

If you trade your watch every year or every other year, just get the cheapest version available.