Is It Worth Buying a Titanium Apple Watch?

[SaxPlayer]

I'll be upgrading to an AW11 or AWU3 from a stainless steel series 4 and the premium finish on my Series 4 has stood the test of time well - including a nasty fall while out running a couple of years ago (long story, I won't bore you). After 7 years my series 4 still has no visible scratches and the watch face is completely scratch free. I don't use cellular (tried it, but it's not for me) so the extra expense was quite simply for the nicer looking finish and the better durability. And it paid off for sure!

If my experience with my Series 4 is anything to go by it's titanium all the way for me. I'll keep my AW11 or AWU3 (decision still to be made which I go for) for at least 3 years and more likely to the end of the decade so the extra cost will be well worth it.

(In the UK the price difference between a titanium AW11 and an AWU3 is £0 making the decision between the two that much more tricky!)

 

[dwsolberg]

No, it's not worth it, but I always do it because of the sapphire screen. That screen just doesn't scratch, and I hate scratches on the screen. I wear it while doing construction, yard work, and so on. Every non-sapphire watch I've had scratches within a few months, so I know I'm not normal.

 

[Christopher Kim]

I have a S10 Natural Titanium (looks very similar to the old Silver Stainless, matches the links of many of my previous bands), and previous S7 Silver Stainless, S5 Silver Stainless, S2 Aluminum.

In the earlier generations of the Apple Watch, the tech was changing quickly, and the "value" of the AW was more weighted towards the tech, vs the form/look.

During these earlier generations, I think it made less sense to buy the SS versions (for twice the price), when a year or two later, the tech changes would really make you want to upgrade. And totally agree with others, the resale value of AW is limited and depreciates quickly.

Over time, just like with the iPhone, the AW has become more mature and changes year to year are more modest / incremental. I think it makes more sense now to get the SS / Titanium, especially if you like to dress up your watch more.

I wear my AW pretty much 100% of the time, including to work. I've liked how nice the SS/Ti versions look (especially with leather bands), and I haven't felt the itch to upgrade quicker than 3 years in a long time.

 

[nutmac]

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.

Since the titanium model includes cellular, the actual price difference is $200, not $300.

For that $200, you get a more stylish and shiny titanium finish and a stronger sapphire crystal. Most of Apple’s premium watch bands are designed for titanium, if you’re concerned about matching the lug against your watch. Considering Apple Watch is significantly improved every 3-4 years, it’s ultimately up to the buyer to decide if paying the premium every 3-4 years is justified.

Apple further upsells by enticing even more style-conscious buyers with the Hermes option. When paired with an identical Hermes band, this option carries an additional $200 premium. If you are a fan of Hermes, this is a bit easier to justify since it comes with exclusive watch faces, an exclusive silver titanium finish, and Hermes packaging.

IMO, the titanium versions need similar differentiators in the form of exclusive watch face.

 

[bigboy29]

I used to rock climb and boulder with my aluminum, which admittedly is a bad idea, but Apple does provide a climbing workout. I would routinely quickly move my hand and grind the glass against the rock face and cut deep grooves in the glass.

I have a Garmin now, but put it away when climbing.

FWIW - I rock climb with my AL watch 2-3 times a week. I know exactly what you mean.

After the first time I scratched my watch like that, I simply got one of those clear "snap-on" plastic cases for my watch and have been using them ever since. Usually about $10 for two. Every time I crack one, I just throw it away and replace it (usually every few months). I got used to having it on all the time so I do not even take it off when not climbing anymore.

But I get it; it is not "OEM look" but it is a phenomenal way to solve a problem. I wear my watch basically always, where I'm climbing, changing oil on my car or doing yard work.

 

[EugW]

How durable is the new Watch 11 Ion-X glass?

Are there any scratch tests out there? I came across this one, but it didn't include the typical Mohs' hardness scale test:

 

[btrach144]

Now do an article asking if Hermes edition is worth buying 😈

 

[t0rqx]

Its all fun and games titanium, until Apple decide to downgrade or make your watch obsolete

 

[EugW]

Its all fun and games titanium, until Apple decide to downgrade or make your watch obsolete

I'd be super happy if they downgraded back to stainless steel and dropped the pricing.

 

[MrPiper415]

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.

If I’m spending £700 for a watch, I want it to last me for life, not 2-3 years!

 

[EugW]

If I’m spending £700 for a watch, I want it to last me for last me for life, not 2-3 years!

Then don't buy an Apple Watch. It will be obsolete in 7 years, but most would upgrade long before that.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

If I’m spending £700 for a watch, I want it to last me for last me for life, not 2-3 years!

It's a wrist computer that tells time. We call it a watch out of convenience. You and I both know computers age and are eventually obsolete - that's the nature of the beast.

 

[Roadster Lewis]

I had this dilemma when I bought by Series 10. I had ruled out an Ultra 2 due to the bulkiness, and knew I wanted cellular.

In the end I decided on aluminium, on the basis that I’d upgrade if/when there was a new feature worth having. But I also have some nice mechanical watches, which I don’t wear enough, if I need to dress smart.

 

[playaproved]

I bought the very first  WATCH in Space Grey aluminum. I ended up banging it on a stucco door frame after about two months and scratched the screen.

I sold it immediately and bought the Space Black Stainless, which they had just started selling without the expensive link band.

I’ve never even considered an aluminum watch since then. I’ve kept each watch about three years, Series 0, 4, 7 and now 10. Each one has been traded in looking practically brand new.

 

[jdawgnoonan]

It’s all about the Sapphire.

 

[HazeAndHahmahneez]

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.

How are they an eye sore if a case is on it covering it up cases can come in a variety of colors to match clothes/bands…no way is EVERY case an eye sore. So what are you saying here, fam?

What's the point of durable titanium glass when the Apple Watch battery only lasts two or three years? And after replacing the battery, it's no longer waterproof.

The Apple Watch Ultra might be a good choice, as it requires charging every two days, which should give it twice the battery life of the Apple Watch 11.

Wait no longer water proof where did you hear this?? Ppl are saying you get a refurbished model instead of getting your old device back…so “new” screen and everything…

If the battery degrades below 80%, Apple offers a special battery rate for repair, even out of warranty.

Where did you hear this?? Even with no Apple care +?? This is 100% of the time?..

I’ve had series 3, 7 and now 9 and always aluminum but thinking of titanium next as aluminum IS. A known poison as well as having that tougher screen glass…hmmm…I def think silver aluminum size 46 mm or whatever it is plus a nice silver stainless steel third party link band looks amazing. I’ve def been complimented on it…wonder how a natural titanium 11 would look paired with this SS brushed looking band I’ve got…

 

[red elma]

Unfortunately, due to my hypoallergenic skin condition, I can’t wear any aluminum products.

 

[unchecked]

Really depends on how much you sweat and how diligent you are in making sure sweat doesn't stay on the watch. Aluminum is an easier victim to salt corrosion so corrosion will usually become a problem first before the watch is "outdated" or hit planned obsolescence. If that's the case for you as it does for me, then yes probably titanium should be a better buy, but at that point one should just top up and get the Ultra.

Was really hoping the SE got the rumoured plastic casing.

 

[dotnet]

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

Perhaps. But if you're like me and keep the Apple Watch for several years, you go for durability. I'm on my second Apple Watch now (the first being the original one from 2015), I'm considering getting another one maybe next year.

To me, the sapphire crystal is non-negotiable. If they make an aluminium/sapphire watch I'll gladly consider it. As it stands, my answer to the OP question is "100% yes!"

 

[EugW]

Where did you hear this?? Even with no Apple care +?? This is 100% of the time?..

This is listed right on Apple’s website. Likely it needs to be done before the Watch becomes vintage because after that there is no guarantee that Apple will have replacement stock.

Anyhow, I’m still using a Series 5 because I made use of the battery replacement program at Apple out of warranty, which provides a refurb replacement of the entire Watch, not just the battery.

 

[KennyJr]

The polished titanium and crystal clear sapphire crystal allow my watch to follow the pattern of all the watches I've accumulated over the years. They're jewelry; they follow the rules of both form and function. Function by itself is good, but it's not jewelry.

 

[bg1419]

Yes. The sapphire crystal display is remarkably durable. I’ve had an Apple Watch since series zero launched and never scratched one

 

[Fortimir]

No body material makes an Apple Watch worth it or not worth it to me. It's the Sapphire crystal. Over a decade of always having the sapphire versions, and I've *never* had even a single scratch on my watch glass.

 

[Black_Mage]

If you are worried about damage to your watch, you can always get a protective cover like this.

Smiling 2 Pack Case Compatible with Apple Watch Series 9/8 /7 45mm withTempered Glass Screen Protector, Hard PC Case Overall Protective Cover- Black

1

www.amazon.com

I have the aluminum version and not one scratch despite accidentally banging the watch into things.

 

[takeos]

Is it actually titanium on your skin, or is it some glossy/colored coating covering the actual titanium? I loved the feel of my Series 5 which was true "natural" titanium, but it seems like nowadays they don't care about the material, but only about the appearance, thus the fancy coating.