Is it worth to buy a stainless Apple Watch?

[zehcnassurfero]

Well, I have a serious doubt, I had in Christmas a series 5 Nike version and the screen was scratched, without really touching it with anything, I think it was a pea coat that was like a short wind and had like plastic roughnesses (I don't know how to explain it) and with the normal use of seeing the time it seems that it was scratched, I managed to return it to Apple and I caught the normal one, I did not have any issue in the test period because I didn’t use that jacket again and I have been afraid and very careful with that Apple Watch.

I know that aluminum is more prone to scratching, but I don't know if it's worth changing to the sapphire crystal that the steel has. What do you think?

I must also say that I really like the watch faces that have Nike, so it also makes me keep the Nike version for that. I wondered if even the Nike version to be another version could be even more delicate to scratch

 

[iamasmith]

Not sure I follow you about everything you have said but.

a) Aluminium version will be actually harder and more resistant to scratches (unless SS under a DLC or Ti) but stainless you won't notice and you can buff up so you won't see the scratches.
b) The SCREEN on the Alu is more easilly scratched than the sapphire version on the SS and the Ti versions.

Not really sure what all those other words meant.

 

[zehcnassurfero]

Sorry for my English, I was writing about screen on different models of Apple Watch series 5, so I was thinking if it’s worth to buy a stainless steel model or aluminum, because I am afraid since December because I tested the aluminum version and the sleeve of a coat made my watch scratch, just taking it out to see the time.

 

[perezr10]

The biggest benefit of the stainless steel is actually the sapphire screen. It won’t scuff like the Ion-X Glass on the aluminum watch. I wish I could get an iPhone with a sapphire screen.

 

[zehcnassurfero]

The biggest benefit of the stainless steel is actually the sapphire screen. It won’t scuff like the Ion-X Glass on the aluminum watch. I wish I could get an iPhone with a sapphire screen.

Yes, but, is it worth the extra cost?

 

[Itinj24]

Something is worth only what someone is willing to pay...

That said, I had an Aluminum S4 and the screen had some micro scratches around the edges from putting on and taking off tight fitting soft cases. I have a SBSS S5 that I wear naked and it still looks the way it looked when I unboxed it in September. If you’re OCD about scratches and scuffs on your devices, go for the SS. If not, then save the extra money.

As mentioned earlier, a natural SS case will scratch easily but can be polished.

 

[PrettyWings]

I think it's worth changing to the sapphire crystal. I bought the SB SS the first time just because of durability. It's like you just said with the peacoat. You now have to think about whether you can wear your coat or not, because it will scratch. I wanted to just be able to put the watch on and go about my business. My SB SS never scratched until one day, two years after I got it, I dropped it on sidewalk, because I was carrying it instead of wearing it. Even then, it was a small mark.

I now have the regular SS series 5 and I expect the screen not to scratch, just like the first one I had.

 

[Strangedream]

Depends. If you can justify spending nearly double only to get a sapphire crystal and steel body then yes.

The glass is much more scratch resistant on the SS model, but if you go with silver steel you'll get more scuffs on the case. The black stainless is very resilient to any scratches in my experience.

 

[44267547]

As an Apple Watch Stainless owner since 2015, the only reason somebody buys the stainless is for the #1.) Aesthetics, #2.) Sapphire display and #3.) The overall weight to the stainless model Apple Watch.

If you like any of one of those three considerations and can accept the resale value is not what you would expect, then I would certainly opt for the stainless model. The only reason I bring up the resale value, is some get really frustrated when they want to upgrade to the next GEN Apple Watch, they find out it’s not worth nearly what they thought it would be. But for me, the Apple Watch pays for itself. {Everyone’s experience may vary.}

 

[PugMaster]

The sapphire screen can still scratch. If you want to make sure, get a screen protector. White dome protectors are nearly invisible, also there are good film protectors out there. If they get scratched, just replace them.

 

[rdy0329]

Here's my rationale for why I always get Stainless Steel models:

1. Alum Model's screen gets scratched easily, alum is a soft metal that's prone to dent unlike SS.
2. I upgrade only during major redesign years (S0 -> S4) which means I have a strong enough watch to be able to withstand 3 years of usage before retirement.

• If I were to say, upgrade once a year, I'd get an Aluminum version but that means by year 3, total cost would be greater than just buying a stainless steel model.
• It's either you're buying tech or you're buying looks. My S4 does everything I need in a smartwatch so I don't really care about new tech unless it comes with a redesign.
  • Best value will always be an Aluminum that you use until it's no longer supported by updates, but pray that you don't crack the screen before then.

3. Stainless Steel is more flexible when it comes to formal events.

I understand not everyone has the money to go stainless steel but anyone who can, should. It beats babying a wrist worn device that gets slammed during workout, wet when it rains or dinged during a steep hike/climb.

 

[zehcnassurfero]

Thank you for all suggestions, now I know that the SS version has a better screen for scratches, but the case it’s not as well as the screen, obviously because it’s a different material, but some of you said that it’s easy to scratch.

If I choose the SS black version, is the case more difficult to scratch than silver?

 

[x34]

since an apple watch is a product that is useless in a few years (battery, software), i would always buy the aluminum version and rather buy a new one after 2-3 years which costs the price of 1 stainless watch price wise i guess.

 

[TiggrToo]

Just like to add that after over 2 years I still haven't noticed any obvious scratches etc. on either my Series 1 (nighttime) or Series 3 (daytime) aluminum watches.

 

[roflc0pter]

Stainless if you're keeping long term. If you upgrade every year then just go with the aluminum

 

[PugMaster]

Regarding the case:
Aluminium cases have a quite robust coating. But if you scratch deep enough, you can chip away the coat and it looks bad.
The stainless steel watches are easy to scratch with very fine lines, but I think it's harder to really get off the coating.
My watch has many very fine scratches on the side and back from the milanese loop. But they are not really obvious and who would check my watch with a loupe? Nobody but me ;-)
Oh and if you get a stainless steel watch with the milanese loop: Keep that thing away from your screen. It scratches the sapphire glass easily.

 

[Abazigal]

I settled for the Series 5 Nike version because I wanted the Nike band (since I sweat a lot in my country's tropical climate) without having to pay extra for it, and didn't feel like paying extra for the cellular capability which I still don't much of a use for.

I suppose the stainless steel version can be worth it if you appreciate the better materials and have plans to use the 4g functionality, but at the end of the day, it's not going to last any longer than the entry level sports version, which is why I hesitate to spend extra in this area.

 

[Brien]

It is amazing how poor resale on any of the higher end models is.

 

[the future]

It is amazing how poor resale on any of the higher end models is.

Actually, the resale value of all models is basically the same, i.e. about 50% after one year. Of course in dollars and cents, the loss of value is higher for the more expensive models.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

I had a stainless steel first-gen - the display stayed essentially scratch-free for years, but it wasn't perfect.

I've been wearing a Series 4 aluminum for almost exactly one year. The display still looks great, although if you look carefully some fine scratches/scuffing can be seen. Nothing I notice on a day-to-day basis.

It's really all about the money. If you can easily afford the stainless and it makes you feel better to have the sapphire display, then why not get it?

Personally, I wouldn't spend the money on stainless again, but my tolerance for flaws may be different than yours. I consider the watch to be a tool, not a piece of jewelry.

I have my doubts that a peacoat is the cause of the scratching. Materials like plastic buttons and cloth are too soft to damage either type of screen. It may feel rough to your skin, but skin is much softer than any kind of glass. There would have to be some sort of metal in the sleeve to damage the display. I think it's more likely that you got the scratches in some other way (brushing against a wall or other hard surface), but just didn't notice it at the time it happened.

 

[rMBP2013]

I had the SB Stainless Steel but returned it to get the SB Titanium version.

Stainless Steel was too shiny and a bit too heavy for my taste, but it looked amazing. It's the perfect watch for all types of situations.

SB Titanium is a better fit for me because I like how it's close in terms of looks to aluminum, comes with the awesome looking grey band, is rare, is lighter, but it still comes with the sapphire screen.

To me, getting a sapphire screen is a no-brainer as I do not plan on switching / upgrading every year.

If you are switching every year, get the aluminum model.

If you are planning on keeping it for 3 years, splurge and get the SS or the Titanium version.

 

[Itinj24]

Thank you for all suggestions, now I know that the SS version has a better screen for scratches, but the case it’s not as well as the screen, obviously because it’s a different material, but some of you said that it’s easy to scratch.

If I choose the SS black version, is the case more difficult to scratch than silver?

Yes the SB SS is more resistant to scratching. My wife doesn’t really take care of her devices too well. She had an Hermès last year in natural SS before the SB came out and before she sold it, there were micro scratches everywhere on the case. This year she got the Hermès in SB and a few months later it still looks like it just came fresh out the box.

 

[PrettyWings]

The SS black version is more difficult to scratch than silver. You really have to do the right thing to scratch it. I scratched it by dropping it on sidewalk (the screen was still scratch-free). It was a small scratch.

I now have the SS silver. I hit it on a metal desk the other day. I received 2 small scratches. I also notice I have 1 or 2 other scratches on the other side (side facing the outside of your wrist).

The scratches are not really noticeable. You have to look to see them. They blend very well with the case.

it’s different than getting a scratch on the aluminum case or the space black, which would stand out a bit more. But the Space Black doesn’t scratch anywhere near as easily. So you have to make a decision. A lot of the bands seem designed with the SS silver in mind but the SS space black has more durability on the case.

 

[jonnyb098]

If you plan on keeping the watch for 2+ years just get the Stainless. The screen is much stronger as is the stainless casing. Not to mention if you like the look and heft of a traditional watch you'll be MUCH happier. The stainless is very classy and also matches with virtually every band Apple offers.

 

[Morrissey]

Thank you for all suggestions, now I know that the SS version has a better screen for scratches, but the case it’s not as well as the screen, obviously because it’s a different material, but some of you said that it’s easy to scratch.

If I choose the SS black version, is the case more difficult to scratch than silver?

I've got the Silver S4 SS, and the shiny body it doesn't have a single scratch yet, nor the Screen, and I use it under a rough environment (plus I have an active dog who always scratched my previous watches).