I'd be very surprised if any Apple Watch screen scratched easily! Sporting an S4 here and it's perfect after many months, even after dropping it a few times.
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Is it worth to buy a stainless Apple Watch?
- Thread starter zehcnassurfero
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Why limit your option to just the stainless steel when you can get the ceramic version
The ceramic is the only model that I have not owned, and I really do like that it’s such a unique material, and it’s about the same weight as the stainless. Aside from it’s excellent durability, the only reason I didn’t consider the ceramic this year for the Series 5, was Apple only offered it in white versus the space Gray as they did with the Series 4. If Apple brings back the Series 6 with a space gray ceramic, I would reconsider, even though the price point is on the higher spectrum.
I bought a Series 3 Stainless a couple years ago for $700 (including taxes). I sold it a couple months ago for $70 when it was replaced by a Series 5 aluminum. The stainless steel watch was noticably heavier, to the point where it swung itself around my wrist unless the band is purposely made grippy or tight enough.
Even with the sapphire crystal face on the stainless and even if you have the disposable income, this type of return on investment on what quickly feels like a disposable item is hard for me to forget.
Even with the sapphire crystal face on the stainless and even if you have the disposable income, this type of return on investment on what quickly feels like a disposable item is hard for me to forget.
I personally can't justify going higher than the aluminum models. For premium watches, I am fine spending higher amounts of money, as they are supposed to last forever if maintained properly. However, for an Apple Watch, it is still a disposable tech device, that in max 4 years will need to be replaced. I go for the higher end iPhone usually, but that's because of the additional features. For the watch, the features are pretty much the same, only materials are different, but they will all have a short lifespan. Not worth it in my opinion.
I tried one on, and the weight of the SS was definitely a negative for me. I've had 3 aluminum Apple Watches (original, S2, S4), and I like that I can barely feel them on my wrist. The last thing I want when running, cycling, and rowing is a noticeable hunk of steel on my wrist.
Otherwise, I like the look of the SB SS and gold SS. (My current Watch is an S4 gold aluminum.)
Otherwise, I like the look of the SB SS and gold SS. (My current Watch is an S4 gold aluminum.)
You could certainly wear a SS for sports. It was more weight than I wanted, but I only wore it for 2 minutes in the store. I would probably have gotten used to it too.
Someone who has a SS model could speak to the question better than I can.
It depends the person I understand... so I can’t wait to next week to test on my wrist
Yeah, I know and personally I have to test some days to make me decide what I want
This is not going to be a popular opinion, but personally I think the Apple Watch is so small and uses so little metal, that it doesn't really matter what material it is made out of, so long as it's durable.
I think if, perhaps, scratches really trigger you, then the sapphire screen will be worth the premium; however, it's not guaranteed to be totally scratch-proof --- just more scratch resistant than the non-sapphire glass. Setting your expectations correctly will likely help with satisfaction down the road.
In my opinion, the watch isn't worth any of the premium models unless you just want the aesthetic. In the case of the SB SS, the look is identical to the aluminum, so take that into account.
I've worn my Nike+ AW S4 nearly daily since launch, and yes, have some significant scratches 1-3 mm long across the face. I am not the most graceful or cautious and have noticeably hit my arm/wrist on doorjambs or walls at least a handful of times in the period I've owned it. However, it took reading your post for me to notice the scratches at all, because my time with eyes-on-watch is always 1) extremely brief and 2) not meant to focus on the display itself but the quick info beneath it -- perhaps unlike using a phone or tablet to consume content for extended periods.
Last, because the re-sale premium is virtually non-existent for the higher end models just 1 year after release, I view the AW as a consumable product -- moreso than any other tech device I own. If, the day I stop wearing it, the face is completely covered in scratches, the battery is totally kaput, I'll feel great about getting every last drop of use out of it and drop it off at the Apple store to be recycled.
In my opinion, the watch isn't worth any of the premium models unless you just want the aesthetic. In the case of the SB SS, the look is identical to the aluminum, so take that into account.
I've worn my Nike+ AW S4 nearly daily since launch, and yes, have some significant scratches 1-3 mm long across the face. I am not the most graceful or cautious and have noticeably hit my arm/wrist on doorjambs or walls at least a handful of times in the period I've owned it. However, it took reading your post for me to notice the scratches at all, because my time with eyes-on-watch is always 1) extremely brief and 2) not meant to focus on the display itself but the quick info beneath it -- perhaps unlike using a phone or tablet to consume content for extended periods.
Last, because the re-sale premium is virtually non-existent for the higher end models just 1 year after release, I view the AW as a consumable product -- moreso than any other tech device I own. If, the day I stop wearing it, the face is completely covered in scratches, the battery is totally kaput, I'll feel great about getting every last drop of use out of it and drop it off at the Apple store to be recycled.
If you have the disposable income to cover it go for the ss, I do prefer the sapphire glass greatly but I always buy the regular model, like others mentioned buying higher end luxury Apple Watch is not the same as buying a Rolex, my submariner from 6 years ago still holds up its value to this day, but a ss aw5 today will lose roughly 50% value after a year, since Apple Watch is a tech, new tech will entice you to get the latest and greatest, who knows maybe aw6 will have 30 percent more battery life, if you are ok with that mentality then yes absolutely go with the ss.
This is an interesting point you make. And if you look at the casing of Apple Watch, you only really see a quarter of the surrounding edges of the metal around the display when worn on your wrist. I think the regular 316 L stainless seems to stand out the most, because if it’s high shine, but the other aluminum models blend in just as nicely as the more expensive ones do, but I also like the weight of the stainless in addition in my wrist. General, I just appreciate to have a nicely weighted watch on my wrist, it just gives that sense of more substantiality.
‘Is it worth’...? Kinda of a subjective.
Here’s what it comes down to, do you really need/want the cellular option? If not, then the obvious choice is the GPS model, which would save you money on that aspect alone. So ask yourself if that’s worth it to you.
I don't know if I can add more than what people have already said here. I had a first generation stainless steel watch and then I upgraded to a S2 aluminium and later an S4 in aluminium as well. I was kind of shocked at the resale value when I sold the SS watch and I think I got the same amount back when I sold the S2 aluminium so keep that in mind!
that being said - my S4 screen has a couple of dings in them, my S2 was unnoticeable but this is from accidentally hitting my wrist on something when walking. This has already taken away the value of my S4 but I don't mind to be honest. For formal occasions I actually have two proper watches. Which are stainless steel btw. I use my apple watch every single day apart from days i have big meetings, formal events etc. So i'm ok with the scratches. scratches on the screen would heart my heart if my other watches got scratches on them but I expect them to last decades not 2-3 years.
For ME is the SS worth it? I'd say no because I only keep it for a few years and sell it. Is it better? yes. no doubt. Is it worth the extra 200 pounds? No not for me.
but it's your call - do you have another watch for formal occasions? do you want to upgrade within 2 years? If you answer yes to the last two, i'd say go aluminium and just be happy with the watch. nothing lasts for ever and scratches are just part of it!
that being said - my S4 screen has a couple of dings in them, my S2 was unnoticeable but this is from accidentally hitting my wrist on something when walking. This has already taken away the value of my S4 but I don't mind to be honest. For formal occasions I actually have two proper watches. Which are stainless steel btw. I use my apple watch every single day apart from days i have big meetings, formal events etc. So i'm ok with the scratches. scratches on the screen would heart my heart if my other watches got scratches on them but I expect them to last decades not 2-3 years.
For ME is the SS worth it? I'd say no because I only keep it for a few years and sell it. Is it better? yes. no doubt. Is it worth the extra 200 pounds? No not for me.
but it's your call - do you have another watch for formal occasions? do you want to upgrade within 2 years? If you answer yes to the last two, i'd say go aluminium and just be happy with the watch. nothing lasts for ever and scratches are just part of it!
Thank you for all answer. So I buy the SS in SB Apple Watch 5, but I have to wait until 7th of February to test it 
, it is on Japan now...
, it is on Japan now...
Thank you for all answer. So I buy the SS in SB Apple Watch 5, but I have to wait until 7th of February to test it
Congratulations! I'm sure you'll enjoy your new watch. SSSB will hold up very well over time. The SS versions of the Apple Watch definitely have more heft and feel like a traditional watch when compared to the aluminum models.
The waiting is the hardest part! I go through that every time a get a new mechanical watch!
My wife and I have aluminum S2s. I've got a chunk out of the upper left corner, and she has a deep scratch across the face from kitchen tile. Both still work just fine. I couldn't justify the expense of the SS versions, and don't have any need to upgrade right now.
As an example on plunc.com
if you sold a aluminium series 5 GPS you would get £245
if you sold the stainless steel 44mm you would get £265
so £20 more for a watch than cost £400 more.
Still you are paying for the look, feel and more likely to last.
I dunno, the rate at which Apple are advancing their watches, I'm upgrading each year with Nike edition and I don't even know when to go all in on SS or Watch edition, because the advancements year on year are too good for my personal taste. Always on display was necessary.