Is the Hermes or Edition AW a Waste of Money?

[AGamble]

I've been looking at the Hermes AWs for a while now and since I don't do much swimming I discounted the AW2 and told myself to wait for the AW3.

In the UK EE are the only provider offering LTE functionality, not great when you're with an alternate provider and the EE signal in your area isn't up to much...I have no idea when the other providers will jump on board but as there isn't much in the media suggesting otherwise it's likely to be a while yet.

What about the SS AW? Once you factor in a dressier band on top of the shipped sport band you're only a few hundred off the price of the Hermes (offering a better quality leather band and alternate faces).

For those who can't stomach the thought of replacing their watch for 2, 3 or 4 years do you think theres enough value in the AW Hermes and Edition to warrant the price?

As this will be my one and only watch the aluminium watch doesn't really cut it. Especially if you're after a dressier watch which fits all occasions.

I'm really struggling to make a decision. I love Apple products and know I'd love the AW but the potential longevity and high price point puts me off slightly. I'd be inclined to go for the SS but with the price being so high for the base model I'm finding it even harder to justify than the Hermes or Edition.

The Editions are nice but the band compatibility and the lack of unique faces rules that out as an option for me.

May be I'm best off going for a mechanical.

Any thoughts?

 

[tonoboon]

For me I believe that only Edition for the collector .
I've own all of the Edition and Hermes and I like them both.
I might sold the Hermes but I'll keep all Edition .

 

[AGamble]

For me I believe that only Edition for the collector .
I've own all of the Edition and Hermes and I like them both.
I might sold the Hermes but I'll keep all Edition .

Thanks.

Care to elaborate on your decision?

Is there really such a thing as a collectable AW (or any apple product for that matter)?

 

[44267547]

Thanks.

Care to elaborate on your decision?

Is there really such a thing as a collectable AW (or any apple product for that matter)?

The Apple Watch is a piece of wearable tech that is disposable. You have to ask yourself how much use to you think you will get from an Apple Watch and what do you want from the Apple Watch? As far as the stainless and ceramic models, they are pricey, but if you don't have a specific preference with the type of materials and are concerned with the the price point, then the aluminum model would likely be your best option. It's affordable and Operates similarly to the other Apple Watch models.

When you purchase the higher end Apple Watches, you're also purchasing a fashion statement. The stainless model can be paired with almost any band, for almost any occasion as well.

My suggestion for you, is try the aluminum model first and find out if you like it. And then for more dressier occasions, and perhaps resort to mechanical watch. But if you can justify the price point, I like the stainless model with the Sapphire display.

 

[tonoboon]

Thanks.

Care to elaborate on your decision?

Is there really such a thing as a collectable AW (or any apple product for that matter)?

Yes, I've mechanical watch but I rather collect Apple Watch Edition instead.
Apple could take care for replace battery , AW can tell the time Gove me notifications and track my movement all day even ten years from now . That why I cam keep it to my collection?

 

[AGamble]

Yes, I've mechanical watch but I rather collect Apple Watch Edition instead.
Apple could take care for replace battery , AW can tell the time Gove me notifications and track my movement all day even ten years from now . That why I cam keep it to my collection?

But will the tech still work in 10 years time? Whats the life expectancy of the AW? 3, 4 years?

I wasn't aware apple would be willing to replace a battery outside of a malfunction. Is the battery the bottleneck or the CPU.

Based on what I've read it sounds as though the AW 0 is now coming to end of life for everyday usage (battery vs performance).

I know my iPhone 8 doesn't have 10 years of life in it. My 6 is pretty poor and it's only 3.5 years old.
[doublepost=1507651523][/doublepost]

The Apple Watch is a piece of wearable tech that is disposable. You have to ask yourself how much use to you think you will get from an Apple Watch and what do you want from the Apple Watch? As far as the stainless and ceramic models, they are pricey, but if you don't have a specific preference with the type of materials and are concerned with the the price point, then the aluminum model would likely be your best option. It's affordable and Operates similarly to the other Apple Watch models.

When you purchase the higher end Apple Watches, you're also purchasing a fashion statement. The stainless model can be paired with almost any band, for almost any occasion as well.

My suggestion for you, is try the aluminum model first and find out if you like it. And then for more dressier occasions, and perhaps resort to mechanical watch. But if you can justify the price point, I like the stainless model with the Sapphire display.

Thank you for the response...

What do you believe to be the life expectancy of the average AW in years? Would you expect 5 years out of a AW3?

 

[44267547]

Thank you for the response...

What do you believe to be the life expectancy of the average AW in years? Would you expect 5 years out of a AW3?

Considering the first generation Apple Watch as a metric, that's seeing approximately four years of total support. I don't believe the Apple Watch first generation will see support to watchOS 5, but I could be wrong. So I would expect at least the Apple Watch Series 3 to receive at least a minimum of three years to approximately four years. It's still early to tell, because the Apple Watch is such a new product and where exactly WatchOS is leading.

But even if the Apple Watch is not supported from watchOS, depending on the health of the battery life, you could still easily use
It for other functions as well. That's just how well-made Apple products are.

 

[redavis41]

Considering the first generation Apple Watch as a metric, that's seeing approximately four years of total support. I don't believe the Apple Watch first generation will see support to watchOS 5, but I could be wrong. So I would expect at least the Apple Watch Series 3 to receive at least a minimum of three years to approximately four years. It's still early to tell, because the Apple Watch is such a new product and where exactly WatchOS is leading.

But even if the Apple Watch is not supported from watchOS, depending on the health of the battery life, you could still easily use
It for other functions as well. That's just how well-made Apple products are.

Easily could get 4+ years out of the Apple Watch. Where the problem lies is if you update your phone you could be limited in the future on its functions available. It all depends on your usage needs and lifestyle. I've tried Aluminum in the past and beat it up too much with my fitness training for it to be a viable option for me. I'm giving Edition a try this time for the Ceramic Gray, but the Hermes are really nice watches that pair well with any band.

 

[fultonjt]

As a watch collector, I struggle with the decision too. Unlike the watches I wear most days (Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial "Spectre" & Tudor Heritage Black Bay), the problem with the Hermes and the Edition is depreciation. It's hard as a collector to invest in a piece of wearable technology. I know both of my "daily driver" watches, especially the former, will hold value moving forward. Not that I ever expect to get rid of it as it's my personal favorite along with my GMT Master II "Batman" which they'll have to pry from cold dead wrists.

I ultimately settled for the stainless AW3 cellular (after wearing the aluminum for a couple of weeks). It's classy enough to pair with a suit, and works perfectly for my time at the gym sans phone.

 

[tonoboon]

I'd rather use watchOS1 for my Apple Watch 1st gen .
If Apple support Apple Watch 1st gen just 3 year ,when the Gold Edition relaunch who gonna buy it . Apple produce the watch not gadget . Watches can be last long if you pay for overhaul either Apple Watch .

 

[AGamble]

All very interesting and thank you all for contributing...Keep your thoughts coming.

I'm still undecided...

I guess the question is, are the AW Hermes and Edition watches value for money against the base models?

Hermes 42 with brown leather strap = £1199

Vs

SS 42 base with brown leather strap = £798

So you're paying an extra £400 for the leather quality and watch faces.

 

[DougFNJ]

What you ask here is very subjective. Main reasons for upgrades were not because iPhones and iPads batteries and processors died at the end of their shelf life or expiration date, there is none. I have a friend that still gets good use out of his generation 1 iPad, my wife gets good use out of her generation 2 iPad. My Aunt refuses to upgrade her iPhone 5c and I have many customers that still use iPhone 4's. These don't go obsolete because a new upgrade became available. For a long time carriers offered the upgrades every 2 years, and many took advantage. Many don't upgrade because their current iPhone's no longer work, they do it because they want a new feature available. Many are perfectly content with their current devices and see no reason to upgrade. I wish I was one of them, I'd have saved a LOT of money

Apple Watch is a different story. It's not subsidized, it's a one time purchase for most. For geeks like me, I upgrade every year. But my wife loves her rose gold Apple Watch Series 1 and will not be upgrading anytime soon. Mechanical vs Wearable is apples vs oranges.....no pun . I have been a watch collector for a LONG time. I give Apple credit, they changed the way I rotate my collection. I wear my Apple Watch to work and for my activities primarily daily. I wear my mechanicals when I am going out to a nice place or event. The functions that my Apple Watch offer now, and will always offer will never be available on a mechanical....these are just 2 different objects. One would not sway my decision on the other.

But your question isn't general, it is specific to the version you are looking for. Hermes, vs Stainless Steel. The nice thing you will get out of Hermes first and foremost is the bands. Should you choose to upgrade in the future, those bands can be put on the upgrade you purchase assuming Apple stays with the same strap style for swapping them. If you feel you will eventually upgrade, you could still get a decent resale value off of it to put towards the new one and ease the pain. It is pretty inconvenient that Apple did not make a GPS only version in Stainless Steel, it puts you in a rough spot if your carrier situation is not ideal. LTE does not add major functionality to the watch though, so it's not a bad thing that it does have it, if your carrier eventually goes that direction, at least you could take advantage if it does. Ultimately these are luxury items, and the big question is if the cost is worth it to you. If it is, then go for it, if it isn't and that mechanical is calling your name louder than the Apple Watch.....go for that. It's nice to have these luxury choices either way. For me, I chose to sell my Series 2 and upgrade to the Space Black and have no regrets. it is totally worth it to me just for the increased speed and overall responsiveness. SO much more usable than any previous generation.

 

[AGamble]

What you ask here is very subjective. Main reasons for upgrades were not because iPhones and iPads batteries and processors died at the end of their shelf life or expiration date, there is none. I have a friend that still gets good use out of his generation 1 iPad, my wife gets good use out of her generation 2 iPad. My Aunt refuses to upgrade her iPhone 5c and I have many customers that still use iPhone 4's. These don't go obsolete because a new upgrade became available. For a long time carriers offered the upgrades every 2 years, and many took advantage. Many don't upgrade because their current iPhone's no longer work, they do it because they want a new feature available. Many are perfectly content with their current devices and see no reason to upgrade. I wish I was one of them, I'd have saved a LOT of money

Apple Watch is a different story. It's not subsidized, it's a one time purchase for most. For geeks like me, I upgrade every year. But my wife loves her rose gold Apple Watch Series 1 and will not be upgrading anytime soon. Mechanical vs Wearable is apples vs oranges.....no pun . I have been a watch collector for a LONG time. I give Apple credit, they changed the way I rotate my collection. I wear my Apple Watch to work and for my activities primarily daily. I wear my mechanicals when I am going out to a nice place or event. The functions that my Apple Watch offer now, and will always offer will never be available on a mechanical....these are just 2 different objects. One would not sway my decision on the other.

But your question isn't general, it is specific to the version you are looking for. Hermes, vs Stainless Steel. The nice thing you will get out of Hermes first and foremost is the bands. Should you choose to upgrade in the future, those bands can be put on the upgrade you purchase assuming Apple stays with the same strap style for swapping them. If you feel you will eventually upgrade, you could still get a decent resale value off of it to put towards the new one and ease the pain. It is pretty inconvenient that Apple did not make a GPS only version in Stainless Steel, it puts you in a rough spot if your carrier situation is not ideal. LTE does not add major functionality to the watch though, so it's not a bad thing that it does have it, if your carrier eventually goes that direction, at least you could take advantage if it does. Ultimately these are luxury items, and the big question is if the cost is worth it to you. If it is, then go for it, if it isn't and that mechanical is calling your name louder than the Apple Watch.....go for that. It's nice to have these luxury choices either way. For me, I chose to sell my Series 2 and upgrade to the Space Black and have no regrets. it is totally worth it to me just for the increased speed and overall responsiveness. SO much more usable than any previous generation.

This is a great response, thank you very much for taking the time to write it.

How is your wife’s Series 1 performing? Did you upgrade to Watch OS4? Is battery life still acceptable?

While I’m on the subject of battery life do Apple Watches generally retain their charge over 2, 3 years worth of use?

 

[pedrowerner]

Apple can definitely replace the battery, but for the Edition or Hermes they really could change the SoC for the price of an aluminum series 3 or above over the next generations.

 

[AGamble]

Apple can definitely replace the battery, but for the Edition or Hermes they really could change the SoC for the price of an aluminum series 3 or above over the next generations.

Great idea but I can’t ever see Apple agreeing to that. Too many complications.

 

[seatton]

I am interested in having an Edition eventually, but the watch is not there yet (it still misses sleep tracking which to me is the most important thing for wearables because I always have a problem sleeping, it also needs to have a faster CPU, and always-on display). Once it has all of those, I am willing to pay 1k every 3 years or so. There is no way the watch will last for more than 4 years I think (my 1st gen SS does not have a resting heart rate, while my Series 3 SS has that).

What annoys me is that the service fee after AppleCare expires is 800 dollars for Edition. I do not know why they charge so much. Some argue that it is much cheaper than the first gold Edition fee, but still the internal components are identical to the cheaper models.

 

[flur]

I definitely think the S0 AW Edition is a collectible. But I don’t see the later series as collectible, and consequently I don’t see them as worth the money. The Hermes...if you really like the band and the faces, then go for it, but if you’re thinking it will hold its value, it won’t.

I bought the S0 SS and invested in multiple bands for different occasions, and I’m happy with that choice. And now I can use those bands, or any new bands I choose, with my S3.

If I were looking to invest in something that would hold its value, I’d definitely go mechanical.

 

[nippyjun]

It seems to me that when Apple first launched the watch they were marketing it as a timepiece first and fitness tracker 2nd. Or maybe 50/50.
Now it seems that fitness/health is first priority and timepiece distant second.

I have personally only been interested in the fitness/health aspect. I hadn't worn a watch in over 20 years when I got my first apple watch. It's been great for tracking my workouts and motivating me.

I like having the latest tech which for me means getting the newest watch when they come out.

For those reasons I wouldn't pay extra for the higher level watches as they will not hold value and I have no interest in the timepiece factor.

 

[lordofthereef]

Everything is subjective. For your scenario I’d look into a hermes s2. Maybe they’re on sale? Or maybe you can buy used?

You mentioned you can’t utilize the lte. So that’s kind of a waste. You don’t seem to care one way or the other about the new cpu, though maybe that’s something to look into and compare (imo the difference is minimal at best).

Another option might be to just get the stainless and buy (again used) a Hermès band. Unless you want all the other stuff like watch faces. I out literally zero monetary value in a digital watchface. But if I had to I’d say, uh idk, $5?

As an investment it’s garbage and an absolute waste of money. Apple tried with the first gen edition and got out of that market as fast as they could moving forward. If you can justify the money knowing the thing will deppreciate enormously by this time next year, go for it. My feeling is, since you’re coming here for advice, the money spent actually matters to you.

 

[Ixidor]

If you look at Apple Watches from purely a tech perspective, sure it’s a waste of money. But if you look at it from a fashion perspective, which you are, then it’s a lot more complicated. People are willing to spend a lot for designer goods for example.

Anyway, I love the Hermes watch faces but I think they are a little pointless if there isn’t an always on display (and I’d be really upset if I bought one now and the Series 4 features it next year, just sayin). As for the bands, some of them (or all of them?) can be bought separately so you can pair them with non-Hermes Apple Watches.

Also, I am in favour of spending on the bands more so than the Apple Watch itself. I’ve accumulated so many official bands and I use them to this day since they are compatible across all Apple Watches thus far. On the other hand, my series 0 is now collecting dust in my drawer (i.e. disposable tech).

 

[Brien]

They're all technically a waste of money, so get what you want IMO.

 

[chiamac]

I’m active and prefer the durability of the ceramic and sapphire and they look great to boot. When I made the decision for ceramic, I looked at it from an ROI (return on investment) perspective like most big purchases I make - will I get more back in terms of value and income in the next 2-3 years than what I spend/invest in an Apple Watch even if it’s an Edition or Hermes? For me, personally, it’s an absolute ‘yes’ due to improved health, increased productivity and dramatically less reliance on the iPhone among many other things.

 

[Arran]

... Too many complications.

That was clever.

Levity aside, think of it as a choice between renting an apartment in a nice area vs a dumpy area: You'll save money with the latter, but will you enjoy it? Day after day?

Do whatever makes you smile. It's only money.

(Just make sure it's your money. Not the credit card company's money.)

 

[eVolcre]

I am interested in having an Edition eventually, but the watch is not there yet (it still misses sleep tracking which to me is the most important thing for wearables because I always have a problem sleeping, it also needs to have a faster CPU, and always-on display). Once it has all of those, I am willing to pay 1k every 3 years or so. There is no way the watch will last for more than 4 years I think (my 1st gen SS does not have a resting heart rate, while my Series 3 SS has that).

What annoys me is that the service fee after AppleCare expires is 800 dollars for Edition. I do not know why they charge so much. Some argue that it is much cheaper than the first gold Edition fee, but still the internal components are identical to the cheaper models.

Same here. I got into Apple Watch as a trial with a s2 aluminum Nike. Now that it’s intgral to my life I’d like something nice. Love the white ceramic look. At the moment lte isn’t useful to me so I can wait another year. I’m waiting for the point where all essential functions are covered and the watch will at least be “good enough to work” for 3 years. Upgrading then becomes incremental gains which I could probably do without. We’re there right now with the iPhone. I WANT the X but more than likely only NEED the 6s or even the SE.

Let’s see what series 4 brings. At this point what’s left ? A thinner form factor and always on display (even if it’s just for the time ). When that comes in I’ll make the plunge for a ceramic lte version that works with all my current bands.

Hermes I don’t oersonally get. It’s the same as SS with extra watch faces (I wouldn’t pay 2 bucks for those ) and a special band. I could buy the band separately (new or used) or even a high quality third party and get the same look and utility.

The smart thing with tech is to simply get the aluminum and upgrade every two years. Design and lust there’s probably no price on and I do love the look of white ceramic. Let’s see what next year brings.

 

[44267547]

Same here. I got into Apple Watch as a trial with a s2 aluminum Nike. Now that it’s intgral to my life I’d like something nice. Love the white ceramic look. At the moment lte isn’t useful to me so I can wait another year. I’m waiting for the point where all essential functions are covered and the watch will at least be “good enough to work” for 3 years. Upgrading then becomes incremental gains which I could probably do without. We’re there right now with the iPhone. I WANT the X but more than likely only NEED the 6s or even the SE.

Let’s see what series 4 brings. At this point what’s left ? A thinner form factor and always on display (even if it’s just for the time ). When that comes in I’ll make the plunge for a ceramic lte version that works with all my current bands.

Hermes I don’t oersonally get. It’s the same as SS with extra watch faces (I wouldn’t pay 2 bucks for those ) and a special band. I could buy the band separately (new or used) or even a high quality third party and get the same look and utility.

The smart thing with tech is to simply get the aluminum and upgrade every two years. Design and lust there’s probably no price on and I do love the look of white ceramic. Let’s see what next year brings.

A lot of Apple Watch users seem very confident Apple will be releasing a Series 4 in 2018. It's hard to say if I believe that altogether, even though it's very possible.

But if I had to guess what features will be improved upon physically, would be a more curved design contoured to the wrist, a larger display option, I believe the band port will be retained, perhaps additional casing options for the stainless model as well. Hopefully, watchOS 5 brings a plethora of Watch faces.