Is the Hermes or Edition AW a Waste of Money?

[eVolcre]

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.

If they don’t no big deal I can always pick up a reduced price or used series 3. Lte Right now isn’t supported in my country so there’s no point upgrading. I’ll enjoy my series 2 till then.

Agreed on your points about form factor. More contoured would be nice for us skinny wristed people.

 

[AGamble]

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.

Unfortunately I don’t think any AW is an investment. Isn’t the ROI on the Ceramic vs Hermes resale value for the AW2 negligible?

I certainly won’t be buying it as an investment. But as a usable piece of tech.

When you consider that the Ceramic and Hermes costs the equivalent of an iPhone X, iPad Pro, MacBook etc...Is the AW up there in terms of functionality, usage etc?

 

[AGamble]

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.

I think an amended form factor might be coming but this makes me even more nervous about blowing £1200 on a design that could possibly be out of date within 12 months. Realistically how long can apple maintain the current form factor? I’m not sure where Apple can go with the next release other than slim it down, alter the aesthetics and improve battery life.

 

[44267547]

I think an amended form factor might be coming but this makes me even more nervous about blowing £1200 on a design that could possibly be out of date within 12 months. Realistically how long can apple maintain the current form factor? I’m not sure where Apple can go with the next release other than slim it down, alter the aesthetics and improve battery life.

I try to look at Apple's design timeline as a whole for a lot of their products. Take the iPhone 6/6S/7/8 for example. They made a lot of upgrades internally and some externally throughout those generations, but they were the same chassis. The Apple Watch could be a different story, but watches do not drastically change over time. So I would be willing to think that the next Apple Watch will have some physical changes and at least offer a Larger dislay at the minimum.

But for me, no matter what you choose to spend on an Apple Watch, it all comes down to how you use it. I wouldn't worry so much about what is dated and or what will be released in the future, because we don't know. But I would factor in what you want in terms of the casing option and how you use your Apple Watch.

 

[AGamble]

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.

You see, I don't get the edition watches...White and Grey are awkward colours IMO and when you factor in the lack of band support (from a colour combination perspective) i find it hard to justify the additional premium (even if the casing is made of a unique material). At a minimum i would have expected some edition faces to boot...

At least with the Hermes the strap combinations and faces are there even if the casing is no different to the base SS.

 

[eVolcre]

You see, I don't get the edition watches...White and Grey are awkward colours IMO and when you factor in the lack of band support (from a colour combination perspective) i find it hard to justify the additional premium (even if the casing is made of a unique material). At a minimum i would have expected some edition faces to boot...

At least with the Hermes the strap combinations and faces are there even if the casing is no different to the base SS.

Sure. Totally understand and that’s why they give us multiple options. I actually really like the white and if you look at the ceramic owners thread I believe I could make it work with all my current bands. It’s probably not conservative (office environment) but I don’t work in an office anymore. At that price point it’s the heart talking not the head. Neither really makes sense right? my only point was that one could replicate most of the Hermes look, sans watchface, by getting the ss silver and adding a band. Ceramic you really need to buy the actual edition.

Different folks. , different strokes
[doublepost=1507713826][/doublepost]

I think an amended form factor might be coming but this makes me even more nervous about blowing £1200 on a design that could possibly be out of date within 12 months. Realistically how long can apple maintain the current form factor? I’m not sure where Apple can go with the next release other than slim it down, alter the aesthetics and improve battery life.

Well it’s not really going be “out of date” right? It’ll still work technically and do what it does today. The question is whether new updates would give you upgraditis.

I’d say the current form fActor is 3 generations in , maybe they carry it over one more and then modify it slightly. If they update it at all but where were rumors THIS year (gruber) about a new look. I’ts so close to the end of the current run that I can wait one more year. Or get the cheapest aluminum version. If i plonk down serious cash for the ceramic I want to make sure I don’t get the upgrade itch within a year.

I’m getting the iPhone x and seriously think my days of changing phones every year are done. For me at least it’s at peak utility and I can see myself using one phone for the next 3 years. Problem is I like new gadgets and the watch (with air pods) actually have blown me away. Truly revolutionary and different. Watch 3 had more magical things than the phone at the keynote. I’ll keep the same phone and change the watch for a while.

 

[AGamble]

Sure. Totally understand and that’s why they give us multiple options. I actually really like the white and if you look at the ceramic owners thread I believe I could make it work with all my current bands. It’s probably not conservative (office environment) but I don’t work in an office anymore. At that price point it’s the heart talking not the head. Neither really makes sense right? my only point was that one could replicate most of the Hermes look, sans watchface, by getting the ss silver and adding a band. Ceramic you really need to buy the actual edition.

Different folks. , different strokes
[doublepost=1507713826][/doublepost]

Well it’s not really going be “out of date” right? It’ll still work technically and do what it does today. The question is whether new updates would give you upgraditis.

I’d say the current form fActor is 3 generations in , maybe they carry it over one more and then modify it slightly. If they update it at all but where were rumors THIS year (gruber) about a new look. I’ts so close to the end of the current run that I can wait one more year. Or get the cheapest aluminum version. If i plonk down serious cash for the ceramic I want to make sure I don’t get the upgrade itch within a year.

I’m getting the iPhone x and seriously think my days of changing phones every year are done. For me at least it’s at peak utility and I can see myself using one phone for the next 3 years. Problem is I like new gadgets and the watch (with air pods) actually have blown me away. Truly revolutionary and different. Watch 3 had more magical things than the phone at the keynote. I’ll keep the same phone and change the watch for a while.

Great response, thank you for your input...

Side by side is there really that much difference between the Apple Saddle Leather Buckle Band and the Hermes?

I've not seen any of the Hermes bands in person.

 

[Achilles75]

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.

Any thoughts?

How much disposable income do you have available? That's what it comes down to for me. Are you able and willing to pay a premium price for, let's face it, a disposable device?

 

[technole]

The beauty of the watch is that it's an expression of you. Some people will buy a S1 today and may stick to using the band in the box and be very happy with themselves. Some would rather collect bands for different expression on different days. All of which require monetary decisions. Or one could like the Ceramic look, but you also get a decent value aside from the case because you get the $80 charger package with it and another year warranty. In the fashion world it's almost no different than buying designer bags of your choice.

Some people love the Hermes brand, like myself. Before you talk about money, you do realize the Apple Watch is a steal compared to their traditional watch collection. If you actually have a Hermes band, you'll know they don't compare to the knockoffs let alone the Apple traditional buckle.

 

[SuprUsrStan]

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.

I too was looking at the Hermes vs Ceramic vs SS and it came down to this for me. To me, the apple watch has a life expectancy of about 2 years. These CPUs aren't really that powerful and we know better features such as glucose monitoring and blood oxygen monitoring are on the horizon. However, $1000 dollars or more for a toy for a few years ins't all that bad.

I plan on exercising with the apple watch so while I really like the Hermes face and band, it's out of the running because the leather strap just wont stand up to sweat and grime. I'd have to swap out the strap every time I go to the gym. Between the SS and Ceramic, it came down purely to the strap combination. While the ceramic looks nice, I have difficulty pairing that with a band that looks good with a suit. The only combination I sort of liked was the Ceramic + black milanese loop. That combination was nearly $1500.

Seeing as this is my first apple watch, I figured I'd just get a SS w/ milanese loop and see if I really like it and maybe spring for the expensive ceramic w/ space black milanese in a couple years. I chose ss /w milanese loop since it's both casual enough with a t-shirt and is acceptable with a dress shirt and works decently well at the gym. No need to swap bands every time I'm doing something different.

 

[AGamble]

The beauty of the watch is that it's an expression of you. Some people will buy a S1 today and may stick to using the band in the box and be very happy with themselves. Some would rather collect bands for different expression on different days. All of which require monetary decisions. Or one could like the Ceramic look, but you also get a decent value aside from the case because you get the $80 charger package with it and another year warranty. In the fashion world it's almost no different than buying designer bags of your choice.

Some people love the Hermes brand, like myself. Before you talk about money, you do realize the Apple Watch is a steal compared to their traditional watch collection. If you actually have a Hermes band, you'll know they don't compare to the knockoffs let alone the Apple traditional buckle.

Understood.

Unfortunately my local Apple store (Manchester) doesn't stock the Hermes edition and as far as I'm aware the closest Hermes/Apple store that does is London.

 

[technole]

I plan on exercising with the apple watch so while I really like the Hermes face and band, it's out of the running because the leather strap just wont stand up to sweat and grime. I'd have to swap out the strap every time I go to the gym. Between the SS and Ceramic, it came down purely to the strap combination. While the ceramic looks nice, I have difficulty pairing that with a band that looks good with a suit. The only combination I sort of liked was the Ceramic + black milanese loop. That combination was nearly $1500.

I swap to the sport bands all the time when working out with the Hermes face. Or really any situation where water could come into pay, I just love having color choices. The next day dressed for office it's back to an expensive band. Plus your strap choices likely are going to last longer than your watch.

 

[drew0020]

Great response, thank you for your input...

Side by side is there really that much difference between the Apple Saddle Leather Buckle Band and the Hermes?

I've not seen any of the Hermes bands in person.

There is a huge difference in my opinion. Hermes leather is simply in another class, but if you cannot tell the difference get the cheaper option of course!

 

[AGamble]

How much disposable income do you have available? That's what it comes down to for me. Are you able and willing to pay a premium price for, let's face it, a disposable device?

The Hermes is easily affordable, in fact the money is sat in the account ready now. I admit, I saved it (with the view to buying a AW3) over a number of months last year (along with saving for a new house and wedding). I guess thats why I'm reluctant, I want to ensure its value for money as currently I could arguably use the money for other things.
[doublepost=1507725690][/doublepost]

I swap to the sport bands all the time when working out with the Hermes face. Or really any situation where water could come into pay, I just love having color choices. The next day dressed for office it's back to an expensive band. Plus your strap choices likely are going to last longer than your watch.

Very good.

As you now have the Hermes band, would you be inclined to opt for a base SS next time round to save yourself some $?

 

[technole]

Understood.

Unfortunately my local Apple store (Manchester) doesn't stock the Hermes edition and as far as I'm aware the closest Hermes/Apple store that does is London.

Yeah, very few Apple stores do unless you live in a metropolis. So it's either up to having a Hermes store nearby (which is also the same ordeal) or just ordering one online from either store.

There is a huge difference in my opinion. Hermes leather is simply in another class, but if you cannot tell the difference get the cheaper option of course!

Yep, it's not even close, if you were to try on the Apple Saddle vs Hermes, you'll know right away.

That's not to say the Apple traditional buckles are bad at-all, I bought the new product red because of the concept and it's pretty for some outfits.

Very good.

As you now have the Hermes band, would you be inclined to opt for a base SS next time round to save yourself some $?

Plus the Hermes comes with the exclusive orange sports band, so you can use that without any additional cost if you factor that in.

I suppose it depends. I could want a Edition or a new Hermes band too at the time of replacing. The way Hermes does each new series is that they introduce new bands that you can only buy with a new watch. Like the new Rallye and scarf design you can't buy separately yet. So that could play into a decision several years from now.

 

[eVolcre]

The Hermes is easily affordable, in fact the money is sat in the account ready now. I admit, I saved it (with the view to buying a AW3) over a number of months last year (along with saving for a new house and wedding). I guess thats why I'm reluctant, I want to ensure its value for money as currently I could arguably use the money for other things.
[doublepost=1507725690][/doublepost]

Very good.

As you now have the Hermes band, would you be inclined to opt for a base SS next time round to save yourself some $?

Here’s one more option then (since you did say you could use the money for other things)

Buy the silver SS with a sport band or loop. Buy the Hermes original strap separately (they ARE gorgeous). I think that saves you a couple of hundred bucks and you get cheaper Applecare.

Now you miss out on the special watch faces, the Hermes box I guess and the orange Hermes sport band. Is that worth 200 to you? Only you can answer that.

Or. Stash this money away in a savings account and don’t touch it. Buy a used aluminum series 2 for now and get a few bands to play around with. See what next year brings with the form factor and battery life and put down the big bucks then.

So many options. Only you can decide the value of your money and brand. Like someone else rightly said above, it’s no different than buying designer clothes etc at this point. JCPenney suit vs Armani

Have you had an Apple Watch before ? If not then maybe really buy the cheapest entry point and see if it fits into your life.
[doublepost=1507726368][/doublepost]

Yeah, very few Apple stores do unless you live in a metropolis. So it's either up to having a Hermes store nearby (which is also the same ordeal) or just ordering one online from either store.



Yep, it's not even close, if you were to try on the Apple Saddle vs Hermes, you'll know right away.

That's not to say the Apple traditional buckles are bad at-all, I bought the new product red because of the concept and it's pretty for some outfits.



Plus the Hermes comes with the exclusive orange sports band, so you can use that without any additional cost if you factor that in.

I suppose it depends. I could want a Edition or a new Hermes band too at the time of replacing. The way Hermes does each new series is that they introduce new bands that you can only buy with a new watch. Like the new Rallye and scarf design you can't buy separately yet. So that could play into a decision several years from now.

You’re a good spokesperson for Hermes btw. Haha. Heck I’m halfway convinced now and want to go check it out in person. Now I can find a separate Hermes band that could match the white ceramic im I total Apple Watch bliss

 

[AGamble]

I'm very grateful for everyones input, a lot of useful information.

Interestingly I'm yet to hear anyone tell me that they've been disappointed with the Hermes and returned it as they don't see any value in the product...This speaks volumes to me.

 

[drew0020]

You’re a good spokesperson for Hermes btw. Haha. Heck I’m halfway convinced now and want to go check it out in person. Now I can find a separate Hermes band that could match the white ceramic im I total Apple Watch bliss

I had the White Ceramic last year and purchased the Hermes Deployment Buckle and Grey Edition this year. I sent the Grey Edition back. The lack of Watch faces (the standard Apple faces are lacking) and band combinations are non-existent on the Editions. I know there are people on this board that post pictures of their Editions with other bands, but man I cringe when I see those because they look jarring at best and hideous at worst

As far as the Orange Box goes, if it is your first Hermes purchase (or first luxury purchase of an item like this) the boutique is a first class purchasing experience, but I'd never buy an Apple watch directly from Hermes due to the lack of return policy. None of this stuff is "worth it" per say, but if you have the disposable dollars and you not impacting your ability to live, enjoy life, etc. then it's a fun purchase.

 

[eVolcre]

I had the White Ceramic last year and purchased the Hermes Deployment Buckle and Grey Edition this year. I sent the Grey Edition back. The lack of Watch faces (the standard Apple faces are lacking) and band combinations are non-existent on the Editions. I know there are people on this board that post pictures of their Editions with other bands, but man I cringe when I see those because they look jarring at best and hideous at worst

As far as the Orange Box goes, if it is your first Hermes purchase (or first luxury purchase of an item like this) the boutique is a first class purchasing experience, but I'd never buy an Apple watch directly from Hermes due to the lack of return policy. None of this stuff is "worth it" per say, but if you have the disposable dollars and you not impacting your ability to live, enjoy life, etc. then it's a fun purchase.

Hahah. Tell us how you really feel (jarring and hideous )

There’s a few combinations I think I could pull off. Look I know there’s basic designs that will simply clash (can’t think of any right now but you know what I mean) but some of the more adventurous choices depend on personal dress style and confidence. I’ve been known to wear white pants , salmon (pink) shirt and a blazer with formal shoes. Of course this was in Paris and style is more adventurous there

White ceramic with a black Milanese or link bracelet? White ceramic with a red or blue or charcoal loop? Could work. I’ll have to check it out in person. This isn’t really a rational purchase at this point so the one that steals your heart is the one to buy. Whatever makes you smile right? For some it’s the white ceramic for others it could be the Hermes option.

Actually another reason for me personally is my wrists. They’re pretty damn skinny!! You can barely see enough of the strap to appreciate it. I wear a 42 mm not the little one and it covers most of my wrist. Why bother with an Uber expensive buckle if it’s mainly hidden. At least the white option I’d be able to see the darn thing right up front.

Fun discussion anyway. It’s nice that Apple gives us so many options at so many price points. Something for everyone. The changeable bands thing is simply genius. I don’t get bored of the new toy. Put on a new strap and you have a new look! Got a bit of a band addiction going on. I’m up to 7 already in just 6 months. Madness
[doublepost=1507729710][/doublepost]

Hahah. Tell us how you really feel (jarring and hideous )

There’s a few combinations I think I could pull off. Look I know there’s basic designs that will simply clash (can’t think of any right now but you know what I mean) but some of the more adventurous choices depend on personal dress style and confidence. I’ve been known to wear white pants , salmon (pink) shirt and a blazer with formal shoes. Of course this was in Paris and style is more adventurous there

White ceramic with a black Milanese or link bracelet? White ceramic with a red or blue or charcoal loop? Could work. I’ll have to check it out in person. This isn’t really a rational purchase at this point so the one that steals your heart is the one to buy. Whatever makes you smile right? For some it’s the white ceramic for others it could be the Hermes option.

Actually another reason for me personally is my wrists. They’re pretty damn skinny!! You can barely see enough of the strap to appreciate it. I wear a 42 mm not the little one and it covers most of my wrist. Why bother with an Uber expensive buckle if it’s mainly hidden. At least the white option I’d be able to see the darn thing right up front.

Fun discussion anyway. It’s nice that Apple gives us so many options at so many price points. Something for everyone. The changeable bands thing is simply genius. I don’t get bored of the new toy. Put on a new strap and you have a new look! Got a bit of a band addiction going on. I’m up to 7 already in just 6 months. Madness

That’s my planned watch face for my yet to be bought white ceramic with my current red leather loop. Yep. I’m obsessed with that watch ever since seeing it on stage at the keynote. It simply pops! I made another color of this face with all white. Also looks nice.

 

[drew0020]

Hahah. Tell us how you really feel (jarring and hideous )

There’s a few combinations I think I could pull off. Look I know there’s basic designs that will simply clash (can’t think of any right now but you know what I mean) but some of the more adventurous choices depend on personal dress style and confidence. I’ve been known to wear white pants , salmon (pink) shirt and a blazer with formal shoes. Of course this was in Paris and style is more adventurous there

White ceramic with a black Milanese or link bracelet? White ceramic with a red or blue or charcoal loop? Could work. I’ll have to check it out in person. This isn’t really a rational purchase at this point so the one that steals your heart is the one to buy. Whatever makes you smile right? For some it’s the white ceramic for others it could be the Hermes option.

Actually another reason for me personally is my wrists. They’re pretty damn skinny!! You can barely see enough of the strap to appreciate it. I wear a 42 mm not the little one and it covers most of my wrist. Why bother with an Uber expensive buckle if it’s mainly hidden. At least the white option I’d be able to see the darn thing right up front.

Fun discussion anyway. It’s nice that Apple gives us so many options at so many price points. Something for everyone. The changeable bands thing is simply genius. I don’t get bored of the new toy. Put on a new strap and you have a new look! Got a bit of a band addiction going on. I’m up to 7 already in just 6 months. Madness

I think most sport bands can work with either Edition, but to purposely pair a $1,500 Watch with a $1.50 band (estimating the cost) makes no sense to me. I can't handle any band with a Stainless lug that doesn't match the body of the Watch either. I'm not Mr. fashionable, but just seems awful to me.

 

[eVolcre]

Hahah. Tell us how you really feel (jarring and hideous )

There’s a few combinations I think I could pull off. Look I know there’s basic designs that will simply clash (can’t think of any right now but you know what I mean) but some of the more adventurous choices depend on personal dress style and confidence. I’ve been known to wear white pants , salmon (pink) shirt and a blazer with formal shoes. Of course this was in Paris and style is more adventurous there

White ceramic with a black Milanese or link bracelet? White ceramic with a red or blue or charcoal loop? Could work. I’ll have to check it out in person. This isn’t really a rational purchase at this point so the one that steals your heart is the one to buy. Whatever makes you smile right? For some it’s the white ceramic for others it could be the Hermes option.

Actually another reason for me personally is my wrists. They’re pretty damn skinny!! You can barely see enough of the strap to appreciate it. I wear a 42 mm not the little one and it covers most of my wrist. Why bother with an Uber expensive buckle if it’s mainly hidden. At least the white option I’d be able to see the darn thing right up front.

Fun discussion anyway. It’s nice that Apple gives us so many options at so many price points. Something for everyone. The changeable bands thing is simply genius. I don’t get bored of the new toy. Put on a new strap and you have a new look! Got a bit of a band addiction going on. I’m up to 7 already in just 6 months. Madness
[doublepost=1507729710][/doublepost]

That’s my planned watch face for my yet to be bought white ceramic with my current red leather loop. Yep. I’m obsessed with that watch ever since seeing it on stage at the keynote. It simply pops! I made another color of this face with all white. Also looks nice.

 

[AGamble]

I think most sport bands can work with either Edition, but to purposely pair a $1,500 Watch with a $1.50 band (estimating the cost) makes no sense to me. I can't handle any band with a Stainless lug that doesn't match the body of the Watch either. I'm not Mr. fashionable, but just seems awful to me.

I agree with this...It would drive my OCD insane.

I can appreciate that some may be willing to compromise at a lesser cost but there shouldn't be any compromises when purchasing an Edition.

I'm a little confused why apple haven't released any straps with colour coded lugs for this very reason.

 

[eVolcre]

I think most sport bands can work with either Edition, but to purposely pair a $1,500 Watch with a $1.50 band (estimating the cost) makes no sense to me. I can't handle any band with a Stainless lug that doesn't match the body of the Watch either. I'm not Mr. fashionable, but just seems awful to me.

Fair enoUgh. Agreed on the lugs. Too many different colors and textures coming into play. I actually only have one strap with lugs , he rest all slide into the watch. Lugs are black (high end 3rd party leather cuff). Black lugs to me match the black of the watch face when it’s off which is most of the time.

 

[eVolcre]

I agree with this...It would drive my OCD insane.

I can appreciate that some may be willing to compromise at a lesser cost but there shouldn't be any compromises when purchasing an Edition.

I'm a little confused why apple haven't released any straps with colour coded lugs for this very reason.

You really need to look at 3rd party bands. AliExpress is great. Heck a lot of times it’s actually made in the same factory as apple. Just need to do your homework read the reviews and then buy. Loads of good quality straps with whatever color lugs and buckle you want

 

[zfarooq]

I think it’s for a certain type of person. The same way you can either buy an iPhone or used to be able to buy a Vertu (sapphire glass, titanium etc etc), so people do.

But I could never because I always like the greatest in TECH, which means what’s on the inside (processor etc) matters more than the exterior. Buying a ceramic or Hermès doesn’t quality as a collectors since It’s useless in 2 or 3 years, similar to the series 0, or an iPhone 5.

Apple should have some sort of special upgrade program for folks splurging on the edition models, allowing their investment to be long term.