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Is the SS series 9 worth the price?
- Thread starter ab2c4
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Terrible trade-in value but excellent screen durability. It would be cheaper to put a small case on the aluminum if your wife is afraid of scratching the screen.
HaHa, I'll elaborate a bit. I love the SS I think it is the nicest looking version. I always look for last years model as there is always a significant discount either from retailers or the used market. In the case of the S9 it offers little over the 8 or even 7 so bear that in mind. If buying used then make sure battery health is good.
Get your wife the watch she wants. Happy wife, happy life.
If you are someone that keeps your watch for a long time, the incremental cost of the stainless steel version is minimal. Love the sapphire crystal, and the extra weight just makes the watch feel more premium. I went from an aluminum S5 to a SS S9 and have absolutely zero buyers remorse.
If you are someone that keeps your watch for a long time, the incremental cost of the stainless steel version is minimal. Love the sapphire crystal, and the extra weight just makes the watch feel more premium. I went from an aluminum S5 to a SS S9 and have absolutely zero buyers remorse.
Worth it is a very subjective and individual matter.
When I had aluminum models I'd invariably bang the watch into a doorway or something and nick the finish and be reminded of my clumsiness everytime I looked at the watch until I upgraded. Glass display also wasn't that durable and would invariably pick up a mark within a couple months.
With stainless steel and later titanium (all space black) the watches remained in mint condition. Same for the harder sapphire crystal display.
So for me it's been worth it for me despite the higher cost and not recouping much of the difference later in resale or trade-in. I also don't upgrade every year either, partly because the watch doesn't get dinged up, so the additional cost between aluminum gps+cellular vs stainless is spread out.
When I had aluminum models I'd invariably bang the watch into a doorway or something and nick the finish and be reminded of my clumsiness everytime I looked at the watch until I upgraded. Glass display also wasn't that durable and would invariably pick up a mark within a couple months.
With stainless steel and later titanium (all space black) the watches remained in mint condition. Same for the harder sapphire crystal display.
So for me it's been worth it for me despite the higher cost and not recouping much of the difference later in resale or trade-in. I also don't upgrade every year either, partly because the watch doesn't get dinged up, so the additional cost between aluminum gps+cellular vs stainless is spread out.
If you are keeping for 3yrs+ ie. a reasonable upgrade cycle I would go for it. Bear in mind big changes are rumoured next year.
From my experience, Apple Store trade-in value for more expensive Apple Watch is not good. Down the road, aluminum watch trade-in value is much better. Apple Store trade-in value is the same for all watches regardless material. You can check Apple Store trade-in value now to confirm my notes.😊 Good luck with your choice.
Trade-in values for cars equipped with premium audio, performance suspension, headlight upgrades, larger wheels and other factory options are similar to those for the base model. I know this, yet I buy the car that I want to drive during my ownership, not the one that will return the highest percentage of its original purchase price when I trade it in down the road.
I have had 2 watches at a time for several years. I had an Aluminum 5 and a Stainless 7, I just did a trade on the 5 for the Graphite Stainless 9. Just got it yesterday. I love it.Oddly I think it weighs slightly less than my Gold 7. While the differences are subtle I can definitely tell a difference, screen seems a lot brighter. The few apps I use are definitely faster. And definitely a difference over the 5. I have traded/ upgraded about every 4 years but may try to go 5 years for both of these especially if rumor is right about changing the bands. I have a lot invested in bands 
I just upgraded to a SS 9 after having an aluminum Series 5 for about 3 years. I really love the look and feel of the watch and have no regrets at all, but it's hard to tell you that it's 'worth' the extra price - at least in any objective sense. But that really will depend on you, of course.
With the exception of one Nike silver aluminum, all of my AWs from the beginning have been stainless steel. I like everything about SS especially the aesthetics, it goes with everything and to me has a classy look for any outfit or occasion. I just upgraded from the AW7 to the AW9 and have no regrets.
Go with your wife's first impression and get her the AW9. ☺️
Go with your wife's first impression and get her the AW9. ☺️
I would say the SS watch has a premium look that can't really be achieved with aluminium (and even titanium). It also has other benefits like cellular connectivity (if that's useful to you) and sapphire front glass for extra durability. Is that 'worth' it? I don't think so, except if you planned to get cellular or sapphire anyway
I appreciate all the responses. My wife decided on an aluminum series 9. I was ok if she really wanted the SS but she didn’t feel like it was worth it to her.
She is thrilled with her new watch, I convinced her to go with the 45mm which she didn’t realize she wanted until she got it lol. Her previous watches were 40-41mm.
She is thrilled with her new watch, I convinced her to go with the 45mm which she didn’t realize she wanted until she got it lol. Her previous watches were 40-41mm.
Hope you treated her to a nice dinner as well. Getting a new fancy watch is a nerd thrill for sure.