Scuffs on new S11 graphite titanium

[QCassidy352]

I've had my S11 titanium less than two weeks, and it already shows light scuffs. By contrast, my four year old SBTi S7 has absolutely no marks whatsoever.

Is this typical? I thought the S11 Ti would be as durable as the S7, but apparently not, maybe because it's polished to a high shine?

I guess it's not a huge deal, but if it's got marks after 2 weeks, what will it look like after the 3 or so years that I intend to keep it?

 

[SierraVista]

The space black finish on the titanium S7 (and SB stainless up to the S9) is DLC-coated which makes it exceptionally resistant to scratches and scuffs, moreso than any of the other Apple Watches ever made before or since, with the exception of the Ceramic case models.

It’s definitely expected to see more visible marks on the polished finish of the titanium S11. These will obviously increase with time, but having used the polished stainless and titanium models daily for the last 5+ years I can say that the likelihood of damage beyond light marking is very low. Today, the only Apple Watch that is available with a DLC-coated finish is the black AW Ultra 3.

 

[QCassidy352]

Thanks very much for your reply. That’s a little disappointing, since I really loved the bomb-proof nature of my DLC S7. But the ultra is way too big for me, so that’s a non-starter. I guess I might go to the Apple Store and consider going for an aluminum model if the Ti isn’t as durable as the old DLC models.

 

[BigMcGuire]

My wife picked up an S11 Titanium yesterday. She comes from a SS S9 I believe. I'll ... keep an eye on it and try to remember to report here if I hear anything or see anything. :/ - That wasn't a cheap watch.

I have the Ultra 3 and... it's ... big (helps that I'm big) ... - however, I'm jealous of the thin S11 - and if I had to get one, I'd go with the Aluminum for a cost reduction and so I'd feel better if I dinged it.

My 2 year old Ultra 2 that I traded in wasn't perfect - but that thing destroyed anything I slammed it into (metal, concrete, marble, etc). lol

 

[Jeweller]

Thanks very much for your reply. That’s a little disappointing, since I really loved the bomb-proof nature of my DLC S7. But the ultra is way too big for me, so that’s a non-starter. I guess I might go to the Apple Store and consider going for an aluminum model if the Ti isn’t as durable as the old DLC models.

Space Gray S11 recommendation here. I've tried an Ultra 1 as well as last year's S10 Ti. Really wanted to be a "premium watch" owner but neither worked for me because they were either "too bulky" or "cost didn't line up with finish quality," in that order. You know what you get with aluminum and you know that it's literally the same size/components and will not depreciate in value nearly as much (if that matters). That said, if I worked a desk job I would have likely stuck with the S10 Ti because it is a good looking watch. And if I was retired/unemployed I'd consider the Ultra 😜

 

[SierraVista]

I guess I might go to the Apple Store and consider going for an aluminum model

Another thing to keep in mind is that the titanium models have sapphire glass which, in the past, has been considerably stronger and more resistant to damage than the Ion-X glass on the aluminum models… However, Apple now claims that the Ion-X glass on the S11 aluminum models is 2x as resistant to scratching as the previous models so I’m curious to see how it stands up against the sapphire glass, which is unchanged.

 

[QCassidy352]

Space Gray S11 recommendation here. I've tried an Ultra 1 as well as last year's S10 Ti. Really wanted to be a "premium watch" owner but neither worked for me because they were either "too bulky" or "cost didn't line up with finish quality," in that order. You know what you get with aluminum and you know that it's literally the same size/components and will not depreciate in value nearly as much (if that matters). That said, if I worked a desk job I would have likely stuck with the S10 Ti because it is a good looking watch. And if I was retired/unemployed I'd consider the Ultra 😜

Yeah space grey is what I’d do if I went aluminum. Wish it were darker though.

I do have a desk job and use the same AW with everything from a suit to running clothes, so that’s why I went Ti. It does pair well with almost everything.

 

[drew0020]

It’s normal and expected for the polished titanium finish. The darker colors will be worse, but you will see many (what I like to say) micro scratches in the polished titanium finish especially in sunlight or bright lights. Think of it like a patina otherwise it will drive you crazy. Enjoy your watch!

 

[Adamj53]

Thanks very much for your reply. That’s a little disappointing, since I really loved the bomb-proof nature of my DLC S7. But the ultra is way too big for me, so that’s a non-starter. I guess I might go to the Apple Store and consider going for an aluminum model if the Ti isn’t as durable as the old DLC models.

 

[QCassidy352]

It’s normal and expected for the polished titanium finish. The darker colors will be worse, but you will see many (what I like to say) micro scratches in the polished titanium finish especially in sunlight or bright lights. Think of it like a patina otherwise it will drive you crazy. Enjoy your watch!

Good perspective, thanks

 

[newellj]

My 2 year old Ultra 2 that I traded in wasn't perfect - but that thing destroyed anything I slammed it into (metal, concrete, marble, etc). lol

Echoing your comment on the Ultra 2. I wear my "natural" finish Ultra 2 nearly 24x7 and it gets banged (or worse) into a lot of things. It's also been dropped once or twice onto a tiled bathroom floor. You can find very small scratches and dings (and I mean VERY small), but only if you examine the watch with a magnifying glass.

 

[Jackbequickly]

I've had my S11 titanium less than two weeks, and it already shows light scuffs. By contrast, my four year old SBTi S7 has absolutely no marks whatsoever.

Is this typical? I thought the S11 Ti would be as durable as the S7, but apparently not, maybe because it's polished to a high shine?

I guess it's not a huge deal, but if it's got marks after 2 weeks, what will it look like after the 3 or so years that I intend to keep it?

Could you post some images of the scuffs?

 

[QCassidy352]

They are hard to capture in a photo because of the shininess of the metal. They kind of end up looking like a reflection.

 

[drew0020]

They are hard to capture in a photo because of the shininess of the metal. They kind of end up looking like a reflection.

Any polished material is going to show these types of marks. It really is a patina and in my opinion it looks quite nice the way the light reflects of the surface scratches. Enjoy your watch!