Tonight I chatted with Apple Support about the Space Black watch in my attempt to determine the fate of the DLC coating.
Answer: She and no one else working at the time seems to know. Was advised to reach out to the "Subject Experts" during normal working hours; they might be able to help me.
Chat is below.
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Thursday, Sep 15, 2016 11:49 PM
Duration: 38 minutes 52 seconds
Apple:
Welcome to Apple.
What can we do for you today?
me:
Does the Series 2 Space Black Apple Watch have the DLC coating on it?
Apple:
Please wait while I connect you with an Apple Specialist.
Dorothy:
Hello. My name is Dorothy, and I will be your Apple specialist today.
Dorothy:
You’ve come to the right place. I would be more than happy to assist you with that inquiry. Can I start off by having your name?
Me:
Does the Series 2 Space Black Apple Watch have the DLC coating on it?
Me:
xxxxxxx
Dorothy:
Nice to meet you, xxxxx.
Dorothy:
Let me look into that for you.
Me:
I have DLC watch now, not a mark on it. A painted finish would make me worried and probably just stay with what I have.
Me:
A scratch on space black is pretty obvious.
Dorothy:
I gotcha. No worries. Still checking this out. Thanks again for your patience. Allow me two to three more minutes.
Dorothy:
Take a
look at this with me.
Dorothy:
The Apple Watch does not have diamond-like carbon coating.
Me:
I don't see space black mentioned at all.
Me:
How is the black color applied? Does anyone know or is Apple not willing to say?
Dorothy:
Let me look into that for you.
Dorothy:
Bear with me.
Me:
ok
Dorothy:
Thanks!
Dorothy:
Ok. It was listed on that link. Apple Watch Series 2 (Stainless steel) has a 316L stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, and ceramic back.
Me:
That's the silver stainless steel.
Me:
There is also a Space Black color stainless steel watch.
Me:
It's made black somehow.
Dorothy:
This model,
right here is what you are referring to, right?
Me:
That's the one.
Dorothy:
If so, regardless of the stainless steel color, the specs of the material would still apply.
Dorothy:
So, it is a 316L stainless steel case.
Me:
I understand that. What I want to know is how he black color is achieved.
Dorothy:
I see. Ok. Bear with me.
Me:
The DLC is very hard and black. No chips or scratches have happened that would show the silver stainless steel color underneath.
Me:
That's my concern. If the black coating is painted, then the risk of chipping or scratching would seem to be higher.
Dorothy:
Still checking.
Me:
Didn't mean to give you a workout.
Dorothy:
No worries. You’re too funny.
Dorothy:
Still checking it out.
Dorothy:
So, I looked, and looked. And, I even had colleagues look as well. But, I could not find the details anywhere. And, I do not want to give you any false information. But, we do have a specialized department, that is currently closed. They’re called our subject experts. And, if you chat us or call use tomorrow, they may be able to assist you further with that inquiry. Would that be ok with you?
Me:
I'll give that a try. Can't believe it's this hard to find out what's going on.
Me:
Thanks, though.
Dorothy:
I know! Sorry about that. It’s been a pleasure assisting you. I hope I have provided you with awesome service today, and that I was able to successfully assist you with all your needs. While I’m here, is there anything else I can do to make this experience better?
Me:
No, that's all. Thanks.
Dorothy:
No problem at all! Thank you for taking the time to visit the Apple Online Store. For your security, you may now close this chat window. We appreciate your business! Please feel free to chat with us again, if you need any further assistance.