Series 5 Stainless Steel Thread

[Sword86]

Sorry to say, if you got the standard stainless steel you're going to regret it because of all the cases it scratches the easiest . You'll have scratches within days. Titanium being the next worst.

Now, stainless steel space black on the other hand, is magnificent. It has a diamond coating and therefore does not scratch. You will see finger prints but they just wipe off.

Both the regular titanium and space black titanium scratch quite easily.

Any aluminium color and stainless steel space black are the best bang for the buck. Ceramic is extremely high quality and will never scratch. Quite expensive though. Titanium because of the price, I would say is overpriced. Apple is known to use titanium in the past so that's why they're using it now again as a materials alternative. They're not using it because it provides better watch build quality.

Sorry to say but in my experience I cannot agree with you. I have had 2 ‘regular’ SS AWs and neither of them have gotten any scratches on the case you could see if you are any further away than about 3 inches. I have had my S4 since release day over a year ago and only removed it over a stretch of time while I was doing some house painting this past summer. I try not to subject it to any abuse but inevitably I bang it into things on an almost daily basis, and it is essentially pristine. I did a move this year where I was smashing it often while moving boxes and items around, I wear it at the gym on a daily basis and never give any thought to having it on until my carelessness results in contact with something. Not a single mark on the screen and nothing on the case. I’m wearing reading glasses right now and on the closest observation I can make I cannot see one scratch anywhere.
My SS is next to bulletproof, IMO. S

 

[Sword86]

There's a thread about the Series 5 gold aluminum watch that complains about its pink shade. Some people are switching to the SS model but other maintain that the SS also has a somewhat pink shade to it. I can't see even a hint of pink in the Series 5 SS watch!

My feeling is the Gold SS looks copper-ish. S

 

[Strangedream]

Great /s Noticed last night that there’s now a scratch on my SBSS. I think this must be caused by the strap as I’ve been hyper-careful with it, haven’t bashed it against anything

Given that I went with the SB as I’d read it was more robust than the SS, I’ve now ordered an SS and will probably return the SB - as mentioned up-thread, I’m not convinced on the look of the SB anyway and miss the look of my S2SS.

I wonder why Apple feel the need to coat the band with DLC when it screws up the watch case. Band could just be painted, and can be replaced when it wears, but the watch should be good for 2-3 years imo.

Problem with the SBSS, as I see it, is that once it’s scratched, that’s it. It stands-out like hell and can’t be repaired. Scratches on the SS are both less visible and can be removed at home with a little polishing.

I can’t begin to imagine how tatty this SBSS would look after 6 months. Even the case of the ALS4 I was wearing previously is totally unmarked, and I bought that in February.

Very disappointed...
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View attachment 869874

The SBML is the bane of the AW. At least scratches on the SS model can pass as charming patina but they just look out of place on the SBSS and there's no way to polish them out with a cape cod cloth.

Try not to let the blemish ruin your life and just ignore them.

 

[Lycanthrope]

The SBML is the bane of the AW. At least scratches on the SS model can pass as charming patina but they just look out of place on the SBSS and there's no way to polish them out with a cape cod cloth.

Try not to let the blemish ruin your life and just ignore them.

My bad for not researching enough before buying. In fact with the damage it has now I'd be OK, but it's pretty obvious it's going to get worse over time and quickly too. I don't want to have to "be careful" about my watch all the time and the idea that the strap would scratch the sapphire glass mortifies me - that's one of the main reasons to go with SS in the first place.

 

[jaybar]

For those who worry about the SB ML, charge the watch on its side and fully extend the band and do not use the puck that comes with the watch.

I find it hard to believe that Apple will continue to market a band, without any support caution that it damages a watch, particularly when band and watch are marketed as a combo.

Then there is the question of frequency. What percentage of people with the SBSS and SB ML, have a scratched watch that is not oleophobic related?

 

[Lycanthrope]

For those who worry about the SB ML, charge the watch on its side and fully extend the band and do not use the puck that comes with the watch.

I find it hard to believe that Apple will continue to market a band, without any support caution that it damages a watch, particularly when band and watch are marketed as a combo.

Then there is the question of frequency. What percentage of people with the SBSS and SB ML, have a scratched watch that is not oleophobic related?

Actually, I don't see the need to charge on the side. When the watch is on the puck, no part of the band is touching the case, it's fine. I think in my case, the damage has come when I've taken it on/off and the loop i the lug has come up, touched the case and scratched it. Now I'm aware of that it wouldn't happen again, but I wonder in general about the longevity of the finish.

 

[jaybar]

I had a SBSS S4 with ML. At the 8 month mark I had no scratches on the case. There were some micro oleophobic related scratches on the face that could not be felt and could only be with a close up LED light.

I have no idea if these were band related or that I am hard on watches and bump them often as I walk about.

I continue to recommend a charging doc that allows you to place the watch on its side or suspend it from a bar.

Again we have no idea of percentage relative to frequency of the issue.

 

[Lycanthrope]

Ah decisions, decisions. A very, very first-world problem... have grown to like the SB very much...

 

[James.K.Polk]

Ah decisions, decisions. A very, very first-world problem... have grown to like the SB very much...View attachment 870279

SB looks better in this photo but (if this is your wrist) the 44mm is also far too big.

 

[Fynd]

Ah decisions, decisions. A very, very first-world problem... have grown to like the SB very much...View attachment 870279

Same.
While I don’t care for the silver Milanese too much I think the watch itself is a fair bit slicker. Still hard, mind you.

 

[BaddAdvice]

I’ve always gone with either SG or SB with my watches (I think I’d had every iteration except the S0 and the S4); dabbled with the gold ALU with a S2, I think. However, for the S5, I really started to look at the plain Jane SS. Turns out I was jonesing for the SS Milanese more than the SS case. So, out and about yesterday, I picked up the SS Milanese and paired it with my SB watch. I know a lot of you hate the combo, that’s cool. I, personally, think it looks pretty nice, especially since the SB picks up a lot of light in various situations and almost looks silver at times.

Ah decisions, decisions. A very, very first-world problem... have grown to like the SB very much...View attachment 870279

I'm in the exact same boat - I've had the SB for the last couple iterations, but really liking the look of the SS. So, just placed an order for a SS and will make the final decision once I can do my own wrist comparison like yours! I'm thinking I may go SS this time - and, may even go with the SS link bracelet to sharpen things up! SS should be here Saturday.

 

[Lycanthrope]

SB looks better in this photo but (if this is your wrist) the 44mm is also far too big.

44mm is a little on the large side, I agree, but it's what I've had since S0. Wifey has the 40mm, but seems tiny. Oversize watches are a thing too, I guess.

 

[Tony_YYZ]

Sorry to say but in my experience I cannot agree with you. I have had 2 ‘regular’ SS AWs and neither of them have gotten any scratches on the case you could see if you are any further away than about 3 inches. I have had my S4 since release day over a year ago and only removed it over a stretch of time while I was doing some house painting this past summer. I try not to subject it to any abuse but inevitably I bang it into things on an almost daily basis, and it is essentially pristine. I did a move this year where I was smashing it often while moving boxes and items around, I wear it at the gym on a daily basis and never give any thought to having it on until my carelessness results in contact with something. Not a single mark on the screen and nothing on the case. I’m wearing reading glasses right now and on the closest observation I can make I cannot see one scratch anywhere.
My SS is next to bulletproof, IMO. S

Yeah I have to agree. I had my S3SS for almost two years and just retired it this week. I was polishing it for the first time and did an up close inspection for really the first time. There were definitely some really fine scratches but the cape cod cloth did a great job getting them out and the watch's full shine returned. I wear mine everyday and typically only take it off to sleep or if i'm doing something with my hands where the watch will get banged up. I've definitely banged into things over the time i've used it daily and it has held up well. I love the silver SS because of the infinite band options for it plus it's the only watch other than the gold SS and ceramic imo that really stands apart from the rest.

 

[Lycanthrope]

Yeah I have to agree. I had my S3SS for almost two years and just retired it this week. I was polishing it for the first time and did an up close inspection for really the first time. There were definitely some really fine scratches but the cape cod cloth did a great job getting them out and the watch's full shine returned. I wear mine everyday and typically only take it off to sleep or if i'm doing something with my hands where the watch will get banged up. I've definitely banged into things over the time i've used it daily and it has held up well. I love the silver SS because of the infinite band options for it plus it's the only watch other than the gold SS and ceramic imo that really stands apart from the rest.

my SSS2 was the same, 3yo and buffed-up like new. Even on the one corner where it had a dent from dropping on a tile floor, the polish took the edge off it.

 

[Otflyer]

My bad for not researching enough before buying. In fact with the damage it has now I'd be OK, but it's pretty obvious it's going to get worse over time and quickly too. I don't want to have to "be careful" about my watch all the time and the idea that the strap would scratch the sapphire glass mortifies me - that's one of the main reasons to go with SS in the first place.

My SBSS with DLC mesh band is perfect after one year. I knew ahead that the band can scratch the watch so I have been very careful not to let that happen. Dont worry if your careful you shouldn’t accumulate anymore scratches.
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For those who worry about the SB ML, charge the watch on its side and fully extend the band and do not use the puck that comes with the watch.

I find it hard to believe that Apple will continue to market a band, without any support caution that it damages a watch, particularly when band and watch are marketed as a combo.

Then there is the question of frequency. What percentage of people with the SBSS and SB ML, have a scratched watch that is not oleophobic related?

I use a vertical stand with the puck installed on top. The band hangs down. My SBSS with ML is perfect after a year. If you’re aware of the band scratching issue you can easily prevent it.

 

[Otflyer]

44mm is a little on the large side, I agree, but it's what I've had since S0. Wifey has the 40mm, but seems tiny. Oversize watches are a thing too, I guess.

Don’t listen to this. I see people with thin wrists wearing even bigger watches. It looks fine.

 

[GDF]

I agree - 44 looks fine to me too

 

[Boardiesboi]

Ah decisions, decisions. A very, very first-world problem... have grown to like the SB very much...View attachment 870279

I have dainty wrists but I wear the 44mm. It looks better than the 40mm in my opinion.

 

[Lycanthrope]

So here’s a thing. I’m current wearing an SBSS and SS. Turn the crown on the SB and it’s tight, the haptics beer pronounced. On the SS, the crown has hardly any resistance at all and the haptics barely noticeable.

I’m trying to determine if this is a setting or a fault...

 

[Otflyer]

So here’s a thing. I’m current wearing an SBSS and SS. Turn the crown on the SB and it’s tight, the haptics beer pronounced. On the SS, the crown has hardly any resistance at all and the haptics barely noticeable.

I’m trying to determine if this is a setting or a fault...

I have a SS S4 and SBSS S4. SS crown rotates easier with less haptic feedback than the SBSS. I exchanged my SS under AppleCare and the brand new SS crown was exactly the same as the SS watch I replaced. I think it’s normal but, don’t understand why there would be a difference.

 

[jaybar]

I currently have a SBSS S5 with the SB ML. I am looking for a second band, but can only wear SS. Suggestions?

What about the SB link bracelet? Would a silver SS band work well with the black watch? Other options?

Thanks

 

[Strangedream]

I currently have a SBSS S5 with the SB ML. I am looking for a second band, but can only wear SS. Suggestions?

What about the SB link bracelet? Would a silver SS band work well with the black watch? Other options?

Thanks

SB link bracelet is the band of choice for the SBSS. Matter of fact, Apple only sold S0 SBSS with the SB link bracelet. It's pricey but its beauty is still unmatched. I tried silver SS on my 40mm SBSS (although different size because I used to have a 42mm SS) and it just looks odd.

 

[CWallace]

SB link bracelet is the band of choice for the SBSS.

I tend to agree. I love my two Nike Sport Loops (Hyper Grape and Berry Blast) as well as all of my leather loops and classic buckles, but I do believe my S4 SBSS looks best when it has the SB link bracelet on it.

 

[th1nk]

I got a genuine space black link bracelet for less than half the original price off eBay and I also love it. I would never pay 450 bucks for it, but it certainly adds to the charme for me that I know it originally is worth that much, haha! Combined with the always-on display and a minimal watch face, it looks like a futuristic mechanical watch. Super cool and I look forward to putting it on every morning.

 

[Strangedream]

I got a genuine space black link bracelet for less than half the original price off eBay and I also love it. I would never pay 450 bucks for it, but it certainly adds to the charme for me that I know it originally is worth that much, haha! Combined with the always-on display and a minimal watch face, it looks like a futuristic mechanical watch. Super cool and I look forward to putting it on every morning.

Let me guess, ChargerStore?