Space Black Stainless Steel - Hows it holding up 6 months in?

[jimmy_uk]

HI all,

I'm looking to buy a stainless steel watch this month. I understand the silver SS would be a good option as you can polish out scratches as they arise but I'm not really a fan of polished metal (would love a brushed metal version). I collect all black G-shocks so the SBSS would be an obvious choice for me (on a black sport band), but the fear factor of scratching through the DLC is real. If I could see silver coming through it would really spoil the watch for me . And I dont think you could just use a Sharpie to hide any damage?

So, how are people's Space Black stainless steel's holding up now we're 6 months down the line from release?

It's not an easy one to search on google as people often confuse the Space Black and Space Grey, which is easy/easier to scratch. Or just end up arguing about how tough DLC is/isnt.

I work at a desk for most of the day so there will be some friction between watch and desk top and desk edge. From time to time I notice I clash with doors as I pass through them, but all my G-shocks are damage free. I know the watch is metal so not likely to take the same abuse as the G's, but a G-shock under £200 can take alot of abuse so I dont worry about them at all. A £500 watch with no protection (no bumpers, raised edges, shock protection) is a different matter. I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance the SBSS is tough from users who have owned for some months in real world use.

Head says: SS = can polish
Heart says: SBSS = my style

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[mush10]

Wear mine daily. Very active as far as using at gym, running, and coaching kids sports. Have had more than my share of nicks and knocks with it and not a mark to show for it. Very impressed so far with how it is holding up. I took a quick photo to show and can try and show more if I get a chance.

 

[jbachandouris]

I'm interested to see other replies to this thread as they now offer the BSB with the Space Black SS, so I may reconsider it.

 

[Jnava420]

I'm very happy with how durable the DLC has held up. I wear the link with it only on my days off or going out for the evening, normally has a black sports band attached. Used a screen protector and a case for the first week or two but been going naked since. It's just too good looking to cover up. It has taken a good amount of hits, I stock chips for Frito Lay so between wheeling steel carts around and all most non stop reaching in to metal wire racks I probably hit it once a day. There have been a bunch of times I thought I cause some serious damage to the body. I can find 3 tiny scuffs at the top but only under the right lights and angles.

 

[jimmy_uk]

Against my better judgement I have purchased a SBSS apple watch today. While in the apple store I was able to check out both stainless steel models together and the SBSS was clearly the winner for me as the display blends seamlessly into the case. It looks stunning with the screen off, like a deep black square of onyx. With the display on its look like the bright crisp image is floating inside a black hole! So crisp.

The SS model does look more like jewellery and has a greater selection of bands and braclets but I went with the heart. Now starts my 14 days to see if we bond, and the staff were very insistent that if I was unsatisfied with the watch or color I should return to the store for a refund or swap. Always a good experience in Apple store as everyone is so friendly and want to talk tech. Lots of congratulations, thanks and handshakes, what other store offers this (apart from expensive car dealers maybe)?

Will post pics once I've updated to 2.1.

 

[Cowboy1629]

Great choice! I've only had mine about 6 weeks but I wear it everyday and I'm normally hard on watches. So far no scratches, chips, or any other damage.

 

[Cowboy1629]

mithman,

I see that you noted in the poll that your Spce Black Stainless Steel Watch has chipped. Can you post a picture? I have seen wear and tear on the bands but never the DLC finish on the case.

 

[Clix Pix]

I absolutely adore my Space Black Stainless Steel Apple Watch and the link bracelet. I have yet to buy any other bands for it, as I just love my black link bracelet so much. It's elegant, it goes with everything, and it is durable -- no scratches, scuffs or problems here at all.

What Jimmy_UK mentioned about the display and the case is exactly one reason I was attracted to the Space Black Stainless Steel in the first place. As a photographer, I want images popping out at me, not with their impact blunted by some light-colored bezel or whatever..... I am getting the biggest kick out of seeing my own images serving as custom watch faces now, and, yes,the colors pop and when the watch display is off, it's a quietly elegant black ornament on my wrist......

 

[jthesssin]

I hope we can redo this poll to add the option of the black covering coming off.
I tend to rub my arm on my macbook while I type so I've worn off the coating all along the edges along the entire band...
Its difficult to take photos of it, but there are a TON of blank spots where the coating has rubbed away.

 

[jimmy_uk]

I hope we can redo this poll to add the option of the black covering coming off.
I tend to rub my arm on my macbook while I type so I've worn off the coating all along the edges along the entire band...
Its difficult to take photos of it, but there are a TON of blank spots where the coating has rubbed away.

That area is always prone to scratches if you work at a desk or computer as its constantly in contact with other surfaces. A stainless steel watch would look like that as well, but you could polish it. This is why I avoid bracelets.

 

[bojandordevic]

I'd say it's the coat of your MacBook

 

[jthesssin]

That area is always prone to scratches if you work at a desk or computer as its constantly in contact with other surfaces. A stainless steel watch would look like that as well, but you could polish it. This is why I avoid bracelets.

Im actually kinda hoping that it will be covered by the AppleCare+ so I can get a new band in about a year...

 

[jimmy_uk]

I don't think Apple are going to give everyone with cosmetic damage a new watch because they have apple care plus. They would lose thousands!

 

[nicho]

I don't think Apple are going to give everyone with cosmetic damage a new watch because they have apple care plus. They would lose thousands!

why? it's an insurance product and in some countries (not sure if this is applicable in all) therefore, the insurer picks up the cost not apple. and they charge a service fee, it isn't free to replace. how much do you think it actually costs them to make the watch (physical manufacturing cost alone) - i'm sure they won't lose sleep over it. and also, by the time you come to replace it, said cost will have gone down further...

 

[jimmy_uk]

why? it's an insurance product and in some countries (not sure if this is applicable in all) therefore, the insurer picks up the cost not apple. and they charge a service fee, it isn't free to replace. how much do you think it actually costs them to make the watch (physical manufacturing cost alone) - i'm sure they won't lose sleep over it. and also, by the time you come to replace it, said cost will have gone down further...

Does not cover cosmetic damage or wear and tear (exclusions 5.1.6 and 5.1.7)

 

[nicho]

Does not cover cosmetic damage or wear and tear (exclusions 5.1.6 and 5.1.7)

...including but not limited to scratches and dents that do not otherwise affect the functionality of the Covered Equipment.

so you drop it and... oops, damage the screen... easy.


however, i think you were talking about the poster above you with scratches on their band. they wouldn't get a new watch as you suggested even if it were covered, just the band replaced. likewise, they couldn't damage the watch to replace the band - only the watch portion would be replaced there.

 

[nicho]

duplicate

 

[Arran]

...so you drop it and... oops, damage the screen... easy.

Don't think it's that easy.

I've read a few threads where owners have taken damaged watches to the Apple Store only to have the store send the watch out for repair.

So in your example, you'd get your scratched watch back with just a new screen. And you're without your watch for a week.

I think this is why Apple stores started repairing iPhones onsite: To wean people off the idea they can effortlessly trade their scratched-up iPhone for a perfect replacement. Those days are gone.

 

[nicho]

Don't think it's that easy.

I've read a few threads where owners have taken damaged watches to the Apple Store only to have the store send the watch out for repair.

So in your example, you'd get your scratched watch back with just a new screen. And you're without your watch for a week.

I think this is why Apple stores started repairing iPhones onsite: To wean people off the idea they can effortlessly trade their scratched-up iPhone for a perfect replacement. Those days are gone.

hmm, fair point.

drop it out the window then instead.

 

[jthesssin]

Well then, this will be easier than I thought:

 

[danmart]

Ouch, that looks mangled!

My SBlink is in very good condition with constant wear. There are three scratches on the bracelet, one caused by a dumbbell, the other two by a plane lap belt buckle. Do not let your link get anywhere near the lap belt on a plane! Even with the scratches, there is no bear metal showing through.

I have a black Sport band but have only worn it about twice. I love the link too much!

For context, I mostly work at a desk and have a keyboard with a padded rest, so no hard surfaces to rub against. I have dinked the watch against brick walls a few times but that has never caused any damage or marks.

 

[jthesssin]

Ouch, that looks mangled!

My SBlink is in very good condition with constant wear. There are three scratches on the bracelet, one caused by a dumbbell, the other two by a plane lap belt buckle. Do not let your link get anywhere near the lap belt on a plane! Even with the scratches, there is no bear metal showing through.

I have a black Sport band but have only worn it about twice. I love the link too much!

For context, I mostly work at a desk and have a keyboard with a padded rest, so no hard surfaces to rub against. I have dinked the watch against brick walls a few times but that has never caused any damage or marks.

mine is mostly wearing away from resting my wrists on my macbook/desk while typing.....for a "Diamond Like Coating" it sure didn't last too long.

 

[danmart]

I agree that it isn't as tough as expected, but your damage seems exceptional!

 

[jthesssin]

I agree that it isn't as tough as expected, but your damage seems exceptional!

Yeah, mine started wearing away in the first 3-4 weeks. Too soon for anyone to post any polls back then though so I just decided to let it go. I understand now that there were/are a few threads commenting on a series of watches that had defective DLC or something to that effect. I may, once I get the black SS band replaced, purchase the Black silicone/whatever sport strap and use that for day to day and wear the SS on limited occasions. The remainder of the device still looks really good and I love the way the display blends into the casing when screen is off. Really makes for a clean seamless look.

 

[Mr. Thompson]

I hope we can redo this poll to add the option of the black covering coming off.
I tend to rub my arm on my macbook while I type so I've worn off the coating all along the edges along the entire band...
Its difficult to take photos of it, but there are a TON of blank spots where the coating has rubbed away.

WIS solution (Watch Idiot Savant). Put a Speck case or equivalent on your Macbook. The watchband will contact the plastic case instead of the aluminum.