Space Black Stainless Steel vs Stainless Steel

[h9826790]

Thanks, awesome! So a good almost 12 months of full wear and still pretty pristine.

You have the link band? That's the one I'm worried most about, considering price and the fact that I would wear it a lot. I often scrape my bands on my MacBook Pro a lot so I'll have to train myself out of that if I get the band.

All third party bands, though MUCH cheaper, looks MUCH cheaper. The paint wears off quickly, looking very cheap. I love the SBSS link band look, but It better be practically impenetrable for that price!

Yes, the link band. I leave you to decide if this is consider still in good condition after 1 year everyday 20+ hours usage.

So, from the background, you can tell I just take this picture.

This is the link that I post about my watch about a year ago. (Just a simple proof that I own this watch for a year, of course, nothing to stop me use another watch to fool you, but why I need to do that?)

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/show-off-your-apple-watch.1872015/page-138#post-21429980

 

[Phima256]

Yes, the link band. I leave you to decide if this is consider still in good condition after 1 year everyday 20+ hours usage.

So, from the background, you can tell I just take this picture.
View attachment 632443
View attachment 632441

This is the link that I post about my watch about a year ago. (Just a simple proof that I own this watch for a year, of course, nothing to stop me use another watch to fool you, but why I need to do that?)

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/show-off-your-apple-watch.1872015/page-138#post-21429980

That's from 20+ hours with the link band? Even if that's only half that, it's absolutely pristine! Oh man....for $549, I would think the black link band had to have been made out of unicorn horns to be worth it. But the 3rd party bracelets almost get scratched by looking at them. I change my mind that it IS worth it if it looks that good after a year still. Thank you for your pics! Really helped!

Now, I just hope that AW2 will be compatible with all the investments that we have made in the 1st gen watch bracelets/straps!

 

[h9826790]

That's from 20+ hours with the link band? Even if that's only half that, it's absolutely pristine! Oh man....for $549, I would think the black link band had to have been made out of unicorn horns to be worth it. But the 3rd party bracelets almost get scratched by looking at them. I change my mind that it IS worth it if it looks that good after a year still. Thank you for your pics! Really helped!

Now, I just hope that AW2 will be compatible with all the investments that we have made in the 1st gen watch bracelets/straps!

Yes, I only take it off before I go to shower, leave it on charge, and then take it back on once it charge back to 100%. So, actually around 23hr a day. Zero protection, and it's till more or less the same looking as day one.

Anyway, I just did a quick test, there is no scratch on my band.

This is what I said about the "light black line".

I just use my T-shirt wipe it a few seconds, basically disappear. So, not a real scratch.

 

[IphoneIssues]

That's good to know. Yeah, I have seen a LOT of SS and Sport scratches (I see more display scratches with the sport, ouch!) but I have not seen very many SBSS. So I'm glad you're confirming the fact that it's very durable.

I know with the SS, you can buff it out, but you can't with the SBSS. I know myself that little scratches might aggravate me because there's not much that can be done. I was hoping that either a. it's extremely durable and doesn't really get scratched/worn or b. if it does, it doesn't look bad (people say the wear of a watch can add to it, but that could just be someone justifying their bad purchase!).

I wanted some SBSS owners' views and it's confirming my hopes that it's super durable. So a definite go on the SBSS watch! Yessss!

Normally, I would NEVER get something so close to an Apple Keynote (with the potential for a new product announcement), but I just can't resist the enchantment of the midnight black watch....and the fact that I can get it for a good deal.

I've had mine for just about half a year. No issues.

It really is an amazing looking watch, and I mean particularly once you see it in person. The way the light hits it and everything. And then the display. It's like the display is floating in a black square of onyx and the sides blend with the screen very well.


It's not as easy looking for bands as it is with the SS but I've got around 20 bands now without it taking me much trouble.


People are always concerned with what Apple will do with their next gen releases and although thats practically 100% certain to come, we never know what they may do. People have been wrong about the announcement dates and they appear to just be jumping to the next closest keynote with their expectations. I think I read an article about the processor manufacturer for the next watch being selected around a month ago. I wouldn't worry about any of it though. Amazing looking watch.

 

[Phima256]

Yes, I only take it off before I go to shower, leave it on charge, and then take it back on once it charge back to 100%. So, actually around 23hr a day. Zero protection, and it's till more or less the same looking as day one.

Anyway, I just did a quick test, there is no scratch on my band.

This is what I said about the "light black line".View attachment 632445

I just use my T-shirt wipe it a few seconds, basically disappear. So, not a real scratch.
View attachment 632446

Absolutely awesome. So, worth the money. I love the look, I just didn't know if it would be durable enough. That's very convincing, and it looks amazing in the pictures. Just love the blacked out look. Thank you! You really helped me decide. Ordered.
[doublepost=1463936869][/doublepost]

I've had mine for just about half a year. No issues.

It really is an amazing looking watch, and I mean particularly once you see it in person. The way the light hits it and everything. And then the display. It's like the display is floating in a black square of onyx and the sides blend with the screen very well.


It's not as easy looking for bands as it is with the SS but I've got around 20 bands now without it taking me much trouble.

Yeah, that was always my biggest gripe (1st world problem, of course) that the SS on black didn't look as streamlined. The blacked out look is amazing, but I wasn't sure if it would be as versatile, if it could be "dressed up" but after seeing pictures and looking at the strap combos (all different colors), I'm convinced now to get the SBSS.

What's your favorite watch band/color combo for the black? I know there's another set of threads out here about that, but just curious. The black link looks the most versatile to me but I was worried about the durability due to cost. There were some previous posts on here about the black link having peeling issues, but it seemed isolated.

And I appreciate your view about the Keynote and announcement. I agree...I haven't heard very many rumors like we usually do before an announcement. My assumption is that we will see Watch OS 3.0 in June, Watch 2 announced in September. So, I agree (and thank you for helping me justify my intense lack of patience and delayed gratification), and I am purchasing it. Woo, so excited, thanks all!

 

[IphoneIssues]

Absolutely awesome. So, worth the money. I love the look, I just didn't know if it would be durable enough. That's very convincing, and it looks amazing in the pictures. Just love the blacked out look. Thank you! You really helped me decide. Ordered.
[doublepost=1463936869][/doublepost]

Yeah, that was always my biggest gripe (1st world problem, of course) that the SS on black didn't look as streamlined. The blacked out look is amazing, but I wasn't sure if it would be as versatile, if it could be "dressed up" but after seeing pictures and looking at the strap combos (all different colors), I'm convinced now to get the SBSS.

What's your favorite watch band/color combo for the black? I know there's another set of threads out here about that, but just curious. The black link looks the most versatile to me but I was worried about the durability due to cost. There were some previous posts on here about the black link having peeling issues, but it seemed isolated.

And I appreciate your view about the Keynote and announcement. I agree...I haven't heard very many rumors like we usually do before an announcement. My assumption is that we will see Watch OS 3.0 in June, Watch 2 announced in September. So, I agree (and thank you for helping me justify my intense lack of patience and delayed gratification), and I am purchasing it. Woo, so excited, thanks all!

If dressing it up is a concern of yours, check out these shots. Some of my classier band combos.

First 4 pictures are of 2 bands that I got from the same company. Arrow and Board http://arrowandboard.com/collections/watches-straps

They market many of their bands with the Space Black and other watches that don't get much marketing spotlight, as the focus, which is pretty cool because everybody doesn't want a regular SS.

5th picture down is a 3rd party black milanese. I highly suggest that as a nice alternative to when you don't feel like wearing the link bracelet.

6th down is the regular milanese, which is a combo I've really been liking lately.

 

[Phima256]

If dressing it up is a concern of yours, check out these shots. Some of my classier band combos.

First 4 pictures are of 2 bands that I got from the same company. Arrow and Board http://arrowandboard.com/collections/watches-straps

They market many of their bands with the Space Black and other watches that don't get much marketing spotlight, as the focus, which is pretty cool because everybody doesn't want a regular SS.

5th picture down is a 3rd party black milanese. I highly suggest that as a nice alternative to when you don't feel like wearing the link bracelet.

6th down is the regular milanese, which is a combo I've really been liking lately.

Wow, I love the stitching on that. I'll be checking that place out.

And I never thought to try the SS milanese loop with the space black. It actually looks really sharp! Perhaps the black is actually more versatile than the regular SS. Since the display and body are both black, they can handle more variety it seems, it's a more seamless look even if you switch up metals. Maybe that doesn't make sense, but it appears so.

Thanks for sharing the various looks! Definitely seems to handle different styles.

 

[h9826790]

Absolutely awesome. So, worth the money. I love the look, I just didn't know if it would be durable enough. That's very convincing, and it looks amazing in the pictures. Just love the blacked out look. Thank you! You really helped me decide. Ordered.

Glad that it helps. Wish you have a good experience on it as well.

Yeah, I also love the look so much. I usually use the utility face, which gives me all the info I need (my schedule, UTC, etc). But for this particular watch, when I wearing suit, I really like this watch face. Simple, elegant, smart.

 

[Phima256]

If dressing it up is a concern of yours, check out these shots. Some of my classier band combos.

First 4 pictures are of 2 bands that I got from the same company. Arrow and Board http://arrowandboard.com/collections/watches-straps

They market many of their bands with the Space Black and other watches that don't get much marketing spotlight, as the focus, which is pretty cool because everybody doesn't want a regular SS.

5th picture down is a 3rd party black milanese. I highly suggest that as a nice alternative to when you don't feel like wearing the link bracelet.

6th down is the regular milanese, which is a combo I've really been liking lately.

Also, is the black milanese just as durable as the link? Same DLC coating? I know it's more forgiving than the link in SS, but wondering the same way with black.
[doublepost=1463937971][/doublepost]

Yeah, I love the look so much as well. I usually use the utility face, which gives me all the info I need (my schedule, UTC, etc). But for this particular watch, when I wearing suit, I really like this watch face. Simple, elegant, smart.
View attachment 632465

Man, that is absolutely sharp. Now I'm asking why did it take me so long to get it?? I just love the link with the black....so sharp.

 

[h9826790]

Man, that is absolutely sharp. Now I'm asking why did it take me so long to get it?? I just love the link with the black....so sharp.

Believe it or not, the real deal is even sharper. The picture is a bit blur because lack of lighting. And I want to give you the real picture to let you decide if it's good or not. So apart from removing my own identity on the watch face. I didn't PS them, not even try to correct the colour temperature.

All those pictures cannot show how shinny the watch body is, but that part play an important roll to the overall looking. I am sure you will love it when it's on your wrist. IMO, the real watch looks few time better than my poor quality photos.

 

[Phima256]

Believe it or not, the real deal is even sharper. The picture is a bit blur because lack of lighting. And I want to give you the real picture to let you decide if it's good or not. So apart from removing my own identity on the watch face. I didn't PS them, not even try to correct the colour temperature.

All those pictures cannot show how shinny the watch body is, but that part play an important roll to the overall looking. I am sure you will love it when it's on your wrist. IMO, the real watch looks few time better than my poor quality photos.

I almost always assume that it's not going to look as good as it does in the picture, professional or not. I was always worried that, though it looks sharp in the pics, the SBSS would almost look fake/plastic when actually wearing it (due to the shine), which was one of the reasons why I refrained from getting it. For something to be so expensive (compared to the others) yet look less classy and potentially less durable, I opted not to get it and see how they at least held up.

Boy, was I wrong.

So even if the real thing looks just as good as your pic, I'll be happy. If it looks even better, I'll be elated!

 

[IphoneIssues]

Wow, I love the stitching on that. I'll be checking that place out.

And I never thought to try the SS milanese loop with the space black. It actually looks really sharp! Perhaps the black is actually more versatile than the regular SS. Since the display and body are both black, they can handle more variety it seems, it's a more seamless look even if you switch up metals. Maybe that doesn't make sense, but it appears so.

Thanks for sharing the various looks! Definitely seems to handle different styles.

Yeah, I posted those shots over in the Space Black Owner's thread and they loved them

That's what I've actually been saying about the body and display. On the SS, it's a black display and shiny steel bezel. On the Space Black SS, the display and bezel are black, so it's seamless from many angles.

No problem.

Also, is the black milanese just as durable as the link? Same DLC coating? I know it's more forgiving than the link in SS, but wondering the same way with black.


[doublepost=1463937971][/doublepost]
Man, that is absolutely sharp. Now I'm asking why did it take me so long to get it?? I just love the link with the black....so sharp.

I bought the black milanese a month or two before the official one from Apple came out. I've read several reports of the official one scratching the Space Black watch. For that reason, it's not worth it to me. I've had several people comment on pictures I've posted of my black milanese, and on a couple of occasions, they think I've got the official one.

 

[h9826790]

I almost always assume that it's not going to look as good as it does in the picture, professional or not. I was always worried that, though it looks sharp in the pics, the SBSS would almost look fake/plastic when actually wearing it (due to the shine), which was one of the reasons why I refrained from getting it. For something to be so expensive (compared to the others) yet look less classy and potentially less durable, I opted not to get it and see how they at least held up.

Boy, was I wrong.

So even if the real thing looks just as good as your pic, I'll be happy. If it looks even better, I'll be elated!

When I 1st got the watch, I have roughly the same thinking. I love the black, but not the shinny black on the watch body. I was thinking if the body is like the band, that will be much better.

However, my wife told me I was wrong (she is a fashion designer), in her opinion, the watch looks so much better with the shinny part, and that's makes the watch not so boring. And now, 1 year later, I know she is right. Especially when I look at how the body seamlessly match with the glass face. It's actually the shinny part make the watch so sharp, and it's the shinny part define the watch that still looks exactly like when it was new. It's the shiny part make me feel that looks better than my full of scratch Rolex.

I know nothing about design, but it seems Apple know it so well, and know how to make this watch have a long lasting look.

 

[IphoneIssues]

When I 1st got the watch, I have roughly the same thinking. I love the black, but not the shinny black on the watch body. I was thinking if the body is like the band, that will be much better.

However, my wife told me I was wrong (she is a fashion designer), in her opinion, the watch looks so much better with the shinny part, and that's makes the watch not so boring. And now, 1 year later, I know she is right. Especially when I look at how the body seamlessly match with the glass face. It's actually the shinny part make the watch so sharp, and it's the shinny part define the watch that still looks exactly like when it was new. It's the shiny part make me feel that looks better than my full of scratch Rolex.

I know nothing about design, but it seems Apple know it so well, and know how to make this watch have a long lasting look.

You're so right. And when you use something like the simple face with no complications, it looks even more stylish. Then you've got that the whole thing looking seamless, it makes the band pop out even more.

Very shiny.

 

[Marco123]

I had the SSSB but sold it last month to purchase a SS model because I love the modern buckle strap but don't like that there is no SSSB buckle and connectors.
But I will state that when I sold it, there wasn't one mark on it.
The SSSB coating cleans really well an the buyer couldn't tell the difference if it was used or not.
But for me I don't like how the studs on the sport band colours are not black.

 

[bluespark]

Just chiming in to say I love the enthusiasm in this thread, and the SBSS pics look amazing. I had vowed to wait for the second generation watch, but you guys are making it difficult.

 

[danmart]

Here's some pics with the SB Milanese Loop:

Like I said in the other thread, it's stolen the #1 slot from the link in my mind. But the best thing is, I can of course switch back to the link whenever I fancy it!

 

[Skylitfly]

As an owner of space black Watch, I have to say that it looks fantastic in flesh. I love how well the body blends with the display making it look almost like a solid object. And damn it looks awesome when the watch face just kind of appears on top of it.

 

[Phima256]

I just got the watch yesterday and...why didn't I get this almost a year ago?! I believe you now that the pictures really do not do it justice. I haven't received the link yet (I'll need a few weeks of saving and eating only Ramen Noodles for that), but even with the leather band, it's stunning.

So I have another question for owners: When does the "I'm afraid to scratch it or hit it so I'll baby it" feeling go away? I look like I'm nursing a broken wrist I'm so cautious. I hope that goes away since I know how durable you all said it is. Nevertheless, I'm afraid I'll find that one item or hit it in just the right way that it will get scratched.

 

[h9826790]

I just got the watch yesterday and...why didn't I get this almost a year ago?! I believe you now that the pictures really do not do it justice. I haven't received the link yet (I'll need a few weeks of saving and eating only Ramen Noodles for that), but even with the leather band, it's stunning.

So I have another question for owners: When does the "I'm afraid to scratch it or hit it so I'll baby it" feeling go away? I look like I'm nursing a broken wrist I'm so cautious. I hope that goes away since I know how durable you all said it is. Nevertheless, I'm afraid I'll find that one item or hit it in just the right way that it will get scratched.

May be a week. I don't like to scratch my watch, and not sure how strong the Black SS is at the very beginning, but about a week later, I realise that I don't need to care about it. It's strong enough to handle daily life's challenge (including occasionally hit the watch face directly into something).

 

[danmart]

I know how durable you all said it is. Nevertheless, I'm afraid I'll find that one item or hit it in just the right way that it will get scratched.

Whilst I don't do a physically demanding job I wear my watch all the time, and have knocked it against rough brick walls with no ill effect on the watch.

I picked up a mark lifting weights, and you really need to avoid the buckles on airline belts (got two marks from that source) but otherwise it's extremely resilient.