Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

dan-K

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 19, 2012
322
59
Hi All,

Currently have a SS silver watch, looking to change for the Space Black SS.

My concern is that over time the black coating on the SS will chip/scratch, thus showing the silver stainless steel underneath.

For those who have this model, how is it holding up? Any noticeable scratches or chipping through normal use?
 
Good question, I was wondering that myself, though I could even come close to justifying the price of the black SS model.
 
several people have posted problems with the silver underneath showing. Sometimes due to scratches caused by normal wear and tear, and sometimes from abnormal wear on the underside of the band for no particular reason (possibly friction points between the links).

Long story short, is that some people have problems with the DLC coating wearing away. Don't know if it is a temp prob, or limited to a small number of watches. or all of them will eventually see this problem.
 
several people have posted problems with the silver underneath showing. Sometimes due to scratches caused by normal wear and tear, and sometimes from abnormal wear on the underside of the band for no particular reason (possibly friction points between the links).

Long story short, is that some people have problems with the DLC coating wearing away. Don't know if it is a temp prob, or limited to a small number of watches. or all of them will eventually see this problem.


Hmm, part of me feels like I should just stick with the normal SS version, what would you do may I ask?
 
I haven't had any scratches or issues with it. I've had plenty of bangs and scrapes and it looks good as new. The people that had peeling were given replacements by Apple as it was a manufacturing defect. I'm not under the delusion it's indestructible or anything but for the length of time I've had it and the way it looks I'm extremely pleased with the durability. Love the look too so no regrets for me.
 
Last edited:
This question has become more relevant now that Apple has released the SBSS w/sport band. Most of the issues/complaints about the SB model were about the band so without that worry this could be a nice choice. I suspect, with literally zero evidence, that the SB SS watch casing may be less prone to showing the fine scratches that can become common in the regular SS model.
 
This question has become more relevant now that Apple has released the SBSS w/sport band. Most of the issues/complaints about the SB model were about the band so without that worry this could be a nice choice. I suspect, with literally zero evidence, that the SB SS watch casing may be less prone to showing the fine scratches that can become common in the regular SS model.

However on the flip-side, the normal SS can have scratches buffed out more easily.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ianrip
I think I've made my mind up, gonna swap for the Space Black! I just wish Apple would allow the customer to customize the watch/strap combination from the start!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Karnicopia
After 12 weeks of being constantly worn I have just a single hair-line mark on my strap which was caused by doing weights whilst wearing the watch. I now wear a sweat band over the top of the watch when doing that, to reduce the chance of any re-occurance.

You need to look really hard to see it, however.

I'm confident that the watch will look well for years to come with normal usage. Note that I have a desk job, however, so if you have a very physical job that might present a more hostile environment.
 
How did you swap so quickly? Are you planning to sell your old one or did Apple let you swap somehow?

I was within my 15 day return window of my shiny SS watch so I simply exchanged it. I originally wanted the black watch, but not for the price with the bracelet. After the keynote yesterday announcing the sport band version, I checked if my local Apple Store had them and they did. So I walked away with this beauty.
 
Last edited:
I was within my 15 day return window of my shiny SS watch so I simply exchanged it. I originally wanted the black watch, but not for the price with the bracelet. After the keynote yesterday announcing the sport band version, I checked if my local Apple Store had them and they did. So I walked away with this beauty.
I did the same thing today. The stainless steel space grey watch is so much nicer then the sport. This is the watch I wanted from the beginning but couldn't see spending $1100 on it. To the poster above me can you please post more pics of your watch with the blue band. I think your watch with that strap is the best. I will be buying one tomorrow.
 
I did the same thing today. The stainless steel space grey watch is so much nicer then the sport. This is the watch I wanted from the beginning but couldn't see spending $1100 on it. To the poster above me can you please post more pics of your watch with the blue band. I think your watch with that strap is the best. I will be buying one tomorrow.

Here are some more pics of my watch. Like you, I also wanted the black watch from the beginning, but the price of admission was too high for me. I was very happy that Apple released a version with the sport band and that I was still in my return window.

I really like the combination of the black watch body and the (now discontinued) bright blue leather loop. The midnight blue is a darker, more subdued shade of blue. I still prefer the bright blue which is what I have here. What I like about the blue is that it changes quite a bit depending on the light conditions. Outside in the sun, it's a rich blue color, and in a darker environment like a restaurant, it looks black.

This is the large size leather loop btw. Make sure you try both sizes on if you have wrists in the ~180mm range. My wrist is 185mm which theoretically the medium should work, but I tried the medium and there wasn't enough overlap for my liking. So I went with the large loop which I feel fits me better.

i-cZCqVxR.jpg

i-2VNVjg5.jpg

i-cJN4TXQ.jpg

i-vj5fPvv.jpg

i-4xRrFMM.jpg

i-W3rbt7w.jpg

i-tws59RQ.jpg

i-Kf63Ngc.jpg

i-F7zZsf9.jpg
 
Last edited:
Hi All,

Currently have a SS silver watch, looking to change for the Space Black SS.

My concern is that over time the black coating on the SS will chip/scratch, thus showing the silver stainless steel underneath.

For those who have this model, how is it holding up? Any noticeable scratches or chipping through normal use?

I've scratched my link band on an airline seatbelt. They aren't terrible scratches though. That's been the only thing that's scratched it though, and it's dinged around a bit.
 
This is the watch I wanted from the beginning but couldn't see spending $1100 on it.
Same here. I'm now pining over it trying to figure out a way to swap into it without having to lay out extra cash. Doubt that will happen, but I'm open to suggestions from anyone.

I really like the combination of the black watch body and the (now discontinued) bright blue leather loop. The midnight blue is a darker, more subdued shade of blue. I still prefer the bright blue which is what I have here. What I like about the blue is that it changes quite a bit depending on the light conditions. Outside in the sun, it's a rich blue color, and in a darker environment like a restaurant, it looks black.
How do you find the quality of the leather? I tried on both leather loops last weekend, and I thought they felt a little too.... "pleathery." That is to say the leather seemed like the fake plasticy kind. I was pretty let down. I also felt the brighter blue didn't work as well as I expected with the standard SS watch, that it needed to be darker. In that sense I'm eager to check out the midnight blue. But I do agree that the brighter blue looks great with your Space Black, they balance each other well in that combo.
 
How do you find the quality of the leather? I tried on both leather loops last weekend, and I thought they felt a little too.... "pleathery." That is to say the leather seemed like the fake plasticy kind. I was pretty let down. I also felt the brighter blue didn't work as well as I expected with the standard SS watch, that it needed to be darker. In that sense I'm eager to check out the midnight blue.

I know exactly what you mean. The leather loop definitely is not a supple leather strap by any means. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first as it feels a bit "hard" when first worn. Of course, the fact that it has metal under the leather surface adds to this sensation. But, after wearing it for a few hours, I don't really notice it anymore. One thing I learned is that it's more comfortable if worn a bit loose as opposed to snug. At least for me anyway.

But if a soft, supple leather strap is what one is looking for, the leather loop probably isn't it.

I'm also very interested in the updated version of the classic buckle.

Ironically, the most comfortable band I've tried to date is the cheapest. That being the sport band of course.
 
You and I are in the exact same boat here, I like the classic buckle too. Living in Houston, I also have to debate whether leather is practical at all. Went to walk the dogs last night at 10:30, 75 degrees with 90% humidity. After just a block I was sweating enough that I would have been concerned about a leather band.

Metal bands are best around here I think, but I also don't particularly like the look of the milanese. Sigh, I'm going to wind up buying the link band eventually. But that price tag... :(
 
Anyone have such a white mark behind the composite back on the 3pm position shown in the picture?
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    941.8 KB · Views: 403
You and I are in the exact same boat here, I like the classic buckle too. Living in Houston, I also have to debate whether leather is practical at all. Went to walk the dogs last night at 10:30, 75 degrees with 90% humidity. After just a block I was sweating enough that I would have been concerned about a leather band.

Metal bands are best around here I think, but I also don't particularly like the look of the milanese. Sigh, I'm going to wind up buying the link band eventually. But that price tag... :(

I accidentally mentioned this in another thread earlier, but check out the Hirsch Performance series straps (with a 3rd party strap adapter.) I wear the Hirsch "James" all of the time, and it performs like rubber, but looks like leather. It's a great strap.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.