Stainless Steel 8 or Aluminum 8

[Adelphos33]

If I had to choose one, it would be stainless steel - easier to dress up or down, more unique looking (more people have aluminum), and more durable.

However, there is something to be said for the dark look of Black/Midnight/Green of the aluminum.

Prior year aluminum models are often available for sale for a discount. For example I just bought a Series 7 aluminum green from Target for $299. Not a bad buy for a good looking watch that will be serviceable for years.

 

[the future]

I didn't look at it for the last year I admit, but for YEARS I followed this and you saw a much steeper depreciation presentation for SS and higher models, Aluminum always held their value the best. Update: I just looked at current values, stainless steel is worth barely more OR THE SAME in some cases as the Aluminum version with trade in value both with Apple AND 3rd party companies for the identical models. It isn't even close as I stated.

I am talking about selling privately on ebay etc. Trade-in is always lower.

 

[Piscestg]

I didn't look at it for the last year I admit, but for YEARS I followed this and you saw a much steeper depreciation presentation for SS and higher models, Aluminum always held their value the best. Update: I just looked at current values, stainless steel is worth barely more OR THE SAME in some cases as the Aluminum version with trade in value both with Apple AND 3rd party companies for the identical models. It isn't even close as I stated.

In December I traded two S7s with Apple for new S8s. One aluminum and one stainless steel. Apple gave me $155 for each one.

 

[GrandeLatte]

My first Apple Watch (series 6) was aluminum. I just had to try and see if I even like owning one and how it incorporates into my life. I do like it quite a bit, so I upgraded to Hermes.

 

[Yebubbleman]

I would feel less awkward about exercising with the Aluminum models than the Stainless Steel models. But that's just me. Then again, the joke might be on me and Stainless Steel might just be a more sweat resistant material. Incidentally, I'm intrigued by the Ultra; though it's rather late in the Apple Watch/iPhone season for me to be looking at what's current.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

If you want to spend a lot on a smartwatch get the stainless. The aluminium is a decent enough option for everyday wear and does the same thing at nearly half the cost.

 

[dannynjoni]

My first Apple Watch (series 6) was aluminum. I just had to try and see if I even like owning one and how it incorporates into my life. I do like it quite a bit, so I upgraded to Hermes.

I recently upgraded to Hermes too, and now there's no going back. The watch faces are just so much better, and once you start with that quality watch band you really begin appreciating the Apple Watch on another level. Really enjoy the Hermes.

 

[Thirio2]

Which do you like best? Since you will probably want an update in 4 years or less you need to keep this in mind. My aluminum S4 still looks good after 4 years, but I am going through the same quandary as you. If you get the cellular version the price difference isn’t that great. It also puts the Ultra in reach. My aluminum S0 lasted until my aluminum S4, but did have more scratches than my aluminum S4. I think either the silver aluminum or silver SS will go well with my Speidel ss link bracelet. So does the Ultra for that matter.

 

[JCCL]

There is a reason high end watches are SS and sapphire

Some are Ti, some gold, but I can’t think of a single high end watch that’s aluminum

The big difference is that high end watches will last forever. An aluminum Apple Watch will become obsolete at exactly the same time as a stainless steel one. That’s why I have always chosen the aluminum version….For a device of this type I consider the SS completely pointless. My Series 5 aluminum has held up quite good, and would not think a SS would have changed its longevity by any extent.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

There is a reason high end watches are SS and sapphire

Some are Ti, some gold, but I can’t think of a single high end watch that’s aluminum

Mechanical watches don’t need to be aluminium as they last for decades and stainless steel is cheap enough to be a standard material used across pretty much all price points. Apple have introduced stainless steel into its range as a premium material but it’s about the same cost as aluminium. You basically pay for the processing time. Both materials are considered high grade metals though so don’t be fooled into thinking ‘aluminium’ is somehow a budget metal. It’s just not traditionally used in watches because there are other viable options available.

 

[Vref]

The big difference is that high end watches will last forever. An aluminum Apple Watch will become obsolete at exactly the same time as a stainless steel one. That’s why I have always chosen the aluminum version….For a device of this type I consider the SS completely pointless. My Series 5 aluminum has held up quite good, and would not think a SS would have changed its longevity by any extent.

Just figure for the price point

If it was a inexpensive Fitbit, sure

 

[shady16]

honestly for the price of the Stainless Steel i would just go with the Ultra

 

[japanime]

Both materials are considered high grade metals though so don’t be fooled into thinking ‘aluminium’ is somehow a budget metal. It’s just not traditionally used in watches because there are other viable options available.

This.

Anyone who equates "aluminum" with "budget" has never ridden a well-built aluminum-frame bicycle.

 

[dannynjoni]

honestly for the price of the Stainless Steel i would just go with the Ultra

I'm not sure I know anyone who wouldn't, IF they wanted the Ultra. Very different watches tho!

 

[Monkswhiskers]

This.

Anyone who equates "aluminum" with "budget" has never ridden a well-built aluminum-frame bicycle.

My Cannondale CAAD handles great and is lighter than a lot of carbon frames

Edit : I do like a nice classic steel frame though!

 

[fdw777]

honestly for the price of the Stainless Steel i would just go with the Ultra

I decided on the Ultra, in face yesterday was my last day to return. I did go back and forth but ultimately decided the Ultra was a great smart watch and as much as I love the SS wanted something fresh looking. My wife got the SSS AW8 with the new Sky band....she made a great choice.

 

[the future]

The big difference is that high end watches will last forever.

Only with regular maintenance by a specialist. Which will cost the same as a new Apple Watch (or more).

An aluminum Apple Watch will become obsolete at exactly the same time as a stainless steel one. That’s why I have always chosen the aluminum version….For a device of this type I consider the SS completely pointless.

If one considers the Steel version to look a lot nicer than the Aluminum version, how is it „pointless“ to want to wear something nicer on the wrist, all day, every day, for a number of years?

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Only with regular maintenance by a specialist. Which will cost the same as a new Apple Watch (or more).

Regular maintenance in terms of a service can be 5-8 year intervals on a mechanical watch. Manufacturers always suggest doing so every 3 years but with general wear it’s much longer. It only becomes an issue if the watch is used in sea water regularly but 90% of mechanical dive watches rarely ever are.

If one considers the Steel version to look a lot nicer than the Aluminum version, how is it „pointless“ to want to wear something nicer on the wrist, all day, every day, for a number of years?

The thing with your statement there is it’s subjective. One might consider the aluminium Watch to look a lot nicer and then both of you are right in regards to your preference. For me, an Apple Watch is just a smartwatch and I have it for its functionality rather than its looks. For some it’s their only watch and they might value it a lot more.

 

[chadamorrill]

I would feel less awkward about exercising with the Aluminum models than the Stainless Steel models. But that's just me. Then again, the joke might be on me and Stainless Steel might just be a more sweat resistant material. Incidentally, I'm intrigued by the Ultra; though it's rather late in the Apple Watch/iPhone season for me to be looking at what's current.

I've owned all three now, and honestly the only difference I've noticed while working out is the addition of the Action button on the Ultra. For interval running, it's a must have. EDIT: the GPS on the Ultra is also far superior to the 6th gen watch. Not sure how it compares to the current gens.

My opinion, my stainless was the best looking, but I love the Ultra. Either way, smacking the watch against weights or a bar / machine / bench shouldn't damage the sapphire, like it could the glass on the Aluminum.

 

[utzelu]

Regular maintenance in terms of a service can be 5-8 year intervals on a mechanical watch. Manufacturers always suggest doing so every 3 years but with general wear it’s much longer. It only becomes an issue if the watch is used in sea water regularly but 90% of mechanical dive watches rarely ever are.

Indeed, regular maintenance is needed after around 7 years on mechanical watches, but you need to consider that manufacturers also stop providing spare parts after a while, so you may find yourself that your 15-20 years old watch is not supported anymore by the brand. Also there are less and less watchmakers around, and soon the only option would remain to send the watch directly to the brand and wait few months for the service. Contrary to what the brands want us to believe, they are just a business, using the same practice as any other business.

 

[dannynjoni]

...

The thing with your statement there is it’s subjective. One might consider the aluminium Watch to look a lot nicer and then both of you are right in regards to your preference. For me, an Apple Watch is just a smartwatch and I have it for its functionality rather than its looks. For some it’s their only watch and they might value it a lot more.

Come on, man. I mean, there's a reason you're out there polishing your car right? You want it to look all shiny and gorgeous (most folks like that). The polished steel and sapphire glass have that kind of look. Nearly anyone would at least admit that. Apple (and other watch makers) uses steel so they can get that sort of look, durable quality build, and appeal because it's something we wear on our bodies. It's a piece of jewelry. And those who appreciate that can also keep track of all kinds of healthy stuff and do workouts too. It's pretty great.

And he said "If" someone thought it was a nicer watch. I don't think his statement is subjective at all, but rather neutral. And he's right, if someone thinks it looks & feels nicer, and it's far more durable (not subjective there), then more power to them. The more durable watch certainly matters to me. I put mine through a LOT.

"For me, an Apple Watch is just a smartwatch and I have it for its functionality rather than its looks." - (Subjective.)

Comparing bikes to watches is a cool development here because it's spring and I love riding, but it's pretty silly. A watch is something you wear for many different reasons/occasions, and for much of your day. No one I currently know is walking around with a bike strapped to their wrist lol. (or a car) /s

But this whole topic is pretty subjective IMO, which is one reason I enjoy it!

 

[the future]

Regular maintenance in terms of a service can be 5-8 year intervals on a mechanical watch. Manufacturers always suggest doing so every 3 years but with general wear it’s much longer. It only becomes an issue if the watch is used in sea water regularly but 90% of mechanical dive watches rarely ever are.

Let‘s say 5 years is a middle ground then? Many (most) folks will keep their Apple Watch for that long as well, especially now that the smartwatch category has become quite mature.

The thing with your statement there is it’s subjective. One might consider the aluminium Watch to look a lot nicer and then both of you are right in regards to your preference.

Sure, that‘s why I said if. The other poster, on the other hand, seemed to dismiss looks as an important factor in general. Which is absurd for something worn, visibly, on the body.

For me, an Apple Watch is just a smartwatch and I have it for its functionality rather than its looks. For some it’s their only watch and they might value it a lot more.

Sure, when people wear their Apple Watch only for working out and afterwards put on something else, looks are not as important. But this is certainly not the majority of Apple Watch users.

Indeed, regular maintenance is needed after around 7 years on mechanical watches, but you need to consider that manufacturers also stop providing spare parts after a while, so you may find yourself that your 15-20 years old watch is not supported anymore by the brand. Also there are less and less watchmakers around, and soon the only option would remain to send the watch directly to the brand and wait few months for the service. Contrary to what the brands want us to believe, they are just a business, using the same practice as any other business.

They really did a tremendous marketing job with that „heirloom“ narrative, didn‘t they?

Come on, man. I mean, there's a reason you're out there polishing your car right? You want it to look all shiny and gorgeous (most folks like that). The polished steel and sapphire glass have that kind of look. Nearly anyone would at least admit that. Apple (and other watch makers) uses steel so they can get that sort of look, durable quality build, and appeal because it's something we wear on our bodies. It's a piece of jewelry. And those who appreciate that can also keep track of all kinds of healthy stuff and do workouts too. It's pretty great.

Exactly. There is a reason that no-one uses Aluminium for luxury mechanical watches.

And he said "If" someone thought it was a nicer watch. I don't think his statement is subjective at all, but rather neutral. And he's right, if someone thinks it looks & feels nicer, and it's far more durable (not subjective there), then more power to them.

Again, exactly. I have no problem with people choosing Aluminium because the Watch is just a tool or fitness tracker for them. It‘s just the claiming that it is somehow irrational or even stupid to get the Steel (or Titanium or Ceramic) version that is a little annoying.

 

[russell_314]

I think the decision would have to be partly based on your financial status and how you like to budget money. If you have multiple $500+ shoes, then considered a stainless steel one. Basically, if you’re the type of person who would spend money on a fashion accessory just because it’s a certain brand or has a certain look then spending a little extra for the look of stainless steel is worth it. I have both the stainless and aluminum and I think other than looks they are the same. I got the stainless one as a deal from my carrier so that’s the only reason I bought it. I really can’t say other than it being shiny that it feels or looks better to me. Of course you have to be your own judge of what you think looks good.

If you don’t like spending money then consider the aluminum. It’s the exact same watch with a different material on the body and crystal. You’re not going to be missing out on any features. If you go crazy and get the Hermès model, then you get a few additional watch faces but if you want to spend that much money, you’re probably not asking about the aluminum.


Also, consider, do you always like to have the latest things or would you keep the same Apple Watch for years? If you feel the urge to constantly upgrade, then go for the aluminum because it’s going to be cheaper. I would normally say an Apple Watch should last you at least five years based on the current Apple Watch models. If you have an Apple Watch Series 5 or newer, you pretty much have the current model minus a few features. I’m not so sure if this is going to be applicable in the future because there are rumors of a significant change in the Apple Watch design. It could be like the iPhone where it stayed the same for years then got a radical design change. I think it is due for a change. In my opinion this will happen for the Apple Watch Series X. I don’t think the Series 9 will be an upgrade.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Come on, man. I mean, there's a reason you're out there polishing your car right? You want it to look all shiny and gorgeous (most folks like that). The polished steel and sapphire glass have that kind of look. Nearly anyone would at least admit that. Apple (and other watch makers) uses steel so they can get that sort of look, durable quality build, and appeal because it's something we wear on our bodies. It's a piece of jewelry. And those who appreciate that can also keep track of all kinds of healthy stuff and do workouts too. It's pretty great.

And he said "If" someone thought it was a nicer watch. I don't think his statement is subjective at all, but rather neutral. And he's right, if someone thinks it looks & feels nicer, and it's far more durable (not subjective there), then more power to them. The more durable watch certainly matters to me. I put mine through a LOT.

"For me, an Apple Watch is just a smartwatch and I have it for its functionality rather than its looks." - (Subjective.)

Comparing bikes to watches is a cool development here because it's spring and I love riding, but it's pretty silly. A watch is something you wear for many different reasons/occasions, and for much of your day. No one I currently know is walking around with a bike strapped to their wrist lol. (or a car) /s

But this whole topic is pretty subjective IMO, which is one reason I enjoy it!

Apple Watches are pretty anonymous these days as they are so popular though, much like nobody double takes if I pull a steel framed iPhone out of my pocket. Not dismissing those who do care about a stainless Apple Watch as there is clearly plenty of people who fit that criteria. My watch is in its fourth year now and has been put through a lot too and it’s an aluminium version. You have to look very close but the coating on the screen is scratched and melted. I’m glad i’ll be retiring it with a bit of character to be honest. It’s been very durable on the whole and wasn’t double the price.

 

[Apple_Robert]

If money is a concern, get the aluminum and then spend $10 on a screen cover and case cover for it. I used one for my series 7 and when I handed it down to my brother, it still looked like new. I am doing the same with my series 8.