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Stainless Steel or Space Black Stainless Steel?

R

rockitdog

macrumors 68030
Original poster
Mar 25, 2013
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After selling my series 1 space gray Apple Watch I realized how much I actually used it and missed it. I decided to go and buy a series 2 Apple Watch but I'm torn on whether to get a space black or stainless steel watch. I'm starting to think the stainless steel is a classic, slightly classier look to it than the space black does. I want to be able to wear with a suit or polo shirt or at the gym. I think the space black Apple Watch looks good with just a T-shirt or other casual clothes but can look less dressy when worn with a button-down orother dress type close compared to the stainless steel. Am I over analyzing this? LOL
 
Probably, but it's your watch and your money, so you have every right to do so :)

Personally, I like the SBSS, because it appears to hide scratches a bit better, but only you can decide what works for you :)
 
If you got the money the SBSS watch is the way to go.

I do not like the link bands as my wrists change size and the link bracelet is not what I want to deal with. It is why I picked the black leather loop for my SBSS watch, changing sizes takes seconds. My SB link bracelet lives in my office drawer.
 
The space black seems to be incredibly popular on these forums. I'd have to toss in my vote for the regular stainless model though. I went through the same agonizing as the OP when I bought my watch back in February. But after seeing both in store, it was an easy choice for me.
  • As the OP said, the regular stainless is a classic look and the closest to a traditional watch of any of the models. The space black model was really nice looking as well, but it's not obvious that it is made of metal when you glance at it. While I don't think it would be confused with the space grey aluminum model, it definitely didn't strike me as much as the regular stainless did.
  • Everyone here seems to make a huge deal about how easily the stainless scratches. This has proven to be a non-issue for me. I've had my watch for nearly 2 months and have a single scratch roughly 2 mm long on the body. You'd never notice it though unless you were really looking for it because of the mirror-like finish on the watch. I work out with the watch several times a week so it's not like I baby it. I'm sure it will pick up more small scratches over time, but that's what cape cod clothes are for. The space black may be more scratch resistant, but I don't think it's a big enough issue not to pick the regular stainless if you like it better.
  • Band compatibility is much better with the regular stainless. It goes with almost anything.
At the end of the day though, you have to pick the watch that looks better to you. I think either watch would work in both casual and dress situations, though I would give a slight edge to the regular stainless for dress since it pairs naturally with Apple's leather bands. It's all personal preference, which is why there are so many options with the Apple Watch!
 
I went with the SBSS. Still so uncertain but the fact that I wasn't able to get a regular SS at a local Best Buy played a part in this (used gift cards to purchase this).
 
rockitdog said:
I went with the SBSS. Still so uncertain but the fact that I wasn't able to get a regular SS at a local Best Buy played a part in this (used gift cards to purchase this).
Click to expand...

Couldn't they order you one? Or did you get yourself into that "have to have it now" mode. I am definitely familiar with that voice in my head from time to time :)
 
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MacDevil7334 said:
The space black seems to be incredibly popular on these forums. I'd have to toss in my vote for the regular stainless model though. I went through the same agonizing as the OP when I bought my watch back in February. But after seeing both in store, it was an easy choice for me.
  • As the OP said, the regular stainless is a classic look and the closest to a traditional watch of any of the models. The space black model was really nice looking as well, but it's not obvious that it is made of metal when you glance at it. While I don't think it would be confused with the space grey aluminum model, it definitely didn't strike me as much as the regular stainless did.
  • Everyone here seems to make a huge deal about how easily the stainless scratches. This has proven to be a non-issue for me. I've had my watch for nearly 2 months and have a single scratch roughly 2 mm long on the body. You'd never notice it though unless you were really looking for it because of the mirror-like finish on the watch. I work out with the watch several times a week so it's not like I baby it. I'm sure it will pick up more small scratches over time, but that's what cape cod clothes are for. The space black may be more scratch resistant, but I don't think it's a big enough issue not to pick the regular stainless if you like it better.
Click to expand...


  • My perception is based mostly from photos I have seen of the stainless, showing off bands and watch faces. Those may not be showing the stainless in the best light, because it is often very bright light and the focus is often more on the watch and its bezel than you would likely see in day to day use. The bright light of those photos seems to reflect every little scratch, scuff and imperfection. I am not really sure if the SB is any less prone to similar scratches, or if it just doesn't reflect light and accent imperfections, such as scratches as much as a silver surface. I suspect the latter.
 
SDColorado said:


  • My perception is based mostly from photos I have seen of the stainless, showing off bands and watch faces. Those may not be showing the stainless in the best light, because it is often very bright light and the focus is often more on the watch and its bezel than you would likely see in day to day use. The bright light of those photos seems to reflect every little scratch, scuff and imperfection. I am not really sure if the SB is any less prone to similar scratches, or if it just doesn't reflect light and accent imperfections, such as scratches as much as a silver surface. I suspect the latter.
Click to expand...

You are correct that the scratches on the stainless model are basically unnoticeable in normal light since the many reflections distract your eye. Of course, this becomes less true the more scratches you get. But, these can always be buffed out. I plan to polish my case once every 6 months or so. I do agree that pictures here tend to exaggerate the problem since they are often taken in bright light.

As for the space black, it has a diamond-like coating to protect the black finish. It should be the most scratch resistant of any of the AW models. The only downside is, if it does get scratched, there is no way to buff it out. The scratch will be permanent.
 
rockitdog said:
I went with the SBSS. Still so uncertain but the fact that I wasn't able to get a regular SS at a local Best Buy played a part in this (used gift cards to purchase this).
Click to expand...

Black stainless has its advantages and disadvantages. The adVantages are within the DLC coating and a disadvantage is the difficulty pairing bands. Otherwise, I think that was a good choice, even though my preference lies with the regular stainless.
 
Looking in the Apple display case at all the samples the SBSS looked like a black monolith.
Classically subdued casual or dress
 
Space black is awesome. I think the silver stainless looks very classic watch, but I have the space black and just love it. It is also incredibly durable. You are limited on bands, but I think that mostly helps my budget!
 
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For Series 2, I actually had bought a series 2 SS with sport band and had yet to open it when I saw the SBSS sport band was also in stock the next day and went back to the mall and purchased that one too. This was back in October when they were hard to find. I ended up returning the SS one as I figured it'd be fun to go all black. A month later, picked up a black link band and Milanese loop to dress it up a bit. I've really liked the SBSS model, link bracelet for daytime, sport band for gym, Milanese loop as an alternate.

I only wish I could get an all black classic buckle to have a leather option.
 
rockitdog said:
After selling my series 1 space gray Apple Watch I realized how much I actually used it and missed it. I decided to go and buy a series 2 Apple Watch but I'm torn on whether to get a space black or stainless steel watch. I'm starting to think the stainless steel is a classic, slightly classier look to it than the space black does. I want to be able to wear with a suit or polo shirt or at the gym. I think the space black Apple Watch looks good with just a T-shirt or other casual clothes but can look less dressy when worn with a button-down orother dress type close compared to the stainless steel. Am I over analyzing this? LOL
Click to expand...

Ive been nothing but impressed with my Space Black Stainless. I wear it at work with suits and the black apple link bracelet, I wear it casually with the anthracite/black Nike band or a brown leather Nomad with black hardware. It has fit every situation perfectly. Plus, I have no visual scuffs or scratches on the stainless case. Its been flawless for 8 months. I vote black by far.
 
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rockitdog said:
After selling my series 1 space gray Apple Watch I realized how much I actually used it and missed it. I decided to go and buy a series 2 Apple Watch but I'm torn on whether to get a space black or stainless steel watch. I'm starting to think the stainless steel is a classic, slightly classier look to it than the space black does. I want to be able to wear with a suit or polo shirt or at the gym. I think the space black Apple Watch looks good with just a T-shirt or other casual clothes but can look less dressy when worn with a button-down orother dress type close compared to the stainless steel. Am I over analyzing this? LOL
Click to expand...
I went with the SS for the reason you mentionned. It looks classier
 
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SS Space Black has for me the big advantage that it matches the basic display color - black, both on so you don't see the bezel, and off it is all black. Looks very neat. Stainless steel always shows a bezel which is distracting and makes the watch look weird. Unless Apple gives us always on displays for me it is SSSB.
 
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mva68 said:
SS Space Black has for me the big advantage that it matches the basic display color - black, both on so you don't see the bezel, and off it is all black. Looks very neat. Stainless steel always shows a bezel which is distracting and makes the watch look weird. Unless Apple gives us always on displays for me it is SSSB.
Click to expand...

The most unique feature about the stainless steel black is the diamond like coating. It's really resilient with scratches and it holds up really well. Especially when compared to the regular stainless model, which scratches fairly easily.
 
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@rockitdog here is my SBSS as of today:

IMG_3888_zps7ji9r3y3.jpg


I've worn it every single day since original release, so nearly two years now. I've found it fine in all occasions from business meetings to the beach!
 
Thai said:
Any scratches?
Click to expand...
Tiny ones, if you look real hard. Ironically, I think they were caused by the SB Milanese loop, since it is of course as tough as the watch! There's no scratches on the sides or upper edges, just near the strap on the lower edge.
 
I also faced the same choice when Best Buy had no Stainless Steel in stock; only Space Black.

They ordered me the SS. I had SB before and hated the band limitations. SS scratches can be buffed out SB cannot; I don't think as easily.
 
danmart said:
Tiny ones, if you look real hard. Ironically, I think they were caused by the SB Milanese loop, since it is of course as tough as the watch! There's no scratches on the sides or upper edges, just near the strap on the lower edge.
Click to expand...

Do the small scratches stand out? That’s my fear. I am seriously considering SB next time around. (Hopefully, Apple will offer CERAMIC black in their Edition next time...i would get that in a heart beat!)
 
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