Stainless Steel or Space Black Stainless Steel?

[danmart]

No, not at all. You have to look real close and position the watch just-so to see anything at all.
[doublepost=1498053086][/doublepost]Here you go, after trying for several minutes I was able to get this photo of the micro-scratches:

From almost any other angle they are back to invisible:

Put it this way: my next watch will be Space Black when the Series 3 comes out...

 

[44267547]

No, not at all. You have to look real close and position the watch just-so to see anything at all.
[doublepost=1498053086][/doublepost]Here you go, after trying for several minutes I was able to get this photo of the micro-scratches:

From almost any other angle they are back to invisible:

Put it this way: my next watch will be Space Black when the Series 3 comes out...

The black Milanese loop has a diamond like carbon coating on it, which has the ability to scratch the black stainless Watch with contact (Which also has the DLC). It's been discussed on here where a plethora of members have had the black Milanese band damage the black stainless Watch and Ceramic sensor.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/space-black-milanese-loop-scratches-watch.2019023/

They said, my black stainless Watch has had no scratches and the Diamond like carbon coating makes a huge difference in how resilient the Watch is to scratches.

 

[Zaft]

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

I am in the same boat as you.. I sold my Space gray 1st gen and now miss the watch.

I would say regular stainless is the best choice. Goes with much more bands.

BTW Best buy has a sale now $70 off all watches.

 

[phobos512]

I've had my SBSS S2 for several months now and I continue to be irritated with the lack of colored band choices with matching hardware. So, as much as I hate to say it, I won't be getting the black watch next time around. If a Series 3 comes out, I will be getting one in Stainless; otherwise I will get another S2 in Stainless and sell my SBSS.

 

[Thai]

For me, i love the Nike Anthracite/black band so this SBSS would work great for me...when i do upgrade.

 

[44267547]

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!)

I saw a white ceramic Apple watch for the first time a few months back, and as much as I don't like it, it doesn't look as off-putting in person from what I have seen from pictures. It has more of a pearlescent white to it, but I don't like the stark look of the white (I think it looks plasticky.) That said, I would really appreciate a black ceramic, as it's highly scratch resistant

What I like about the stainless model, is the added weight. Ceramic is too light for me and I prefer the heft of wearing a Watch similarly to the 316 L stainless Apple Watch.
[doublepost=1498109740][/doublepost]

For me, i love the Nike Anthracite/black band so this SBSS would work great for me...when i do upgrade.

I own the stainless steal black Apple Watch, and it's the most unique watch of all of them, not because of the diamond Like coating. But because of the high polished casing that almost changes hues of black in certain lighting.

Aside from the appeal, it's highly durable. I love the regular stainless Apple Watch with the shine, but it scratches so easily when compared to the black stainless with the DLC coating. Pair the black stainless Apple Watch with a black or regular stainless link band, and that is one sharp looking watch.

And I still have zero scratches on my black stainless watch. Definitely consider it if they do not release a black ceramic Apple Watch the next time around.

 

[TheBearman]

This really is a personal decision. I debated both but selected SS, again my personal preference. My previous watches/smart watches have all been stainless as I like the classic look (at least from my perspective).

 

[Fynd]

If changing bands and having alot of options appeals to you, go silver and don't look back.

If there's only 1 or 2 combos that really appeal to you with the SBSS and you're content with that, go for it. It's much more durable and very unique looking.

I fit in both and have flipped back and forth between the models a few times now. Currently with SBSS, and loving it... but always tempted by the silver. I'd like to use the different nylon bands or leather bands or... almost any band, really. Even the sport bands come with a silver pin. For now i'm just using black milanese/link/nylon/sport. But it's always black on black.

 

[AidenL]

I had Space Black Stainless Series 0, just sold it today. It does have a scratch, looks worse in pictures than reality.

I always regretted not buying Stainless though, I prefer the brushed link bracelet with the polished bezel.

If, when there's a Series 3, that's what I'll be going for in Stainless.

 

[44267547]

I had Space Black Stainless Series 0, just sold it today. It does have a scratch, looks worse in pictures than reality.

I always regretted not buying Stainless though, I prefer the brushed link bracelet with the polished bezel.

If, when there's a Series 3, that's what I'll be going for in Stainless.

Did you upgrade to a different Watch or just decide to sell your black stainless?

 

[AidenL]

Did you upgrade to a different Watch or just decide to sell your black stainless?

I just went back to my Tag for now, will wait and see what the next generation brings.

I have the new iPad pro to play with for now!

 

[ARK]

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.

I noticed someone liked my post. Just an update, it's till flawless at 16 months use - no scratches nothing on the space black stainless.

 

[canyonblue737]

My wife has the SS and its very beautiful and works with essentially every band type and color you can imagine. The SS quickly developed a patina of swirls and scratches that add to its beauty and character, but you can quite easily polish most of them out if you wanted.

I have the SBSS which works with less bands but has an elegance all its own. Because of the coating it is near impossible to scratch, I certainly never have and most here sell their SBSS after years and it is flawless. IF you scratch it there will be no fix or polish for it, but again its far more likely it will never, ever scratch.

 

[mackie8]

I've had my SBSS S2 for several months now and I continue to be irritated with the lack of colored band choices with matching hardware. So, as much as I hate to say it, I won't be getting the black watch next time around. If a Series 3 comes out, I will be getting one in Stainless; otherwise I will get another S2 in Stainless and sell my SBSS.

Same reason i sell my SBSS S3.. i want the official classic buckle ... It doesnt look good on space black...(i dont like 3rd party). With space black you always need to match it with dark bands... Or neon colors....

Im always frustrated finding a good band...

 

[democracyrules]

I noticed someone liked my post. Just an update, it's till flawless at 16 months use - no scratches nothing on the space black stainless.

I second. My SBSS series 2 is still pristine after having it since the launch date.

 

[danmart]

I’ll raise you on that - my launch-day Series 0 SSSB has been passed to my dad since I bought a Series 3 SSSB. Still looks perfect.

 

[HDFan]

I don't see any scratches on my SSB series 3 case. However I do see wear on the blank link band where the coating has worn off on the left side:

 

[wesley96]

I noticed someone liked my post. Just an update, it's till flawless at 16 months use - no scratches nothing on the space black stainless.

Another SBSS user reporting pretty much pristine look after 17 months of use (Series 2). I use the black elastomer band, so everything about the watch is black, from display to band. SBSS probably won't go well with lighter coloured bands, but I like the black colour and am using the original band from Series 0, making the band itself 34 months old.

 

[Jstuts5797]

I have the SBSS series 3. It's my first Apple Watch and I've had it since Christmas. I actually originally wanted the silver SS but there was a mix up and I ended up with the space black instead. After opening the box and seeing it in person, I realized it looked way way more sharp and classy than the silver (just in my opinion) so I just kept it. I can report there has been absolutely no scratches on it at all. I'm actually quite amazed. There has been a couple of times where I've bumped it against a door or something by accident and I thought for sure I'd get a scratch or nick in it... but nope, none. It's a beautiful watch. I normally just wear the black sport band with it, but I also have the black link bracelet band I wear for more dressy occasions and a another burlap type (not sure how to explain it) brown greenish band for casual occasions. All three look great with the black. If you look you can find lots of band options for the space black stainless steel. There are way more options out there for the SBSS than people give credit for.

 

[mackie8]

Tough decision.....

 

[canyonblue737]

Both look incredibly good. Regular SS is the most flexible in what bands you can use with it (style wise) but the big difference is SBSS just doesn't scratch. I've had mine for 3 months, not a mark. The coating is beyond amazing.

You can't have a SS for 3 HOURS without scratching it (although it is a patina that looks nice and can be polished from time to time.)

 

[BSG75]

When I upgraded to Series 3, I went with SBSS. IMO, the bands that are most limited are the leather buckles as well as those with steel connectors, plus the original SS Milanese Loop and the SS Link Bracelet. Otherwise, the majority of the leather loops, sport bands, nylon and sport loops seem to be ok with the SBSS.

 

[Otflyer]

I kept going back and forth myself. Finally bought both. Very happy.

 

[Nell]

Personal taste obviously, but I really like the silver stainless steel and don’t like the black version at all.

 

[44267547]

I used to be about the regular stainless model, but then I started to gravitate towards the black stainless because it does have a unique look to it and I don’t see that model very often in public. Once you start pairing bands with it, it’s much easier than one would think.