Got any before & after shots?
How badly scratched was it, and what caused the scratches (examples)?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Stainless Steel Thoughts
- Thread starter Zigman
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
How badly scratched was it, and what caused the scratches (examples)?
Nah, sorry. It was a silver SS Hermes S4 that I sold long ago. I used the cloth to refresh it before I sold it. It got rid of the micro scratches that inevitably occur from normal use. Banging/rubbing against household appliances, door knobs, cars, etc. I can’t provide specific examples lol. I also can’t comment on deep scratches because it didn’t have any but it did have quite a bit of micro scratches on it. SS shouldn’t acquire deep scratching unless you go out of your way to abuse it.
While I can afford the ss version, I prefer to not spend excessively for it since it will be out of date in 3 years or so any way. As far as scratches go, my 47 year old Rolex has an acrylic crystal and more modern glass or sapphire crystals are not available for it. When I had it serviced last year, the scratches on the case and band were buffed out and the (acrylic) crystal was replaced and the watch looked like new. Don’t worry about a watch that is only going to last 3-4 years before it is out of date or needs a battery replacement.
I feel you! I may or may not have 12. ?
Would you not want AC+ for the SS watch? I would be more inclined to purchase it for the pricier watch in the event any damage occurred - a LOT more expensive to repair/replace SS than aluminum.
Just a question for those with multiple watches, including older versions - does it not bother you to use an older one with a smaller screen/less features when you have a newer one?
Not being rude or anything, just curious.
I was all ready to pull the trigger on a ss w/ Milanese loop when I stumbled across some series 8 rumors and was reminded that this one would be in a drawer in 3 years. Just couldn't do it. Got the cheap Nike version instead. But I'm also never going to fully abandon old-fashioned dumb watches. Realistically those will always be my go-to for more formal occasions.
Though if I was a runner/outdoor cyclist that needed cellular, I probably would've just done it. The price difference at that point is negligible. My workouts are around my phone. I don't need cellular.
Though if I was a runner/outdoor cyclist that needed cellular, I probably would've just done it. The price difference at that point is negligible. My workouts are around my phone. I don't need cellular.
Last edited:
Hey!! Yes good question. The truth is, just a few get lots of use. Most of the others just sit there collecting dust except for special occasions or when I feel like switching things up!
I was just curious. I ordered a SS after recently purchasing my series 7 starlight, and I loved it, but ultimately decided to stick with aluminum until series 8. With all the talk about this year’s upgrade being so minor, I figured I’d be disappointed if series 8 had big improvements, and I wouldn’t be wanting to upgrade from a SS 7. I’ve had aluminum since series 0, although I did try SS back around series 2. At the time the weight/size bothered me, and caused some burning in my arm (I think the watch sensor hits a nerve in my arm or something because nothing else makes sense).
Anyway, I was considering keeping my series 7, but wondering how much I’d really use it If I had something new with more/better features.
With the Series 1, 3, and 5 I had aluminum. This time I wanted SS and I’ll never go back. I don’t notice the additional weight, honestly. First day maybe but not any more. It is just so much nicer and nicer looking than the aluminum. I’ll never go back.
Apple is no longer the innovative company it once was. It’s likely from now on watch upgrades are going to be small with each generation, unless Apple returns to innovation. Without innovation, there isn’t much more they can really do.
Originally I wasn't going to upgrade my 5 to the 7 as it just wasn't as significant an upgrade as I wanted. However I did end up getting a big scratch on my 5's face that had me reconsider. My 0, 1, 4 and 5 were all silver aluminum. I was going to do the same however seeing Starlight in person I really do not care for it. I even went back with a few other of my favorite bands and it reaffirmed my initial opinion. So then I thought maybe I'll go SS this time. But then realized two things 1) You can only get SS with Cellular which adds another $100 and 2) no one ever seems to have or discount the SS models. So basically a SS would cost me nearly TWICE as much (say $379 for 45mm at Costco recently vs $749 for SS at Apple).
Guess I'll wait for the 8 unless I completely break my 5 (which is why I upgraded from the 4!)
Guess I'll wait for the 8 unless I completely break my 5 (which is why I upgraded from the 4!)
I realize any changes will be incremental, but if it is something like battery life, updated processor, storage, etc., I know I’d probably want it, even though it wouldn’t likely make a huge difference in day to day use.
Yeah, that’s fair. Those would all be worthy upgrades to me but I only update watches every two cycles, so the Hermes is worth it for me because I can use the bands with future watches and it really only comes down to a few dollars a day. I chose to order take away less each month to make up the cost. It’s a sacrifice but worth it to me.
I have a Series 5 too and the battery life is shocking. I keep my watches 3 years so it needs to last until September or October this year when the Series 8 comes out. I can’t justify a stainless steel watch either as I just don’t see the benefits for £230 more than the aluminium. I’ll stick with the aluminium for the third time I think as I haven’t had any complaints with the quality on my last 2 watches that have been worn almost daily for years. It’s an iPhone upgrade year for me too, so don’t want to be spending more than I have to go get the devices I want. I think the aluminium watches are priced competitively.
That’s my plan for when I go SS. I’d want to upgrade every 2-3 years. The thing is, I always get suckered in by the new features/upgrades, even if they are small. This year I upgraded from my 6 to 7 because of the full screen. Most people said it wasn’t worth upgrading, but I love the bigger screen, and since my daughter wanted my 6 anyway, it worked for me!
I only use my series 5 for sleep tracking/silent alarm and maybe a brief occasion while my 7 charges. I don’t ever wear it during the day.
It would annoy me to try to permanently wear it. They’re both 40/41mm silver stainless steel though, so it’s mostly the screen size that’s different.
Not that watches are meant to upgrade every year but if you would want to the trade in value is only like $200. SS and TI get screwed on these.
It’s a little more than that. I just got $210 for my S6 Aluminum and should have been $220 as that was my estimate when I purchased my S7. It’s probably around $250. Still no where near what it should be and is one of the reasons I haven’t switched to SS. I may change my mind next year though.
As a stainless owner, my strategy is not to trade in the St/ti watches. Rather though, sell them out right, your return will be higher (Which is also depending on what time of the year you sell). But given how fraud/sketch buyers it so prevalent, I just decided to skip the whole resale value and either hand it to somebody else or just put it in the door when I’m done with it. That’s the nature of tech devices in general, it’s not a classic time piece, but rather a dated model that dwindles in value no matter what the cause.