Stainless vs Aluminum - Why buy SS?

[Otflyer]

Same here, bought the stainless S0 and then got an aluminum S3 - it feels cheaper and I'm not sure if it's just me but it feels like the screen gets fingerprint smudges a lot easier, I find myself wiping off the aluminum watch constantly. I can see the Aluminum S3 a lot better in daylight, but I just figured that was because it was much brighter. The aluminum watch also looks kind of tacky compared to the SS.

The biggest issue is that, yes, I wanted to upgrade my watch a year after I got it - and the value depreciated a lot faster than I expected so the S0 didn't sell for very much. I expect to buy new Watch versions every year so I don't see any reason to spend a bunch of money on one every year, especially when the stainless versions don't hold their value at all.

The people jumping down this guy's throat are hilarious - he asked a genuine question and you're all getting bent out of shape defending your SS purchases. You should just be able to say "personal preference" and move on if that's your reasoning.

Personal preference sums it up. The end

 

[Mabus51]

You sound like you have a SS also.
Don't be mad and take a breathe. I'm only asking if I am missing anything in comparison.
So yes, who would buy a SS over aluminum and why?

"Values things differently" - what makes the SS more valuable?

Aluminum is cheap, looks cheap, and feels cheap. Like a soda can it's cheap. Cheap doesn't look good, ever. If you work in the business world do you want to look cheap or successful? These things aren't like real timepieces where the mechanics are the star of the show. The Apple Watch's guts don't matter, it's all about the body. There is cheap, business, and flashy. (Flashy, being the ceramic one) I personally hate the look of the ceramic one, it looks cheaper than the aluminum.

 

[ersan191]

Aluminum is cheap, looks cheap, and feels cheap. Like a soda can it's cheap. Cheap doesn't look good, ever. If you work in the business world do you want to look cheap or successful? These things aren't like real timepieces where the mechanics are the star of the show. The Apple Watch's guts don't matter, it's all about the body. There is cheap, business, and flashy. (Flashy, being the ceramic one) I personally hate the look of the ceramic one, it looks cheaper than the aluminum.

Compared to everyone else in the boardroom, the SS probably looks cheap too.

 

[KrisLord]

Aluminum is cheap, looks cheap, and feels cheap. Like a soda can it's cheap. Cheap doesn't look good, ever. If you work in the business world do you want to look cheap or successful? These things aren't like real timepieces where the mechanics are the star of the show. The Apple Watch's guts don't matter, it's all about the body. There is cheap, business, and flashy. (Flashy, being the ceramic one) I personally hate the look of the ceramic one, it looks cheaper than the aluminum.

Soda cans are made of steel too.

I’d rather have a new watch every year and “put up with aluminium” than only get a new SS model every few years. The internals are what matter for the watch.

 

[Luba]

I'm torn on which version to get my wife. I had the SS Apple Watch Series 0 (the first generation) and liked the "heft" of it but I was used to heavy watches. I got rid of the AW after just 4 months when that version was too slow, not waterproof and disappointed me when it came to fitness tracking. My wife hasn't worn a watch in years (other than at dressy events and then only the tiny female formal style watches) and typically wears those lighter than air Fitbit bands. That said I'm still leaning towards getting her a stainless steel watch... why?

1. Stainless Steel comes with a SAPPHIRE screen. I wear a Garmin 5S with a sapphire screen and I have smashed this thing so many times into concrete walls and metal corners and yet it looks totally flawless after nearly a year. My Apple Watch SS also was flawless when I sold it after 4 months (the SS band scuffs but is easily polished, the screen was perfect.) It seems the ion-x glass in the aluminum watch is far, far more easily scratched in day to day use. I see you mentioned a screen protector but I haven't really seen one that is "invisible" as you mentioned, most have peeling edges, bubbles, gaps etc. that I've seen. What do you use? BTW: I tend to hate screen protectors. I don't want my wife to get a scratch on day 1 and have to see it all the time because the Apple Watch tends to have a black screen which highlights the scratch more than a typical mechanical watch with a white or colored face.

2. I think the aluminum AW looks nice, and certainly is fine for casual sporty use. IMHO the shiny stainless goes a long way to making the AW a dressier watch that doesn't look out of place in more formal settings. It also looks more like jewelry on a woman's arm IMHO. Bottom line? The aluminum doesn't look as nice.

Why am I considering NOT getting her the SS?

1. Cost. I'm not sure she will really "love" the AW and I could see her eventually just wearing it some of the time and mainly for workouts... the flip side is also true, if she totally falls in love with the thing then I'd be inclined to trade her up to new models every year and doing that with the sapphire versions would be far more expensive which also isn't great. I tend to think of stainless steel and sapphire belonging on less "disposable" watches/jewelry. I'm blessed to be able to afford that but it still seems wasteful.

2. Weight. Like you mentioned the 38mm aluminum watch is ridiculously light. Consider my wife seldom wears watches and likely has never owned a watch with anything approaching a 38mm it might go a long way to get her "used" to wearing a watch if it doesn't weigh much.

Decisions decisions.
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Out of curiosity how did your aluminum series 0 hold up over the last 2 years? Any scratches or dents to the body or screen?

You don't say how rough your wife is with watches. That could be the determining factor. I have the aluminum AW3 this year and it's a year long experiment to see how badly it gets scratched. So far, I can say that I felt more care free with the SS as I felt confident nothing will happen when I tap or lightly bang into something. With the aluminum I look immediately wondering if this instance I've caused a scratch.

 

[Otflyer]

This is an unwinable argument. Both sides are right based on their watch preference.

 

[44267547]

Aluminum is cheap, looks cheap, and feels cheap. Like a soda can it's cheap. Cheap doesn't look good, ever. If you work in the business world do you want to look cheap or successful?

As a stainless steel Apple Watch owner, I disagree with you.

It really doesn't matter based on the casing. I see plenty of successful individuals that wear the aluminum model. You can dress up the aluminum just as easily as you can the stainless model. It's it's more about how you carry yourself than it is based on the casing.

 

[FilmIndustryGuy]

I thought hard about SS and decided not to.

1. The uncharge is significant and likely not to be recaptured on resale relative to the Sport/Nike+ AW, which I'd expect to be selling within 2-3 years.
2. Sapphire glass is more scratch resistant, but also far more likely to shatter.
3. Sapphire glass has much greater reflection than the ion glass, which is a negative for outdoor use.
4. The greater risk of scratches on the ion glass is easily managed with AppleCare+, which is surprisingly affordable for the AW.

I used the SS for 3 years and banged it around without any glass scratches or shatters. Bought a steel polish cloth and made the steel look like new in 3 min. I live in LA and never noticed brightness issues at noon. If ion scratches than its not worth it. The sapphire has been solid enough that I can throw the watch around with comfort.

 

[democracyrules]

I thought hard about SS and decided not to.

1. The uncharge is significant and likely not to be recaptured on resale relative to the Sport/Nike+ AW, which I'd expect to be selling within 2-3 years.
2. Sapphire glass is more scratch resistant, but also far more likely to shatter.
3. Sapphire glass has much greater reflection than the ion glass, which is a negative for outdoor use.
4. The greater risk of scratches on the ion glass is easily managed with AppleCare+, which is surprisingly affordable for the AW.

Well said. Excellent points. My SBSS series 2 sapphire glass shattered after accidentally dropped. I thought the sapphire glass was supposed to be strong. I brought to Apple store and I got a replacement watch. I asked the genius staff why the sapphire glass easily shattered as a lot of people said it was a better material. The genius said the sapphire glass was not better than any other materials. It is just a different material. Aside from that, as Apple upgrades the watch yearly as technology changes, the Apple Watch becomes obsolete yearly. Spending too much money on the Watch yearly is not worth it compared to spending on the iPhone yearly. iPhone is like a mini computer while Watch is more an iPhone accessory or jewelry. Apple Watch is a yearly obsolete jewelry due technology changes.

 

[Otflyer]

Well said. Excellent points. My SBSS series 2 sapphire glass shattered after accidentally dropped. I thought the sapphire glass was supposed to be strong. I brought to Apple store and I got a replacement watch. I asked the genius staff why the sapphire glass easily shattered as a lot of people said it was a better material. The genius said the sapphire glass was not better than any other materials. It is just a different material. Aside from that, as Apple upgrades the watch yearly as technology changes, the Apple Watch becomes obsolete yearly. Spending too much money on the Watch yearly is not worth it compared to spending on the iPhone yearly. iPhone is like a mini computer while Watch is more an iPhone accessory or jewelry. Apple Watch is a yearly obsolete jewelry due technology changes.

To those who prefer SS the extra cost is worth it and resale is not a consideration.

 

[Newtons Apple]

You are lucky Apple replaced when you dropped.

 

[newellj]

Well said. Excellent points. My SBSS series 2 sapphire glass shattered after accidentally dropped. I thought the sapphire glass was supposed to be strong. I brought to Apple store and I got a replacement watch. I asked the genius staff why the sapphire glass easily shattered as a lot of people said it was a better material. The genius said the sapphire glass was not better than any other materials. It is just a different material. Aside from that, as Apple upgrades the watch yearly as technology changes, the Apple Watch becomes obsolete yearly. Spending too much money on the Watch yearly is not worth it compared to spending on the iPhone yearly. iPhone is like a mini computer while Watch is more an iPhone accessory or jewelry. Apple Watch is a yearly obsolete jewelry due technology changes.

Ewww (shattered). Watch makers don't really explain that sapphire glass is NOT stronger, it is harder. That is why it resists scratching much better, but when the **** hits the fan (or rather, the watch crystal) it is more prone to chip or shatter than softer glass.

And your point about the practical life of the watch is right on. I have a Rolex that's older than most people posting here, and my father wears a watch every day that he bought in the 1950s. No one's going to be wearing one of today's Apple Watches in 25 or 50 or more years from now.
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I used the SS for 3 years and banged it around without any glass scratches or shatters. Bought a steel polish cloth and made the steel look like new in 3 min. I live in LA and never noticed brightness issues at noon. If ion scratches than its not worth it. The sapphire has been solid enough that I can throw the watch around with comfort.

Throw it around a bit and you'll get something like these:

 

[Otflyer]

Had my SS S0 for 2.5 yrs. Other than micro scratches (which polish out) it was perfect when sold. I bought the SS S3 for its durability and since I have to look at it all day every day for another 2-3 yrs felt it was worth the extra cost. Resale value was never a consideration. I would have no problem owning an aluminum Apple Watch if I didn’t have to worry about scratching the screen or case.

 

[44267547]

Had my SS S0 for 2.5 yrs. Other than micro scratches (which polish out) it was perfect when sold. I bought the SS S3 for its durability and since I have to look at it all day every day for another 2-3 yrs felt it was worth the extra cost. Resale value was never a consideration. I would have no problem owning an aluminum Apple Watch if I didn’t have to worry about scratching the screen or case.

Resale value for the stainless model is actually rather poor compared to the aluminum model. But given I don't resell my Apple products, I plan on using my Apple Watches until they are no longer supported in watchOS or usable in general. Aside from my preference with the stainless steel, you can remove the scratches rather easily with a buffing cloth almost to factory condition.

 

[Mikeeee]

I took advantage of the 14 day return policy to figure out what watch was best for me. Started with the Series 3 Nike but had a yearning for stainless steel so I traded up. Picked up the Black/grey SS and immediately noticed the additional weight. While that is great for general watch use my preference is the lighter weight for exercise. Also picked up a 3rd party Milanese band.

As I was wearing the stainless steel I kept thinking in terms of appearance the difference was essentially the ring around the side of the watch. Also as somebody who has owned expensive watches it was bothering me that unless you are looking directly at the watch you are just seeing a black face. Obviously the screen doesn't illuminate unless you raise the watch. It's tough to make a mostly black face look "premium". So considering the extra heft being not optimum for exercise, the only noticeable area of difference is the ring around the sides and the face being black when not illuminated, the SS was not worth the extra cost for me.

I now wear the Nike + with the Milanese and the weight is great for casual, non sport usage. The watch looks fine with causal and more elegant bands. I decided I won't buy the high end models until Apple figures out a way to have the face illuminated full time.

 

[Luba]

A scratched up screen isn’t technically covered by AppleCare+ as it’s not considered an accident. But have people here had luck with getting their scratched up screens replaced or AW replaced? Apple used to be known to go above and beyond the AppleCare agreement.

 

[dmaxdmax]

I’ll happily accept 20 scratches on the body instead of 1 tiny one on the crystal. I️ can’t consider any model that isn’t sapphire but I️ can’t afford the ceramic so that leaves only SS.

My black one is on my wife’s to-be-wrapped pile. 4 long weeks...

 

[Seamaster]

Aluminum is cheap, looks cheap, and feels cheap. Like a soda can it's cheap. Cheap doesn't look good, ever.

How's your MacBook?

 

[democracyrules]

You are lucky Apple replaced when you dropped.

Of course 🙂 but I did not buy the series 3 stainless steel anymore. I got Nike Plus since I plan to get the best (edition) of the series 4 next year. The series 4 will be the revolutionary watch others will see 🙂
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Aluminum is cheap, looks cheap, and feels cheap. Like a soda can it's cheap. Cheap doesn't look good, ever. If you work in the business world do you want to look cheap or successful? These things aren't like real timepieces where the mechanics are the star of the show. The Apple Watch's guts don't matter, it's all about the body. There is cheap, business, and flashy. (Flashy, being the ceramic one) I personally hate the look of the ceramic one, it looks cheaper than the aluminum.

Get aluminum watch if you like to upgrade yearly, no point to invest so much money on a watch that will be obsolete yearly due to technology changes or better functionality. Unless you want to keep it for more than 2 years and the technology in the Watch satisfies you, then spend the money. Having more than 1 or two Watches sound absurd and wasteful. Especially, when those watches become outdated technologically.
[doublepost=1512083451][/doublepost]

How's your MacBook?

excellent question!!

 

[GDF]

LOL - that is so true. I would take a nice Omega or Rolex over a SS Apple watch any day of the week. 🙂

Compared to everyone else in the boardroom, the SS probably looks cheap too.

 

[Ingster]

I have had a sport and SS apple watch, i will be getting a Series 3 in stainless, because 9 months with my sport and i'd scratched the screen, +1 year with my SS and the screen is still pristine, and that is why, if my screen can get scratched I don't want it, so the SS is for me.

 

[Mabus51]

Of course 🙂 but I did not buy the series 3 stainless steel anymore. I got Nike Plus since I plan to get the best (edition) of the series 4 next year. The series 4 will be the revolutionary watch others will see 🙂
[doublepost=1512083382][/doublepost]
Get aluminum watch if you like to upgrade yearly, no point to invest so much money on a watch that will be obsolete yearly due to technology changes or better functionality. Unless you want to keep it for more than 2 years and the technology in the Watch satisfies you, then spend the money. Having more than 1 or two Watches sound absurd and wasteful. Especially, when those watches become outdated technologically.
[doublepost=1512083451][/doublepost]
excellent question!!

That's the problem with smart watches in general. They're obsolete the day you walk out the door with them. Just like your car, but why have 2 of those especially when they're updated yearly as well.

 

[Nell]

I have two (my original sport watch and a new one). I wouldn’t have bought two other than as a result if upgrading but I do like always being able to track sleep.

 

[AttilaTheHun]

I took advantage of the 14 day return policy to figure out what watch was best for me. Started with the Series 3 Nike but had a yearning for stainless steel so I traded up. Picked up the Black/grey SS and immediately noticed the additional weight. While that is great for general watch use my preference is the lighter weight for exercise. Also picked up a 3rd party Milanese band.

As I was wearing the stainless steel I kept thinking in terms of appearance the difference was essentially the ring around the side of the watch. Also as somebody who has owned expensive watches it was bothering me that unless you are looking directly at the watch you are just seeing a black face. Obviously the screen doesn't illuminate unless you raise the watch. It's tough to make a mostly black face look "premium". So considering the extra heft being not optimum for exercise, the only noticeable area of difference is the ring around the sides and the face being black when not illuminated, the SS was not worth the extra cost for me.

I now wear the Nike + with the Milanese and the weight is great for casual, non sport usage. The watch looks fine with causal and more elegant bands. I decided I won't buy the high end models until Apple figures out a way to have the face illuminated full time.

Illuminated full time? how often do you want to charge it?

 

[44267547]

I have had a sport and SS apple watch, i will be getting a Series 3 in stainless, because 9 months with my sport and i'd scratched the screen, +1 year with my SS and the screen is still pristine, and that is why, if my screen can get scratched I don't want it, so the SS is for me.

That's my main justification for the stainless model, is the Sapphire display. I really don't want to have to look at any scratches on the 42 mm display, and the Sapphire display helps eliminate that issue.