Ultra Durability - First Scratch

[bmac4]

I think you just like to argue.

Me? Hahaha I think that’s you. My point has been the same this entire time. I wasn’t speaking of the watch actually functioning or not. I am speaking of wear and tear over the years. That clearly can’t be argued.

 

[RPhoto]

Me? Hahaha I think that’s you. My point has been the same this entire time. I wasn’t speaking of the watch actually functioning or not. I am speaking of wear and tear over the years. That clearly can’t be argued.

You may not be talking about the watch functioning but that doesn’t stop that being the type of durability the Ultra is built for.

The impact that is required to smash a sapphire crystal screen is so high, the difference in design and materials is much smaller. I would say you could almost do the same exact things with the SS as you can with the Ultra without being worried about damage that would require repair by Apple.

The difference for me comes cosmetically. Clearly Titanium is much easier to show cosmetic signs of wear compared to Stainless steel.

I appreciate your point of view but there’s no point going back and forth. We each have our understanding of how we perceive the Ultras durability to be understood. It’s durability meets my requirements for my use case and that’s all that really matters to me. I wish you happy ownership of whichever Watch path you stick with 👍

 

[bmac4]

You may not be talking about the watch functioning but that doesn’t stop that being the type of durability the Ultra is built for.

I appreciate your point of view but there’s no point going back and forth. We each have our understanding of how we perceive the Ultras durability to be understood. It’s durability meets my requirements for my use case and that’s all that really matters to me. I wish you happy ownership of whichever Watch path you stick with

I didn’t mean to get into a debate about the understanding of durability. Like you, the durability of the Ultra meets my needs, but I also like my stainless steel AW. I just thought the Ultra might be tougher taking damage to the titanium case, but I am none the disappointed in the watch. I am glad I have both.

 

[RPhoto]

I didn’t mean to get into a debate about the understanding of durability. Like you, the durability of the Ultra meets my needs, but I also like my stainless steel AW. I just thought the Ultra might be tougher taking damage to the titanium case, but I am none the disappointed in the watch. I am glad I have both.

All good. I also have both so we’re fortunate to enjoy the best of both worlds. Have to admit I’ve barely worn the SS since the Ultra arrived 🙈

 

[bmac4]

All good. I also have both so we’re fortunate to enjoy the best of both worlds. Have to admit I’ve barely worn the SS since the Ultra arrived

Me either, but I want to keep it around. Something about the SS will always have my attention. It’s still a beautiful design.

 

[RPhoto]

Me either, but I want to keep it around. Something about the SS will always have my attention. It’s still a beautiful design.

The beauty of it for me is it suits almost all bands! Here’s hoping for a redesign soon with a nod towards the Ulteas design language 👌

 

[bmac4]

The beauty of it for me is it suits almost all bands! Here’s hoping for a redesign soon with a nod towards the Ulteas design language

Yes!! I would just prefer if they got the case closer to the 49mm of the Ultra. That fits my wrist so much better

 

[wilberforce]

I didn’t mean to get into a debate about the understanding of durability. Like you, the durability of the Ultra meets my needs, but I also like my stainless steel AW. I just thought the Ultra might be tougher taking damage to the titanium case, but I am none the disappointed in the watch. I am glad I have both.

I think you are right: the SS AW is best for those that want their watch to remain unmarked or unscratched, whereas the Ultra is best for those that want it unsmashed and remain operable after severe impacts (but not necessarily unmarked)

 

[JT2002TJ]

I think you just like to argue.

Honestly, a lot of people (myself included) consider cosmetics part of the definition of durability.

I have only had SS AWs until the Ultra. None of them have had anything but very very fine micro scratches after years on daily wearing (yard work, motorcycle work, automotive work, home repair). I already have a couple knicks in the AWU (and I have been very careful since it isn't SS).

The finish of the AWU is no way near as durable as the SS versions. Not even close.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Honestly, a lot of people (myself included) consider cosmetics part of the definition of durability.

I have only had SS AWs until the Ultra. None of them have had anything but very very fine micro scratches after years on daily wearing (yard work, motorcycle work, automotive work, home repair). I already have a couple knicks in the AWU (and I have been very careful since it isn't SS).

The finish of the AWU is no way near as durable as the SS versions. Not even close.

When it come to cosmetic durability, I agree. But when it comes to mechanical durability, Apple says the Ultra wins.

I understand how Apple people think when it comes to cosmetics and single scratch or tiny dark mark on the plastic GPS antenna insulator ruins the whole ownership of the device. BUT, Apple, supposedly, made the Ultra Watch to take a licking and keep working in the most harsh conditions. That does not mean the Ultra will be pretty and unscathed. I am not positive that Apple has actually accomplished this as I look at my Ultra and the very thin titanium strip that surround the sapphire face and worry a good hit would deform the titanium and shatter the brittle screen.

This is just how I feel and I understand others have different opinions , needs and wants.

 

[JT2002TJ]

When it come to cosmetic durability, I agree. But when it comes to mechanical durability, Apple says the Ultra wins.

I understand how Apple people think when it comes to cosmetics and single scratch or tiny dark mark on the plastic GPS antenna insulator ruins the whole ownership of the device. BUT, Apple, supposedly, made the Ultra Watch to take a licking and keep working in the most harsh conditions. That does not mean the Ultra will be pretty and unscathed. I am not positive that Apple has actually accomplished this as I look at my Ultra and the very thin titanium strip that surround the sapphire face and worry a good hit would deform the titanium and shatter the brittle screen.

This is just how I feel and I understand others have different opinions , needs and wants.

Is it bad that a customer expects both? These are not cheap watches, especially since they have a set End Of Life?

We already have several examples of cosmetically durable AWs since S0 (SS, Ceramic).

I will replace this AWU with a SS version as soon as it is available. With how I perceive the success of the AWU, I have no doubt that Apple will release it in different finishes, since they know that they will be able to sell a second AWU to people like me.

 

[p8blr]

If there was a "case" for the Ultra that didn't look awful, I'd honestly be really interested in that. I mean, there's a reason cheap sports watches are clad in rubber. Would be interesting to see Apple's attempt at making one. So far, I've only ever seen the one Spigen makes and I'm not a fan of how it looks.

 

[FrankySavvy]

Just knocked my Ultra into a metal shelve holder and I was certain I would see a dent, scratch, ding…I just looked at it with a fine tooth comb, and it’s flawless.

I think it’s pretty durable.

But I would say jagged concrete, boulders etc would scuff up the titanium with a good scrape, so not indestructible but you won’t see the micro scratches the stainless steel picks up.

Just like anything, take care of the things you own.

 

[azhava]

Just knocked my Ultra into a metal shelve holder and I was certain I would see a dent, scratch, ding…I just looked at it with a fine tooth comb, and it’s flawless.

I think it’s pretty durable.

But I would say jagged concrete, boulders etc would scuff up the titanium with a good scrape, so not indestructible but you won’t see the micro scratches the stainless steel picks up.

Just like anything, take care of the things you own.

Taking a watch outdoors into rugged environments and complaining about it getting scratched/dinged is about like taking shiny, brand new golf clubs out on a course and complaining because they get scratched/dinged when you're repeatedly hitting a ball and thumping them into dirt, grass, sand, rocks, etc. Of course they do, and how silly to think they wouldn't.

 

[PeeWee1963]

Well... Just this morning I noticed my first F*CKING screen scratch! Sitting in doors, in a vet exam room, with good overhead lighting. Unbelievable. I would happily take a case scratch. I've had the watch for 12 days now. Previously I had a Stainless Steel Series 4 for 3 years (still have it) --> FLAWLESS. 3 years of day to day, smacking against door handles, volunteer firefighting, MOVING from one state to another, working on both cars, gardening, home DIY... Literally flawless... This f*cking Ultra, after not even 2 weeks I have a decent scratch on it. And there's no mark or scratch on the case anywhere in line with that scratch (to indicate that it was related).

I'm so pissed off. Considering returning it on Saturday (14 day mark). I won't be able to get an immediate replacement because all variations seem to be at least 2-3 weeks out. I wonder what my chances are that the store would replace? I know the scratch is MY doing... I "accept responsibility" for the scratch... but wow my ****ing SS Series 4 last 3 years with ZERO scratches. I work from home. I've been setting up home networking, unpacking boxes. I haven't even worked on the cars, cut the grass, or done anything that I can imagine would cause a scratch like this.

I certainly hope your screen holds up scratch free for as long as possible, if not for the life of your Watch Ultra! Thanks for sharing 🙂.

View attachment 2089408View attachment 2089409

Scratching sapphire glass requires diamond.

 

[PumaUK7]

I briefly rubbed the edge of the bezel against some vinyl flooring and it’s marked all along the top. This titanium is NOT scratch resistant at all.

 

[Jackbequickly]

I briefly rubbed the edge of the bezel against some vinyl flooring and it’s marked all along the top. This titanium is NOT scratch resistant at all.

Apple is not claiming it is scratch resistant. Titanium is much softer than stainless.

Cosmetics . . . .

 

[jamface]

Just knocked my Ultra into a metal shelve holder and I was certain I would see a dent, scratch, ding…I just looked at it with a fine tooth comb, and it’s flawless.

I think it’s pretty durable.

But I would say jagged concrete, boulders etc would scuff up the titanium with a good scrape, so not indestructible but you won’t see the micro scratches the stainless steel picks up.

Just like anything, take care of the things you own.

You looked at it with a comb?!

 

[PeeWee1963]

Apple is not claiming it is scratch resistant. Titanium is much softer than stainless.

Cosmetics . . . .

Mohs hardness of aluminum is 2.75, titanium is 6, hardened steel is 8, sapphire crystal glas is 9, diamond is 10.

 

[Jackbequickly]

What ever you say

 

[pirateninjae]

Feels like the Apple Watch Ultra is the equivalent of a mall crawler for some people...

 

[AlphaGuitarist]

Due to an unfortunate encounter with a metal enclosure earlier this morning, my AWU now has a minor scratch. I’ve seen a few posts mentioning that these can be easily buffed out. Can anyone recommend something I can use to do this? My OCD is already killing me.

 

[BenGoren]

Due to an unfortunate encounter with a metal enclosure earlier this morning, my AWU now has a minor scratch. I’ve seen a few posts mentioning that these can be easily buffed out. Can anyone recommend something I can use to do this? My OCD is already killing me.

It doesn’t involve polishing, it I do have a solution.

You see, the “metal enclosure” was a scabbard encasing Thrumag, the Sword of Global Devastation. But, thankfully, you were able to prevent Gribmag the Horrendus from drawing Thrumag, thereby saving the globe from devastation.

The watch didn’t come out unscathed, of course — but it’s a minor price to pay.

b&

 

[leebroath]

It's not too bad at the moment due to cold weather, and constantly wearing jumpers (Scotland)

Wait till next year when the tops come off, and the watch is more open to being knocked 🙂

I know I shoudn't compare a scratch on my watch to a scratch on an iPad or Mac per say, but I personally like to keep my items looking good, they cost a lot so do try, but then accidents will happen.

I also do have OCD and with the slightest scratch it then turns into the end of the world 😉

But as others have mentioned, once scratched you then tend to just deal with it, and get on with life.

 

[Jackbequickly]

It's not too bad at the moment due to cold weather, and constantly wearing jumpers (Scotland)

Wait till next year when the tops come off, and the watch is more open to being knocked 🙂

I know I shoudn't compare a scratch on my watch to a scratch on an iPad or Mac per say, but I personally like to keep my items looking good, they cost a lot so do try, but then accidents will happen.

I also do have OCD and with the slightest scratch it then turns into the end of the world 😉

But as others have mentioned, once scratched you then tend to just deal with it, and get on with life.

‘Anything worn will get scratched or nicked sooner or later. Just a matter of time. I have to admit that the DLC coating on my last two Apple Watches have not suffered even a scuff and still look like new. The ultra has no such coating and will scratch pretty easily. But it will take a ”licking” and keep on going.