Undecided between S3 SS and Nike

[fischersd]

Damn guys, thank you all.

I am still in doubt, cause I do tend to upgrade every year, but I also like having and wearing nice things. I also do have the money, but I am by no means rich and can afford to waste $300~

Also, I was planning on getting the silver Ss, not the black one. I see that multiple people here have recommended the black one. Any particular reason why?

The SBSS watch has a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating on it. The only thing that will scratch it is something else approaching the hardness of Diamond. You do have to be cautious around some things though (shiny concrete walls at resorts often have particulates approaching diamond hardness). Diamond rings (of course).
It's very difficult to scratch, but not impossible. If it does scratch, there's no way to buff the scratches out. (attempting to do so would only thin the layer and possibly expose the stainless steel underneath).

We've seen very few people actually damage that coating over the two+ years that it's been released.

 

[44267547]

As others have noted, the stainless steel does not hold value, mainly because the Aluminum model is widely more available and is much more affordable. And I find many not seemingly liking the weight with the stainless steel, even though that's my preference. But when I purchased the stainless steel model, I also realized that I plan on using it until it's no longer useful to me.

 

[Breezygirl]

Go Nike, best value and great durability.

 

[newellj]

I blog a little about watches, and as a runner, have compared AW with Garmin time over. You may find this useful: https://andykumar.net/category/running-gadgets/

I purchased an AW S3 (non-LTE) and am SUPER careful with my gadgets. Still, I noticed some very faint marks on my <2-week old AW. So I returned it and opted for the LTE version which has a ceramic back. Having not owned a ceramic back before (upgrading from Series 0), I can truly say that it is worth it!!! Looks so much better; I think going from ceramic to composite, you may be disappointed.
[doublepost=1507632365][/doublepost]Also, if you love running (or cycling) definitely get on STRAVA!!!!

Very helpful info, thank you...question: have you thought about the cost/benefit tradeoffs of going to the stainless case with sapphire display? As pointed out above, they'd be a good bit more durable. One question I have about that, though, is whether with a still-evolving tech device like this whether spending an extra ~1/3 of the cost of the Al/Ion glass LTE (which has the ceramic back, like the SS) is a reasonable investment or a waste of money.
[doublepost=1507721946][/doublepost]

As others have noted, the stainless steel does not hold value, mainly because the Aluminum model is widely more available and is much more affordable. And I find many not seemingly liking the weight with the stainless steel, even though that's my preference. But when I purchased the stainless steel model, I also realized that I plan on using it until it's no longer useful to me.

Helpful data point, thank you.
[doublepost=1507722007][/doublepost]

Something else to consider is the resale value. SS depreciation is horrible. SS looks the best in my opinion. However, I had a SS 0 and went with Nike+LTE this year. Much less expensive, does the same thing, and a black band with the SG body looks good professionally or for sport.

Another helpful data point, thanks. You guys are confirming my suspicions about the SS AW.

 

[Fireball Dragon]

@newellj, I think the aluminium with ceramic back is the middle ground. If the LTE version had a composite back, I may have gone for the SS.

I’ve never had any issues with non-sapphire watch faces. I just try to be careful I don’t knock my wrist anywhere. I’d actually be careful despite the finish, tbh.

I also honestly prefer the space grey alu finish. Just my own preference here, and also like the light weight.

The AW clearly has a lifespan of ~2 years before it gets slow with software updates/features. Just take a look at Series 0 which is just over 2 years old now.

 

[deeddawg]

@newellj In addition to the above factors, I think you need to consider your own personal sensitivity to visible wear. Some people won't tolerate anything but mint condition, finding any scuff or scrape a glaring annoyance. In contrast, some people don't really care so long as the watch works and gets the job done. Where you sit between these extremes will govern the value to you of having the SS watch.

 

[newellj]

@newellj In addition to the above factors, I think you need to consider your own personal sensitivity to visible wear. Some people won't tolerate anything but mint condition, finding any scuff or scrape a glaring annoyance. In contrast, some people don't really care so long as the watch works and gets the job done. Where you sit between these extremes will govern the value to you of having the SS watch.

Good thoughts and for me it's sort of a balance with some guessing. I'm making assumptions about some wear but nothing too dramatic...I recognize that I sometimes bang things/bang into things so I got AC+ in case there's some serious damage...and I'm also making assumptions about the pace of hardware evolution and resale values. How it all works out in real life - don't know. It'll be OK, though, I'm sure.
[doublepost=1507737201][/doublepost]

@newellj, I think the aluminium with ceramic back is the middle ground. If the LTE version had a composite back, I may have gone for the SS.

I’ve never had any issues with non-sapphire watch faces. I just try to be careful I don’t knock my wrist anywhere. I’d actually be careful despite the finish, tbh.

I also honestly prefer the space grey alu finish. Just my own preference here, and also like the light weight.

The AW clearly has a lifespan of ~2 years before it gets slow with software updates/features. Just take a look at Series 0 which is just over 2 years old now.

That all sounds about right, with the exception that I know that I do tend to bang watches into things. Two of my favorite "good" watches, an older Rolex Sub and an older Omega Speedmaster "Moonwatch," have acrylic crystals that I've learned to polish. I don't plan to polish this crystal, but I got AC+ for serious damage and plan to get a Zagg glass screen protector (or at least try it) for lower levels of dings/scrapes.

 

[Cnasty]

I ordered a Series 3 Space Black SS and a S3 Silver SS.

I was torn as you can see in many of these threads of which to keep.

When I saw them both in person the black won out for me due to durability, not as flashy but still can be dressed up with my business attire yet blend nicely with a sports band and that sapphire screen and DLC with 2 kids and continuously active was a HUGE deciding factor for me.

 

[44267547]

I ordered a Series 3 Space Black SS and a S3 Silver SS.

I was torn as you can see in many of these threads of which to keep.

When I saw them both in person the black won out for me due to durability, not as flashy but still can be dressed up with my business attire yet blend nicely with a sports band and that sapphire screen and DLC with 2 kids and continuously active was a HUGE deciding factor for me.

I find extremely interesting, is that Apple use to market the first generation Apple Watch having the diamond like carbon coating. Since the Series 2 and now the Series 3, they no longer market the diamond like carbon coating. Last year, the issue was raised if they were using the DLC coating on the Apple Watch space black stainless. It was confirmed that they were and I certainly think it would be a benefit to Apple to continue to advertisethe DLC in terms of durability , but for whatever reason they don't.

 

[iThink Apple]

Nike all the way! Feels great to workout with

 

[hisboyelroy]

Just to add my opinion here, as I too was torn between the SS space black and the aluminum space gray... I ended up, and am currently wearing the aluminum space gray Nike+ and feel pretty good about it. I had originally bought the SS space black and wore it for about 2 days before deciding I just didn't like the look of it as much as the aluminum space gray. The space black was just too shiny for me and didn't look as good with most of the bands I had. As a reference, I was upgrading from a firs release, silver stainless steel, which I liked a lot. You all aren't kidding that these watches don't hold value for resale. I still can't seem to get rid of my original stainless steel watch even though it is in excellent shape. All comes down to personal preference. Whoever on this thread said that going to the store and trying it on is the best test is absolutely right.

 

[Tyler23]

Just to add my opinion here, as I too was torn between the SS space black and the aluminum space gray... I ended up, and am currently wearing the aluminum space gray Nike+ and feel pretty good about it. I had originally bought the SS space black and wore it for about 2 days before deciding I just didn't like the look of it as much as the aluminum space gray. The space black was just too shiny for me and didn't look as good with most of the bands I had. As a reference, I was upgrading from a firs release, silver stainless steel, which I liked a lot. You all aren't kidding that these watches don't hold value for resale. I still can't seem to get rid of my original stainless steel watch even though it is in excellent shape. All comes down to personal preference. Whoever on this thread said that going to the store and trying it on is the best test is absolutely right.

I am doing the same as you. Upgrading from Series 0 SS Watch to the Series S Nike+. Hoping I don’t regret it, but I can’t justify the price of the SS at this point. Was pretty careful with it and it’s in good shape. With AppleCare+ I’m hoping I have just as good of luck with the S3.

 

[convergent]

While the stainless and sapphire model does weigh a bit more, it is way more durable and will stay new looking for much longer.

I loved the SS model. It is much more flexible and looks good with nearly any band. The crystal is more scratch resistant. The body can be buffed to make it look like brand new. The extra weight actually gives it a good quality feel. I don't remember it getting hot. I did wear it (Series 0) everywhere, swimming, skiing, shower, yard work, working out... and it looked great.

 

[oghowie]

My original Apple Watch was a SS Black. Looks great, very durable, but heavy. Started running a lot more a year later and switched to a Series 2. So much better to run with due to the noticeable weight difference. Just wish it was a dark black and the glass didn't scratch as easily.

 

[predation]

This was my number one reason for not going with SS this year. I still don’t feel these products are worthy of being kept forn3+ years (though some are doing that) and so I couldn’t justify losing that entire markup come next year.

I may still get AppleCare since it’s $50 (thought it was $100+) and then I can just beat the he’ll out of the Watch.

Agreed. I’ll be picking up Apple care+ here shortly. $49 isn’t bad when replacing the screen alone outside of warranty is $200+

 

[donster28]

You're not alone in this dilemma. The Nike+ aluminum 43mm with cellular was my first choice, but since they are out of stock here, I ended up spending more for a Stainless Steel. Heck, the SS's are also rare here so I picked up one from the Apple Store as soon as I learned they're available.

I'll just write-off the CDN$300 difference in head...it's gonna hurt for a little while hehe...

 

[44267547]

You're not alone in this dilemma. The Nike+ aluminum 43mm with cellular was my first choice, but since they are out of stock here, I ended up spending more for a Stainless Steel. Heck, the SS's are also rare here so I picked up one from the Apple Store as soon as I learned they're available.

I'll just write-off the CDN$300 difference in head...it's gonna hurt for a little while hehe...

The stainless model is definitely the model that is The most difficult to come across. Interestingly enough, it seems even third-party retailers don't carry the stainless model in stock, unless you want them to order it for you. But the aluminum model, being the most popular and affordable, is available just about everywhere, assuming they have stock.

 

[macnmac]

i went from a space gray SS 42mm lte to a nike+ silver 42mm lte and have no regerts

have an extra $200 in my wallet to boot...

 

[deeddawg]

i went from a space gray SS 42mm lte to a nike+ silver 42mm lte and have no regerts

 

[macnmac]

my man

 

[DougFNJ]

Hello guys,

So I've had the S0 and the S2 Nike in the past (sold before the keynote), and I am now in the market for a Series 3. I've been trying to catch a 42mm SS in stock since they were announced, but I haven't had much luck. Neither Apple or BestBuy in my area have any, and the earliest date is in 3 weeks for a pick up. I know I should have ordered it a long time ago, but I keep thinking that it'll be faster to refresh their websites everyday and grab one as soon as they become available.

Anyways, because of my frustration, I am now considering the S3 Nike+ edition. I am really not interested in LTE, mostly because I don't want to pay, and because I am with my phone most of the time. When I'm not, it is because I don't want to. However the Stainless Steel doesn't just have LTE. It also has that beautiful body, a ceramic heart rate sensor, and sapphire at the front.

Now, I've never had a SS before (although my S2 Nike+ did have a ceramic back) and I haven't really seen much about its performance during intense activity. I do gym 2-3 times a week (1+ hour) and I go for a run almost everyday for no less than 30 minutes. I know the SS is a bit thicker because of the LTE, and a bit heavier because of being SS.

So does anyone have experience with both of them? Will the Stainless Steel body be a bother with its added weight and thickness? Will it absorb my body heat and stay hot on my wrist? Will I mess up/scratch the body while working out?

Thank you in advance!

My original Apple Watch was the Series 0 Space Gray. It was mostly durable but the display and composite back did develop hairline scratches fairly easy. It was also very light which I do not prefer. I eventually sold that and upgraded to the Space Black when they released it on the Sport Band, and then I purchased the bracelet on a great deal on Ebay.

I have since upgraded to the Series 2 Space Black and now just upgraded to the Series 3 and kept the bracelet all along for day to day and swap to the sport strap when exercising. Space Black has always help up perfectly. It had high polish, but being black does not look flashy at all. The weight isn't ridiculous, but I have always preferred heavier watches because I like the presence and knowing it's there. The annoying thing about composite is enough scratches can throw off the accuracy of pulse readings eventually. The crystal is easier to scratch, but not easy to break where sapphire could shatter.

It looks like a ton of stores received SS shipments today, so if you bought the Nike and prefer SS you could always return and purchase up.