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Using Apple Watch SS as a sleep tracker

F

Falcon80

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 27, 2012
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I am deciding between stainless steel or aluminium Apple Watch Series 4. One of my primary uses is to use the watch for sleep tracking (currently using gen 1 apple watch for this purpose). With the added weight for the SS watch, will it be uncomfortable to be used as sleep tracker?

Thanks for any comments. :)
 
Falcon80 said:
This is also your first time getting a SS Apple Watch?
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Yes. I have the Series 2 in aluminum and I don’t feel that on my wrist now. I did preorder the SS and aluminum to see which one will be comfortable on my wrist. I’ll return one of them which will probably end up being the SS, since I ordered the 44m.
 
What app do you use for Sleep Tracking. I am getting a S4 SS and have an original SS. I would consider keeping my original for Sleep Tracking. Can you pair both to iPhone and easily switch?
 
roland.g said:
What app do you use for Sleep Tracking. I am getting a S4 SS and have an original SS. I would consider keeping my original for Sleep Tracking. Can you pair both to iPhone and easily switch?
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I use this one:

366dc7ab2ea574c787901301e2dd1c6a.png
 
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Stainless Steel is very much more noticeably heavy. Think of wearing any other steel watch or jewelry while you sleep. I would say you could sleep in it, but if you're someone who wants everything to be loose, light and free while sleeping, it may bother you. I certainly would feel more comfortable with nothing on than with a watch (this goes for back when I wore digital watches in elementary school as well). Aluminum will be much closer to naked experience and is closer to that of fitbit/other plastic or lighter fitness tracker.

If that is a must for you, then consider the sport model. I also plan to use mine for sleep tracking, but having the SS for everyday occasions trumps that for me, so if it's uncomfortable I'll forgo sleep tracking.
 
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Yes, light is better if you want to use the watch 24/7. I have a heavy stainless steel dive watch and it sucks to wear after a while. This is why I went aluminum. I dont see any Apple Watch as a statement of style like a classic watch. I definitely believe they can look very cool, especially with different band options, but the #1 goal of a smart watch for me is sleekness and comfort. Main point is that I looked at the weight of each model and 10+ grams is definitely noticeable when on your wrist all day.

For perspective, an aluminum watch is on average under 40 total grams. That is incredible, you should barely notice it. A SS is at least 10 grams more. It will still be very wearable, but weight is a major luxury when you wear something on your wrist all day.

A sterling silver large dive watch can weigh over 150 grams. After 8 hours, I usually am looking forward to removing it.
 
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iBought said:
Yes, light is better if you want to use the watch 24/7. I have a heavy stainless steel dive watch and it sucks to wear after a while. This is why I went aluminum. I dont see any Apple Watch as a statement of style like a classic watch. I definitely believe they can look very cool, especially with different band options, but the #1 goal of a smart watch for me is sleekness and comfort. Main point is that I looked at the weight of each model and 10+ grams is definitely noticeable when on your wrist all day.

For perspective, an aluminum watch is on average under 40 total grams. That is incredible, you should barely notice it. A SS is at least 10 grams more. It will still be very wearable, but weight is a major luxury when you wear something on your wrist all day.

A sterling silver large dive watch can weigh over 150 grams. After 8 hours, I usually am looking forward to removing it.
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Agreed. Also some people don't wear traditional watches for style, in which case if you want this device to be a all in one, the stainless steel may still be worth considering over the aluminum, if you prefer the look.
 
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iBought said:
Yes, light is better if you want to use the watch 24/7. I have a heavy stainless steel dive watch and it sucks to wear after a while. This is why I went aluminum. I dont see any Apple Watch as a statement of style like a classic watch. I definitely believe they can look very cool, especially with different band options, but the #1 goal of a smart watch for me is sleekness and comfort. Main point is that I looked at the weight of each model and 10+ grams is definitely noticeable when on your wrist all day.

For perspective, an aluminum watch is on average under 40 total grams. That is incredible, you should barely notice it. A SS is at least 10 grams more. It will still be very wearable, but weight is a major luxury when you wear something on your wrist all day.

A sterling silver large dive watch can weigh over 150 grams. After 8 hours, I usually am looking forward to removing it.
Click to expand...

The main reason I am considering the SS over the aluminium is for its durability. I am planning to wear it 24 by 7 (except the time it is charging) for heart rate monitoring so I am going to bump it against walls, tables, etc more often.. Not sure how the aluminium version will hold up over time.
 
Falcon80 said:
The main reason I am considering the SS over the aluminium is for its durability. I am planning to wear it 24 by 7 (except the time it is charging) for heart rate monitoring so I am going to bump it against walls, tables, etc more often.. Not sure how the aluminium version will hold up over time.
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I’m going to do the same, but I went aluminum. Most people tell me the SS gets scratched up fairly easily. The aluminum is pretty durable from what I have heard.

I hear the Sleep++ app is great. I think I will go with that one myself.
 
iBought said:
I’m going to do the same, but I went aluminum. Most people tell me the SS gets scratched up fairly easily. The aluminum is pretty durable from what I have heard.

I hear the Sleep++ app is great. I think I will go with that one myself.
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The original SS (silver) gets scratches easily but can be polished to its original state. Not possible with aluminium case. Sleep++ works well but I also heard good things about the paid Auto Sleep.
 
I have a garmin fenix that track sleep on it isn't noticeable (maybe 85ish grams) I tried to use my AW2 for that however noticed that my battery needed to charge at night or id have no power for the afternoons. Hope the AW4 is a bit better in the battery department.
 
I have used SS model to track sleep every night for over 2 years with no issues at all because of the weight. You don't notice it after a while.
 
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Lobwedgephil said:
I have used SS model to track sleep every night for over 2 years with no issues at all because of the weight. You don't notice it after a while.
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Actually I wonder if Apple is fine with us getting the SS version.. and really try it out for sleep tracking.. If it is still uncomfortable after a week, then return it for the aluminium version.
 
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