Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
What’s the difference. Does it have better glass or protection. Thanks.

The ceramic Apple Watch Edition is lighter than the 316 L stainless and is highly scratch resistant. It uses a sapphire display just like the stainless model does.

The Apple Watch stainless 316 L model comes in regular stainless and black stainless. It also uses the sapphire display. It is heavier than the ceramic Apple Watch. The Regular stainless model does scratch easier, but can be removed with a polishing cloth. The black stainless steel Apple Watch has a diamond like carbon coating, which is a protective layer and highly scratch resistant.
 
The ceramic Apple Watch Edition is lighter than the 316 L stainless and is highly scratch resistant. It uses a sapphire display just like the stainless model does.

The Apple Watch stainless 316 L model comes in regular stainless and black stainless. It also uses the sapphire display. It is heavier than the ceramic Apple Watch. The Regular stainless model does scratch easier, but can be removed with a polishing cloth. The black stainless steel Apple Watch has a diamond like carbon coating, which is a protective layer and highly scratch resistant.



Oh is there a big price difference? Really tempted to pick up a series 3 watch very soon. I love my SS original model but wanna see the speed boosts
 
I bought the ceramic Edition in grey. Initially I thought it was great. Then I realised that it’s a psychological trap and I sent it back.

I had the Series 2 Space Black and it didn’t scratch at all, either. So ceramic is not some miracle material.

I found the whole thing rather flat. There’s nothing premium about the experience.

Oh, and don’t forget, you get the Apple charging stand, too. Woot. I already had one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jervasio
I bought the ceramic Edition in grey. Initially I thought it was great. Then I realised that it’s a psychological trap and I sent it back.

I had the Series 2 Space Black and it didn’t scratch at all, either. So ceramic is not some miracle material.

I found the whole thing rather flat. There’s nothing premium about the experience.

Oh, and don’t forget, you get the Apple charging stand, too. Woot. I already had one.

This is why Apple offers different models, to suit as many tastes as possible :)
 
The SBSS is at least as scratch resistant as the ceramics with its special DLC coating. The regular SS obviously scratches just by looking at it but is easily buffed out although most believe normal SS with lots of scuffs is an attractive patina. The ceramics are nice if you want the shiny gray or white colors but otherwise I don't see the premium nature of the material winning me over.

The biggest bother I have with Apple and how they position their watches is the fact the Nike and Hermes versions have unique watch faces. I really think the Nike watch faces look great but I can't have them because I want a watch with SS and sapphire so thats frustrating. As for Hermes its not so much I want the bands as I feel Apple doesn't offer elegant watch faces for an evening out EXCEPT on the Hermes version. Why not offer some classier watch faces on the main Apple Watch? I just paid $650 for my SBSS and yet I don't have the Nike face from the $399 model nor an elegant watch face unless I pay $1000+ for a Hermes model. Hmmmm.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bhodinut and larzy
The SBSS is at least as scratch resistant as the ceramics with its special DLC coating. The regular SS obviously scratches just by looking at it but is easily buffed out although most believe normal SS with lots of scuffs is an attractive patina. The ceramics are nice if you want the shiny gray or white colors but otherwise I don't see the premium nature of the material winning me over.

The biggest bother I have with Apple and how they position their watches is the fact the Nike and Hermes versions have unique watch faces. I really think the Nike watch faces look great but I can't have them because I want a watch with SS and sapphire so thats frustrating. As for Hermes its not so much I want the bands as I feel Apple doesn't offer elegant watch faces for an evening out EXCEPT on the Hermes version. Why not offer some classier watch faces on the main Apple Watch? I just paid $650 for my SBSS and yet I don't have the Nike face from the $399 model nor an elegant watch face unless I pay $1000+ for a Hermes model. Hmmmm.
Yeah they shouldn’t gate lock it. I agree
 
Yeah, you're paying for the material (ceramic), the word 'Edition' and the fact its more scratch resistant.

When Apple first introduced the rose gold/gold Edition Apple Watch, they tried to market it as a fashion device at exorbitant prices, which failed miserably. They realized they wanted to keep the Edition lineup still alive, which is why they produced the ceramic model at a much cheaper price point to offer different models. Regardless, the majority of consumers will purchase the sport model, because they don't care about the stainless or ceramic.
 
Last edited:
What Apple first introduced the rose gold/gold Edition Apple Watch, they tried to market it as a fashion device at exorbitant prices, which failed miserably. They realized they wanted to keep the Edition lineup still alive, which is why they produced the ceramic model at a much cheaper price point to offer different models. Regardless, the majority of consumers will purchase the sport model, because they don't care about the stainless or ceramic.


True I am still weighing up which one I want. I am going to get it delivered to my parents so I can pick it up there.
 
I dabbled with the thought of the ceramic but couldn’t justify spending more than double the price on a device I’ll probably replace within a couple of years. Definitely check out the SS space black Apple Watch. Matches the SG iPhone X as well!
 
I dabbled with the thought of the ceramic but couldn’t justify spending more than double the price on a device I’ll probably replace within a couple of years. Definitely check out the SS space black Apple Watch. Matches the SG iPhone X as well!

I'm doing that at the moment actually...
 
I was thinking about getting a 4K TV actually lol

make sure the 4k tv has HDR (many, or most do now) as the High Dynamic Range ability actually does far, far more to make the picture look better to the naked eye than does the 1080p to 4k upgrade.
 
make sure the 4k tv has HDR (many, or most do now) as the High Dynamic Range ability actually does far, far more to make the picture look better to the naked eye than does the 1080p to 4k upgrade.

Awesome, thanks for the tip :)
[doublepost=1513164686][/doublepost]Damn it, think I'm preferring the ceramic... looks more subtle and smaller on the wrist compared to the harsh black and love the colour shifts in the watch body...
 
I bought the ceramic Edition in grey. Initially I thought it was great. Then I realised that it’s a psychological trap and I sent it back.

I had the Series 2 Space Black and it didn’t scratch at all, either. So ceramic is not some miracle material.

I found the whole thing rather flat. There’s nothing premium about the experience.

Oh, and don’t forget, you get the Apple charging stand, too. Woot. I already had one.
I'm the opposite of you. I waited to see one before I bought it. I fell in love the look of the the grey ceramic.

The grey is definitely less flashy than the white.
 
I'm the opposite of you. I waited to see one before I bought it. I fell in love the look of the the grey ceramic.

The grey is definitely less flashy than the white.

I agree, the grey is less flashy and changes colour nicely in the light. Also, looks better with work attire and for those not wearing white trainers lol
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.