Which Apple Watch color Stainless Steel did you get?

[JWGold]

It’s not PVD, and there’s no indication that it is. Being Apple list it as DLC, it may not be as thick/strong as the coating that was used on the space black Apple Watch, and I’m not inclined to believe that Apple is misleading anyone saying otherwise either. So unless you have a direct source proving that the space black link bracelet isn’t DLC, then really I think your opinion is unfounded, as I said, unless the bracelet was tested for DLC by a certified metallurgist, it would be the _only_ way to know other than what Apple said based off the website description I provided you.

You’ve missed my point entirely. OK YOU ARE RIGHT! It is DLC. I got rid of my black DLC bracelet because I was not happy at how easily the black DLC bracelet scratched. I decided I no longer wanted the Black DLC Apple bracelet, and went with the stainless link bracelet and watch instead.

 

[44267547]

You’ve missed my point entirely.

I understood your point, I just went back to the original point you made about PVD, and that there is no indication that it is, and I think that’s confusing to other readers that you’re posting something that really is inaccurate on multiple occasions. As I said, I don’t believe necessarily the whole band is DLC Coated, at least from my experience personally. But I already made a suggestion twice on how to verify the strength and overall bond of the bracelet itself.

But if my black stainless watch band scratched the way you are describing it as, then yes, I would have opted for the silver stainless link band instead, which obviously will hide/conceal scratches easier.

 

[ron1990]

i had the gold stainless steel before i switched to black. i love the understated nature of the black, but miss the beautiful color of the gold. the gold is definitely more bling, and feels richer. the way it catches the light and reflects the surroundings in that bronze hue is just mesmerizing...

on the other hand, the gold seemed to pair with less bands, even though it's technically a neutral color. and i can relate to the OPs sentiment that the gold seems more feminine - when compared to the black, i think it is, too. especially with the stone sport band. but with a dark band it would look dapper on anyone.

thank you! I will buy the black or the gold

 

[ron1990]

Silver, if you’re going to get the black then you might as well get the sport..... never understood why anyone would get the stainless steel in space gray? You can’t really dress it up, it doesn’t look good with silver, or brown bands. Kind of defeats the purpose of spending more on stainless steel.

Is there no significant difference between The black aluminum and the black stainless steel?

 

[itsmemuffins]

Is there no significant difference between The black aluminum and the black stainless steel?

Of course there is. The person knows not what they speak of.

Space black stainless steel is jet black and polished.

Space grey is aluminium. A dark bluish grey colour, and is a bead blasted finish.

Plus there’s the screen. Stainless is a sapphire screen. The other is gorilla glass.

 

[nepatriot]

No need to be dismissive, anyways, you gave bad advice (It happens), I simply made a better suggestion and told you that paste is a generally a bad idea, which in fact, it is. A cape cod cloth does not use _any_ type paste like substance that is thick, it’s merely an oily substance residue that can be wiped away, and it does not leave any paste residue behind, which indicates to me, you likely don’t have experience with these cloths for posting something inaccurate.

For the record, also a poor assumption on your behalf, because I have used Cape Cod cloths _many_ times and suggested them over any paste substances that you did. Again, paste polishing is not smart to use for the Apple Watch, simply because it can clog the ports or become lodged in between the casing and the display.

But thanks for the discussion.


Hence the pictures:

Uh oh, somebody has delicate sensitivities. Offended over how to use a $2.99 cloth?

For the record, if you have used a CC cloth, then you know it has a polish imbedded in the cloth. You embellished with "thick paste".... that detracts from your argument, and weakens your credibility. Not a good start.

For the record, if you have used a CC cloth, you know that it has a thin, liquid polish, not a thick paste, embedded in the fibers .... strong evidence you have not used one. See what I mean? Anyone who has used one know this to be so...

If you used a CC cloth, you know that pressure is applied while you rub the object ... for 5 - 10 minutes. Pressure when polishing expresses the polish on to the object, as a liquid-like, thin paste. A fresh CC cloth will cause more of the above vs a more dried out one.

That liquid starts pinkish-white, then turns dark as the felt-like cloth disintegrates as you polish.

On a small object like an AW, that liquid will spread everywhere, and will easily get into the button gaps, microphone openings, and the crown. It will carry micro-particles of the cloth with it. This will not be easy to get out.

It will get between your hand and the watch as you hold it; if it gets on the glass, and your hand moves around trying to hold the now slippery watch, it can rub off the AR coating.

Using a CC cloth, especially a fresh one, on a small electronic device with fine openings should be done with caution. Having used CC cloths, I would personally not use one an AW.

Your mileage may vary. It's your watch.

This quote has been attributed to Ben Franklin (and others too): "Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt". Some more free advice...

From CC website:
"How do I use the Cape Cod Polishing Cloths?
Rub tarnished object gently, for tough jobs rub harder. Wipe polish off while still wet with a buffing cloth (do not wash polish off- polish mush be buffed off)"

Some discussion on using ... note "...tap again with the Cape Cod cloth to apply the compound that's in the cloth..."
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=453222

 

[rugmankc]

I have a gold s4. Do not baby it. looks pristine.

Didn't plan on buying a gold. But, the SS had a back order. Got the gold at BB.

Looks great with a black band, watch face and gold letters, symbols.

Glad I got it---

 

[ron1990]

Is Someone got the silver stainless steel with black sport loop (I hate the white one).
I would like to see a picture of that or other dark sport loop with the silver.

The only reason I’m afraid of the SBSS is it’s seem to be very dark black. On the other, it’s younger then the silver for sure (business - silver vs high tech - black )
[doublepost=1550880837][/doublepost]

I have a gold s4. Do not baby it. looks pristine.

Didn't plan on buying a gold. But, the SS had a back order. Got the gold at BB.

Looks great with a black band, watch face and gold letters, symbols.

Glad I got it---

I thought about the gold but now I’m torn between the silver and the black ‍♂️
If it’s the same gold as my XS Max I prefer something else.

 

[nepatriot]

I

"SBSS DLC. While black watches often can look cool, especially military style watches, I've never owned one. Mostly because of practicality: they are less flexible where they can be worn, and black is a coating that can (and does) wear off. Looks bad when the SS under is exposed, IMHO. The Apple coating is newer tech and more fused, and harder than traditional coatings. I think it looks good on an AW, but the Apple back rubber"

I’m not quite sure what you’re trying to say here. Are you suggesting that the DLC will wear off? There are cheap black watches, which are just painted, and that paint wears off. But it’s pretty well documented at this point that Apple’s process is not that. The DLC is very tough, and doesn’t wear off easily. Hell, I’ve hit mine hard enough to trigger the fall detection, and there’s still not a scratch on it. You can’t compare Apple’s process to that used on some Fossil or G-Shock. It’s a night and day difference. I suggested you google “Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)” if you want to learn more about it.

Also, what does this sentence even mean?
“I think it looks good on an AW, but the Apple back rubber.”
What?

Yes, hit post before finished. I was on a long, boring conf call, multi-tasking...

Meant to say I've never owned a black watch, until the AW DLC, because traditional PVD coatings can scratch or chip off. The DLC process used on the AW is tougher than traditional PVD. Also, unlike the flat black of most PVD coatings, DLC has a pencil black/grey color that is somewhat translucent, allowing the character of the base material to show through in certain lighting.

I've learned a little bit about various coatings used on watches, which is why I haven't bought one... until the AW that is. The closest i've come is with Damasko. Actually I guess I have owned a coated watch before the AW: Damasko uses their process on their bezel inserts.

I'm not sure how many G-Shock's use PVD, but the GW-5000-1JF uses DLC on the SS. Only the case back is visible.

As for Fossil... nothing they make has ever interested me. But no "mall watch" ever has. They probably don't even use PVD for their black watches: probably just dip in paint ! They DID buy Zodiac; but they have, from what I've heard, had the good sense to leave that alone. So Fossil does not actually MAKE Zodiac watches. Thank goodness! From the perspective of many dive watch enthusiasts, Zodiac is Fossil's only "real" watch.

Actually I guess I do own a "mall watch" now: the AW. Well, that's not quite true: I guess you could include G-Shock in with mall watches. Although I've never bought one of those from a mall.

Forgot where I was going with the strap comment.... I like the AW rubber, and it looks good on the DLC AW. I've got an Erika's Original on mine, and a Jack Foster leather. These are strap makers for traditional watches, popular with the mechanical watch crowd. I'd bet no one who owns a Fossil ever heard either.... While they greatly improve the AW in many ways, something is not quite right. The width of the AW IMHO, needs the straps to taper in. Like the AW rubber. I don't think Erika's can taper.

Anyway, thanks for the catch.

Here are two pics (borrowed) of Erika's MN nato's for AW:

[doublepost=1550935248][/doublepost]

Is Someone got the silver stainless steel with black sport loop (I hate the white one).
I would like to see a picture of that or other dark sport loop with the silver.

The only reason I’m afraid of the SBSS is it’s seem to be very dark black. On the other, it’s younger then the silver for sure (business - silver vs high tech - black )
[doublepost=1550880837][/doublepost]

I thought about the gold but now I’m torn between the silver and the black ‍♂️
If it’s the same gold as my XS Max I prefer something else.

The SBSS is glossy, or polished, vs. flat black, like typical PVD. In some lighting it can look jet black, but in other situations there is a hint of the SS behind it.

As a "55+" man, I was also torn between the SBSS and polished SS. I thought the SBSS with the black rubber looked like a fitnesses tracker. That seems to be OK with the 20 somethings in a business setting these days, but not a look for me anyway.

A few things swayed me to the DLC. First, all my mechanicals are SS: polished, one Damasko (more gray), and a few brushed. I don't want a scratched black case... IMHO looks beat up more so than scratches on SS. The DLC process Apple uses changed my mind on that, enough to give it a try. Second, I plan to use my mechanicals for more formal business occasions. Like suit and tie, evening meetings and business dinners, etc. So a black AW for regular use fits in. Third, the SBSS can me made to look less "fitness tracker like" with a non-Apple strap options.

The SBSS DLC case is not same as any iPhone, as far as I know anyway.

One more thing to consider: AW's are not "keepers" as in the mechanical watch sense. They are not heirlooms. You'll probably upgrade on a cycle similar to your iPhone.

So which ever one you choose, it's for a few years, or less, if you really don't like it.

 

[bluespark]

Silver, if you’re going to get the black then you might as well get the sport..... never understood why anyone would get the stainless steel in space gray? You can’t really dress it up, it doesn’t look good with silver, or brown bands. Kind of defeats the purpose of spending more on stainless steel.

The SS black is a true black -- not space gray. It's a fantastic color that looks completely different from the space gray aluminum watch. Have you seen one in person? Also, the DLC coating on the black is much more scratch-resistant than any other AW finish.

 

[nepatriot]

The SS black is a true black -- not space gray. It's a fantastic color that looks completely different from the space gray aluminum watch. Have you seen one in person? Also, the DLC coating on the black is much more scratch-resistant than any other AW finish.

Yes! The ALU does not look like the SS's DLC.

I started with the ALU Space Gray. It's a flat, dark gray color. The silver ALU finish also looks flat; both appear to be applied via an anodized or PVD process. The silver did not look like shiny unpainted aluminum, which is what I thought it would be before seeing one live.

Unlike most PVD coatings, the SBSS has a mirror like finish, like polished SS. In the right light, IMHO, it can look almost smoked-glass translucent, with a hint of SS underneath. It's not a flat black finish like most PVD's.

 

[ron1990]

Yes, hit post before finished. I was on a long, boring conf call, multi-tasking...

Meant to say I've never owned a black watch, until the AW DLC, because traditional PVD coatings can scratch or chip off. The DLC process used on the AW is tougher than traditional PVD. Also, unlike the flat black of most PVD coatings, DLC has a pencil black/grey color that is somewhat translucent, allowing the character of the base material to show through in certain lighting.

I've learned a little bit about various coatings used on watches, which is why I haven't bought one... until the AW that is. The closest i've come is with Damasko. Actually I guess I have owned a coated watch before the AW: Damasko uses their process on their bezel inserts.

I'm not sure how many G-Shock's use PVD, but the GW-5000-1JF uses DLC on the SS. Only the case back is visible.

As for Fossil... nothing they make has ever interested me. But no "mall watch" ever has. They probably don't even use PVD for their black watches: probably just dip in paint ! They DID buy Zodiac; but they have, from what I've heard, had the good sense to leave that alone. So Fossil does not actually MAKE Zodiac watches. Thank goodness! From the perspective of many dive watch enthusiasts, Zodiac is Fossil's only "real" watch.

Actually I guess I do own a "mall watch" now: the AW. Well, that's not quite true: I guess you could include G-Shock in with mall watches. Although I've never bought one of those from a mall.

Forgot where I was going with the strap comment.... I like the AW rubber, and it looks good on the DLC AW. I've got an Erika's Original on mine, and a Jack Foster leather. These are strap makers for traditional watches, popular with the mechanical watch crowd. I'd bet no one who owns a Fossil ever heard either.... While they greatly improve the AW in many ways, something is not quite right. The width of the AW IMHO, needs the straps to taper in. Like the AW rubber. I don't think Erika's can taper.

Anyway, thanks for the catch.

Here are two pics (borrowed) of Erika's MN nato's for AW:
View attachment 823236
[doublepost=1550935248][/doublepost]

The SBSS is glossy, or polished, vs. flat black, like typical PVD. In some lighting it can look jet black, but in other situations there is a hint of the SS behind it.

As a "55+" man, I was also torn between the SBSS and polished SS. I thought the SBSS with the black rubber looked like a fitnesses tracker. That seems to be OK with the 20 somethings in a business setting these days, but not a look for me anyway.

A few things swayed me to the DLC. First, all my mechanicals are SS: polished, one Damasko (more gray), and a few brushed. I don't want a scratched black case... IMHO looks beat up more so than scratches on SS. The DLC process Apple uses changed my mind on that, enough to give it a try. Second, I plan to use my mechanicals for more formal business occasions. Like suit and tie, evening meetings and business dinners, etc. So a black AW for regular use fits in. Third, the SBSS can me made to look less "fitness tracker like" with a non-Apple strap options.

The SBSS DLC case is not same as any iPhone, as far as I know anyway.

One more thing to consider: AW's are not "keepers" as in the mechanical watch sense. They are not heirlooms. You'll probably upgrade on a cycle similar to your iPhone.

So which ever one you choose, it's for a few years, or less, if you really don't like it.

Thank you! I ordered the black stainless still from B & H and I canceled it. I think because I can not see the watxh in person I'll buy the silver stainless still. I’m afraid that the black is too black and probably the silver is more shiny and bold.
From what I understand from your comments here, the silver stainless steel has a classic look and its lookmore prestigious than the black stainless steel.

 

[nepatriot]

Thank you! I ordered the black stainless still from B & H and I canceled it. I think because I can not see the watxh in person I'll buy the silver stainless still. I’m afraid that the black is too black and probably the silver is more shiny and bold.
From what I understand from your comments here, the silver stainless steel has a classic look and its lookmore prestigious than the black stainless steel.

Yes, the SS "silver" has that classic, shiny look of polished 316L SS found on traditional watches. The ALU "silver" is flat, looks painted on.

See below. I think this is what you're looking for, and what the AW SS looks like.

 

[44267547]

The SS black is a true black -- not space gray. It's a fantastic color that looks completely different from the space gray aluminum watch. Have you seen one in person? Also, the DLC coating on the black is much more scratch-resistant than any other AW finish.

If the Gold stainless would have offered DLC, I likely would’ve opted for that color. But instead, they used to PVD, which I still am not confident in the scratch resistance it offers. It’s not nearly as protective and durable as DLC is. It’s one of the reasons why I opted for the space black stainless, was strictly for the DLC and sapphire, other than The black stainless really is a transformative color, depending how the light shines on it.

 

[parseckadet]

If the Gold stainless would have offered DLC, I likely would’ve opted for that color. But instead, they used to PVD, which I still am not confident in the scratch resistance it offers. It’s not nearly as protective and durable as DLC is. It’s one of the reasons why I opted for the space black stainless, was strictly for the DLC and sapphire, other than The black stainless really is a transformative color, depending how the light shines on it.

I think you’re misunderstanding the difference between DLC, Diamond Like Carbon and PVD, Partical Vapor Deposition. DLC is the material, and PVD is the process used to apply it to the surface. So the SBSS watch uses BOTH DLC and PVD. All DLC coatings are black. To do any other color they would have to make the DLC clear for the other material to show through. But if I understand correctly, if you were to do that it would no longer be diamond like anymore, it just be strait up diamond. I don’t want to even think about how much an AppleWatch with a diamond coating, even if it was artificial, would cost.

But I do agree with your point on one level. Apple has given us no information about what the material used for the gold coloring is. It is good to know they’re using PVD, that at least gives me some confidence that it will be less resistant to simply rubbing off. But there’s no way of knowing how scratch resistant it is without testing it. I imagine it’s the same material they’ve been using on the iPhones X and XS. At the same time, I wouldn’t be interested in being a guinea pin either.

 

[nepatriot]

I think you’re misunderstanding the difference between DLC, Diamond Like Carbon and PVD, Partical Vapor Deposition. DLC is the material, and PVD is the process used to apply it to the surface. So the SBSS watch uses BOTH DLC and PVD. All DLC coatings are black. To do any other color they would have to make the DLC clear for the other material to show through. But if I understand correctly, if you were to do that it would no longer be diamond like anymore, it just be strait up diamond. I don’t want to even think about how much an AppleWatch with a diamond coating, even if it was artificial, would cost.

But I do agree with your point on one level. Apple has given us no information about what the material used for the gold coloring is. It is good to know they’re using PVD, that at least gives me some confidence that it will be less resistant to simply rubbing off. But there’s no way of knowing how scratch resistant it is without testing it. I imagine it’s the same material they’ve been using on the iPhones X and XS. At the same time, I wouldn’t be interested in being a guinea pin either.

From everything I have read on this over the years, it sounds like DLC is applied like you said via a PVD-like process. But process for DLC is modified. So it's not just changing materials. Also the techniques, materials, and preparation used by different companies can vary. DLC seems to have started out on more precision applications (DLC seems to be infuse in the material beneath, whereas traditional PVD seems tp be more like a layer bonded to the surface), and where heat and friction can occur.

It does not sound like a gold color can be done with DLC.

"...a new generation of PVD + PACVD (plasma-assisted CVD) coatings..."

Damasko's DAMEST process infuses with the surface beneath.

"https://www.damaskowatchtechnology.com/technology-damestcoating.php"

PVD: "Thin layers of material are deposited on the surface of a timepiece’s components via condensation of vapor in a high temperature and vacuum environment."

DLC: "Today, a very popular coating applied to watches via the PVD process is called DLC..."; "The carbon is blasted onto the surface of watch’s components and then cooled down extremely quickly....causing it to bond to the metal and harden..."

"DLC is pretty much the sapphire crystal of watch coatings as far as scratch resistance is concerned."

https://theoandharris.com/watch-101-what-is-pvd-dlc-coating/

On color and DLC... looks like shades of gray\black only:

"...the color of the DLC coating depends on one factor and one factor only: The finish of the substrate /watch case/; meaning that the glossier the finish of your watch before the DLC coating, the darker the DLC color will be after the coating gets applied...."

"...So, DLC color you may anticipate to get on your time piece may vary from light grey to stealth black..."

https://rwg.cc/topic/139889-dlc-colors-and-shades-chapter-one-ceramic-like-color/

 

[jaybar]

@Relentless Power, how have you found the link bracelet with the SB SS watch? Have you found it to be durable? Are you using the SB SS bracelet or the silver with the SB watch. Currently , all I have is the SB Milanese Loop which is really working fine. I am hard on watches, so I am concerned about durability. I wonder if I even need a second band, or whether the ML will hold up to daily use? I have never had an AW before.

 

[44267547]

how have you found the link bracelet with the SB SS watch? Have you found it to be durable?

I have experience with both the regular link and black stainless link bracelets. Both of them are exceptionally well-made, although very pricey from Apple, but there are third-party competitors if you were interested for something that resembles Apples, but not to their quality standards.

That said, yes, they are very durable, The clasp locks seamlessly, and the removable links are ingenious. That said, the bracelets are very thin, and overall not to ‘weighty’. I really have nothing negative to say about the link bracelets, as they have met my expectations on every level.

Are you using the SB SS bracelet or the silver with the SB watch.

Actually, I would mix the brackets between watches, where I would wear the silver stainless link bracelet with my space black watch or even at times I would wear the space black link bracelet with my silver stainless watch. I like the contrast personally, but you can’t go wrong either way.

I am hard on watches, so I am concerned about durability. I wonder if I even need a second band, or whether the ML will hold up to daily use?

No matter what link bracelet you’re using, you’re going to have to expect scratches of some sort, which is natural, mine held up really well against every day use, but I’m not hard on my watches, I would also regularly switch out bands. The Milanese loop I never cared for personally, because that specific type of band style was not to my liking, and the magnet was sometimes would have to be readjusted frequently.

 

[jaybar]

I have experience with both the regular link and black stainless link bracelets. Both of them are exceptionally well-made, although very pricey from Apple, but there are third-party competitors if you were interested for something that resembles Apples, but not to their quality standards.

That said, yes, they are very durable, The clasp locks seamlessly, and the removable links are ingenious. That said, the bracelets are very thin, and overall not to ‘weighty’. I really have nothing negative to say about the link bracelets, as they have met my expectations on every level.



Actually, I would mix the brackets between watches, where I would wear the silver stainless link bracelet with my space black watch or even at times I would wear the space black link bracelet with my silver stainless watch. I like the contrast personally, but you can’t go wrong either way.



No matter what link bracelet you’re using, you’re going to have to expect scratches of some sort, which is natural, mine held up really well against every day use, but I’m not hard on my watches, I also would also regularly switch out bands. The Milanese loop I never cared for personally, because that specific type of band style was not to my liking, and the magnet was sometimes would have to be readjusted frequently.

Thanks Relentless Power. Your reply was great. I am really liking the Milanese Loop so far. I have difficulty managing most types of watch band closure. I find the ML super easy to manage. I was considering the leather loop, until I was reminded that I can develop a reaction to leather bands that is unpredictable. Maybe I should just stick with the ML. I sure hope it will hold up to daily use. Thanks again.

 

[CMoore515]

Ended up getting Space Black. It was between Silver and that, for me.

 

[triangletechie]

Amazon had the SS Silver 44 mm on sale for $699 last week so I got that one. It goes with the most bands so it would have been my first choice even at regular price. Space Black would be 2nd.

 

[ron1990]

Amazon had the SS Silver 44 mm on sale for $699 last week so I got that one. It goes with the most bands so it would have been my first choice even at regular price. Space Black would be 2nd.

Thank you! do you have a link to amazon? i cant find it

do you know if i can get it less then 750$? I found it open-box (looks like brand new) at best buy for 689$.
any other opitions?

 

[jaybar]

Thank you! do you have a link to amazon? i cant find it

do you know if i can get it less then 750$? I found it open-box (looks like brand new) at best buy for 689$.
any other opitions?

Does Best Buy offer return option on open box? I purchased mine at the Apple Store and I was able to return it twice without question during the return period. My first purchase (S4 SB, SS, ML) did not work correctly. Then I decided that I wanted the silver SS, instead of the SB. I also had disability issues, which required some degree of help from the Apple Store staff regarding setup. They were super helpful through all the transactions. To me that is worth the extra cost.

 

[triangletechie]

Thank you! do you have a link to amazon? i cant find it

do you know if i can get it less then 750$? I found it open-box (looks like brand new) at best buy for 689$.
any other opitions?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HRB8QDR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's back to $749. I don't think they were price matching anyone last week so maybe it'll go on sale again.

 

[ron1990]

Does Best Buy offer return option on open box? I purchased mine at the Apple Store and I was able to return it twice without question during the return period. My first purchase (S4 SB, SS, ML) did not work correctly. Then I decided that I wanted the silver SS, instead of the SB. I also had disability issues, which required some degree of help from the Apple Store staff regarding setup. They were super helpful through all the transactions. To me that is worth the extra cost.

I have no idea, anyway I decided to purchase through B & H
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1434906-REG/apple_mtv22ll_a_watch_series_4_gps.html
They brought me a $ 50 promotional code. so I paid $ 700 for a new product rather than 688$ of a used product.
Why did you switch from silver to black if you could ask?