Why is availability of SS so poor?

[satchmo]

A quick search on istocknow shows so few 42mm Stainless steel AW's available at Apple retail stores.

Is manufacturing of SS much more involved than aluminium?
Sure, the lower priced models are probably the bulk of AW sales and better margins for Apple too.

But surely even Apple wouldn't want to leave money on the table. Why not ramp up SS production or is it just not in high demand?

 

[44267547]

A quick search on istocknow shows so few 42mm Stainless steel AW's available at Apple retail stores.

Is manufacturing of SS much more involved than aluminium?
Sure, the lower priced models are probably the bulk of AW sales and better margins for Apple too.

But surely even Apple wouldn't want to leave money on the table. Why not ramp up SS production or is it just not in high demand?

I don't think there really is a clear answer why the stainless models are not more widely available than that aluminum models. I do agree that the aluminum this far by the best-selling model between the two obvious reasons.

I do know when the Apple Watch first launched, it was the same situation with the stainless model being extremely limited over the sport model.

Perhaps it just takes longer to manufacture. But I was able to pick up my stainless steel and black stainless steel rather quickly. But obviously, every situation is different.

 

[ajm222]

the good news appears to be that stock has been increasing a little. maybe because the holidays are over. for the first time in a month and a half it appears a 42mm space black sport is available up the street at my apple store. any issues with the new one being delivered today and maybe there's a small chance i could actually exchange it in a store. still surprised at how few watches regardless of model are available in any store at any given moment. but definitely the stainless models are still scarce.

 

[GoSUV]

While I'm not "everyone", but certainly lower cost items tend to outsell higher priced alternatives. I don't know how many Rolexes or IWC's get sold for every hundred Timex's or Casio's, but for smart watches that tend to be obsolete in a few years, in many people's minds it is poor investment to buy the more expensive SS versions. Of course if you also treat it as a fashion item, the SS does look more classy. Ultimately the demand vs. supply equation always applies. Of course, the holiday period will mean supply fluctuates greatly until the period is over.

 

[44267547]

While I'm not "everyone", but certainly lower cost items tend to outsell higher priced alternatives. I don't know how many Rolexes or IWC's get sold for every hundred Timex's or Casio's, but for smart watches that tend to be obsolete in a few years, in many people's minds it is poor investment to buy the more expensive SS versions. Of course if you also treat it as a fashion item, the SS does look more classy. Ultimately the demand vs. supply equation always applies. Of course, the holiday period will mean supply fluctuates greatly until the period is over.

I would say the main complaint with the stainless series is the price point difference between the sport model. It seems most don't want to spend the extra $200.00 just for the additional stainless casing and sapphire display. But everybody's different.

 

[klymr]

While I'm not "everyone", but certainly lower cost items tend to outsell higher priced alternatives. I don't know how many Rolexes or IWC's get sold for every hundred Timex's or Casio's, but for smart watches that tend to be obsolete in a few years, in many people's minds it is poor investment to buy the more expensive SS versions. Of course if you also treat it as a fashion item, the SS does look more classy. Ultimately the demand vs. supply equation always applies. Of course, the holiday period will mean supply fluctuates greatly until the period is over.

I would say the main complaint with the stainless series is the price point difference between the sport model. It seems most don't want to spend the extra $200.00 just for the additional stainless casing and sapphire display. But everybody's different.

This is why I own the Sport version. Sure, the more durable watch would be nice, but at $200 more I'm halfway to buying a new watch. The Series 1 didn't suite my wants, so I justified the step up to Series 2. Couldn't justify the step up to the SS model though. I certainly thought long and hard about it, but in the end my wallet just wasn't cooperating.

 

[applebreed]

I was actually sort of wondering this myself... in anyone here's experience, has your SS order arrived late, within the estimated processing/shipping (currently looks like about 2.5 weeks when combining the two) or even later? I've been watching the Watch forum the past few days to see what people's arrival times were... my siblings and I are going in on a SS model for a family member and I'm supposed to be the one buying it, but I'm going out of town right at about the time it might arrive so I'm wondering if receiving duty should be given to somebody else (we're all in the continental U.S., btw)
[doublepost=1484849534][/doublepost]

A quick search on istocknow shows so few 42mm Stainless steel AW's available at Apple retail stores.

Is manufacturing of SS much more involved than aluminium?
Sure, the lower priced models are probably the bulk of AW sales and better margins for Apple too.

But surely even Apple wouldn't want to leave money on the table. Why not ramp up SS production or is it just not in high demand?

Aside from my question (above) I think it's probably as simple as they got a better response than they'd anticipated and are just way behind on production. I think the Watch was a way more popular gift option at the end of the year. Several family members couldn't have cared less about it when it first came out but in the past week my Dad, sister and I think sister-and-law have all gotten Watches. Several other relatives and friends have, too. About a year ago this time I was hard-pressed to spot anyone wearing one. Now I see them everywhere.

 

[noteple]

They sell more at the entire level price, aluminum / sport band.
People who don't want to wait buy more of the entrie level which sells more and they make more.

 

[satchmo]

While I'm not "everyone", but certainly lower cost items tend to outsell higher priced alternatives. I don't know how many Rolexes or IWC's get sold for every hundred Timex's or Casio's, but for smart watches that tend to be obsolete in a few years, in many people's minds it is poor investment to buy the more expensive SS versions. Of course if you also treat it as a fashion item, the SS does look more classy. Ultimately the demand vs. supply equation always applies. Of course, the holiday period will mean supply fluctuates greatly until the period is over.

Yeah, I'm of the that mindset. If I'm going to spend close to $900 (Cdn), on a SS watch, I do worry about obsolescence.

It's got me thinking about finding an original SS model as I would simply use it at work or social events.
I wouldn't use it for sports and simply pick up a Garmin for that.

That, or just settle for a cheaper aluminium AW.

 

[44267547]

This is why I own the Sport version. Sure, the more durable watch would be nice, but at $200 more I'm halfway to buying a new watch. The Series 1 didn't suite my wants, so I justified the step up to Series 2. Couldn't justify the step up to the SS model though. I certainly thought long and hard about it, but in the end my wallet just wasn't cooperating.

Understandable. Like I stated before, the price point is steep between the stainless and aluminum model. And I have owned both. And my preference is with the stainless model. And I thought it was worth the extra money.

 

[GoSUV]

Yeah, I'm of the that mindset. If I'm going to spend close to $900 (Cdn), on a SS watch, I do worry about obsolescence.

It's got me thinking about finding an original SS model as I would simply use it at work or social events.
I wouldn't use it for sports and simply pick up a Garmin for that.

That, or just settle for a cheaper aluminium AW.

Before I got my original SS S0 back on launch day, I was debating with myself whether to get the aluminum or the SS due to the obsolescence issue, and the vast cost difference between them. Finally, looking back at my cheap quartz watches like the Fossils and Casios, all the screens either have some pretty deep scuffs or lots of tiny micro scratches, that I said to myself I would never get another watch without a sapphire crystal display. So the SS that was. A watch isn't a phone and if you wear it on the wrist, you are bound to hit it on something or bump it into someone else's watch, briefcases etc. especially on Hong Kong's crowded streets and subways. At least for a phone you can always stick a piece of screen protector on it and get a flip case to cover the screen, but for a watch the protection options are quite limited and personally, I wouldn't use a protection cover or anything over it.

 

[SoN1NjA]

Yeah, I'm of the that mindset. If I'm going to spend close to $900 (Cdn), on a SS watch, I do worry about obsolescence.

It's got me thinking about finding an original SS model as I would simply use it at work or social events.
I wouldn't use it for sports and simply pick up a Garmin for that.

That, or just settle for a cheaper aluminium AW.

I bought a Link Bracelet and I'm going to swap the case out for a Series 2 or 3 later this year
You can find watches without their bands for nice prices

Don't think I'd ever purchase a watch from Apple again, seen some insane prices on places like Swappa and ebay

 

[MDePew24]

Yeah. I just got my SS series 2 and love it. I came from an original model SS. I just like the look of the SS. I am now going to sell my original somewhere.

 

[ajm222]

Yeah. I just got my SS series 2 and love it. I came from an original model SS. I just like the look of the SS. I am now going to sell my original somewhere.

how's your original holding up in terms of appearance if you don't mind me asking?

 

[44267547]

Yeah. I just got my SS series 2 and love it. I came from an original model SS. I just like the look of the SS. I am now going to sell my original somewhere.

Curious to know how much you will sell your previous stainless watch for? I just know the retail market has dropped off significantly for used Apple Watches. Good Luck with your sale.

 

[DJLAXL]

Can't even sell my Series 0 42 SS for $200. Rather keep it and wait for the next go around.

 

[44267547]

Can't even sell my Series 0 42 SS for $200. Rather keep it and wait for the next go around.

Part of the problem is market saturation. When the Apple Watch was first released, it was so difficult to actually get one within three months of its release. But now, that you have three different versions on the market, and it's been out for over two years, the market is flooded with them.

Like anything technological related, it's always replaced by something within a year or so.

 

[maflynn]

I would say the market has moved on to prefer the sports model, so Apple makes less of the SS, i.e., they don't want to have high stock levels of an item that doesn't sell fast.

 

[Septembersrain]

I wonder if they just didn't predict supply and demand correctly. Took me until December to find an iPhone 7+ in jet black. T-Mobile didn't even carry any of the 7+ until the very beginning of December. They at first only had rose gold and I was seriously considering giving up. Then I found this JB at a mall kiosk while paying my bill. I was very surprised.

Some people say it's a strategy to entice people to want it more when they can't have it right away. I think it's just that they don't predict supply and demand as accurately as they should.

 

[iKnowMr.Jobs]

Been really happy with my SS Series Zero. My only fear is that Apple will do away with the Stainless Steel line altogether for the next model. I love the Stainless Steel because it's much closer to a watch than it is to an iPhone strapped to your wrist, which isn't something I like. I will admit that I'm probably worried for nothing given that they make a ceramic one now for not cheap.

 

[satchmo]

I would say the market has moved on to prefer the sports model, so Apple makes less of the SS, i.e., they don't want to have high stock levels of an item that doesn't sell fast.

I tend to agree with this...but not so much 'prefer' but rather 'suitable'.

As the Apple Watch pivoted away from fashion, the lighter (and cheaper) aluminum sports models seem better suited for health and fitness use.

I realize many SS owners use their watch for fitness, but IMO, it's too heavy and pristine to wear on a workout, run or swim. Although, it would be fine for less strenuous activities such as golf.

 

[maflynn]

I realize many SS owners use their watch for fitness, but IMO, it's too heavy and pristine to wear on a workout, run or swim. Although, it would be fine for less strenuous activities such as golf.

I couldn't justify the cost and I think that's the core of the issue. What am I getting for 200 more dollars? The quartz watch face and Stainless Steel instead of Alu. Everything else is the same. I think we get more bang for the buck with the sports model.

 

[iLunar]

I couldn't justify the cost and I think that's the core of the issue. What am I getting for 200 more dollars? The quartz watch face and Stainless Steel instead of Alu. Everything else is the same. I think we get more bang for the buck with the sports model.

I think you're right that the aluminum sports model is a better value, but the SS is a better fashion choice, IMO. I decided to take the plunge on the sports model, and while it was very comfortable to wear, I didn't like the look of it. I've swapped it out with a SS purely for aesthetic reasons.

 

[raqball]

The Sapphire lens is a must have if the watch if going to be used for outdoor activity and / or someone is rough on a watch.. Is that alone worth $200? Nope.. I'd say (basing this off Garmin pricing) that's a $100 upgrade.. So for the extra $100 you get SS...

Personally, I'd like to see the Aluminum watch be offered with the sapphire display.. I won't buy or even consider a fitness watch without a sapphire display..

 

[maflynn]

The Sapphire lens is a must have if the watch if going to be used for outdoor activity

I disgree, I'm outside all the time, and my sport watch is holding up wonderfully. Not a scratch on the glass.