Apps I need help deciding between the SS and Aluminum.

[fwmireault]

Apple Watch has the worst trade in value of any Apple product so spending you money on anything more than a base model aluminum watch is literally throwing money down the drain

I think there are some nuances here. SS comes with sapphire glass on the front, which could mean extra durability and less likely odds to scratch the screen. Also, every stainless steel Apple Watch is cellular, it's an extra on the base aluminium model. The price is steep for someone who don't want cellular but want SS, but for the ones who do want data, the jump in price is not as big as it seems between aluminium and SS. Finally, there is the question of aesthetics, and people who care very much about their look don't mind paying an extra to get stainless steel.

If you look strictly the trade in value, it's true that it's not worth it, but arguably the trade-in value vs the resell value is never quite close for any apple device. Someone with a stainless steel AW can sell their AW at an higher price than aluminium, because it includes cellular, it's probably in a better shape after a few years than the aluminium AW, and the premium feel is compelling for some people. But it's certain that the resell value will not be anywhere close what the person paid for initially.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I think there are some nuances here. SS comes with sapphire glass on the front, which could mean extra durability and less likely odds to break the screen. Also, every stainless steel Apple Watch is cellular, it's an extra on the base aluminium model. The price is steep for someone who don't want cellular but want SS, but for the ones who do want data, the jump in price is not as big as it seems between aluminium and SS. Finally, there is the question of aesthetics, and people who care very much about their look don't mind paying an extra to get stainless steel.

If you look strictly the trade in value, it's true that it's not worth it, but arguably the trade-in value vs the resell value is never quite close for any apple device. Someone with a stainless steel AW can sell their AW at an higher price than aluminium, because it includes cellular, it's probably in a better shape after a few years than the aluminium AW, and the premium feel is compelling for some people. But it's certain that the resell value will not be anywhere close what the person paid for initially.

The sapphire display resists scratches better but it’s untrue what you say that it’s ‘less likely to break’. It’s more likely to break due to its properties as sapphire is weaker in impacts. The surface is harder.

It’s very presumptuous of some people here to assume the stainless steel watches look better than aluminium versions too and that aluminium watches are bought by people not as bothered ‘about their looks’. I keep seeing these statements like they are factually correct. You may think that but I’m sure there are people who think the opposite. I like the look of the aluminium more than the stainless, so am I wrong or are we both right because our personal opinions of aesthetics are just subjective??

Resale value has been poor on all Apple watches in general but the stainless models have the best deals secondhand from what I’ve seen as they lose so much of their value after a few months. This has been the case few a few years now. Looking at resale value it seems the aluminium and the Hermes watches retain a higher percentage of their initial retail price on the secondhand market. The ceramic used to in that category too.

 

[BillGates1969]

On the 'caring about their looks' point, I would argue every AW owner probably does. Looks aren't only about the case material and different looks require different materials.

Also, think of the interest with a redesign...would AW owners not care how it looked if every design was scrutinised so much?

The point is Alu v SS is subjective - there is a cost element to some, but I think in the main it comes down to personal choice. I think you will also find that most people (not on an Apple forum) couldn't give two hoots what material their AW is

 

[Alex Cai]

If you have money for SS, go titanium, much lighter and premium. It’s also one of Steve Jobs’s favorite metal.

 

[Alex Cai]

View attachment 2001193
Pic of my aluminum S6 44mm

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

On the 'caring about their looks' point, I would argue every AW owner probably does. Looks aren't only about the case material and different looks require different materials.

Also, think of the interest with a redesign...would AW owners not care how it looked if every design was scrutinised so much?

The point is Alu v SS is subjective - there is a cost element to some, but I think in the main it comes down to personal choice. I think you will also find that most people (not on an Apple forum) couldn't give two hoots what material their AW is

Apple watches all look similar as they share the same design. The only differences are the car materials the strap the user has chosen to put on the watch. I think the thing with the Apple Watch is it’s fairly anonymous as a design because it’s so popular now. It looks nice as smartwatches go, but the only differences in design are the case materials and straps. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder though as is the case with all wristwatches. One thing I have learned from years of collecting watches is the vast majority of people you will meet will have little interest in watches. Those that do will notice and comment.

 

[fwmireault]

It’s very presumptuous of some people here to assume the stainless steel watches look better than aluminium versions too and that aluminium watches are bought by people not as bothered ‘about their looks’.

I never said that aluminium versions are not great looking or only bought by people that are not bothered by the look of the Watch. I myself find some aluminium models very beautiful. But you can’t deny that there is a portion of Apple Watch customers that will always go with stainless steel because they feel like aluminium is not classy/premium enough. The people who buy Hermès models are the perfect example of that.

The sapphire display resists scratches better but it’s untrue what you say that it’s ‘less likely to break’. It’s more likely to break due to its properties as sapphire is weaker in impacts. The surface is harder.

You’re right, I’ll correct my statement

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I never said that aluminium versions are not great looking or only bought by people that are not bothered by the look of the Watch. I myself find some aluminium models very beautiful. But you can’t deny that there is a portion of Apple Watch customers that will always go with stainless steel because they feel like aluminium is not classy/premium enough. The people who buy Hermès models are the perfect example of that.

I only ever seen to encounter these sorts of people on this site and never in real life. Probably an enthusiast thing maybe. The stainless models do look very nice, but they are still an Apple Watch and to me that’s all. As long as people enjoy what they’ve bought, that’s all that matters.

 

[chengengaun]

Sapphire crystal is harder but more brittle. It resists daily abrasions very well e.g. occasional knocks on/brushes against rough walls and taps on transit readers. It couldn't survive a fall and will shatter completely from 1+ m - learned that the hard way.

Stainless steel cases will ultimately collect scratches, it's just a matter of time. Unlike mechanical watches, I don't think AW cases can be re-polished - at least not worth the cost. I think in the end it's really down to personal preferences and priorities.

 

[Marshall73]

I went for aluminium once and I scratched the glass a really big noticeable gouge, so been on SS since. Takes away the worry of scratching the glass.

 

[ozapple]

quality and craftsmanship

Quality?….depends on your definition of the word I suppose. Craftsmanship?…no. These are just mass produced gadgets. Go and look at a high end Swiss timepiece if you’re after quality.

And yes, I own an AW, and four prior to this one (s6 aluminium currently, and next will be a s8 SS or titanium when it arrives).

 

[jav6454]

Quality?….depends on your definition of the word I suppose. Craftsmanship?…no. These are just mass produced gadgets. Go and look at a high end Swiss timepiece if you’re after quality.

And yes, I own an AW, and four prior to this one (s6 aluminium currently).

Craftsmanship also has a personal definition. While you might see it as a mass produced item, it doesn't take away the fact that the SS finish has superior finishings versus other offerings from other companies.

 

[bricktop_at]

Quality?….depends on your definition of the word I suppose. Craftsmanship?…no. These are just mass produced gadgets. Go and look at a high end Swiss timepiece if you’re after quality.

I had quite a few Swiss mechanicals - Rolex, Breitling, JLC, Girard-Perregaux, IWC, Eterna, Panerai, Blancpain,… especially Rolex is a high priced mechanically produced timepiece - you shouldn’t just believe the marketing, check out their production lines. And don’t get me started about their crappy bracelets that only recently reached finally that level of quality they should have for their price.

Compare the Apple link bracelet with any of the high end Swiss products and then tell me again what you think of the craftsmanship.
The finish of the Apple Ti cases is fantastic, as is the ceramic case. The SS cases are maybe more a run of the mill product, but they also are great in terms of build quality and haptics.

 

[BSG75]

I had quite a few Swiss mechanicals - Rolex, Breitling, JLC, Girard-Perregaux, IWC, Eterna, Panerai, Blancpain,… especially Rolex is a high priced mechanically produced timepiece - you shouldn’t just believe the marketing, check out their production lines. And don’t get me started about their crappy bracelets that only recently reached finally that level of quality they should have for their price.

Compare the Apple link bracelet with any of the high end Swiss products and then tell me again what you think of the craftsmanship.
The finish of the Apple Ti cases is fantastic, as is the ceramic case. The SS cases are maybe more a run of the mill product, but they also are great in terms of build quality and haptics.

I've owned a few Swiss mechanicals myself and you are spot on. Rolex is a mass-produced product. It's all marketing. You're also right about the bracelets, for a long time they had folded links, hollow end links and pressed clasps. The Apple Watch link bracelet is an absolute bargain, if the Swiss made something like that, I would wager that it would cost between $2000 and $2500 USD. Rolex bracelets are around $1500 USD for stainless steel.

Regarding the Apple Watch, I went with Ti on my Series 6 and really like it. Of course, it's depreciated like a rock, so I intend to keep it for quite a while.

 

[athletejmv]

I've had both. The aluminum scratches very easily in my experience and it bothers me to look at the scratches. Stainless is a bit too heavy. For S7, I went with Titanium and it's the perfect combo for me.

Ran into the same dilemma. I opted for the TI. Aluminum... I don't like all the scratches... stainless steel was heavy... Ti was a nice balance although pricy. I wear the device daily and constantly interact with it. TI was a good compromise for weight and durability. Aluminum is functional, but at a minimum I'd opt for the TI or stainless any day.

 

[athletejmv]

You could probably forgive someone for thinking one is heavier than the other despite no human being having the ability to legitimately tell the difference between 5 to 10 grams lol.

Interesting response considering I do notice the difference (own an SS and TI). As an athlete, I opted for TI because I didn't like the weight of SS when training. My spouse notices the weight difference as well. Apple, in all their glory, noticed this too as well as watch manufacturers... others wise this discussion wouldn't exist. I'd opt for the SS over aluminum in terms of durability any day, but the weight is definitely a concern of mine having experienced all the variations.

 

[athletejmv]

That’s amazing, thanks for sharing. Those case scratches - wow. I don’t have a single scratch like that. That‘s reassuring actually. I’m pretty active and I wear my watch on my dominant hand but I don’t have anything at all like that. That’s a horror show. I would get that Ti if that’s how my aluminum was looking!

That's what I ended up doing. I liked the weight of the aluminum, but it didn't hold up well with wear and tear. The stainless scratches (now my wife's watch) are superficial and can be polished. The TI, perfect. It is pricy, but it has the sapphire and is light weight.

 

[stanza.richi]

In my opinion, SS is nicer on the wrist. But you have to remember that there is no software differences between SS and Aluminium LTE, only price and weigh.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Interesting response considering I do notice the difference (own an SS and TI). As an athlete, I opted for TI because I didn't like the weight of SS when training. My spouse notices the weight difference as well. Apple, in all their glory, noticed this too as well as watch manufacturers... others wise this discussion wouldn't exist. I'd opt for the SS over aluminum in terms of durability any day, but the weight is definitely a concern of mine having experienced all the variations.

That’s why I said in a later post some are clearly very sensitive to very tiny weight differences. I’m not thankfully. I don’t have an issue with durability of the aluminium model either which is a huge bonus from reading many of the experiences here.

 

[jav6454]

In my opinion, SS is nicer on the wrist. But you have to remember that there is no software differences between SS and Aluminium LTE, only price and weigh.

Well, that difference in wrist is what people pay for. Apple has made it clear that between models of the same generation, all that changes is the finish. I for one will always pay for the SS since I love it and pairs well with all higher end iPhones

 

[stanza.richi]

Well, that difference in wrist is what people pay for. Apple has made it clear that between models of the same generation, all that changes is the finish. I for one will always pay for the SS since I love it and pairs well with all higher end iPhones

True at all. SS is far away better then aluminium on wrist, I agree with you.

 

[skyhawkmatthew]

True at all. SS is far away better then aluminium on wrist, I agree with you.

Yup, same for Ti. I put my old Al S4 on occasionally when playing squash or something I don’t want to risk the expensive new watch, and it looks and feels like a toy now.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Yup, same for Ti. I put my old Al S4 on occasionally when playing squash or something I don’t want to risk the expensive new watch, and it looks and feels like a toy now.

I see this analogy a lot on this forum sadly and usually it’s used to be derogatory and provoke. In your case though, please explain how an aluminium Apple Watch ‘looks and feels like toy’?? Sorry but this comes across as elitist and unnecessarily provocative and I really don’t get it.

 

[geordiedan]

I see this analogy a lot on this forum sadly and usually it’s used to be derogatory and provoke. In your case though, please explain how an aluminium Apple Watch ‘looks and feels like toy’?? Sorry but this comes across as elitist and unnecessarily provocative and I really don’t get it.

I kind of agree with his general thought… I wouldn’t go as far as saying that it “feels like a toy”, but when I compare my aluminium watch (used for sports) against my titanium one, the aluminium one does feel a lot less premium and more like a Fitbit than something that I’d want to wear all of the time to work / socialising etc.

I don’t think you would notice the difference too much, unless you have previously bought a SS or titanium model, but once you have it would be difficult to go back to a aluminium Watch.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I kind of agree with his general thought… I wouldn’t go as far as saying that it “feels like a toy”, but when I compare my aluminium watch (used for sports) against my titanium one, the aluminium one does feel a lot less premium and more like a Fitbit than something that I’d want to wear all of the time to work / socialising etc.

I don’t think you would notice the difference too much, unless you have previously bought a SS or titanium model, but once you have it would be difficult to go back to a aluminium Watch.

I don’t notice the difference too much which is why I ask the question. I have worn a stainless though and didn’t get the same feeling as others have said, I have to admit. I wear my aluminium watch to work and even socialise with it without any fear i’ll be judged or ridiculed. Not suggesting the stainless or titanium are not really nice watches because they are, they are apple watches. I just don’t get the insinuation often promoted on here that the aluminium watch is cheap, like a toy, inferior, scratches by itself, and only worn by people who have no appreciation for ‘premium’ products. It’s a sad indictment I think and one that I see across every section of Mac Rumours where those who buy Pro devices like to purport this notion the mid tier devices are vastly inferior on every level. It does make taking part in these discussions quite frustrating, but hey, it takes all sorts I suppose.