Which Apple Watch would you buy given the discounts?

[Rainshadow]

Looking to buy an Apple Watch. Generally I wait til the new one is released, but it just doesn’t sound like the series 8 will have many updates and I was thinking I’d rather have the available discounts. Plus, my series 4 broke and I don’t want to wait the month+ to upgrade.

I thought it would be an opportunity to buy a SS model, but then even the discounts are still double the aluminum price.

Curious what the majority of people would do on here.

If you think the SS models will drop more - where do you see those discounts? I’ve never seen a new SS model for less than $500 from a reputable seller for the most recent or one year removed series.

FYI: I have upgraded right away in the past when the series 4 model was released and held onto it. My aluminum model has been just torn up by scratches and that bothers me. I had a SS series 0 model and that held up beautifully. But I’ve not been able to find a price of a ss model that I’m willing to jump on and stick with.

I purchased a SS series 7 for $599 and used it a couple days and had to return it because I just couldn’t get over the fact that I could buy two GPS models for less than the SS model that doesn’t DO anything different besides be pretty.

Thoughts?

 

[Howard2k]

If you're keen on the SS and not sold on the rumoured S8 upgrades, then the S7 SS seems like the winner to me.

 

[eclipse01]

SS Series 7 is $565 on Amazon at the moment (I just picked one up)

 

[JDnLex]

The SS tempts me as well. I have an S0 space black SS and the screen has remained blemish free. I’ve been on aluminum since then because it’s easier to convince myself to upgrade more frequently when the price barrier is lower.

I’ve been tempted by the SS S7 sales, but as you said, the aluminums are half off the cost and are functionally the same.

At this stage where you need a replacement now because yours is broken, I’d go with the aluminum for 270-ish if you don’t need cellular or the aluminum cellular if you do. Then, if you decide the S8 or S9 has something you want you won’t lose as much on trade in or when selling.

 

[Rainshadow]

SS Series 7 is $565 on Amazon at the moment (I just picked one up)

I see that, but you purchased the 41mm, right? I’m looking for the 45 and that price is $599.

I purchased one for $599 but I just felt like it wasn’t worth it. At $499, I could probably swallow it.

To be clear, I can afford it. I’ve budgeted just for this but when I look at the other fun things I can do with the $325 I could save, I just couldn’t keep the SS at $599

It’s just the practical side of my brain that tells me to keep it in my pants (my money).

 

[ssledoux]

I am struggling myself because I’ve been wanting to either go with SS or go with the larger watch. Now sure seems like a great time to pick one up, but since I already have a 7, I’m trying to make myself wait to see what the 8s have to offer.

 

[Mikey86uk]

Im currently rocking my Series 4 (44mm) and im looking to upgrade to either the Series 7 or 8.

Leaning more towards the 7 with discounts unless the series 8 has a must-have feature. Might even be tempted by a bigger watch face.

 

[eclipse01]

I see that, but you purchased the 41mm, right? I’m looking for the 45 and that price is $599.

I purchased one for $599 but I just felt like it wasn’t worth it. At $499, I could probably swallow it.

To be clear, I can afford it. I’ve budgeted just for this but when I look at the other fun things I can do with the $325 I could save, I just couldn’t keep the SS at $599

It’s just the practical side of my brain that tells me to keep it in my pants (my money).

Oops yeah, my bad…i bought the 41mm for the wife

 

[SA22C]

I just picked up a stainless 40mm Series 6 from staples.ca for less than the cost of the current aluminum S7.

I felt like the cellular connectivity and more resilient screen was worth the tradeoff of the fully edge-to-edge screen. Had it for about a week now and am really happy with the purchase.

 

[LiverbirdBln]

I just picked up a stainless 40mm Series 6 from staples.ca for less than the cost of the current aluminum S7.

I felt like the cellular connectivity and more resilient screen was worth the tradeoff of the fully edge-to-edge screen. Had it for about a week now and am really happy with the purchase.

Same here, upgraded to the Series 6 SS from a broken and old-ish Series 5 SS (back cover broke and battery life very poor) for a decent price. Can’t see many advantages over the 7 and SS is a must have for me.

 

[SA22C]

Same here, upgraded to the Series 6 SS from a broken and old-ish Series 5 SS (back cover broke and battery life very poor) for a decent price. Can’t see many advantages over the 7 and SS is a must have for me.

It’s a huge peace of mind because I had a S2 aluminum and it was scratched pretty much immediately after I got it and things only went downhill from there. My Tissot on the other hand with its sapphire face looks pristine after years of regular use.

Now I know the Apple Watch sapphire isn’t quite as strong as ‘real’ sapphire but it’s a heck of a lot more scratch resistant than regular glass.

 

[LiverbirdBln]

It’s a huge peace of mind because I had a S2 aluminum and it was scratched pretty much immediately after I got it and things only went downhill from there. My Tissot on the other hand with its sapphire face looks pristine after years of regular use.

Now I know the Apple Watch sapphire isn’t quite as strong as ‘real’ sapphire but it’s a heck of a lot more scratch resistant than regular glass.

I had worn my Series 5 for almost 3 years and I have no visible scratches on the glass. If you point the torch to the screen, then you can see one tiny scratch. These SS versions are amazing! And they look so much better than the Aluminium too!

 

[happy orchard]

Just looked on Amazon, and these are $529 right now--that seems good...considering Apple is selling the same watch right now for $749.

Apple Watch Series 7 [GPS + Cellular 45mm] Smart Watch w/ Silver Stainless Steel Case with Starlight Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

 

[bousozoku]

Given my current heart condition, I ended up buying a new 41mm alumi product (RED) Series 7 watch for US$295. It might catch what a visit to a cardiologist won't see at the office.

I could have bought a cellular version for US$100 more but I can't see adding another subscription to my bill.

I'm not a watch user. I haven't worn a watch since 2006.

 

[DSTOFEL]

Just looked on Amazon, and these are $529 right now--that seems good...considering Apple is selling the same watch right now for $749.

Apple Watch Series 7 [GPS + Cellular 45mm] Smart Watch w/ Silver Stainless Steel Case with Starlight Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant

I ordered one of these and am keeping it ”unopened” to see if I can sell my S7 Product Red GPS for a decent price…and also to see if the S7 SS goes any lower. Either way…if I can’t sell the red S7 at a good price, I’ll likely just stick with it….rather than give it away….as I do really like it. It’s just that the SS goes with just about every band…and I’ve go a lot of bands (from past SS AW’s).

 

[happy orchard]

I ordered one of these and am keeping it ”unopened” to see if I can sell my S7 Product Red GPS for a decent price…and also to see if the S7 SS goes any lower. Either way…if I can’t sell the red S7 at a good price, I’ll likely just stick with it….rather than give it away….as I do really like it. It’s just that the SS goes with just about every band…and I’ve go a lot of bands (from past SS AW’s).

I ordered one, too! That just felt like too good of a deal. I was going to replace a 5 Silver Al this year, but I was thinking for the same price (because I would get the cellular version) I can get this SS (and 7 doesn't look to be thaaat different from the upcoming 8.)

Interesting idea about keeping it unopened; I wonder if they would just price-match if they lowered the price within 30 days?

And let me be a voice that encourages you to keep the red watch, too. Personally, I have enjoyed having more than one watch. Some days I feel the red. Other days, I don't, and if you're able and it brings you pleasure, it's nice to have other options.

Hope you get to enjoy! Keep us posted and how it plays out.

 

[DSTOFEL]

I ordered one, too! That just felt like too good of a deal. I was going to replace a 5 Silver Al this year, but I was thinking for the same price (because I would get the cellular version) I can get this SS (and 7 doesn't look to be thaaat different from the upcoming 8.)

Interesting idea about keeping it unopened; I wonder if they would just price-match if they lowered the price within 30 days?

And let me be a voice that encourages you to keep the red watch, too. Personally, I have enjoyed having more than one watch. Some days I feel the red. Other days, I don't, and if you're able and it brings you pleasure, it's nice to have other options.

Hope you get to enjoy! Keep us posted and how it plays out.

You’re reading my mind. I’m actually thinking about keeping the AW7 Product Red….and….the Stainless Steel. One reason: I had The product red AW6 that I just sold today for a good price. I had the Red Braided loop band with it (that I kept) and it works perfectly with the AW 7 Red watch. It’s perfect for sports or super casual days while the AW7 SS can run the gamut between workouts and formal.

 

[parseckadet]

Shame that the graphite isn't getting nearly as discounted, just $75 off. Maybe that will go down next week. Still, I'm seriously considering sticking with my series 4. AOD is the only thing tempting me to upgrade right now.

 

[happy orchard]

You’re reading my mind. I’m actually thinking about keeping the AW7 Product Red….and….the Stainless Steel. One reason: I had The product red AW6 that I just sold today for a good price. I had the Red Braided loop band with it (that I kept) and it works perfectly with the AW 7 Red watch. It’s perfect for sports or super casual days while the AW7 SS can run the gamut between workouts and formal.

Yes! To all of that.

Including the selling a 6 red for a 7 red and kept the braided loop.

 

[happy orchard]

Shame that the graphite isn't getting nearly as discounted, just $75 off. Maybe that will go down next week. Still, I'm seriously considering sticking with my series 4. AOD is the only thing tempting me to upgrade right now.

I saw that, too. Just seems to be the silver SS with the much lower price. Curious.

Having traded in watches yearly, I would say yeah sure some things are better, some things are incremental, but almost always each iteration genuinely does feel faster and smoother, so I would recommend trading up from a 4. Jic a nudge helps.

And if not, hope you enjoy your 4 until you find a discounted graphite.

 

[DSTOFEL]

You’re reading my mind. I’m actually thinking about keeping the AW7 Product Red….and….the Stainless Steel. One reason: I had The product red AW6 that I just sold today for a good price. I had the Red Braided loop band with it (that I kept) and it works perfectly with the AW 7 Red watch. It’s perfect for sports or super casual days while the AW7 SS can run the gamut between workouts and formal.

Decided to open the Stainless Steel Apple Watch 7. I‘ve had the Stainless steel in the Series 1, 2, 3 & 5. I switched to the Aluminum (product red) for series 6 & 7. I’d forgotten about one of the major advantages of the aluminum modes. That being the brightness of the display and richness of the colors/contrast as compared to the SS versions. The Sapphire glass on the SS models scores huge for durability, but definitely takes a hit in terms of overall display quality. The colors and black levels seem washed out by comparison. The Sapphire seems more reflective too. These taken with my DSLR, directly overhead…same indirect light hitting both watches. SS on the left, Aluminum on the right. Just one more factor to consider for those trying to make a decision between the two. BTW…I’m keeping both

I found a thread discussing this for those interested: https://www.macrumors.com/2015/06/29/apple-watch-glass-sapphire-brightness/

 

[ric275]

Once you go Stainless Steel, you won't go back

 

[happy orchard]

Decided to open the Stainless Steel Apple Watch 7. I‘ve had the Stainless steel in the Series 1, 2, 3 & 5. I switched to the Aluminum (product red) for series 6 & 7. I’d forgotten about one of the major advantages of the aluminum modes. That being the brightness of the display and richness of the colors/contrast as compared to the SS versions. The Sapphire glass on the SS models scores huge for durability, but definitely takes a hit in terms of overall display quality. The colors and black levels seem washed out by comparison. The Sapphire seems more reflective too. These taken with my DSLR, directly overhead…same indirect light hitting both watches. SS on the left, Aluminum on the right. Just one more factor to consider for those trying to make a decision between the two. BTW…I’m keeping both

I found a thread discussing this for those interested: https://www.macrumors.com/2015/06/29/apple-watch-glass-sapphire-brightness/
View attachment 2049260

That’s interesting that you could even notice the difference. I see it in the picture, but I’ve not noticed it on my own watches. It makes sense that different media would have cause different refractions. Hopefully it doesn’t bother you too much, especially now that you’re keeping both!

(I opened mine too. Yay us.)

 

[bousozoku]

Now that I've seen the Series 8, I'm not feeling compelled to buy the newest one any more than I would have been to wait the couple of weeks. The Series 7 is quite good and a couple advancements here or there aren't going to change most people's perception--if they're using it as a tool and not as a status symbol.

I'm happy with what mine has done for me. I found humour in picking up a phone call and talking through the watch.