Apple Watch series 6 - which one to choose

[alexhardaker]

Hi,

I currently own a 38mm aluminium AW series 3 Wi-Fi + cellular (never used the cellular part) & I’m looking at upgrading this year. My current one has a cracked screen and has markings on the casing, so I don’t like the idea of getting the aluminium one again. I’m also looking at getting the bigger screen this time.

I’m using the current options available as a guide, and I would like to know if the stainless steel, titanium & ceramic ones are really worth it? I like the idea of having the better glass screen, but those options are quite a bit more expensive. With software updates only lasting 4 years (so far anyway), battery degradation & resale value, are they really worth purchasing? Smart watches aren’t like regular watches that last 10+ years & don’t need software updates, which makes an expensive one like a Rolex worth the investment.

What are the differences between the stainless steel and titanium ones? Can they be used for swimming/in the shower? Anyone that has either of these or has had them in the past, I’d love to know your experience with them. I might not bother booking an Apple Store appointment & just order online when it’s available.

I also like having an every-day strap to use instead of the sports ones, which will add to the price of the watch.

Thank you!

 

[44267547]

I just will answer part of your post with my experience. As a stainless steel watch owner, I prefer the black stainless with the DLC coating, [which is diamond like carbon] which is almost impervious to scratches. The titanium is significantly lighter than the stainless Apple Watch, which is similar in durability including the Sapphire display. No matter what, the most important thing you need to realize, is whatever metal finish you choose for the Apple Watch, it doesn’t hold value, as matter fact, the higher end stainless/titanium/ceramic models significantly drop in value.

But the main advantage of what I really like aside from the aesthetic appeal of the stainless casing personally, is the Sapphire display does an amazing job again with everyday encounters.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I have the space black stainless steel series 5 44mm. A larger screen is definitely a plus as it makes seeing and interacting with the watch so much easier. And like RP said, it is great at withstanding stretches on the body and screen. It will hold up much better than the aluminum model. You can swim with it although Apple does not recommend showering with it. You don’t want to expose the water to hot soapy water on a regular basis, as it can wear down the seals. Do not get the SS model for resale purposes, because resale value is low, compared to purchase price.

The sport band and sport loops are very good for every day use. The sport band is a lot easier to keep clean.

I have been very happy with mine and am looking forward to the series 6.

 

[Pimmp]

Cheapest model. Actually planning to buy my first watch as Apple watch 6 being released. Omega and Tissot has done the job nice so far

 

[jz0309]

As above, my SB S4 looks like new after now almost 2 years. There is a minor scratch in the sapphire that I can see under specific angle, not during normal use.
I had S0 and S3 aluminum and they were showing scratches on both body and glass.
I also keep my S4 on while showering, no issues so far.
But the SS or other premiums don’t hold their value very good, that’s the only downside I see.
Battery wise, usually I’m somewhere between 30-40% at the end of the day and that is with typically 100+ excercise minutes...
I don’t expect at this point that S6 will have killer features for me so plan is to keep the S4 for another year

 

[omenatarhuri]

Good points here about value. A luxury watch might last a lifetime but smartwatches prob drop value like other consumer electronics.

looking at getting a six as well, first Apple Watch for me

 

[44267547]

Cheapest model. Actually planning to buy my first watch as Apple watch 6 being released. Omega and Tissot has done the job nice so far

Actually, if I could recommend anything to anyone, it would not be the stainless or titanium, because most are not aware that the re-sale is value is atrocious. I personally like the stainless because of the sapphire display and the weight, but in all reality, I’m probably a better candidate for the cheaper aluminum model, being that my Apple Watch can take a beating, where as my 10 or so mechanical watches , I would rather preserve. The Apple Watch is nothing more than silicon/soldered components, long term—> It means nothing.

 

[akash.nu]

I went with the black aluminium version on series 4 & it has served me well until now. Granted I don’t really get involved in activities that might bang the watch around but I wear it all the time including at the gym. I’m also careful to not hit my arm around much. So far the watch doesn’t have a single scratch anywhere.

 

[antbob]

OP you might wanna hold on to your 38mm s3 after you get s6. Yes the 44m screen is really amazing compared to old 38mm but I personally found that for sport activities or just for any physical work that 44mm isnt that practical and tends to hit things so I wear 38mm in those situations and switch to 44mm for daily use. That way you could also avoid most damage and save money with aluminium/ion model. YMMV of course and it probably depends on a person and things like activities, wrist size etc but something to consider anyway.

 

[DontGetTheCheese]

Actually, if I could recommend anything to anyone, it would not be the stainless or titanium, because most are not aware that the re-sale is value is atrocious. I personally like the stainless because of the sapphire display and the weight, but in all reality, I’m probably a better candidate for the cheaper aluminum model, being that my Apple Watch can take a beating, where as my 10 or so mechanical watches , I would rather preserve. The Apple Watch is nothing more than silicon/soldered components, long term—> It means nothing.

Everyone's mileage will vary here, but I never damaged an AW. Frankly, the only watch I ever scratched was my first Fenix 5. I seem to recall a fair amount of scratches but it still sold when I tried to sell it.

The thing is, depending on model, even if you wreck the watch, it's not a back-breaker to replace it at $400 or $500. SS will take that to I think $699/$799 and titanium is higher, looks like anywhere from $900 to $1,250, for what is really the exact same watch, and as said above, probably a tough resale. Really, I'm not sure they're any tougher than Aluminum. Keep in mind that if they drop sapphire on one of those it's going to reflect sunlight, a lot.

I've sold 3 AW and a similar number of Fenix's and they all got around 50% of the purchase price. Fenix does better than the AW but not by a huge amount.

 

[StaceyMJ86]

I went with the black aluminium version on series 4 & it has served me well until now. Granted I don’t really get involved in activities that might bang the watch around but I wear it all the time including at the gym. I’m also careful to not hit my arm around much. So far the watch doesn’t have a single scratch anywhere.

I too have a S4 aluminum and don’t have any scratches or cracks anywhere. My watch looks just like the day I received it, on launch day.

 

[MsRandall]

Definitely getting the series 6 to replace my SS series 4 -either titanium or SS again. Selling my series 4 on eBay if my son doesn’t want it

 

[TiggrToo]

My launch day Aluminum Series 3 is still looking fine. No scratches anywhere on the watch itself - although the JUUK aluminum band has taken some wounds.

 

[rebretz000]

I have a silver aluminum series 4 and I’m actually debating on using my AppleCare+ to get another replacement sent. I wear my watch all the time not matter what I’m doing and it’s taken a beating. My first one ended up with deep scratches on the glass. The one I have now has some deep scratches and has a small dent on the frame near where the band slides in.
I was thinking of going with a titanium but I think it’s cheaper to just pay my $65 with AppleCare for a replacement when it gets bad enough.

 

[Arran]

Tempted to go back to steel after two years with a S4 SG aluminum.

Reason: After owning S0 -> S1 -> S2 -> S3 (all steel) and replacing each as soon as the next one launched it wasn't worth the depreciation. So I went with aluminum for S4.

And, as luck would have it, the S4 has performed beautifully the last two years and I've kept it! For the first time - the S5 wasn't a must-have leap in technology. The performance curve has flattened.

I can now see a S6 lasting 3-4 years and the premium for steel (and above) being worthwhile again.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Titanium, Stainless, Ceramic? The way I look at it, if you have the money and it makes you feel good, then it may be worth the expense. However, I don't see the practical advantage to the premium materials - I consider Watch to be a tool, rather than jewelry, a tool with a relatively short technological lifespan. As far as making an impression on others, your choice of band and watch face are more important than the small amount of exposed metal or ceramic that surrounds the display.

I got Stainless for my first-generation Watch - I really wanted the Milanese Loop, and the sapphire display seemed a good idea. My S4 (now about 1.5 years old) is aluminum. My Stainless has scratches in the metal, my Aluminum does not. Both displays are essentially scratch-free. This has much less to do with the durability of the materials as it has to do with the accidents of life. My S4 has managed to dodge any significant cosmetic damage, although that could change tomorrow. My Stainless, although not treated any differently or worn with less care, managed to get bumped or scraped. I have no idea how - arms/hands rub up against things, it's just the way life is.

Style-wise? Due to the relative size of their exposed areas the band and the watch face are the dominant visual/style elements. The Stainless Milanese Loop from my first Watch looks just fine on my Aluminum - when I need to dress up my appearance it does a nice job. Sure, if you look closely you notice the matte brushed aluminum doesn't match the finish of the steel band, but not enough to matter to me (I'm sure others may feel differently). The rest of the time I wear a casual Sport Loop or Sport Band.

If you need to buy a premium case material in order to have a particular band or watch face then you may have to spend more to have it (no, I'm not the type to buy Hermès). Otherwise? Spend/donate the money elsewhere.

 

[satchmo]

If the resale value of the stainless models are that bad, it might be worth buying a used SS Series 5 (assuming the S6 has features that are not important to you).

 

[44267547]

Definitely getting the series 6 to replace my SS series 4 -either titanium or SS again. Selling my series 4 on eBay if my son doesn’t want it

Pro tip:

I probably wouldn’t sell your Apple Watch on eBay. And here’s why-

If you look at the market for the Apple Watch on eBay, there’s dozens of pages of use Apple watches, in anticipation that a new Apple Watch is already arriving shortly. Also, by selling your used Apple Watch S4 on eBay, be prepared to take even a steeper hit financially given the copious amounts of used Apple Watches available, plus the risk of fraud. If I were you, and if you have access to Facebook marketplace, you will probably be able to sell faster, local and likely accrue at least 20% more in your sale versus eBay, which will also have associated fees/costs.

 

[cardfan]

If the resale value of the stainless models are that bad, it might be worth buying a used SS Series 5 (assuming the S6 has features that are not important to you).

Yep. Grabbed an s4 ss for like 399. Same speed as s5. No way I’d pay 700-800 for one. Best Buy will unload s5 for 300-400 off.

 

[5105973]

Whatever you do, don’t get the gold stainless steel. My series 4 looks brown and has a badly tarnished side. Ugh. I’ve had all colors of aluminum and had the silver stainless. So far, my black aluminum series 2 has been with me the longest and gets the roughest treatment but looks the best.

I’m looking at black aluminum for my 6, but am also looking into titanium since I know nothing about that option. I do prefer a sapphire crystal.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Definitely getting the series 6 to replace my SS series 4 -either titanium or SS again. Selling my series 4 on eBay if my son doesn’t want it

I agree with RP. Stay away from eBay. Unfortunately, it is too easy to get ripped off on eBay. Consider the forum Marketplace, as well as Macmeanoffer.com

 

[Apple_Robert]

Whatever you do, don’t get the gold stainless steel. My series 4 looks brown and has a badly tarnished side. Ugh. I’ve had all colors of aluminum and had the silver stainless. So far, my black aluminum series 2 has been with me the longest and gets the roughest treatment but looks the best.

I’m looking at black aluminum for my 6, but am also looking into titanium since I know nothing about that option. I do prefer a sapphire crystal.

Titanium is supposed to be very high quality and harder to abuse, albeit it does cost a good bit more than the SS model.

 

[ukms]

I haven’t really kept up with AW rumours this time.

Are there any new finishes or colours anticipated for the S6?

 

[cla9614]

If you don't want a watch with scratches all over or a foggy back, go with the Stainless Steel. If resale value isn't a show stopper for you?? It's a big investment, but the performance you get with a newer and more durable Apple Watch is superb. I has a Series 2 Stainless Steel and then upgraded to a Series 5 SS last year. So happy that I did!! Never going to use the Aluminum watch, I hate how the back of the watch gets foggy and stops working correctly as it ages. I plan on keeping this watch for the next 2.5 years, just as long as I kept my Series 2 SS.

 

[Apple_Robert]

If you don't want a watch with scratches all over or a foggy back, go with the Stainless Steel. If resale value isn't a show stopper for you?? It's a big investment, but the performance you get with a newer and more durable Apple Watch is superb. I has a Series 2 Stainless Steel and then upgraded to a Series 5 SS last year. So happy that I did!! Never going to use the Aluminum watch, I hate how the back of the watch gets foggy and stops working correctly as it ages. I plan on keeping this watch for the next 2.5 years, just as long as I kept my Series 2 SS.

What is this fogginess you speak of? Any pictures or video of this problem? Is it endemic of all aluminum models?