Apple Watch Ultra: Titanium finish less durable?

[alexcue]

My one year old Space Black Titanium looks new and haven’t got a single scratch. I know the Space Black might be hard to compare though

I think it’s because the SB Ti S7 has a DLC coating. Mine looks brand new. The Ultra doesn’t have that coating… time will tell.

 

[The Game 161]

 

[Jackbequickly]

So as I suspected the Titanium case while strong, is extremely susceptible to marks and chipping. After just one weekend of ownership and with very light use, the chamfered edge on mine has already acquired a chip. I haven’t been out exploring, running, or doing anything labor-intensive. Just relaxing at home, a trip to a restaurant, and driving. The chip I think was acquired after the case came into contact with the dinner table. Absolutely on me. But if it chips this easily during such a short space of time with general day-to-day use, it’s going to look awful after 6 months of regular use. And the raised lip I’ve found is sharp and uncomfortable. I just can‘t understand why Apple decided to add chamfered edges to a product marketed on durability when they are so easy to damage.

All in all, I appreciate what Apple tried to do here to protect the display but I think their attempt at a functional design actually trades away some functionality. The smooth edge for comfortable swiping and navigation of the UI has given way to an exposed, sharp ridge.

This won’t be a concern for everyone but for me, it’s a deal breaker (along with the Digital Crown getting stuck on my wrist bone constantly and inadvertent pressing of the action button). Returning and going for a Series 8 in trusty stainless steel. I'll just deal with daily charging or use low power mode.

*Oh and the return is also due to discoloration on the antenna band as others have reported. Not acceptable at this price point.

I don’t think the Apple Watch is for you. The tiny nick is typical of what the Ultra will pick up with use. Just normal wear will result in a nick or scratch. Ti is not harder than stainless steel and will not wear as well. The Ultra is made to take a licking and keep on working. It may not be pretty but it is rugged for sure. People who want a perfect pretty watch they need not buy the ultra.

I will still take the Ultra for it’s flat screen, screen brightness in the out out doors and larger battery the goes well past 24 hours.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

The problem is not scratches but the squared off form factor for dinks you will get super easily even slightly bumping a surface. No such issues with a rounded curved watch.

It's the same material. Why would one shape magically make it less durable/stable? Hmm? There are enough flat sides on the current Apple Watches, and I had dents in my AW4. So far, 1 scuff/scratch on the AWE, which didn't leave any 'gash', it's just lighter.

 

[Toratek]

Urghhhh I’m now back on the fence

I like keeping my devices well kept and scratch free, I’ve even mildly knocked my Series 4 SS a few times and had no scratches, and it’s been great. But this thread is making me think about cancelling!

Now thinking of the Series 8 titanium SS

Notived on some of the from the keynote, the Ultra does look like it has slight dinks out if it

The Ultra has a brilliantly finished, tiny chamfer on the edge, and it picked up the pin spot lights in the exhibition area, which, combined with camera settings, resulted in the illusion of dings on the edge.

If you are OCD then stay away from anything but a RADO ceramic watch. Nothing else will remain ding-free over time. ESPECIALLY titanium- it is one of the softer watch case materials in common use (but better than aluminum of course).

 

[ADGrant]

I don't know if it's just me or not but the Titanium finish of the Apple Watch Ultra seems to have a coating akin to the Aluminium Apple Watch. Notice how in the photo below, the light scatters across its surface. The Apple Watch Edition, by contrast, is a brushed titanium finish.

I've ordered an Ultra but I'm a bit concerned about scratches and chipping. I know that the natural titanium of the edition could be easily restored with a refinishing pad. But I get the impression that this isn't the case with the Ultra owing to the texture.

it also seems to have a slight chamfer around the raised casing that I'd imagine is going to chip or get dinged rather easily. Does anybody else have any thoughts on this?

I am worried about the same thing.

 

[ADGrant]

Watch cases are meant to protect internals. That’s why the Ultra’s case extends up to protect the screen. Embrace the scratches.

Or buy a SS AW.

 

[ADGrant]

My point is caring about scratches is a waste of time. It’s part of wearing a metal watch. I can’t imagine what some would think around here when they see a scratched up PP Nautilus, which is common.

My Space Black SS AW3 has no scratches after 5 years.

 

[ADGrant]

If you scroll further up the thread I included two photos. I'll attach them again below. But I can assure you the chip was obtained from very light, general use. It was a minor knock against a wooden table when taking my seat at a restaurant. Very casual use.

Again it's my fault for knocking it but watches get knocked against day-to-day objects all of the time. Many people won't care about these chips on the chamfered edge. But that doesn't change the fact that these will occur in regular casual use. In my case I wasn't out exploring, I wasn't doing any manual labor or even at the gym. Just a chilled family weekend at home and a meal at a restaurant. No reason to be dishonest about how it occurred. I just want other people to be able to make informed decisions. If they're happy to accept that these chips will occur, then great! At least they're braced for it ahead of time.

Thank you for you posts. They have been most informative.

 

[ArchEtech]

A hard hit is going to scratch either. Titanium isn't as hard as SS but its way better on the strength to weight ratio, thats why you use it. The Ultra might scratch a bit easier than the SS case, but overall its going to be just as strong. I've had the SS and the Ti Series watches. The are both pretty scratch resistant in general. I've never used a case, and I've never really notice much on the case or crystal ever. I polished both of them. The SS needs a fine grit sandpaper. The Ti would clean up with buffing compound and a microfiber. That test in the video is pretty telling......

 

[krick]

As others have said, titanium will scratch more easily than SS. That being said, I have many SS mechanical watches, and almost all of them have scratches as well. If it really bothers you, however, you can remove most shallow scuffs and scratches with some elbow grease, patience, and the right titanium refinishing tools (there are many specifically for watches).

 

[wilberforce]

So as I suspected the Titanium case while strong, is extremely susceptible to marks and chipping. After just one weekend of ownership and with very light use, the chamfered edge on mine has already acquired a chip. I haven’t been out exploring, running, or doing anything labor-intensive. Just relaxing at home, a trip to a restaurant, and driving. The chip I think was acquired after the case came into contact with the dinner table. Absolutely on me. But if it chips this easily during such a short space of time with general day-to-day use, it’s going to look awful after 6 months of regular use. And the raised lip I’ve found is sharp and uncomfortable. I just can‘t understand why Apple decided to add chamfered edges to a product marketed on durability when they are so easy to damage.

All in all, I appreciate what Apple tried to do here to protect the display but I think their attempt at a functional design actually trades away some functionality. The smooth edge for comfortable swiping and navigation of the UI has given way to an exposed, sharp ridge.

This won’t be a concern for everyone but for me, it’s a deal breaker (along with the Digital Crown getting stuck on my wrist bone constantly and inadvertent pressing of the action button). Returning and going for a Series 8 in trusty stainless steel. I'll just deal with daily charging or use low power mode.

*Oh and the return is also due to discoloration on the antenna band as others have reported. Not acceptable at this price point.

I was wondering about this, and thanks for the feedback. The chips seems tiny, but were a result of very minor knocks. I expect more noticeable chips and dings will occur from knocks on concrete, rock, etc.
I think people who expect their rugged off-road vehicle to remain looking like a pristine pavement princess may be a bit disappointed. I think the dings and chips will just be badges of honor and add to the rugged motif.

 

[xDKP]

Can you post any pics of the SB Titanium.

 

[MacGiver]

It's the same material. Why would one shape magically make it less durable/stable? Hmm? There are enough flat sides on the current Apple Watches, and I had dents in my AW4. So far, 1 scuff/scratch on the AWE, which didn't leave any 'gash', it's just lighter.

🧐 Seems quite obvious. An impact (even a light one) on a chamfered thin edge will most probably see more dents vs a rounded or flat shape form factor. Picture on this thread talks for itself. Can’t explain it better that if you don’t get the point. I have the ultra and I am still undecided whether I will keep it or not.

 

[bsmr]

I think we will see a lot more pics of these dents with AWU.

just wait a few days.

 

[solq]

I don't know if it's just me or not but the Titanium finish of the Apple Watch Ultra seems to have a coating akin to the Aluminium Apple Watch. Notice how in the photo below, the light scatters across its surface. The Apple Watch Edition, by contrast, is a brushed titanium finish.

I've ordered an Ultra but I'm a bit concerned about scratches and chipping. I know that the natural titanium of the edition could be easily restored with a refinishing pad. But I get the impression that this isn't the case with the Ultra owing to the texture.

it also seems to have a slight chamfer around the raised casing that I'd imagine is going to chip or get dinged rather easily. Does anybody else have any thoughts on this?

I had a number of titanium watches (still do, my daily is a Garmin Epix 2 titanium) and they always stratch and scuff much more compared to steel.

And if you do sports with them, well, it's even worse.

Part and parcel of titanium. Light and lovely looking but...

 

[Dealmans]

It's a sport watch no need to baby it lol

 

[Aggedor]

Watch cases are meant to protect internals. That’s why the Ultra’s case extends up to protect the screen. Embrace the scratches.

Yeah, if you are worried about your Ultra getting beaten up, you are not the kind of user the Ultra is intended for.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I don’t know, but I accidentally scraped the raised edge of the casing across an aluminum airplane tray table yesterday and it looks like the watch won that battle.

Scared the crap out of me because it was only a couple hours after I opened the damn thing… but the mark on the watch is basically imperceptible, have to catch the light on the chamfered edge just right to see it. The tray table, on the other hand, had a huge scratch on it.

 

[Jackbequickly]

The definition of “durable”:

“able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing.”

It does not say it has to remain un damaged or pristine!

 

[Monkswhiskers]

I am no fan of the ultra but this impressed me

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I am definitely a more extreme 'worrier' when it comes to this. I obsessively look after my stuff. I wish I could be carefree about it, I really do. But alas I'd be fighting a losing battle.

I'll try the Ultra for a few days. If I don't like it I can always switch back to S8 steel. Be a shame as I really want the battery life.

My AW4 had a rather large dent in the case when I traded it in. There was a smaller one just off the glass bezel too. I felt really luck that it didn't chip, but it held up. I traded it in on the AE7 I wear now. I'm not worried about it. It's already got a scratch. I rotate the watch around to face off the back side of my wrist when I know it's likely to get dinged. But I am depending on AppleCare to save my goody if something happens to it. I guess my next concern would be having to take a 'standard' SS 7 for the AE I have if it needs to be totally replaced. THAT would suck... I wore a TAG Carrera for a month and it took a beating, much more devastating than the damage to the AW4.

Don't worry, be happy. It's just a watch.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

The definition of “durable”:

“able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing.”

It does not say it has to remain un damaged or pristine!

And 'life happens'. I've destroyed a Citizen EcoDrive watch, and shattered the crystal in a TAG dive watch. Life happens. There are 'cases' for Apple Watches but they could end up being very clunky and counter productive.

 

[xDKP]

I am no fan of the ultra but this impressed me

Damn that literally hurt for the entire video. **** this is everything I try not to do to my stuff 😂

 

[ArchEtech]

^^^^^^^thst clearly shows it’s more durable in all aspects by a significant margin. With that said, I didn’t buy the Ultra to survive that kind of abuse, so it’s a valid concern that the finish might be a little more fussy resisting everyday wear in some aspects. The screen isn’t going to scratch though!