Apple Watch Ultra: Titanium finish less durable?

[newellj]

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.

I will say that I think there is some truth here. That raised edge around the bezel, with its very sharp corners, is going to show surface finish wear and dings/dents pretty quickly. The pictures in this thread illustrate that well.

That isn't the only issue with that sharp edge. I wear Apple watches while I sleep and somehow managed to scrape myself while turning over a few nights ago. I'm not an engineer or designer, but I think I would have lowered that lip a bit and put a chamfer on the outside edge.

How were the Space Black titanium Edition AWs finished? PVD or something like that? The black versions of the SS and Ti watches have a much more durable finish in terms of daily use than the polished SS or the matte (bead blasted?) Ti, although once you scratch through the finish the scratch is basically there forever.

I think it's a no-brainer to predict that Apple will bring out a Space Black or Space Gray or similar color finish for the
AWU next year.

 

[NotApplicable]

Apple care plus. If it ever gets too ugly for you, drop it from a building and get a full replacement.

 

[drew0020]

I'd just add that as the current owner of two Rolex watches and the former owner of quite a few others, all stainless steel case models - which I mention because people here are saying how "durable" stainless steel is - if you wear yyour vaunted Rolex daily you are going to accumulate not just some superficial scratches but actual dents, dings and divots.

If you want a shelf queen, buy a box and toss whatever watch floats your boat into it, never take it out. It'll be "pristine" and "LNIB" but it won't have done anyone any good.

I have a couple of steel Rolex’s and there are no major scratches, dents, or dings on any of them. I typically only wear them for a more formal occasion but just wanted to point out not everyone has the same experiences.

 

[ArchEtech]

A glass screen protector that covers up the Ti edge would prevent some of the sharp edge and additional wear for some people. I don't know that I would buy one and install it. I think it would solve that issue for some people other than it would have to get replaced often as any knocks on the watch screen protectors.......

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

But I agree, it likely isn’t the right option for folks that are looking for cosmetic durability and want to ensure they get good resale value. It’s unfortunate as the features are great.

I also don’t think that anybody is stating Apple has deliberately chose a soft alloy. What they’re saying is that Titanium is strong (as is steel) but is less protective against dings and scratches. However, Apple did make a design choice to feature polished, laser cut chamfered edges around the display and around the crown guard. For a Watch designed for functionality, durability and so forth, a decorative and ornamental feature like this that is prone to being easily damaged is poor design. Or to be more generous, is an oxymoron to the design brief.

I was just commenting on the hysteria, but you sure dump a lot of FUD on the Ultra.

I had iPad Mini's since the first one. No chips, no damage. There is nothing intrinsic about a chamfered edge being less durable! They were designed to make the edge MORE durable as a sharp 90 degree edge WOULD ding and scratch and deform depending on the composition of the material. They could have rounded the corners but they have done that do death IMO.

And if the edges weren't chamfered, people would be flailing their chests about it not being chamfered, and you know that to be true.

Read this:

The two most useful properties of the metal are corrosion resistance and strength-to-density ratio, the highest of any metallic element.

From the article HERE.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

A glass screen protector that covers up the Ti edge would prevent some of the sharp edge and additional wear for some people. I don't know that I would buy one and install it. I think it would solve that issue for some people other than it would have to get replaced often as any knocks on the watch screen protectors.......

And it would be shrugged off in minutes.

 

[ArchEtech]

And it would be shrugged off in minutes.

Do you mean the protector? The stick on ones, like you put on a phone have never come off any of my devices. Now I've never put one on an apple watch, but if they are fitted properly, those glass screen protectors do not come off. I bet one hit and they are going to come off, but people may rather have that hit on the glass protector, and replace that $20 accessory to keep it pristine. I wouldn't but some would.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I have a couple of steel Rolex’s and there are no major scratches, dents, or dings on any of them. I typically only wear them for a more formal occasion but just wanted to point out not everyone has the same experiences.

And I had a stainless AW4 and it had several deep dings in it. One really close to the screen edge. At the Apple store, the sales person said she had seen others in worse shape. They just wanted it to work.

I wore it continuously, doing farm equipment maintenance, yard work, cement work, yard work, exercising, it saw it all. It took a beating. My TAG Carrera self-winder lasted a couple of weeks before I was horrified to see the dings and scratches. It took quite a beating in normal wear apparently and does look it a bit. It now sits where divas should: Under glass in a drawer in my dresser. If you did the stuff I did and ended up with 'no damage', I'd be very impressed. Stainless steel is one of the softer steels. They use it because of the corrosion resistance. Stainless steel screws are pretty weak but they look good. Plus stainless is available in two major compositions identified by if they are magnetic.

But you people keep whining about titanium. It IS stronger. Rock on!!

 

[drew0020]

And I had a stainless AW4 and it had several deep dings in it. One really close to the screen edge. At the Apple store, the sales person said she had seen others in worse shape. They just wanted it to work.

I wore it continuously, doing farm equipment maintenance, yard work, cement work, yard work, exercising, it saw it all. It took a beating. My TAG Carrera self-winder lasted a couple of weeks before I was horrified to see the dings and scratches. It took quite a beating in normal wear apparently and does look it a bit. It now sits where divas should: Under glass in a drawer in my dresser. If you did the stuff I did and ended up with 'no damage', I'd be very impressed. Stainless steel is one of the softer steels. They use it because of the corrosion resistance. Stainless steel screws are pretty weak but they look good. Plus stainless is available in two major compositions identified by if they are magnetic.

But you people keep whining about titanium. It IS stronger. Rock on!!

I don’t do the things you did with your watch but for my use case I’ve done the same with the SS and Titanium - running, lifting, biking, falling, banging into doors and tables occasionally. For me this is what I’ve seen in real life:
- 6+ years of SS Apple Watches - no dents or dings
- 3 days of Apple Watch Ultra - slight ding

Titanium may be stronger (in theory) and who knows what Apple is actually doing to it. I’ll take my personal 6+ year experience to people spewing how much better titanium is than steel.

Good luck with your watch. I still like the Ultra but it just doesn’t have the day to day durability that I require.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Do you mean the protector? The stick on ones, like you put on a phone have never come off any of my devices. Now I've never put one on an apple watch, but if they are fitted properly, those glass screen protectors do not come off. I bet one hit and they are going to come off, but people may rather have that hit on the glass protector, and replace that $20 accessory to keep it pristine. I wouldn't but some would.

THey don't come off because of the SIZE of the surface covered, and the accumulated strength of the substance that sticks it down. If it were a fraction of the size, it would have a fraction of the adherence, and would flake off, and likely slide around. Plus I'd think that most people use a case even with a screen protector. The edges of mine are recessed by the case. Taking it off in that setting would be destructive, and the size makes slippage way less likely.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Like I said different experiences for different people. In my case:
- 6+ years of SS Apple Watches - no dents or dings
- 3 days of Apple Watch Ultra - slight ding

Titanium may be stronger (in theory) and who knows what Apple is actually doing to it. I’ll take my personal 6+ year experience to people spewing how much better titanium is than steel.

Good luck with your watch. I still like the Ultra but it just doesn’t have the day to day durability that I require.

Have your own opinion, but not your own facts. And have a nice life. You do realize your comments have been like people on Amazon rating something that hasn't even shipped yet? And the Ultra isn't even a week old, right? I sure hear people complaining about how durable it isn't. *Crickets*

 

[drew0020]

Have your own opinion, but not your own facts. And have a nice life. You do realize your comments have been like people on Amazon rating something that hasn't even shipped yet? And the Ultra isn't even a week old, right? I sure hear people complaining about how durable it isn't. *Crickets*

I’m not sure why you take this so personal. I clearly said “for my use case” I prefer SS durability to Titanium.

You can also look at pictures on this forum for potential durability issues after less than 6 days. People are saying I hit a door or not sure how a scratch appeared.

None of these stories make the Ultra a bad watch. I like the Ultra and hope it’s improved next year. Hope you enjoy your watch!

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

In my humble opinion, aside from the flat display and additional water resistance, I do not believe the Ultra and specifically Titanium as a material choice offers much extra in the way of additional functional durability. But what is certain is that it offers less cosmetic durability.

I too, wish I had the ability to change facts based on my feelings.

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

Durability : the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.

Read this to yourself a few times, slowly. Then ask yourself why AppleCare doesn't include scratches/dings in its coverage. The watch will withstand wear, pressure, & damage. It will still continue to function.

 

[ArchEtech]

I don't believe anyone who says they have worn SS apple watches for 5 years and have never gotten a blemish, and then suddenly the ultra is just flaking off finish. Nope sorry. I don't think either of them dent easy. I got surface blemishes from buttons, shirts, knocking on a barbell on both SS and Ti, but they were never dents, and I could just buff them right off. I wear my watches all the time, and I don't take them off to do work, mow, lift, fish whatever. I do think the Ti finish blemishes with surface stuff a bit easier, but it also cleans up easier.

IF i get some surface scratches on the crown of my AWU, and I'm sure I will, I will get out my 8000 grit sand paper and or a microfiber towel and buffing compound and polish that sharp edge all around. Like my guitars, the first scratch hurts the most, and once you get over it, and just use it, they become a part of you.

To be honest I think the glass material of the SS and Ti models is fantastically strong and I've never worn a case over it. I've never had any surface scratches.

 

[wilberforce]

I think some people seem to have unrealistic expectations, which will inevitably lead to disappointment.
Apple does not promise the watch is "durable" or impervious to cosmetic damage.
What does Apple actually say?:

"...the most rugged and capable Apple Watch ever. With a robust titanium case..."

"Titanium strikes the perfect balance between weight, ruggedness, and corrosion resistance. The new case design rises up to surround the flat sapphire crystal and protect it from edge impacts."

Note that the word "durable" does not appear, and some people seem to be unclear on the concept of "rugged."
If you want to avoid disappointment, lower your expectations.

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

I have a couple of steel Rolex’s and there are no major scratches, dents, or dings on any of them. I typically only wear them for a more formal occasion but just wanted to point out not everyone has the same experiences.

Titanium may be stronger (in theory) and who knows what Apple is actually doing to it. I’ll take my personal 6+ year experience to people spewing how much better titanium is than steel.

So your anecdotal evidence is not to be questioned, yet another poster, sharing his own, holds no weight? Do you not see the irony in that?

Per unit mass, titanium is stronger than steel. I am sorry that your feelings do not align with that cold hard fact. The people spewing that, by the way, are mineralogists & chemists, dating back to the 1700s.

 

[leebroath]

Either it came like this or the alpine clasp flying upwards taking the Watch off scratched it.

This is one of the reasons I think people will see scratches,

I myself noticed the hook always hits off the case when taking it off

Over time this will indeed create scratches.

 

[Reyden]

If I hadn't taken it in a shop paying with PayPal I would have already return it .... it just scratches

B6-E4-B13-F-263-F-49-FF-905-F-0-D2-E93-DED42-E

Image B6-E4-B13-F-263-F-49-FF-905-F-0-D2-E93-DED42-E hosted in ImgBB

ibb.co

 

[ArchEtech]

^^^^^^ that would literally polish right out. I'm not arguing that I think there are valid concerns with the cosmetic durability of the finish and that sharper crystal edge housing getting nicked easily. I had to buff out cosmetic stuff on my SS and Ti models too.

By design that edge is SUPPOSED to take the hit before the glass. Something has to give.

 

[Asiatic Black Hebrew]

^^^^^^ that would literally polish right out. I'm not arguing that I think there are valid concerns with the cosmetic durability of the finish and that sharper crystal edge housing getting nicked easily. I had to buff out cosmetic stuff on my SS and Ti models too.

By design that edge is SUPPOSED to take the hit before the glass. Something has to give.

Bingo. Looks like the design working as intended to me.

 

[MacGiver]

My car has a few dings and scratches. But I love it. It is so rugged and durable…who cares as long as my engine takes me wherever I want 😅😅😅. It is an ultra car.

 

[pst23]

Whatever you do. Don’t use the scrub pad to get scratches out. Made mine worse.

 

[tomtad]

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.

Exactly this the edges are far too sharp and will pick up dings in no time, some slight curving like you get on the sides of an iPhone for example would do wonders. The sharp edges are just poor design and feel unfinished, it felt almost like a prototype when I had a play with one.

 

[Dealmans]

Exactly this the edges are far too sharp and will pick up dings in no time, some slight curving like you get on the sides of an iPhone for example would do wonders. The sharp edges are just poor design and feel unfinished, it felt almost like a prototype when I had a play with one.

non issue in use wouldn't even notice, did you complain about the iPhone being sharp too when they went to 12 series? We all survived lol