Series 4 Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel

[MCube74]

I’m on my third Apple Watch now with S4, all of them steel and sapphire. The display is a big reason I go for the steel as I hate scratches. In my years with the watches not a single scratch has caught the display even though I’m wearing them all day, every day.

Having had both space black and two normal steel watches they look amazing as well

Exactly.

But then everyone has their own use and preferences.

It is like saying why get IPhone XS when you can save on IPhone XR.

If you can spend $1400 for a phone then surely it won’t be a problem to spend a little extra for a new watch to match up with the stainless steel watch.

 

[haruhiko]

I’ve got the SS for the S0 in 2015, and upgraded to a black aluminium for the S3, and the same for S4. To me the yearly difference is too significant since the S3, and my upgrade cycle has shortened to once every year. So to me the cheapest large one is good enough. And the black aluminium doesn’t look cheap at all and my S3 is pristine after a year in both the screen and the case.

 

[rsxmachine]

SS depreciates so fast, it only makes sense to get a used SS. Normally when you pay 1000+ for a watch you will use it and keep it for a while. Not the case for apple watch as we have learned. I have a SS S2 i got used and will prob get an alum S4 and keep my S2 since its worth next to nothing.

 

[bbeagle]

The iPhone is just as superfluous, as evidenced by the fact that people got by just fine without it before 2007. Owning a smartphone is a choice, just like wearing a smart watch. A very popular choice currently, but still just a choice.

You can say that about any technology. People got along just fine without cars, planes, air conditioning....

Some things become necessary over time.

It used to be that if you could contact someone via postal mail within 2 weeks time, that was okay. Now, you expect to contact someone within 10 minutes via text message.

 

[Farrellcollie]

It is not just about the look but also the feel.
I believe the aluminum watches look and feel more like a toy. It is suitable for sports and teenagers.

Watches have always been stainless steel.

Don’t think big watch companies release their watches in aluminum.

It is okay with me that others buy what they like just like I do. I was just giving my reasons for aluminum. To me, the aluminum watch does not look or feel like a toy although I also acknowledge that I do see the apple watch as a tech toy - not a piece of fine jewelry.
If the aluminum does look and feel lesser to you in some way, it is fine with me for you to buy the ss.

 

[Fireproof!]

I think it depends on what you are looking for.

I've had both. I appreciate both. Due to the horrible resale value of Stainless Steel versions, I voted "No - it's not worth the money for SS."

But that's a personal decision, based on the fact that I like to upgrade often. I liked the SS when I had it. Had a bit more upscale feel due to the SS and heaviness. But since moving to an Aluminum, I've really appreciated the lightweight feel to it while working out, jogging, swimming, sleeping, etc. Just feels more like something that belongs on my wrist during activities, whereas the SS felt like I forgot to take off a nice watch.

I also think the Space Gray can be dressed up nicely with metal and leather bands, so can look "formal" or "casual" as needed.

 

[Jason Honer]

I have seen some guys having scratches and dents on their aluminium watch. Not a good sight.

It happens. I try to be careful when I am wearing it.

 

[xDKP]

Exactly.

But then everyone has their own use and preferences.

It is like saying why get IPhone XS when you can save on IPhone XR.

If you can spend $1400 for a phone then surely it won’t be a problem to spend a little extra for a new watch to match up with the stainless steel watch.

Yeah guess it’s the same - I also think it depends on what kind of guy/girl you are. If you primarily wear a t shirt and jeans the alu versions look great. To me shirt and suit goes way better with the steel versions.

I am also a watch guy and the feeling of the steel just makes it more like a real watch and less like a sports/running watch

 

[cardinalryan]

Exactly.

But then everyone has their own use and preferences.

It is like saying why get IPhone XS when you can save on IPhone XR.

If you can spend $1400 for a phone then surely it won’t be a problem to spend a little extra for a new watch to match up with the stainless steel watch.

This is the best point in favor of SS that I've seen yet. Personally, I went for the SBSS and I don't regret it.

 

[frosty18]

I’ve gotten the aluminum every time and have no scratches on the glass, no screen protector tors. Save the money and get the glass.

Mine has multiple deep scratches and the whole screen is scuffed. I guess you’re more careful than I am.

 

[MacWorld78]

It's your money - you spend what you can afford it for either aluminium or stainless steel.

Aluminium - cheaper, who care about resell value.
Stainless Steel - Expensive, resell might not hold a good value.

I go for Aluminium and I'm happy with my decision at least i can afford yearly update.

 

[Jason Honer]

Mine has multiple deep scratches and the whole screen is scuffed. I guess you’re more careful than I am.

I guess so. Sorry man. I pulled my old Swiss army watch out of the drawer today and it’s pretty scuffed when I inspect it, but I never noticed them while I wore the watch.

 

[frosty18]

I guess so. Sorry man. I pulled my old Swiss army watch out of the drawer today and it’s pretty scuffed when I inspect it, but I never noticed them while I wore the watch.

Here's what my series 1 looks like after almost two years of use. Pretty bad if you ask me. I had to upload it as a pdf for some reason

 

[OriginalAppleGuy]

Here's what my series 1 looks like after almost two years of use. Pretty bad if you ask me. I had to upload it as a pdf for some reason

And that’s probably what mine would look like too if I had the aluminum version. If not cracked. Whacked the heck out of the screen the other day and nothing happened.

 

[44267547]

SS depreciates so fast, it only makes sense to get a used SS. Normally when you pay 1000+ for a watch you will use it and keep it for a while. Not the case for apple watch as we have learned. I have a SS S2 i got used and will prob get an alum S4 and keep my S2 since its worth next to nothing.

Just My preference, but when it comes to buying used watches, there is something very unappealing about wearing a watch that was previously used on somebody else’s wrist, I would rather much have the device being new.

 

[MCube74]

Stainless steel looks way better in my opinion. Here is my gold SS watch.

 

[xDKP]

Stainless steel looks way better in my opinion. Here is my gold SS watch.

Wow... For some reason the gold combined with blue bands, almost makes me regret not getting a gold this time around. And agree the steel just takes it to another level...