Which Apple Watch model? Newbie

[DrTerry]

Hello, I'm trying to decide on an Apple Watches, this being my first, and follows the purchase of an iPhone 16 Pro Max (thank you Verizon for the great trade-in deail).

Wrist size is nearly 7" and I don't want to spend over $500. Presently don't care about LTE. I regularly exercise (swim, lift, climb stairs, walk) and am in good health, although it's hard to get good sleep anymore! Don't want to scratch the crystal and occasionally hit a watch against a surface by accident (like a door jam or maybe a wall).

Models I'm considering:
Apple Watch Series 9, 45 mm - Stainless Steel & Saphire to keep from damaging, used or refurbished to keep price down
Apple Watch SE, 2nd Gen - Cheapest and maybe gets everything done I need?
Apple Watch Series 10, 46 mm - might add a case to protect it from scuffs and scratches, or is this needed? I mostly care about surface scratches.
Apple Watch Ultra 1 - probably not because it's so dang big

Any suggestions or methods to narrow this down?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[caligurl]

Ultra is out because it’s way over $500. (Oops…. I’m. It sure that’s the case for 1…. I was talking 2.)

I haven’t checked pricing for the 9…. But when 8 released, I bought a stainless steel 7 at a good price.

I bang into door jambs ALL the time! (WHO put them there!?!?!?!). and *knock on wood* I’ve never cracked a watch face (I’ve had various ones since 0). I believe that while the sapphire is better at SCRATCH resistance…. The ion glass is actually stronger for impact.

none of my SS version faces have scratches. My ion faxes have gotten scratches. I do keep a screen protector on the face but I don’t wear those klunky things that cover the whole watch.

are you near a store? do try all the versions on and see which one you like best!

 

[deeddawg]

Don't want to scratch the crystal and occasionally hit a watch against a surface by accident (like a door jam or maybe a wall).

If this is important then you would want to look at the sapphire crystal models such as the Stainless Steel Series9.

There's a bunch of used ones within your budget on Swappa.com - or if you can stretch your budget slightly Apple has their refurbs (indistinguishable from new, year warranty, can add AppleCare+) at https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/watch/stainless-steel-apple-watch-series-9

 

[russell_314]

Since you’ve never worn the Apple Watch, you don’t even know you’re going to like it. Don’t spend a bunch of money on the ultra or stainless steel models. The way I see it you have two options.

The first is by the regular aluminum Wi-Fi model. If you’re buying new, just get the current version series 10. Unless it’s $100 off, it’s not even worth considering the older version in my opinion.

The second option would buy a gently used one. Make sure it’s completely unlocked and usable because there are so many scams on Facebook marketplace.

You mentioned scratching, and that is a possibility. It’s a watch and it’s going to get scratched. If you’re that concerned get a screen protector. In my opinion in the Apple Watch isn’t something you wear for looking cool. Buy a traditional watch for that because it looks so much better. You buy an Apple Watch for the function.

If after a year, you realize you actually wear the watch every day and then you like it, then consider spending extra money for the stainless steel or ultra models. You might immediately get annoyed by this thing and it goes into a desk drawer. It’s better to do that with a $399 watch then one that cost twice that or more

 

[DrTerry]

Thank you all. I purchased a Series 9 with Stainless Steel case and sapphire glass. Ordered "renewed" off ebay for a good price and a one-year ebay warranty. Hopefully I won't need that!