Apple Watch Stainless Steel Version Experiencing Unknown Scratches Controversy

[dgstorm]

Yes, the headline is meant to be attention grabbing, but that's only because we want you guys to be informed. Apparently, a number of folks who already received their stainless steel version of the Apple Watch are complaining how easily the device scratches. Despite this version of the Apple Watch being made of 316L stainless steel, after only three days of ownership multiple users have found tiny scratches easily appearing on the outer metal casing of their brand new Apple gadgets.

Of course, it would be unrealistic to assume that the device is completely scratch resistant, but it still has many of these owners scratching their heads in frustration. Supposedly, several of these owners haven't even been able to determine how the scratches are appearing on the device, which suggests it could be a bit too easy to damage. Right now the only option is to take the device into an Apple store (or a jeweler) to have the scratches buffed out with professional tools. It's not quite a #Scratchgate level social media problem, but enough people have experienced it to be noticeable.

It almost makes you wonder if it makes more sense to have pre-ordered the cheaper Sport version of the watch, since it doesn't seem to be getting the same complaints. We included a video in the thread below which details the problem and fixes.

Source: BGR

 

[dgstorm]

Here's that video to go with the Apple Watch scratches story:

 

[MichaelSavage69]

This is why Apple went with Aluminum in future i-Products. We all remember the days where our Stainless Steel heavy duty iPods and iPhone 2G took scratches like sand paper on glass. Stainless Steel is very durable, and shiny, but is very easy to scratch, which is why if you check even your kitchen utensils made of stainless steel you'll find millions of scratches, most knives come with a textured look now for that same reason. It's not a manufacturing issue its what you should expect from a cheap low end metal like stainless steel. After so many complaints the next gen Watches will come in Colored Anodized Aluminum like the iPhones.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[scifan57]

Stainless steel is not a cheap low end metal. Apple chose a very high grade of stainless steel for the Apple Watch case. High grade stainless steel is not cheap. They could have put an anodized coating on the silver model as they did with the Space Black version but chose to leave it as a natural polished surface. The stainless steel Apple Watch has, by far, the strongest case of the three Apple Watch collections.

High grade stainless steel has been used as the case material of many fine Swiss watches, such as Rolex for almost 100 years.

In regards to your last point, the Apple Watch Sport already comes in hard anodized aluminum. It's possible that Apple may offer other colours in the future, but we'll have to wait for the release of the next generation to find out.

 

[Ledsteplin]

Stainless steel can be buffed of scratches. Very easy to buff the scratches out. Or take to a jeweler and let them do it.


Sent from my ancient but trustworthy iPhone 5. ☮

 

[scifan57]

Stainless steel can be buffed of scratches. Very easy to buff the scratches out. Or take to a jeweler and let them do it.


Sent from my ancient but trustworthy iPhone 5. ☮

Yes it can but it can only be buffed a limited number of times before the case is weakened significantly.