The Space Black Apple Watch looks and feels like dragon scales, or the Batmobile, or something from Krypton.
Technically Space Black is a diamond-like coating (DLC) on the stainless steel of the Apple Watch, but those are just words and they don't really do justice to how this model turned out. It's darker than it was back in September when Apple showed it off for the first time, and the new tone really does seem like something made of shadow and light. It took a while to ship — even the very first orders didn't arrive for several weeks. But holding it now, I can't help but think it was worth it.
Here's what the Space Black casing looks like with the Space Black Link Bracelet, the black Leather Loop, and the white and black Sports Bands.
Reader comments
Space Black Apple Watch (steel) in pictures
I have the space gray sport now and I can't wait to have this one when it ships to me in July!! Wow, it is sexy!
Could you post an update with regards to scratches? And was this a 38 or 42?
I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Apple Watch SSSB with SB SSBand. These pics just make me even more anxious.
Great pics of the Appple Watch SSSB. However, your title description of the look and feel really stretches the imagination. Dragon scales, planet Krypton...really? I'll give you the Batmobile as you may have had an opportunity to visit a Hollywood set...as that's not beyond the realm of possibilities. As for the other two...well....
Just to let you know, Rene, DLC stands for 'Diamond-Like Carbon'. :)
This reiterates to me just how much the Watches must be seen in person to be appreciated. Both Link Bracelets are amazing, but the black looks stunning. I have the Milanese, and it's just so elegant and shimmery in direct light. The strength of the clasps and magnets is also something that should be felt in person.
Also IMO closeup wrist photos aren't representative (appears too bulky) - a medium shot with the context of the arm, individual, and outfit are how others will see it in the real world.
The black classic buckle looks the best of all those.
Agree
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Do you plan on getting something to protect it from scratches? Had a basic black stainless steel watch back in the day *read, like 4 years ago* and it looked like trash when I was done with it. All my climbing basically made it silver.
Sloths fight leopards. You can't open a bag of chips. Clearly humans are the weaker species.
Good article Rene on the Space Gray which I have been waiting to see and read and i agree on color - lighter or in the case of darker but since receiving mine at the beginning I am quite happy with it and just waiting to get the link Space Gray with hidden clasp as shown in your article. I know that it will complete my look I wanted and be able to use the current black band for exercise and link for going out. Had I not done this I would still not have my watch. I just received a notification from UPS & Apple that my band will be shipping next week.
Thank you for this article as always. :)
Nice!!!!!
Oh this is my watch. Can't wait.
I originally ordered the space gray with black band when first available on April 10. When I saw that the estimated delivery was June, I also ordered a sport model that I could get faster. I got the sport watch with white band on April 24. It surprised me since the web site was showing May 13 as the earliest delivery. I also ordered a black sport band for it on April 10. The black sport band just came this past Wed, May 20. I'm very happy with the light colored aluminum sport watch and the black sport band. To me, the standard stainless steel watch is too shiny, its heavier, it's not as viewable in sunlight, and it shows scratches (and, of course, it cost more). I cancelled my first order for the space gray model. The space gray model with black band is too Darth Vadery for me. The standard sport watch with white band just wasn't me (too noticeable and mod!). I think Apple probably made too many white bands. Maybe because that's what Tim always wears. I don't know why they don't offer the light colored sport model with black band as I now have. To me, it's the best combination!
Right now I have the sport with black band as well. Ordered the white for the same reason (faster shipping) and black sport band separately. Really surprised too that it's not a standard option.
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Cool, yep I can finally stop pestering you folks. Love the look of it in your pics, but will have to wait till later to check it out for real. It shows up today, but I got a baseball game. Will pick it up on the way to the park, charge it up after the game, and play with it tomorrow.
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Rene, there have been rumors that the next iPhone will come in rose gold to match the rose gold watch. What are your thoughts on a space black iPhone instead of space grey?
Unlikely for iPhone. While you could do a very dark grey or black anodize to the aluminum of the iPhone, it would need to be polished to a mirror like smooth to look like the Watch and that not only increases costs but as a phone would scuff up instantly. And if you put a case over it to avoid that then what's the point? Blasted aluminum is the best finish because it only shows deeper scratches, not fine ones. Unless you're just talking about the color tone, which in that case we already had with the original iPhone 5. Looked amazing so dark but seemed to be a troublesome finish for Apple regarding "scratchgate". (Although mine is still near mint in its drawer since upgrade lol)
Rene,
Referring to your opening sentence, the 'C' in DLC actually stands for carbon, not coating. They usually say "DLC coating" when talking about stuff with that layer applied. Sorry, the suspension nut in me got out.
Probably the nicest variant of the Apple Watch I've seen so far. Possible downside would be the inability to polish off scuffs and scratches like you can with the uncoated stainless steel models.
Looks stunning. I will be getting mine soon.
I hate that they don't sell this watch with different bands. They make you pay $1100-$1200 instead off $650 with a cheaper band
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Might be a temporary concession due to how hard they seem to be to make. A way to control demand for now, so supply isn't strained.
Would really like to see this available eventually with the black sport band.
Any thoughts if the next watch will be sold without a band for people who simply want to use a band they already have (assuming current bands will fit with the next watch).
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Is there a black Milanese loop also?
No, and I'm not sure how feasible it would be to try and DLC the Milanese.
Absolutely beautiful -- Just noting it seems to pick up finger prints easily since it is a dark shinny surface? perhaps I am being to picky :)
It really does, but so does the silver. Stainless steel!
I love the look, I think the leather magnetic loop looks really nice.. I'd get that with the leather band in a heartbeat if I could.
The only issue I have with the the space black SS is SS scratches really easy.. and while you can buff out normal SS scratches easily enough, this SB SS, I would be constantly paranoid of the smallest ding.
Rene, please, please, let us know how it deals with scratches...
Thanks for the pics Rene!! I'm still reeling from the price tag of that thing, but it sure is beautiful and the wait is less painful knowing that it will be improved from the first batch!! I got a light brown leather loop because I like the way it looks on mixmywatch.com. I also got a black sport band for working out and such. Is the metal link band comfortable or too heavy? I only got the link band because I had to to get the black steel, but I might wear it if it's comfy...
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Okay, so in Ren's "One Month Later" article Rene said "The Link Bracelet is just something else. Thanks to the DLC coating it looks and feels otherworldly. Like something from fantasy or science fiction. The sizing system is simply ingenious as well and shows just how deeply the industrial design team cared about the details." Which still doesn't tell me if it's comfy. Does anyone with either a regular stainless or black stainless link band want to share their opinion of its comfort vs. other bands? I won't know from personal experience until "July."
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I've worn link bracelets before; I'm in that weird wrist size where I have an odd number of links removed for it to fit how I like. It's comfortable as far as watches go. Nice feel to it. This is my first time wearing a bracelet like this on a fitness device, and so far I don't like it. Sweating + link bracelet = no bueno... which is why I wish I could've just ordered the SBSS with my choice of band from the start. For everything else, it feels like a nice watch - under my uniform I forget it's there.
Waiting on my Sport band...
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Nice Chop!! Thanks for the reply! Yeah I kind of figured it wouldn't work with exercise which is why I ordered the two extra bands, but I was wondering if the links would feel too heavy or chafe a lot. Good to know it's relatively comfy for casual/formal occasions that don't involve too much heat or moisture! Much appreciated.
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Honestly after seeing these pics I'm not sure I'm a fan of the SBSS. I have just a SS. Apple pics online look totally different when you see it in person
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Agreed. I also think the choice of bands that actually look good with that color is limited as well. While the SBSS is a looker, I am glad I went regular SS>
Wow! Might have to upgrade from space gray sport to this one when v. 2 of the watch comes out!
How much noticeably darker is the space black than the space gray sport?
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Quite a bit.
Best looking watch of the bunch, IMO.
Will the space black link bracelet ever be available for purchase by itself?
I hope so
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I think I like it best with the black plastic band., followed by the link.
The white band is too jarring.
Look who was holding his cards close! Here we are on the forums holding candlelight vigils for our SBSS watches and Rene just up and pulls one out!
That being said, thanks so much for the great pics. Makes me all the more excited to get mine!
They started shipping last week, so a few folks got them even earlier! Hope yours gets here soon!
I got mine on Wednesday - had to have someone ship it to me, since Apple doesn't ship to APO. I like it so much, I really hope the Space Black color variant becomes optional across all lines.
Need to pick up a black Sport band with Space Black pin, and Traditional Leather band.
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Indeed. Stuck in nondescript 'June' purgatory right now. Here's hoping!
Yea so am I and I pre-ordered at 3am(12pst), I don't even have a delivery day yet, so pissed right now, I ordered a white sports band, from the looks of it, the band will arrive before the watch!! :(