Apple Watch is the first significant tech product to blur the lines with fashion, but this distinction comes with one of life's toughest questions: what color Apple Watch should I get? That's because watches have never just been about telling time; they've been about making a statement with colors, materials, and of course, with the best Apple Watch bands. So if you are questioning which Apple Watch color should you get, here's a look at all of the different finishes available for the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra.
I've been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at the Apple Store, where I answered the question, "What color Apple Watch should I get?" many times. Personally, I've owned three silver stainless steel Apple Watches so far: the original "Series 0", Series 3, and Series 6. While I find many other Apple Watch colors quite appealing, the shiny silver version is the one that suits my wardrobe and my style the best.
What color Apple Watch should I get? Your options:
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Our first true love
Call it iconic or perhaps boring, but the stainless steel Apple Watch model is the one we still like the best. Featuring a color that doesn't call a lot of attention to itself, it's the one that looks the most like a regular stainless steel watch. As a bonus, this version and the silver aluminum model are ones that come closest to matching most lugs on third-party bands.
Equally iconic
Also iconic, the silver aluminum Apple Watch is impressive, durable, and traditional. It's the one you want if you're looking for a less expensive model that's not flashy, goes with everything, and does a fairly good job at hiding scrapes and marks.
Brushed look
The Apple Watch Ultra is much more than just a color, but it has a district brushed metal look that looks great with just about every color watch band around. Titanium is lightweight, yet still strong enough to prevent dings and dents. Its special coating protects the brushed finish and prevents stains, which keeps it looking sharp.
Dark stainless
Even though the Graphite Series 8 has a darker look, it still features a premium, shiny mirror-like finish. This gives it a high-end look that doesn't call too much attention with its subtle color. The Graphite shade also makes the transition from the Apple Watch's screen to its casing much more seamless than other finishes.
Extra premium
If you love that shiny, deep black look, you're going to have to pony up for the Hermés model. Not only will you get the gorgeous watch itself, but you'll get exclusive Hermés watch faces so there's no doubt you spent some serious coin.
Dark as night
If you like the dark gray, nearly black look but you don't want to shell out for the Hermés space black nor the graphite stainless steel models, then the midnight aluminum version is for you. This shade goes with just about everything. You can't go wrong.
Stylish and elegant
If you like the luxury look and think watches should be more like jewelry, this is the one for you. While gold jewelry tends to be a bit flashy, this particular shade is quite sophisticated and appealing. Pair it with a matching gold band, and you'll be looking sharp!
Beauty defined
No less impressive, the gold aluminum option is also breathtakingly beautiful. Technically, the color is called Starlight, but it's a neutral champagne golden shade. If you're looking for something different and modern, then this is the one for you.
Fighting AIDS
Apple is devoted to AIDS research, and every (PRODUCT)RED helps fund it. Of course, if you just love the color red, then the good looks certainly don't hurt. Pair your red aluminum Apple Watch with a red band for extra impact or with something a bit more neutral to tone it down.
What about the Apple Watch SE?
The Apple Watch SE comes in three colors also seen in the Apple Watch Series 8 aluminum lineup: silver, starlight, and midnight.
Still wondering, "What color Apple Watch should I get?"
You'll want to take into account your existing wardrobe, your band selection/collection, functionality, and your budget.
Your wardrobe will give you some clues
Take a look at your wardrobe. If you tend toward silver jewelry and cooler tones in your clothing, you might find the silver stainless steel and silver aluminum your best option. However, if you wear more gold jewelry and warmer tones in your clothing, consider the gold stainless steel or starlight aluminum. The Apple Watch Ultra is titanium, but it's more gold-toned than silver. If you wear a lot of black and other dark shades, you might like the Hermés space gray, graphite stainless steel, or midnight aluminum Apple Watch models.
Your bands matter
When you purchase your Apple Watch, you get to choose which band you'd like with it. You may have a particular band in mind, in which case, pick the watch that goes best with that band. If this isn't your first Apple Watch, you may have a collection of bands already. In that case, see which Apple Watch color goes best with the majority of your bands.
Functionality
The added functionality of Apple Watch Ultra is probably what draws you to it, but hey, if it's just for the champagne-colored titanium, you do you. It is is certainly a good-looking color.
Budget
Not every color is available at every price point, so keep that in mind as you choose. If you're looking at the budget model Apple Watch SE, you're going to be limited to three color options: midnight, starlight, and silver. If you go for the Apple Watch Series 8 in the more budget-friendly aluminum, you can add (PRODUCT)RED to your options. You'll have to pay more for the shiny stainless steel gold, silver, and graphite or titanium Apple Watch Ultra. If you want that dark space black shine, pricey Hermés is the only way.
