Apple Watch Series 10 - Jet Black durability after 6 months of use.

I have had the Series 10 Jet Black since launch, and it has been holding up well, much better than the iPhone 7’s Jet Black. According to Apple’s own description, it has gone from a 9-step anodization process to a 30- step anodization process.

To sum it up quickly, if you’re worried it will accumulate micro abrasions and swirls like the iPhone 7 did even while babying the device, that will not happen. It will stay shiny and beautiful. If you abuse it or drop it on an hard surface, expect scratches and even the bare aluminum to shine through. With normal use and occasional bumps here and there, it will also be fine.

The main thing to watch for is imperfections out of the box, which happened to me twice before I got a perfect one without any defects. The imperfections are at the junction between where the display ends and the aluminum body meets. That flat surface of aluminum is not polished as much as the curved body is, making it likely to have bare aluminum shining through the swath of the dark creamy black.

Once you notice it, you can’t unsee it.

Apple’s customer service did take care of me, but they are more lenient and forgiving if you call them versus try to deal with them in store.

Their words, not mine.

You can ready the whole experience below, along with photos showing what happens to the Jet Black finish if dropped on a hard surface.

Jet Black Apple Watch durability 28 days later - part 1

Jet Black Apple Watch Genius Bar Appointment - part 2

Calling Apple to resolve my Jet Black Apple Watch defect - part 3

Jet Black Apple Watch Replacement was worse - part 4

Jet Black Apple Watch durability after hitting the floor…hard.