Films, discs, covers: protection for the Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is popular and expensive. If you use your watch every day, you should protect it from damage.

The Apple Watch 5 (Mac & i review) and the 4th generation watch are not only available in two housing sizes, there are also two different materials for the display. While Apple uses Ion-X glass for the cheaper aluminum case, sapphire glass is used for the more expensive versions with stainless steel, titanium or ceramic cases. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages: Ion-X is considered to be significantly more break-resistant and survives falls better, but sapphire glass is comparatively scratch-resistant.

The Apple Watch costs at least 400 euros. Scratches and cracks in the display are annoying, the exchange is expensive. If you want to save yourself that right away, you can provide additional protection with various accessories from third-party manufacturers.

As with smartphones, there are various films, covers and so-called tempered glass panes (tempered glass) that promise protection. The additional material is glued on. It is not more stable than the original, mostly on the contrary – but it behaves as a sacrificial layer. If you catch the wall, rough plaster leaves scratches in the protective pane; In contrast to the touchscreen, this can be exchanged easily and inexpensively.

Real glass

Real glass or bulletproof glass panes are inconspicuous and retain the feel of the watch display. Attaching it to the digital dial is relatively easy since there are usually no annoying air bubbles. The protective screens are especially helpful against scratches, they break themselves when struck. In most cases, they protect the display by distributing the energy of the impact. If you opt for a real glass pane, it is best to stock up on a small stock right away. If one of the panes breaks, you can replace it immediately.

3D panes

The completely flat panes now usually extend to the rounded edge of the watch display, but do not cover it. Accordingly, you can see at first glance that protection is applied. If you don't want that, you should opt for a disc in 3D design. Ultimately, it is a real glass pane with a rounded edge. In addition to the display, this also protects the upper edges of the housing. In practice, however, these panes break faster than flat tempered glass panes. The edges break faster or are made of flexible material under which dirt can collect – then the entire pane loses its grip. In a nutshell: these discs look better, protect the watch a little better – but break even faster.

Tempered glass screen protector (40mm)

Screen protector with edge (40mm)

Belkin InvisiGlass 42mm

Double pack of curved glass 40mm

Double pack of curved glass 44mm

Tempered glass 42mm

Foils

Inexpensive plastic display foils protect against scratches and do not break. However, the surface does not feel as high-quality as panes made of real glass. The application of the film requires sensitivity and a steady hand – otherwise unsightly air pockets form. Compared to bulletproof glass, the plastic surface is significantly softer and therefore more susceptible to scratches, and they cannot distribute the force of sharp impacts, for example when falling on small stones, as well – the risk of the watch glass breaking is higher . We would therefore always use real glass.

Screen protection film (44mm)

Display polishing set

Foil (including housing) 44mm

repair

If you already have the first scratches in your watch, you don't have to have an exchange made. In some cases, slight damage can be removed with a polishing set; this does not help with deep scratches or cracks.

casing

If you wear your watch during physical work or sport, you have to be much more careful with the variant with a soft aluminum case than with the stainless steel case of the expensive top models. In the fight against scratched housings, so-called bumpers help best. The selection of variants is also huge here. From brightly colored to noble and sober, there is something for every taste. Most housing bumpers, however, do not have an integrated protective screen.

The watch of all protective housings should be removed and cleaned regularly. Otherwise there is a risk that dirt will collect between the case and the watch and lead to unsightly surface scratches.

Flexible covers

Soft sleeves made of silicone or TPU are cheap and promise sufficient protection. However, the flexible casing covers have one major disadvantage. With heavy use, they look worn and frayed after just a few months. The sleeves also have a much lower quality than, for example, aluminum models.

Hard cases

Sleeves made of metal or carbon appear significantly higher quality and nobler. These also provide reliable protection, but are themselves susceptible to scratches. They also weigh more than models made of flexible material.

Hardcase carbon design 44mm

Flexible case (44mm) double pack

Flexible cover (44mm)

TPU case with display protection 40 / 44mm

TPU case including display protection 44mm

Bumper 44mm

Cases with a bracelet

Combinations of case and bracelet ensure all-round protection and a completely changed look of the watch. The prices for a design change start at just under 20 euros. The advantages and disadvantages of simple housing bumpers also apply here.

storage

If you carry your Apple Watch in your backpack or bag, you should also protect it from damage. A small bag is best suited for this. The bag below is not only for safe storage, but also works as a charging station. In addition to the watch, the Airpods including the case also have enough space in the splash-proof pocket.

Case including bracelet (40mm)

Case including Milanese bracelet (38/40/42 / 44mm)

Case including bracelet (40 / 44mm)

Bag for watch and airpods

Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS)

Apple Watch Series 4 (GPS, Cellular)

Conclusion

The Apple Watch is a practical but expensive gadget. In particular, users of the cheaper model variant with aluminum housing and Ion-X glass should definitely use protective screens and housing covers. With screen protectors, it makes sense to buy them immediately in stock.

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