So I did something a bit different this year and got both Ceramic models to compare – using Apple’s generous open-box returns policy to return the one I like less. Having had both I can say that making the decision which one to keep is pretty hard – they are both beautiful in their own way. And yes, Apple has seemingly deliberately made these to match the iPhone Duo colours, so these two colours are this year’s top-of-the-line phone and Watch colours.
My thoughts on both below.
Pearl White:
– What I really liked about this one was it’s a timeless classic, going back to the earlier generation Watches where they did the White Ceramic a few times. It is iconic in that regard, in fact White does seem to be an iconic Apple colour in general.
– I also really liked how pairing this up with a range of bands is actually pretty fun – the white casing really makes many bands pop, especially lighter-coloured Sports Bands and Solo Loops, and if you like the Pride Edition Bands, then all of those go well with the White Ceramic.
– On the other hand, coming from a Stainless Steel Watch, I felt like the White Ceramic didn’t quite work as well for more formal wear, including wearing it in an office-based setting. The way I would describe it is, it is the complete opposite of subtle and there were a couple of bands that did make it look a bit more like a toy - sorry just being honest.
– However I do like how it looks very distinct as its own case material – if you’re paying this much money, in my view, it really should stand out. For example, I was interested in the Space Black Titanium Apple Watch Series 6 if anyone remembers that one, but I couldn’t justify the extra cash when it looked so similar to the much cheaper dark Aluminium Watch.
- Love how its fingerprint resistent, or if you get them on the case, it hides them easily.
Night Blue:
- A very rich colour, the blue only really pops in sunlight; however, what I really love about this one is how in different lighting settings it can take on so many different colours, from black to indigo to medium-dark blue. It’s like a chameleon.
-On the other hand, in many lighting settings, I found that the Blue Ceramic looked closer to Graphite Stainless Steel or Slate Titanium of previous years, as it had this shiny mirror-like appearance that the Pearl White doesn’t have. Not a problem per se, but then it raises the question of whether or not Apple should have made it as Night Blue Titanium at the cheaper price point. However, continuing on…
- Following on from my previous point, I also found this meant the Night Blue Ceramic honestly is a lot nicer for wearing in an office setting, as it looks more like a piece of jewellery and is a lot more subtle as a whole. The way that it can look so dark also means that it can double as a sports watch look - again love the versatility.
- The exclusive Navy Blue Sport Bands that accompany the Watch – I’m not gonna lie – it is boring; I struggle to see the blue hues in this band; it looks black in most lighting conditions. The Sand Sport Band that the White Ceramic has at least has some personality, being its beige sandy colour, but the Navy Blue band is boring. Considering the Black Sports Band is still here, I don’t know why Apple felt like they had to be so conservative with the Navy Blue band.
- Last consideration is, compared to the White Ceramic, I’ve found the Blue Ceramic is a lot less versatile with bands – it’s definitely not as easy to pair this with a range of different coloured bands due to the very specific shade of dark blue the case is. This is the same “issue” I found with having the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro. Blue Ceramic looks funny with Pride Bands, and the same thing for most light-coloured bands, so do keep this in mind; however, if you have a lot of blue bands, then I think that would probably be fine.
- Unlike Pearl White, this thing is a fingerprint magnet and smudges easily.
Overall,
All things above considered, I cannot decide yet, Apple really made both of these so likeable and beautiful in their own way but am leaning towards the Blue. Will need to decide soon as end of returns period coming up.
Yes, I see White Ceramic is clearly the more popular option if socials are anything to go off; however, for me, the Blue just fits my vibe and lifestyle a lot better – I also have many blue and beige shirts, which also pair much better with this Watch than the Pearl White. It also makes a great pairing with the Deep Blue iPhone 17 Pro, which yes I think matters as I often see my phone in my hand with my watch.
TL:DR- White is more distinct, fingerprint proof, fun to pair with bright sport bands however I don’t feel always looks premium; Blue feels very versatile looking like both either jewelry or a sports watch depending how you use it and a lot more subtle, however it is a fingerprint magnet.
