Apple Watch Series 7

Jason Hiner/

I've had myApple Watch Series 7 for a little under a year.

It's the fourth Apple Watch that I've owned. But this time around I decided to do something different.

Encouraged by Apple's promotional material for the Apple Watch Series 7, and the ruggedness of the display, I decided to not put it in a case.

I mean, take a look at this promotional video. Apple really made a big deal of the durability of the display.

Now, it's important that you're aware that Apple uses two different materials for the display. Ion-X glass is used on the aluminum models, and sapphire is used on the stainless-steel models (and on the titaniumApple Watch Ultra ).

Also: I put the Apple Watch Ultra through a Tough Mudder: How it held up

Since the aluminum models are the cheapest, these are likely to be the most common models.

And that's the model I've been wearing for 11 months.

So how durable is the Ion-X glass?

In my experience, not very.

Here's what my display looks like:

Scratches, scratches, scratches!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/

Yup, those are scratches. 

Lots of them.

Thealuminum case has also taken a number of dings. 

While most of these scratches are cosmetic, that one going across the middle of the display is deep and I can feel it when touching the display.

Also:Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Apple Watch Series 7: How to pick

That scratch going across the middle is deep!

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/

Now, some background. This Apple Watch has been worn pretty much 24/7 for 11 months, with me only taking it off for charging.

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Where I've been, this watch has been.

I'm also not overly careful with things. That said, I don't go out of my way to damage things either. But I do spend a fair bit of time outdoors and with my hands inside engine bays and PCs. And throughout all that, that display is in prime position to get hit and scratched.

The Nike velcro strap has also taken a beating. It's looking a little rough from where it's caught on things (undergrowth is especially bad for it). I tend to either apply a flame or a dab of crazy glue to any loops of frayed material to seal it and stop the strap unravelling.

The strap is looking quite worn, too.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/

Another problem is the velcro itself. In the beginning this was quite strong, but after a year it's now weakened to the point where it will accidentally undo. Even cleaning the little velcro hooks with a needle doesn't help any more.

The velcro has now also worn to the point where it isn't reliable.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/

OK, so you've bought an Apple Watch and don't want it to look like mine after a year. What should you do?

What I used to do -- and will likely do from now on -- is put it in a case. Yes, we put our smartphones in cases, so why not our smartwatches?

The case that I've had the best luck with is theSpigen Rugged Armor . 

Spigen Rugged Armor

$14.99 at Amazon

This is a sleeve that fits around the Apple Watch, cocooning it in a flexible and shock-absorbent TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) layer. The raised bezels around the display offers a lot of extra protection without the need for a screen protector. 

All of my previous Apple Watches have been in a Spigen case from day one, and it's gone a long way to protect them from damage. 

Spigen Rugged Armor

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/

And the sleeve has cutouts for the buttons and speakers, so you're not losing any functionality from using it.

I do recommend taking your watch out of the case to clean occasionally because dirt can build up, and this did once cause a button to stick down (which I loosened by cleaning the watch with warm, soapy water).

The Spigen Rugged Armor case for the Watch Series 8/SE2/7/6/SE/5/4 45mm/44mm comes in five colors -- black, navy blue, olive green, rose gold, and white -- and fits the Apple Watch like a glove!

The case offers a high degree of protection for the display.

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/

If you want to keep your Apple Watch looking like new for longer, I highly recommend this case.

See also

You can already use the Apple Watch's double-tap feature. Here's howApple Watch Fall Detection: How and why to enable itHow to set up an Apple WatchHow to chat with ChatGPT right on your Apple Watch. Meet Petey AI

• You can already use the Apple Watch's double-tap feature. Here's how
• Apple Watch Fall Detection: How and why to enable it
• How to set up an Apple Watch
• How to chat with ChatGPT right on your Apple Watch. Meet Petey AI